01 Rangers Starts but then dies

[jbird2393]

Okay here is what I got 01 ranger 2.3L 175K miles 5 speed, about a month ago I had it start right up then it died right away, Sprayed either in the intake and it fired right up for a second then died again so I knew it was a fuel issue. I had 12V back at the fuel pump but couldn't hear the fuel pump kick on so I replaced the fuel pump. I had no issues for about two weeks then I one day the same issue as before it started for a second then died again never to try and fire again and I couldn't hear the pump kick on so I had to towed home, the next morning the darn thing fired right up again and once again had no issues for a week then it left my wife stranded one day with the same issue, this time it stayed dead and I was able to trouble shoot it, same thing I had power to the pump but didn't hear the pump kick on and no pressure up to the intake, I though it had to be a bad pump so I replaced the pump again, same issue as before sometimes it kicks on and I have pressure if I turn it off and bleed the pressure gauge at the intake sometimes the pump will kick on and sometimes it doesn't. I have replaced fuse and relay. I'm at a loss. I have not replaced the fuel filter because when the pump actually kicks on I get pressure and once the truck is running I have no issue it runs like a top

 

[55trucker]

Do you have a fuel pressure gauge?

You mentioned in your thread *bleed the pressure gauge*...

what is the pressure reading when you turn the key to *run* but do not start the engine?

The PCM controls the fuel pump relay, it powers up/pressurizes the fuel system for 2 seconds then shuts down until the PCM *sees* a signal from the crank position sensor/cam sensor that the engine has started to run, then the relay is closed.

It's an intermittent problem, more likely an electrical issue than the pump itself.

A scanner would help you, not everyone has one, you could check wiring problems, start pulling harness connections at the crank sensor/cam sensor, relays looking for faults.

A multimeter would come in handy as well.

 

[RonD]

+1 ^^^

Important to remember, the fuel pump only gets power for 2 seconds when key is turned on, you can turn key off and then on repeatedly and fuel pump will get power 2 seconds each time, doesn't hurt anything.
But as trucker55 said fuel pump does NOT get power full time until engine starts up.

Computer controls fuel pump power using the Fuel Pump Relay in the Engine fuse box, they are about $6 so maybe just replace that relay.

Not sure if the 2001 Ranger 4cylinders had PATS(passive anti-theft system), V6 models did.
PATS turned off fuel pump power and fuel injectors if correct PATS key was not used.
Also disable starter motor on some models, but not all models.
Rapid flashing Theft light is an indicator of bad PATS key start

 

[jbird2393]

Thanks for the input Guys

Okay hopefully I can answer all the questions, Yes I used a guage and checked the pressure at the fuel rail and when it has pressure I have 60PSI If I bleed the pressure some times it will build back up and the pump wont kick on, when this happens I have put a volt meter at the pump and I am getting 12 volts at the pump when the key is turned on. It does have a Chipped key however I do have a door key with out a chip and if u try and start it with that it wont even turn over so that controls the starter from what I can tell. Plus I am getting 12 volts back to the pump. I can use the truck sometimes for two weeks before it wont start again. and every time this happens I have 12 V at the pump, I cant here the pump kick on and no pressure. when it does run it runs like a champ. The only thing that makes any sence is I had 2 bad brand new fuel pumps, I just replaced it again two days ago but used a motorcraft one this time rather than NAPA These pumps do have a fuel pressure guage that is part of the fuel pump assebly and it sits inside of the tank and once the lines are primed up it tells the pump to shut off perhaps theres a bad batch floating around fingers crossed the 4th times a charm. PS if anyone needs a fuel pump replaced on a ranger I can now do it with my eyes closed and in less than a hour hit me UP LOL

 

[RonD]

No Ranger or Ford system ever had a Fuel Pressure monitor.

So if you drain fuel pressure the fuel pump won't come back on because of that.

Computer "assumes" 60-70psi pressure, but has no way to check that.

Some Computer software will shut fuel pump off and then on when driving, this is based on computers calculated fuel use but really isn't needed.

Yes there is a fuel pressure relief valve in the tank, to keep pressure under 75psi.
On some years this was in the fuel filter, 3 hose fuel filter.
Electrical cut off in the tank is a thermal cutoff, not pressure, if pump/wire gets too hot then power is cut, it will reset when pump/wire cool down.

When you turn on the key you should hear fuel pump run for 2 seconds, and ONLY 2 seconds.
Turn key on and off as much as you want until you know what the pump sounds like, pump will come on for 2 seconds EACH time, there is no pressure sensor.
Then next time you have a no start listen for the fuel pump to run for those 2 seconds with key on.

If you hear pump running but still a no start, then problem is elsewhere

PATS disables fuel system, starter motor disable was added later, but first and foremost it disables fuel system.