2.9 ignition problem

[chaos1n3]

Need help with getting my 88 Ranger started. I took off for work this morning, made it into town, through a stop light, over the railroad tracks and it died. I coasted it into a parking lot, and tried to start it. It sounds like it wants to start - turns over real good - just won't actually start. I'm new to working on vehicles, but I've done some work myself just from tips on this forum and the Haynes manual.
Btw - just changed the distributor cap, because it sounded like it was firing funny. Plugs and cables look brand new.
Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Jesse.

 

[Big Jim M]

Check that new dist cap'... It could have jarred itself loose from them damn railroad tracks.
Big JIm

 

[riverviewcontracting]

also check the flue cut off switch

 

[chaos1n3]

Thanks guys. Those were two of the first things I checked.
I don't completely understand the ignition system, but since it turns over, does that rule anything out, as far as the starter solenoid, ignition module, etc.?
Thanks.

 

[chaos1n3]

Just had my wife go out with me to try to start the truck. I had her push the gas in for 3 seconds then try to start it and pump the gas while holding the ignition.
No luck starting it, but what I didn't smell was gas. I would've thought holding the pedal down and then pumping I would have smelled a lot, but nothing.
I hope I'm heading in the right direction.

 

[Big Jim M]

Nope!

Just had my wife go out with me to try to start the truck. I had her push the gas in for 3 seconds then try to start it and pump the gas while holding the ignition.
No luck starting it, but what I didn't smell was gas. I would've thought holding the pedal down and then pumping I would have smelled a lot, but nothing.
I hope I'm heading in the right direction.

Your vehicle is fuel injected. Holding the pedal only allows more air...not fuel!
If it won't start with your foot OFF of the pedal it ain't gonna start.

Only carburated engines pump fuel into the engine with each push of the pedal.

When everything is very quiet open the door and turn the key to RUN while listening for the fuel pump to come on and then off.. If you do hear the pump then you should have fuel pressure.

Next test.. take a wire off of a spark plug. Then get your wife to hold the end of that wire while you try to start the engine. If she screams and starts throwing things you also have spark..

There is an emergency shut down switch in your vehicle that is supposed to turn the engine off if it rolls over. That switch is usually on the passanger side under the dash.. might be under the carpet...might be behind the glove compartment. Find it and push on it to see if it has opened the circuit when you went over the tracks.

Big JIm

 

[chaos1n3]

I checked the inertia switch. The button is popped up. I pushed it, but I don't know if it's supposed to stay down or pop back up.
I listened for the fuel pump, and I think I heard it cycle on, but I'll try again tomorrow.
Thanks again everyone.

 

[chaos1n3]

ok...I did some more troubleshooting. I can hear both pumps come on. I checked the test port at the engine, and fuel came out. That means I am getting fuel to the engine...right?
I am cooling off for a few before going back out to enjoy out lovely Illinois summer weather, then to try to troubleshoot spark...anyone know where the best place to start with the electrical/spark system? This is probably one of my weakest areas, so any pointers would be much appreciated.
Thanks,
Jesse.

 

[BRUTUS_T_HOG]

you will need a test light and know how to use it.

check for power on the positive side of the coil with the key on. and check for pulsed(blinking) ground on the negative side while cranking.

if you don't know how to use a test light, its simple. connect the alligator clip end to the positive battery post to check for ground, and to the negative post to check for power

 

[chaos1n3]

I get the concept, I just don't know what a test light is, or where to get one.
Seems pretty straight forward, though.
Thanks.

 

[Big Jim M]

You can make one

I get the concept, I just don't know what a test light is, or where to get one.
Seems pretty straight forward, though.
Thanks.

Make a pigtail 12V fixture. This is any 12V light with two long wires and alligator clips on the ends of the wires. I use a very small bulb in mine.
Then when checking for a positive result you affix one clip to the negative side of the battery and use the other clip to hunt for the ground you think should be there.
Just the opposite when looking for a negative result.
Big JIm

 

[BRUTUS_T_HOG]

I get the concept, I just don't know what a test light is, or where to get one.
Seems pretty straight forward, though.
Thanks.

usually about 1-2$ at walmart or similar store.

or an auto parts store.

and you could make one like big jim said

 

[dragonranger]

with a pair of insulated pliers pull off one spark plug lead and hold it about 1/16 of an inch from spark plug and turn over engine should see spark jump across gap several times this tells you spark is probably ok.check connections to map sensor and ignition coils.

 

[chaos1n3]

ok. I did this and saw no spark. Troubleshooting continues tomorrow in the daylight.

I'm not sure what a map sensor is or where it is located. I was thinking it might be the ignition coil, but was trying to do some more research.
Thanks for all your help.
j.

 

[cody93]

hmm, ignition coil, id check there next. check to see if its getting 12v input into the coil. then id imagine you could see if the coil gives of spark by doing the thing with the plug wire, but with the one that comes off the coil instead