I got out on the road this morning on my way to work and when I tipped in on the throttle my engine suddenly bogged way down and came right back to normal a second later. It did it another time or two only for the first couple miles down the road.

Leaving work, or at least attempting to, it took me 3 trys to get my truck started. When it finaly did start it died a second later. Started again and revved it some and it kept running and went fine till I got to the main road. I went to shift from first to second and when I pressed in the clutch it died right then. But since I was rolling at about 15-20 I went ahead and released the clutch in 2nd gear and started it that way till I hit the next light when It died.

Well, long story a little shorter. It'd only seem to do it when it was cold. I ruled out in my mind that its not fuel related since I could hear my fuel pump running and the fact that it'd have no problem starting back up. I couldn't place it at a specific throttle position so that doesnt lead me to believe its the TPS. I thought maybe the ignition coil so I pulled the wire from it and there was a decent sized flat spot on the side of the electrode. I found this while I was in town around the corner from my local Advanced Auto. I drove there and found out a new coil was only $17 so I went ahead and bought it at that cheap of a price.

Since replacing it, it hasnt died again. But that was with the engine still warm. I'll see what the outcome is tomorrow if the coil fixed the problem.

Anyone else have this happen to them? I've tried to explain everything as detailed as possible, but wouldnt be suprised if I overlooked something. Let me know! Sorry this is soooooooo long!!

FYI--It has a semi recent, thurough, tune up. About 6 months ago I replaced: fuel filter, plugs, wires, cap, rotor, pcv. I cleaned the: IAC, MAF, throttle body, and entire intake. I flushed the radiator as well.

 

Well I believe you may have nailed it. I would have suggested fuel filter relay first of all, but you said the fuel pump worked well even when this happened, so that rules that out. If it does it again, this is my first area of concern.

The coil could have caused symptoms similar to this, so I would not be suprised to see that fix it.

 

Yeah I forgot about replacing the fuel pump relay about the same time as the rest of the maintenance stuff, as well as cleaning my (I know, I know lol) K&N air filter. I'm about to go take a trip up the road with it now. I just got done fishing on the lake!! Had the day of and grabbed my dads silverado and took out deckboat. Fun stuff!

I'll let ya'll know what happens here shortly.

 

Well aside from it taking 2 trys to get it started, ran fine. It didnt hesitate/stutter/die after getting it started and rolling clear through full operating temperature. Now I have no idea why it's not wanting to start right up now, it's never done that since the last time I replaced the fuel pump relay. But, the engine dying part SEEMS fixed right now. (crossing fingers adn knocking on wood) HOPEFULLY!

 

Have you had the codes pulled? Something's definetly up...and the problem just moved from a running problem to a starting problem. Fuel pump running when the starting problems happen?

 

There never was a CEL shown at all.

I figured out the starting problem. Fuel pump relay! I got into it later today to go see the new pirates movie (BTW It's a pretty darn good movie) and it was a no go. I swapped the fuel relay with the computer relay (since I didnt hear the pump running) and she started right up. There was a slight brown spot in the area shown below. Good thing I keep a spare in the truck!!


I think I had some bad timing all together. The coil finally showing its problem from a long time coming, and the relay going out yet AGAIN!

Thanks for the help!

 

Well great, at least it's fixed.

And yes, Pirates 3 was a wonderful movie. I saw the 12:40 showing last night...got at the threatre at 10:30 so we were the first ones there, which was good, because the 10:45, 11:20, 11:50, 12:20, and our shows all sold out and you couldn't move or breathe because so many people were waiting in line. Insane...

Did you watch the scene after the credits? I found it slightly pointless myself.

 

I'm having a similar problem with a 2000 ranger with a 3.0 liter, where is the fuel pump relay located?

 

I'm unsure of the fuel pump relay location in a 2000 Ranger. Mine is located on top of the drivers side wheel well under the hood in the power distrbution box. Flip the lid open and under the lid is a map of the relays.

Yes I did stay for the scene after the credits. I didnt find it entirely pointless except for maybe putting a semi close of the series for any hopes of a Pirates 4 any time soon.

 

Should be in the same place in your Ranger dullarrow.

I'm betting on a fourth one...it's left just too open. Just my opinion (and hopes) of course.

 

RangerPilot
I am following this thread to troubleshoot my 2005 XL. Sorry if this is not the correct way to link or ask.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/6...at-40-mph.html In your opinion do you think a fuel pump relay could be causing the two shut downs I have experienced? Thanks for your earlier help and input. Fordteamone.

 

Dropped you a reply Fordteamone!