2004 XLT 4.0 Won’t Start - Starter Good - Cranks but no catch

[andyandrews]

I have a beater 2004 XLT 4.0 Ranger that suddenly stopped starting. Starter cranks (but not every time). If starter fluid sprayed into intake it catches for just a second or two. So - seems to have spark. Wondering if a bad fuel pump is my problem? Checked for fuel at little test fitting. No fuel even after cranking for a few seconds. Any advice? Thanks

 

[Robertmangrum.rm]

There should be a fuel cut off relay thingy in the passenger side kick panel. If it's not kicked then I would try the relay. Beyond that sounds like your pulling the bed or dropping the tank. Hopefully something simple.

 

[andyandrews]

There should be a fuel cut off relay thingy in the passenger side kick panel. If it's not kicked then I would try the relay. Beyond that sounds like your pulling the bed or dropping the tank. Hopefully something simple.

Thanks for that. Which relay would need checking?

 

[Curious Hound]

I agree that it sounds like you have spark. Next thing I would do is check the fuse for the fuel pump. Then the fuel pump relay.

 

[Robertmangrum.rm]

The breaker like thing will be easy to recognize. If I remember it had a little button type reset. As far as the fuel pump relay. I've never owned that generation. But if you check your manual or the teck section should be fuel pump relay location there. I assume it's in the fuse box under the dash. That's where my 05 Sport Trac was.

 

[WutUp Clegg]

After your truck has been sitting for a bit, turn your key to the "ignition" position (right before it cranks). You should hear your fuel pump kick in for a couple seconds to pressurize the line. If not, it's more likely a fuel pump issue. Could be the fuse, cutoff switch, or fuel pump. If you have an aftermarket alarm, it might be hooked up to cut the fuel pump off, so that could also be an issue.