1994 ranger INTERMITTENT NO START

[CraftsmanQuad19]

Like the title says, I have a 1994 3.0 ranger that sometimes doesn’t start, and sometimes fires right up.

Truck is a 3.0, 5 speed, regular cab long bed, 4x4.

No fuel pressure and no spark. Tried swapping relays, tried using a jumper wire to bypass the relays, inertia switch is not tripped, new fuel pump (before I really started digging). Electrical schematic shows everything going through the solenoid on the left fender. My buddy just replaced that before I bought the truck and it wasn’t showing the same issues. When he replaced it, the truck was completely stalling on him in the middle of a commute. This issue is ONLY happening when I go to start the truck. Never had any issues with it stalling. Pulled the ECM out and tried looking for corrosion in it, checked all the plugs and pins, nothing is loose or corroded.

I just can’t figure this damn thing out and it’s my daily so I need to be able to trust it. PLEASE HELP!

 

[Bird76Mojo]

I'm at a loss on this one but I do wonder about the ignition switch..

 

[CraftsmanQuad19]

That’s what I thought too, I took the column apart this morning but I’m not sure exactly what I’m looking for in there

 

[CraftsmanQuad19]

Also forgot to mention that the windshield leaks right over the column so I’m sure that doesn’t help anything. Don’t know if I would need to replace the switch or just dry it out or potentially clean the contacts but I’ve never had one apart and I can’t see how to get it out without tearing up my aluminum column or the switch itself

 

[Bird76Mojo]

The ignition switch was just a wild guess on my part. I also wonder about the ECM. It would be nice if you had a spare to try out.

 

[CraftsmanQuad19]

I agree. We popped the cover off of it looking for corrosion, didn’t find any, and didn’t know what else to look for. A spare would be nice. There isn’t any anti theft on this is there? That matches the fin of the computer to the truck? Theoretically a 3.0 stick shift PCM from a 93 or 94 ranger would work without any changes right?

 

[Bird76Mojo]

No, there isn't any anti-theft involved in that year of truck.

Checking and/or removing and cleaning ALL of your grounds might be a good idea though. Cab/chassis, engine, etc.. There are several.

 

[CraftsmanQuad19]

I’ll give that a try. Eventually it sat long enough to where it fired right up for me. Usually that is the case. No rhyme or reason to when it starts or doesn’t. Hot or cold starts, fuel level, battery charge, nothing makes a difference