another cryptic cry for help
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Freshman User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 29
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another cryptic cry for help
So here's the problem.
A few weeks ago, my truck 98 Ranger 3.0L manual w/200K+ miles up and died on me with no warning.
Going up a bridge, the engine died on me...sputtered, surged, and by the time I got to the top, it wasn't responding to throttle input (running...barely)...then died completely. Tried cranking it several times since, no dice.
I coasted to the bottom and waited for a minute. Then it re-started but ran BADLY...and died 1/2 a mile down the road.
Towed it home and it's sitting in the driveway... I haven't messed with it during the holidays ...and now I need to get it fixed up. It's not my primary transportation, so I've got some time, and I'll probably be fixing it myself.
So far, I'm not sure what to think. I don't think it's electrical (the alternator/battery is new and the starter spins just fine). I'm thinking possibly a bad fuel pump or filter...no Check Engine Light or anything to indicate a sensor issue.
I'm open to any suggestions...anything I should check? Any idea how to check the function of a fuel pump on this little truck? Tips for R & R of the pump?
A few weeks ago, my truck 98 Ranger 3.0L manual w/200K+ miles up and died on me with no warning.
Going up a bridge, the engine died on me...sputtered, surged, and by the time I got to the top, it wasn't responding to throttle input (running...barely)...then died completely. Tried cranking it several times since, no dice.
I coasted to the bottom and waited for a minute. Then it re-started but ran BADLY...and died 1/2 a mile down the road.
Towed it home and it's sitting in the driveway... I haven't messed with it during the holidays ...and now I need to get it fixed up. It's not my primary transportation, so I've got some time, and I'll probably be fixing it myself.
So far, I'm not sure what to think. I don't think it's electrical (the alternator/battery is new and the starter spins just fine). I'm thinking possibly a bad fuel pump or filter...no Check Engine Light or anything to indicate a sensor issue.
I'm open to any suggestions...anything I should check? Any idea how to check the function of a fuel pump on this little truck? Tips for R & R of the pump?
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 253
Likes: 0
From: Beaver, Pennsylvania
Could very well be the pump if it has never been changed with that mileage. But it would still be best to put a fuel pressure guage on it and check to see for sure.
Key on engine off you should get around 40psi. If not there are a couple other things to check like the fuel pump relay and filter.
If you have to change the pump it is easier to remove the bed then to wrestle with the fuel tank.
Key on engine off you should get around 40psi. If not there are a couple other things to check like the fuel pump relay and filter.
If you have to change the pump it is easier to remove the bed then to wrestle with the fuel tank.
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,424
Likes: 0
not to be a smart azz but does it have fuel in it??? that same exact thing happened to me once. started going up hill and truck died. restarted and didnt want to run. i thought i had gas but the gauge was stuck. flicked the dash and it dropped.
tony
tony
Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 2,873
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From: St. Peter
You need to test your fuel pressure first. If you are not getting 40 PSI at the rail, check to see if the pump is getting power when the truck is keyed on. It should momentairly activate the fuel pump. If get voltage and dont hear the pump, then the next step would be to replace the pump. Changing the fuel filter is a good idea, however dont expect it to fix your problem. It seems like it happened too fast to be a filter issue.
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 966
Likes: 1
Did you try checking the fuel pump reset switch in passenger kick panel ? Try pushing the button in to see if it fires up after that.
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 178
Likes: 0
after market fuel pumps, from my experiece, are garbage. every time i put one in, it dies prematurely. maybe just bad luck but i don't think so. the "ford" fuel pump however was $412 for the part, plus labor.
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