I've had this intermittent problem for too long. It 1st started when,if I didn't start it for a couple of days it would crank until the battery died. If I let it, but it would not kick over. After trying a half-dozen times or so and with absolutely nothing being changed. I would jump in turn the key and it would start! But then for a 100 times of it sitting for a couple of days it would start 1st try like their is no problem what so ever! then out of the blue. It would not start crank over but not turnover. This, as time went by, became more frequent and then it started taking a couple days of just jumping in and turning the key to see if it would start this time. One thing I noticed on the left side of the steering wheel on the instrument panel. When I was getting the no start the check engine light was not coming on and then on one of the lucky times when I jumped in and turned the key. That light would be on, and I knew it would start. And yes, it did start. The 1st thing I did was to grab my Haynes and check the wiring diagram and I want to and found all the grounds (I'm thinking I did not find them all), and backed the bolt out or nut grabbed my dremmel with a wire wheel cleaned all the contact surfaces and cinched them back down. And then for almost a year. Everything was peachy keen and then, same problem! Also, at this point I realized I couldn't get any codes when my truck was down our going through its no start cycle when I would plug in my code reader. The card reader, I believe wasn't even being recognized,like it wasn't plugged in!, so frustration set in at this point. This is a reoccurring issue for 6 years. So now that we're at year 6. I'll catch you up: I have a replaced the fuel pump, several relays, tightened up the connections in the power distributor box,checked all fuses multiple times, followed the wiring harness looking for breaks/cuts in the wiring,replaced the ignition module,ignition switch, I even replaced the sensor that picks up when the clutch is fully depress for safe starting (now that's a sign of getting desperate), I I've checked the inertia switch and throughout the years have mechanics check the inertia switch, it's fine!
there is no real rhyme or reason, it will happen when it's cold, hot, warm ,raining, no raining, muddy, Sandy, we do not get snow where I live, but if we did.... Snow, or no snow.
I did run a wire from the battery to a switch to the fuel pump (with a fuse) and the fuel pump runs, but the check engine light still does not come on and the motor will crank probably until the battery runs dead and will not start! That is with my switch on(fuel pump running) and nothing besides the starter turning the motor over and over and over and over and over!
I have worked on this problem at night, during the day, during the week, on weekends, I have done all the above while standing on one leg, I had done all the above while bouncing on one leg, I worked on it with the stars were aligned, I worked on it when The planets were aligned,I have gone to the highest mountain where I live and tried to spiritually connect with Henry Ford to ask him, "what the hell" anyway, I think you get my jest. I am a woodworker without a running truck and am not in the position to run out and buy another one. And this is a very frustrating being a carpenter without a truck is almost as bad as a carpenter without a hammer! I'm sure I left some things out.
Where I am at right now, I'm taking out the computer to have a look and find out if I can get it tested, if it looks bad(whatever "bad" looks like ?!?)
although the Ranger has more battle wins than I, I still very much plan on winning this war! I stand before you humble, I need help, anything would help me. If anybody's been through this before. Please let me know the outcome or the name of a good counselor because I'm losing my mind on this problem. I've pulled so much hair out, that becoming a hair club member might just be my future.
so any advice, direction would help greatly and be so much appreciated,, oh yeah, the solution obviously would help greatly and be so much appreciated also! I look forward to your responses, and I thank you all in advance.
David
1994 Ford Ranger XLT, 4 x 2, manual trans, 2.3 4 banger
P. S. Oh yeah, that mention "HELP!!!"
ppss my 1st time (probaly painfully obvious!) if my anything is off (etiquette,etc.) please excuse, I promise to shed the green back in a timely fashion.