Not starting, use SF, starts then runs

[Jetnjmy]

I have a 2001 Ranger 3L automatic. It has been running fine. The other day I tried to start it and it just cranked over. Pull hose of TB and squirted starting fluid and it fired right up - and continued to run just fine. I shut the truck off and tried to restart and it was all OK, ran fine. Tried it this morning and same problem. Cranks over but will not start. Again, I used starting fluid and all is good. I need to have the truck working correctly tomorrow. Does this truck have a check valve in the fuel system? I do not hear a primer pump activate with I turn the key on but I am baffled as to why it runs once it starts up and it will start again but not once it sits for a period of time. Suggestions?

 

[gw33gp]

Try turning the key to 'on' without engaging the starter. Leave it in the 'on' position 3 to 5 seconds then turn it to the 'off' position. Cycle it a few times like this and then try to start it. If it fires up you probably have a bad check valve in the fuel pump. I think the only way to repair it is replace the fuel pump.

 

[rathr-b-cruisin]

i'd test the TPS. I had an 85 continental that would do that. Would only start if i used starting fluid. replaced the tps and it was fine.

 

[RonD]

TPS could make sense if there are other driving issues, high TPS voltage can cause injectors to shut off while cranking.

Losing fuel pressure overnight makes more sense.
'01 Ranger should have 65psi of pressure at the fuel injectors.
You should hear the fuel pump come on for 2 seconds when key is turn on.
Fuel pump will not come on again until engine starts.

gw33gp makes a good suggestion.
Turn key on, count to 3, turn key off
Repeat a few times
This will build up pressure at the fuel injectors if it was lost.
Then try to start engine.

If this works, and there are no other issues, like missing, poor MPG or smell of gas, then unfortunately the check valve(backflow preventer) in the fuel pump has failed, or there is a cracked pump hose in the tank, so when fuel pump is off pressure is being lost.

 

[TxGasRacer]

I went through this same issue which turned out to be a fuel pump going south on me. I changed out the pump and all problems ceased and it will now start every time with no problems .