89 ranger no spark or injector pulse

[swanson]

Ive got problems with an 89 ranger that has the 2.3L 4 cylinder with the DES. I hit a large bump while driving and it died instantly. It has no spark and the injectors are not firing, but it does have fuel pressure and it turns over. The crank sensor has been checked and I also tried swapping the ecu with one from a 91 ranger with no luck. I am not positive if 89 and 91 ecu's are compatible, but the connectors were the same. What do I check next? After some searching around this seems like a common problem, but I haven't found a solution yet.

 

[Mutant Pony]

There is a small wire that goes to the negative battery terminal. That is the fuel system ground. If that comes disconnected it will cause your problem. Had it happen to me once it the middle of the woods, 12 miles from civilization. I found the problem by accident.

 

[swanson]

thanks, ill check that asap

 

[swanson]

ive got good fuel pressure so i dont think that is the problem.

 

[Mutant Pony]

Oops, missed that. '89 has a separate igniton module, bolted to the front of the intake manifold. Next most likely problem. If the igniton module is dead you also loose injector pulse.

 

[tomw]

Make sure all the grounds on the coil pack are tight, and all the bolts in place. It needs them all from what I've heard.
tom

 

[Bryan22]

yup, without all 3 little screw in the ICM it doesn't work. at least not in stock location. When i swapped my motor I had a similar problem, turned out to be a loose connection under the power box.... just one black wire with a connector going to it, didn't follow it so I don't know where it goes.

I'd start by just making sure all the wiring is intact and properly connected and check all the grounds, and battery cables/terminals. Let us know!