No fuel pressure on 2000 Ranger 5.0

[Rangstang]

I have the 5.0 engine installed with all engine wiring connected and bellhousing with starter mounted. I wanted to try and fire it up without transmission installed just to see if everything was good so far, but I had no fuel pump pressure when I turned the key.

What I have:
* 2000 Ranger with 3.0 flex fuel engine and 5 speed originally
* 99 Mountaineer 5.0 engine and harness (parts from same vehicle and was running when I bought it)
* 99 Explorer 5.0 PCM that was flashed to remove 4R70W so I can run a T5. Programmer believes he disabled the PATS (but couldn't remember for certain)

What I see/hear when I turn the key:
* Fuel gauge stays well below empty (could be related?)
* "CHECK GAUGE" on solid
* "Theft" on solid for about 3 seconds, then flashes about 4 times/second
* no fuel from the pressure line

Anyone have suggestions? Does PATS disable the fuel pump too or just the starter? Could this be a wiring problem?

Thanks guys!

 

[tech3sandcars]

Almost certain the fuel pump will not come on if PATS is activated, in your case it is since you have the flashing light. Had same issue with my 4.0 conversion until I had it reflashed, fired right up.

 

[LittleBigFoot]

Does the pump prime when you turn it "on"?

Check your fuel pump relay. It's the same as the horn relay so you can swap em around to figure it out. Pull the pump and tap the leads into the battery and if it squirts residual fuel the pump's still good. I've got about 3 good pumps in my garage I'll sell for cheap. 55ish psi.

 

[LittleBigFoot]

Oh, and the guage error means you've got an electrical issue with your sending unit.

Are you using the factory tank or another?


After I chopped my frame and set up a 33 gal tank out of a bronco I had to hack and tap the wires for the new sending unit. I can check the color code in the morning if it's helpful.

 

[Rangstang]

Does the pump prime when you turn it "on"?

Check your fuel pump relay. It's the same as the horn relay so you can swap em around to figure it out. Pull the pump and tap the leads into the battery and if it squirts residual fuel the pump's still good. I've got about 3 good pumps in my garage I'll sell for cheap. 55ish psi.

No, it doesn't prime. That's why I was thinking PATS could be the problem.

 

[Rangstang]

Oh, and the guage error means you've got an electrical issue with your sending unit.

Are you using the factory tank or another?


After I chopped my frame and set up a 33 gal tank out of a bronco I had to hack and tap the wires for the new sending unit. I can check the color code in the morning if it's helpful.

From the rear of the engine bay back, everything is original as far as wiring goes. I was under the impression that the 2000 Ranger was plug and play with the exception of the tachometer for the 5.0 swap. There must be some contacts moved around in the firewall bulkhead connectors. That blows!

 

[Teddyzee]

Ground problem? My check gauge light comes on (fuel gauge to zero) if the battery/grounds are loose.

Any fuel in the tank?
These things also prefer a strong charge on the battery.

 

[Rangstang]

I actually used the battery from my other truck which I was driving yesterday...so that's out.

As for ground, there are like 5 grounds on these 5.0 harnesses and only two are in the same locations as the 3.0 harnesses. That forced me to use sheetmetal bolts for grounds in some spots. That's always a possibility, but the actual battery to body ground is one original grounding point with a threaded insert in the body.

Definitely have plenty of gas in the tank. This truck was driving just 3 weeks ago. It was my daily driver.

 

[Rangstang]

Anyone have schematics available for the 99 Explorer/Mountaineer 5.0?

 

[red85]

Sounds like a PATS problem to me. The flashing theft light is your cue that you need to have it flashed.