Inertia Switch/Fuel Pump

[trevorl24]

I'm having some issues with my inertia switch. My truck never stalls while running but every third time or so when I go to start my truck up after it has been sitting (over an hour) the inertia switch is popped. Then when I reset the switch it takes anywhere from 5-10 minutes to start back up. I can crank and crank it but the truck won't start until It sits for ~10 minutes.

Any ideas?

Thanks!
Trevor

Edit: My truck is a 2003 Ranger V6 4.0 Edge

 

[Mark_88]

You can test if it is the inertia switch by simply bypassing it with a U shaped wire (use the same thickness as the harness to the switch). If the truck starts and runs without issues then it's time to replace the switch.

I did have one actually fry on my Tempo years ago...so maybe pull it from the holder and check the back end of it for melted plastic.

You may be able to find one in the junkyard...not sure if the design or connections changed much over the years but you may be able to use one from a newer or older Ranger...just bring yours with you or take a picture of the connector to compare.

 

[trevorl24]

Ok, I will try that in the morning and let you know what I find.

Thanks

 

[RonD]

I would just go to a wrecking yard and pick one up for $5, the inertia switch.

Also the Ford Fuel system only runs the fuel pump for 2 seconds when key is turned on.
Then it doesn't come on again until engine starts.

So turn key on, count to 3, turn key off
repeat 3 times(build up the fuel pressure)
Then crank engine, if it starts up then your fuel system is leaking pressure.

If you don't smell gas in the engine compartment or on the drivers side of the truck then it could be the fuel pump "check valve"(back flow preventer) is failing, it is part of the fuel pump, it allow gas to be pumped out but not come back in, so this is what holds the pressure up when engine is off.

There is a test port(schrader valve) on the fuel rail that can be hooked up to a pressure gauge, 2003 should have 60-70psi running and no lower than 45psi with engine off for 10 minutes.

 

[trevorl24]

Plug for the inertia switch was melted just like you said. The local junkyard charges a minimum of 20 so had to pay that bit still better than full price. Got it up and running. Thanks all.

 

[bmerr98]

Plug for the inertia switch was melted just like you said. The local junkyard charges a minimum of 20 so had to pay that bit still better than full price. Got it up and running. Thanks all.

Ahhh....closure. So many times we all get left hanging, never knowing what the problem was or what fixed it. Rep+!

 

[Mark_88]

Yes, always nice to hear back whether it worked...

My Tempo had the intermittent no start as well as temporary loss of power...where it would actually stall on the highway...I didn't even know what an inertia switch was or what it did...they installed them in the trunk on the Tempo/Topaz so I never would have thought that I needed a trunk monkey...