• Welcome Visitor! Please take a few seconds and Register for our forum. Even if you don't want to post, you can still 'Like' and react to posts.

2003 Ford Ranger 3.0 XLT Starts and shuts off


pjtoledo

Well-Known Member
Supporting Member
U.S. Military - Veteran
Joined
Oct 5, 2007
Messages
6,040
Reaction score
3,796
Location
Toledo Ohio
Vehicle Year
20002005199
Make / Model
Fords
Engine Size
3.0 2.3
the electric fuel pump will turn on when the key is turned on,,,,BUT, it only runs for about 3 seconds.
that gives it enough time to build pressure to continue to start the engine.
when the engine starts the pump is turned back on. ( not sure of exact timing events )
under normal conditions the pump holds pressure when it turns off. that pressure is supposed to still be there days later.

however, the check valve doesn't always do it's job and the pressure drops.
that means the pump needs a few extra seconds to build pressure. more cranking time or multiple attempts until pressure.

yes, a new pump should put out good pressure, but are other parts OK?
a pinched line would restrict flow, a bad regulator can give low pressure.

a corroded power wire, or bad relay could limit power to the pump, a corroded ground can limit the powers exit from the pump.

the computer monitors the power going to the fuel pump. if something is detected as "wrong/not running" it kills the power.

your fuel filter should have 3 lines, that means the pressure regulator is inside the filter/part of the filter.

the fuel system has a collision detection fuel cut off switch. it's right above the passengers right foot attached to the floor.
the wires on those switches get hot and corrode, check that out.

my recommendation is to put a pressure gauge on, monitor while off, switched to on, cranking, running.

do you have a timing light? or a spare spark plug you can plug in to any wire and watch to see if the spark stops
first or the fuel pressure stops first.

check all connections, especially the ones with broken tabs.
 

Soulfly

Member
Joined
Jan 19, 2025
Messages
9
Reaction score
1
Location
Sebastian
Vehicle Year
2003
Make / Model
Ford Ranger3.0
Transmission
Automatic
the electric fuel pump will turn on when the key is turned on,,,,BUT, it only runs for about 3 seconds.
that gives it enough time to build pressure to continue to start the engine.
when the engine starts the pump is turned back on. ( not sure of exact timing events )
under normal conditions the pump holds pressure when it turns off. that pressure is supposed to still be there days later.

however, the check valve doesn't always do it's job and the pressure drops.
that means the pump needs a few extra seconds to build pressure. more cranking time or multiple attempts until pressure.

yes, a new pump should put out good pressure, but are other parts OK?
a pinched line would restrict flow, a bad regulator can give low pressure.

a corroded power wire, or bad relay could limit power to the pump, a corroded ground can limit the powers exit from the pump.

the computer monitors the power going to the fuel pump. if something is detected as "wrong/not running" it kills the power.

your fuel filter should have 3 lines, that means the pressure regulator is inside the filter/part of the filter.

the fuel system has a collision detection fuel cut off switch. it's right above the passengers right foot attached to the floor.
the wires on those switches get hot and corrode, check that out.

my recommendation is to put a pressure gauge on, monitor while off, switched to on, cranking, running.

do you have a timing light? or a spare spark plug you can plug in to any wire and watch to see if the spark stops
first or the fuel pressure stops first.

check all connections, especially the ones with broken tabs.
Belive it or not it was the maf --'
 

Uncle Gump

Boomers gotta Boom
TRS Event Staff
TRS Forum Moderator
Supporting Member
VAGABOND
TRS Event Participant
TRS 25th Anniversary
Joined
Sep 17, 2018
Messages
15,309
Reaction score
15,995
Location
Ottawa IL
Vehicle Year
2006/1986
Make / Model
Ranger/BroncoII
Engine Size
4.0L SOHC/2.9L
2WD / 4WD
4WD
My credo
Lead follow or get out of my way
Belive it or not it was the maf --'
We can believe that...

It's also the reason we try to help and hopefully prevent someone from just throwing parts at a problem.

So... I'll ask if you tried cleaning it or just put an aftermarket part in its place?

If it's the latter... I would try to clean it and retest drivability again. A cleaned up Factory Motorcraft part is far better then anything you can buy these days.

Glad you have it fixed...
 

Sponsored Ad


Sponsored Ad

Staff online

Members online

TRS Events

Member & Vendor Upgrades

For a small yearly donation, you can support this forum and receive a 'Supporting Member' banner, or become a 'Supporting Vendor' and promote your products here. Click the banner to find out how.

Latest posts

Truck of The Year


Kirby N.
2024 Truck of The Year!

Recently Featured

Want to see your truck here? Share your photos and details in the forum.

Vagabond Video

TRS Merchandise

Follow TRS On Instagram

TRS Sponsors


Sponsored Ad


Sponsored Ad


Amazon Deals

Sponsored Ad

Top