My 2001 4x4 V-6 extra cab ranger just started this random not starting. It turns over then acts like it's out of gas with a full tank. It doesn't happen every time I start it, but strands me somewhere when it does. The last time this happened I let it sit for about 45 mins. then it started. A friend put a code reader on it and no codes came up. Help!!

 

If there are no codes then it reads like the Fuel Pump in the gas tank is failing
Rangers have no fuel pressure sensor, so there can be no code if fuel pump fails, just a no start

So do this, when you turn on the key you should HEAR the fuel pump run for 2 seconds, each time you turn the key off and then on again it will run for another 2 seconds
So turn the radio down, lol, and LISTEN
Repeat as much as needed so you KNOW what it sounds like when it is working
Then at the next No Start, listen, if no sound then you will know its fuel pump time


Motorcraft fuel pumps are expensive, but there is a reason, each is tested before being shipped, Ford can't afford to replace them if they fail, Ford Dealer labor is just too expensive, lol
You can get 3rd party pumps for WAY LESS and they are fine to use, but just a heads up, hold on to the sales receipt as they are warrantied for 1 to 2 years, and you may need to replace it since they are not tested at all, so be sure its working before putting bed back on or down
And yes, unless you have a shop with a lift and transmission jack, you remove or slide back the bed to replace the fuel pump, you don't "drop the tank"

 

Thank-you Ron. This sounds really bad. I was hoping it was something simple, like the fuel filter. Just another problem to end this crappy year.

 

It could be crank sensor, although that's usually not intermittent

When you turn on the key the CEL(check engine light) will come on, that means computer is booting up
When you turn the key to START the CEL should go OFF while engine is turning, that means the computer is "seeing" a timing pulse from the crank sensor
If CEL stays on while engine is turning replace crank sensor

You didn't mention it so I didn't consider it, 2001 V6 Ranger has PATS(passive anti-theft system)
If this was the problem you would have a Flashing THEFT light on the dash with key on, and this this is not "normal" so people mention it :)

Fuel filter would be a long shot for an intermittent issue, dirty/clogged filter usually shows up at higher speeds, as a lack of power, like engine is running out of gas, because it is, filter can't pass enough fuel at high demand/use

 

Thank you so much for all your help!!! My CEL goes off and stays off while running and I have no anti theft light flashing.
When the fuel pump is failing, will it come on at times and start? They don't just quit? The truck started real rough, not idling correctly, then straitened it's self out and I left for town. I turned it off, did my shopping and then it wouldn't start again. Could that rough running also be a sign of the fuel pump failing?

 

Once an electric motor(pump) is running/turning it usually won't stop

But getting it to start turning is when you can notice a failure
Yes, they can just quit and won't work again
But multiple attempts to power it up might get it turning again just a different failure mode

Starter motors are like that, one day they just don't work, but sometimes if you tap(bang) on it, it will start working again, and may continue to work a while longer, but days are numbered when tapping no longer works