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1988 Ranger- Fuel pump trouble diagnosis


UAFS

New Member
Joined
Oct 17, 2015
Messages
9
Reaction score
0
Points
0
Age
38
Location
Monterrey Mexico
Vehicle Year
1988
Make / Model
Ford
Engine Size
2.9L
Transmission
Manual
Hi, I´m gonna tell you a successful story about fixing a no start condition.

I woke up, got ready to go to work, started the truck... it ran for one minute while I waited for it to warm up and bam! it just died. would't start no matter how long I cranked it.

First Test-

I turned the key and I could hear a pump spin (just like my 95 sierra does). I read that this thing has two pumps so I tried something else.

Second Test-

I got my fuel pressure manometer. I remembered it had a "Ford fitting" to plug into the schrader valve on the fuel rail. I did my thing, and noticed zero pressure. But I wasn't sure if this was a valid test since the truck is so old and people tamper with things.

Third Test-
I finally trusted the second test and thought maybe the pump wasn't getting any power. I searched online and found out the green-based relay was responsible for sending the voltage to both pumps (in-tank and in-line). I asked my girlfriend to turn the key to the on position while I touched the relay with my hand and I noticed it clicked (now that I think about it, it's obvious the relay was sending power since the other pump was spinning and that ruled out a bad fuse also).

Fourth Test-

I got under the truck, located the in-line fuel pump and asked my girlfriend to turn the key, I heard the in-tank fuel pump spin, touched the fuel tank and then I could feel it, so, for sure that one was good. I touched the other one and it didn't move one bit. I got my multi-meter and checked for voltage and it did get there.

The FIX,

1- Got a new pump, removed old pump (caught some gasoline with my shirt)
2- tried to get a new connector since part of the positive cable looked burned.
3- cut the burned part of the cable and assembled the new terminals for the pump (I couldn't find the harness conector on the local places)
4- installed the new pump (caught some gas with my face)

And that was it. I turned the key a few times without trying to start it and on the fourth time I cranked the engine and it fired up. I also fixed a taped up vacuum line going to the fuel pressure regulator.

I'll buy a new connector online since the current one is in really bad shape, the plastic insulation is cracked at some spots ( http://www.clipsandfasteners.com/Ford_Coolant_Temp_Sensor_Harness_Connector_p/a17683.htm)

I know this is common sense diagnosis to most car enthusiasts but, it's not so obvious to some of us, so I figured it could help.

-Uriel
 

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