94 4.0L Problem.

[triplexplorer]

Hey all, i have a 94 Ranger as well as my Ex. lately i have had problems with it stalling on me when i am up to speeds. it just cuts out. somtimes it starts right up and sometimes i have to wait a couple of hours. Has anyone ever had this happen i'm stumped. i have replaced the fuel filter,fuel pump,plugs and wires. i'm sure its somthing stupid. thanks.

 

[MrShorty]

When it stalls and won't start, what is it missing: fuel, spark, or both?

One thing I would do with an intermittent stall/no start like this would be to pull codes from the computer. Sometimes, a stall like this will leave codes in the computer's memory (fuel pump codes or ignition codes most likely)?

 

[triplexplorer]

It's getting fuel and spark thats whats weird. do you know how much it costs to pull codes from a mechanic i don't know how to do that.

 

[doc dukes]

Sounds close to the problem I was having. I would start it and would run ruff and die. I was'nt able to start it and keep it running for 15mins to an hour. It turned out to be the fuel pump relay. I hope this helps some.

 

[Rhett]

It's getting fuel and spark thats whats weird.

Well, it must _not_ be, or else it wouldn't be dying on you.

If it's throwing a CEL code that is the place to start as was said. Also the comp stores codes in memory, which you can extract yourself using a paper clip if you're super-cheap. Or a lot of auto parts stores (like AutoZone) will check your codes for FREE. A code-puller is $40 if you want to spend the money.

Without knowing if there is a trouble code stored, it's hard to say what the true cause is. If you just want to "shot-in-the-dark" replace something the fuel pump relay is easy and cheap to change.

 

[MrShorty]

It's getting fuel and spark thats whats weird. do you know how much it costs to pull codes from a mechanic i don't know how to do that.

Around here, a shop will charge anywhere from $40 to $80 for a "computer diagnostic service"

A few shops will pull codes for free, as will some parts stores like Autozone. Problem with this route often is that you end up with a list of codes and/or "definitions," but not some of the other "context" information that makes the codes most meaningful. If you go this route, try to get as much information as possible ("which codes were KOEO codes?" "Were there any pass codes?" etc.)

If you are serious about learning to diagnose problems on your truck, I would suggest you learn how to pull codes yourself. Either buy a code reader, or learn how to use a paper clip to get the codes. In either case, the test protocol is the same. See my "notes on pulling EEC-IV codes" in the EEC-IV forum.

How did you verify fuel? In a few marginal cases, a fuel pressure gauge would be necessary, as you can have fuel getting to the rail, but not enough pressure (25 psi is an unscientific minimum). Also note that, even if you have adequate fuel pressure in the fuel rail, the injectors are responsible for getting the fuel from the rail to the cylinders. Make sure the fuel injectors are firing (they make an audible "click" so they shouldn't be too hard to check).

 

[triplexplorer]

i will try that thanks

 

[chakaD]

Autozone and Advanced Auto will pull the codes for free.

I had the same problem on an 86 f-150. Turned out to be the ignition module.

 

[Maniak]

Some places wont' run the codes for free on an ODB-I (eec-IV) truck. 1996 they switched to ODB-II which is what most autoparts stores will read for free.

The code reader for an eec-IV (ODB-I) is a <$40 part.. (I've seen them as low as $15-$20)

~Mark

 

[410Fortune]

You can read the codes with a paper clip, getting the code should not be an issue.

Have you checked the fuel pump relay and fuse? Sounds like the classiv fuel pump cutting off because of the relay issue.

 

[triplexplorer]

i just wanted to say thanks to everyone who gave their input turns out it was the fuel pump relay.