2.3L ('83-'97) 1997 Ford Ranger XLT 5 speed manual transmission no power to fuel pump relay

[fst-llc 1]

Good day! I have a 1997 Ford Ranger XLT 2.3 l five-speed manual transmission that will not start. There is not 12 volts DC to the fuel pump primary ( control side or coil) of relay socket. I'm not with the truck right now but it is pin 87a and 87 I believe on the relay. Have 12 volt DC to the PCM, 12 volt DC to fuse number 11 which Powers the PCM and is supposed to light up the CEL indicator light located in instrument cluster. The CEL indicator light does not come on when the ignition switch is in the run positions. I read it was supposed to come on for a couple seconds and go off when the ignition switch is first switched to the run position. It does not come on at all. There is power to the two coil packs 12 volts DC, but I have not checked individual spark plugs with spark tester yet. There is 12 volts DC to at least one of the injectors.
Anyway with no power to the fuel pump control side it was not powering up the fuel pump. So jumped pin socket 87a and 87 making the fuel pump power up, but run continuously, instead of powering up for 2-3 seconds until pressure is achieved then shutting off until engine is running. Still would not start, that could be because the PCM is not grounding the individual injectors. Injectors have constant 12 volts DC to them and PCM is supposed to ground each injector at its proper time. That is if the PCM is grounding the injectors at all. Tried starting fluid, but not sure if it was enough left in can to make it to each individual cylinder for one or two to hopefully fire.
Needless to say it didn't start with starting fluid. Neither did it start with the fuel pump relay jumped and fuel pump running constantly. Did have pressure at the Schrader valve, enough to spray in the air when needle valve was depressed with screwdriver. Pressure was only achieved with fuel pump relay socket pins 87a and 87 jumped.
My question is what else could kill power to the fuel pump control side (coil) that is supposed to have 12 volts DC when ignition is in run position?
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Plus any thing that needs to be tested too! Thank you in advance for you all's time and consideration in this matter. Have a great day! Hope to hear back from someone.

 

[fst-llc 1]

Also forgot to mention that there is no power to the OBD2 diagnostic port. Have no power to the fuse number five in the interior fuse panel and of course no power at pin number 16 of the OBD2 diagnostic port. That coupled with fuel pump not powering up with the ignition on. Possible problems? Ideas for testing? Thanks again!

 

[SenorNoob]

The fuel pump relay is triggered by the PCM. It sounds like your PCM is never coming on. I'd be checking all power and ground to it.

 

[fst-llc 1]

Thank you for your input. I figured I would have to check all the grounds. I checked the PCM input, pin number I can't remember, on the actual 100 and something pin PCM connector plug under the hood on firewall passenger side. I had constant 12 volts DC at the ignition switched PCM power supply pin. However I have not checked any grounds yet.

The thing is it's at least partially powering up because one of the injectors (I only checked one) had 12 volts DC to it with the ignition switch in the run position.

I'll do that like you said. I'm suspicious of the PCM being the culprit in one way or another too.

Thank you again for your time and recommendation. I really appreciate it. It's not my truck and I have to wait until my friend gets a battery for it before I can test anymore. Someone ran off with the battery that was in it.

God bless you in Jesus! You are appreciated for sure. I'll keep this thread posted as to what I discover. Hope you have a good night! Peace and Later Dayz!

 

[SenorNoob]

I can't say for sure on a 97, but in 91 the fuel injectors are ground switched. They get 12v straight from the ignition switch.

 

[fst-llc 1]

Yes, I believe you are correct, thank you again. My friend hasn't said anything about a new battery yet so I haven't been over there to do anymore. I'll call her tonight and see where she stands on getting one and make time to go test all of the grounds for continuity.

Thank God she has one running vehicle now. Also thank you again for helping out. I've been blessed to learn a lot about the 2.3l in some of the Ford Rangers. They seem to be well engineered, like I have come to expect from a lot of Ford's products. I grew up learning more about European cars and didn't keep up with US makes that much. Turns out that the 2.3l in the Ranger shares the two spark plugs per cylinder application with at least the 1999 Mercedes Benz ML 430. I found these to be just one of the clever techniques the engineers of both car makes came up with and share.
We live in amazing times for sure. You are appreciated for sharing your experience. I have two subscriptions, one for Rangerstation and one for ranger-forum. I posted on both and so far you all's forum has both times had quick helpful responses for me. If you share with your online community as often as it indicates, because you are a well known member, I bet you are appreciated by more than just me. It's always encouraging to see people sharing their knowledge to help out for the greater good.
I'll keep you posted on my discoveries as soon as I get a battery back in and get time to test. Feel free to share anything you think may be helpful in the meantime.I'll gladly soak it up!
Until then I wish you all of God's best in Jesus! It's an amazing thing He has created in his making of man. I'm not trying to push my beliefs on you, just think it is important to tell others they are important and people need the help of others. Hope you are well. Thank you!
Peace and Later Dayz!