1990 2.9 cel on wont give codes - im stumped

[playaforiife]

Okay, Well having issues.

1990 ranger 2.9

i bought the truck two years ago for 4X4 reasons, snow, moving stuff, etc..

When i bought the truck, it had some issues with running, and had check engine light lit. Knowing its OBD-1 i pulled the codes myself, and corrected all the issues. No more cel! yay!

Well here we are now.. present day..

The truck wont start on its own. It just cranks and cranks. If i spray starter fluid in intake it will fire up and run fine. And continue to run. So i know the fuel pumps are doing something. just not enough. When i turn the key, i dont hear the fuel pump prime. And i think this is my issue. But why?

I replaced the in take pump two years ago when i was clearing codes, so i know it was good then. And since after i get it started she stays running thats good.

The cel is on, and i want to see what the new codes are, but it wont give any. When i perform the self test, the light just stays lit, never blinks. The computer doesnt make any of the Self test sounds it normally would.

Would a bad eec relay cause me to not be able to pull codes? would that make fuel system not prime before start up? And if i it was bad, could the truck still run without it?

i am a HUGE searcher, and have read hundreds of threads involving similar issues. Seems everyone who needs starter fluid to start, also needs it to keep truck running, with mine once it starts, she stays running just fine. And even once warm i shut it off, she starts right back up with out fluid.

I know if i can get the codes i can fix problem, but im feeling like me not being able to retreive the codes, IS part of the problem.

Just dont wanna throw parts at it, if someone has any good info for me, id be very thankful. ill check back every hour till this is resolved. ha. Any help?

THANKS THANKS THANKS THANKS!!!

 

[Psychopete]

Yes, that's strange you can't run through the self tests. Bad ecm or short in self test wiring ? There's a fuel pump test on the diagnostic connector - could toggle this from inside of the cab to prime the pump before you start it. "Anti-theft Device"

 

[Earl43P]

http://www.therangerstation.com/tec...es/Diagrams_ElectronciEngControls2_9_1of3.JPG

http://www.therangerstation.com/tec...es/Diagrams_ElectronciEngControls2_9_2of3.JPG

The PCM provides the ground for the FP relay coil under two circumstances.
Prime for two sec at Key On and when it sees a crank PIP (from cranking).

http://fordfuelinjection.com/?p=64
http://fordfuelinjection.com/?p=13

 

[playaforiife]

Sorry for delay my friends, I wasn't getting any feedback so lost track of looking Back. I'll check back 5 times daily now. Ha.

Okay, so It snowe alot last night and the tabs are expired so I decided i was safe to drive it. : )

Started with starter fluid but after started idles perfect. Cel still lit, and is gutless. Won't go over 3k~ is RPMs.

I drove it about 15 miles. She would go anywhere, in 4 wheel even. Shifting into 2nd on the hills ha.

I know the ecu should be doing something since it runs. The fuel pumps as well. I'll try the prime with switch to see if that solves my starting problem. The low power and in ability to rev into my power sucks. I feel like it's related to the inability to do the self check.

Grr.

Fun passing stuck cars tho. Felt good. : )

 

[Psychopete]

Try pulling codes again - also check to make sure your timing is advancing (check it with SPOUT in, should not be at base timing).

 

[playaforiife]

Okay, I'll try again with codes this afternoon. To make sure because it doesn't work, do I pull by jumping single wire test with the one in the other test block? Or ground single wire to ground? Just to make sure.
I'll read about checking timing with spout in and do that as well.

Thank you for direction!!

 

[playaforiife]

Oh and I've read what you posted it says to ground the sti to neg batt. I've just read other ways as well.

 

[Psychopete]

FWIW I've always connected Sig-Ret to Self-Test In, but never tried to hook sti to ground - not sure if the same difference, but it must be.

 

[playaforiife]

Still wont give codes. Do though hear a click by the underhood relays. Either FP or EEC. Should the truck still be able to run with a bad EEC relay? Thats the weird part.

 

[playaforiife]

Checked with another computer, and still the same. The cel is on and when i try for codes it just stays lit. She deffinatly starts with a squirt of starter fluid. And once warm, she will start on her own over and over. Just dont understand why i cant get codes. Driving me freaking nuts.

 

[playaforiife]

Where is the spout that you spoke of to check for timing?

One thing i noticed, most efi vehicles when first started have a higher idle until warm correct? then it lowers? Mine when i start with fluid, it just automatically goes to the normal 750 idle. I wonder if the spout is removed..