1996 Ranger needs help

[RgerBob]

I'd like to post a question about my Ranger not starting but all I see are forums that list as not a help forum go further down on the list?? Going all the way to the bottom I see no such 'help' forum so I need help to even post a question here while I really need help fixing my 96 Ranger instead? Where can I post a question on here? Nice to meet everyone
Already found it based on my past questions - I'm getting too old for this and so is the truck.

 

[scotts90ranger]

On the main list down in the second section is based on engine type, that's the best place to ask this type of question. If you put what engine you have and what you've tried so far in this thread someone will likely try to help too.

There's 3 engines in '96 and they all have some things in common and some not. For one they all have a return fuel system and the same pressure fuel pressure regulator I believe, at key on they should have around 40psi if I remember right. For spark one of the easy things to try is starting fluid and see if it fires that way. Being a '96 it should have an OBD II port under the steering wheel, it would be good to know if there's any trouble codes or if any rpm is showing while cranking.

 

[Curious Hound]

Scotts90ranger covered the basics on where to post your question. A no start condition is frustrating. But can be narrowed down quickly.

First. Does the starter engage and spin the engine? This is often called "cranking" because the starter motor rotates the crankshaft of the engine. If it won't crank, we troubleshoot the starting system.

Next. If it cranks, we need to determine if it is a spark issue or a fuel issue. This is where starting fluid comes into play. While cranking spray some starting fluid into the intake. If the engine sounds like it's firing and trying to run on the starting fluid, then you know you have spark and we need to troubleshoot the fuel delivery system. If not, then we look into why it's not getting spark.

So, go start your thread and try to answer these questions. Then we'll take it from there.

Welcome to TRS.

 

[scotts90ranger]

Oh and another thing, when did this start? Is it sudden? I see you've been a member for a while but don't post much which is all good but that means we know less about what is going on. What I'm getting at is if this just happened suddenly or if you just got it and it's completely unknown...

There's a bunch of odd nerds around here that just like to help keep these old silly things going...