1994 Ford Ranger cranks but won’t start

Asked by Rangerlife321 Aug 06, 2020 at 10:06 AM about the 1995 Ford Ranger STX Standard Cab 4WD LB

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

I just purchased a 95 Ranger 3.0 which was not
running. The previous owner stated the truck shut
off and wouldn’t start so he replaced the fuel filter,
spark plugs, ignition,  plug wires, and camshaft
position sensor. I assumed the problem was The
fuel pump so I dropped the tank, replaced the
whole fuel pump mechanism, cleaned the tank out
really well, put everything back in and the truck
started right up and ran great for approximately 2
minutes, then it shut off and I haven’t been able to
get it started since. I checked fuel pressure and it’s
getting 42psi When I turn the key on,it has plenty of
spark, does anyone have any ideas what else it
could be?

1 Answer

290

I strongly suspect its the ignition control module.This one is used on many years of Ford products and is notorious for failing, ESPECIALLY on engines with rear-mounted distributors. (Not one of Ford's "BETTER IDEAS".) Do this: IMMEDIATELY after the engine dies, check for the presence of spark at any spark plug, Using a timing light is the easiest way. Odds are there won't be any. NEXT, apply ICE to the distributor and module for atv lkeast a minute where the module is mounted. Using cloth is better than a plastic bag for obvious reasons. This should cool the module enough for the engine to restart if that's the problem. To double check this you can use a hair dryer on the module to MAKE the engine die. If YOU replace the module yourself, make sure that you don't forget the ELECTRICALLY CONDUCTIVE GREASE . That needs to be between the module and the distributor for the ignition system to work reliably.

2 people found this helpful.

Your Answer:

Own this car?

Share your experience with others.

1995 Ford Ranger

Review another car

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Gene Arnett
    Reputation
    4,430
  • #2
    Bob Beaman
    Reputation
    3,020
  • #3
    Jennifer Gorham
    Reputation
    2,660
View All

Know more, shop wisely

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Ford F-150
6,496 Great Deals out of 174,145 listings starting at $1,800
Used Toyota Tacoma
1,985 Great Deals out of 56,658 listings starting at $3,701
Used GMC Sierra 1500
2,180 Great Deals out of 62,871 listings starting at $2,495
Used Toyota 4Runner
1,179 Great Deals out of 15,896 listings starting at $2,795
Used Ford Bronco
499 Great Deals out of 35,993 listings starting at $28,288
Used Jeep Wrangler
3,133 Great Deals out of 66,678 listings starting at $4,495
Used Ford Mustang
1,021 Great Deals out of 21,475 listings starting at $1,995
Used Dodge RAM 1500
63 Great Deals out of 1,403 listings starting at $1,500

Used Cars for Sale

2024 Ford Ranger For Sale
49 Great Deals out of 9,186 listings starting at $28,350
2023 Ford Ranger For Sale
42 Great Deals out of 474 listings starting at $20,556
2022 Ford Ranger For Sale
61 Great Deals out of 871 listings starting at $18,688
2021 Ford Ranger For Sale
144 Great Deals out of 1,543 listings starting at $14,950
2020 Ford Ranger For Sale
98 Great Deals out of 919 listings starting at $12,942

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.