(1998 Ford Ranger - 4cyl. automatic, ~97,000mi)
Today I was driving to work, and I got less then a mile from my house when I started noticing that my truck wasn't accelerating. Check engine light came on, but all other instruments were normal. I decided to pull into a parking lot hoping I could turn around and go back to my house...only made it a few feet into the parking lot before the engine stuttered (shaking the truck back and forth significantly) and then died. I could restart the truck, but it would quickly stutter and die again. Battery is working fine, oil might be a little low (but will fix that), transmission fluid fine, temperature was normal, had plenty of gas, and tried restarting several times with the same stutter and die result. What could be wrong with my truck? Please help! Will provide other info if needed.
2007-01-09 12:25:45 · 11 answers · asked by hellolacey 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Car Makes ➔ Ford
It was progressive...I noticed when I was pressing the gas pedal it only accelerated a little...next time, a little less, etc, until the gas pedal was unresponsive. It then stuttered and died. When I restarted the vehicle, it started and quickly stuttered and died...and this happened with every restart I tried. The truck is still sitting in that parking lot. When my bf comes home, we'll drive to it and try to restart it again when it's had about 4 hours rest.
2007-01-09 12:48:29 · update #1
100% FUEL PUMP
HAD THE SAME PROBLEM
2007-01-09 14:30:04 · answer #1 · answered by mr.fixit2 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Does it die when you press the gas pedal?? if so, sounds like you have a clogged fuel filter, or perhaps even fuel pump, on the quick, if thats the case, i'd depress the pin on the fuel rail (looks like a port you'd put air in on a tire), and make sure you have a high stream shoot out (you should test it with a pressure guage, but not everyone has one laying underneath thier seat). Thats my first guess on the limited info you gave. If it's not when you press the gas pedal, i'd check to make sure all your plug wires are pushed in tight, i've had a couple over the years pop out, and depending on firing pattern, can offset the firing and cause it to die. Theres lots of simple little things it could be, and dozens of sensors, need more direct input to give a better guess.
2007-01-09 20:41:21 · answer #2 · answered by Eric 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I can really see how it might be the fuel pump but one thing is kinda iffy. The shaking back and forth. When you checked the tranny fluid was it bright red or was it kind of brown? If it is red, I think that it would be your fuel pump. What I would do is start with the lower price parts first. That really would include relay ect. Then when the fuel pump comes up that will be like $175 if yoi do it your self. Oh Hey if you live anywhere by an atopart store like checker see if they have anlittle computer (word is not coming to me) to hook up to your truck that should tell you. Good luck!
2007-01-10 07:22:11 · answer #3 · answered by Black Rodeo 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like exhaust system plugged up when the substrate in the catalytic converter breaks up and clogs the pipe. It happened to me once!
With the key out, it you put the key in ignition and turn the key to the ON position (dont turn all the way to start!) you should hear the fuel pump run for a second or two, then turn off. If you hear that, chances are the pump is working. You can always test for fuel pressure using the test fitting on the fuel rail too.
2007-01-13 06:50:30 · answer #4 · answered by mrbadmood 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had a similar problem with my taurus it was my catalytic converters in the exhaust system, they detiriorated and plugged up the exhaust pipe. but I would check the fuel pressure first your fuel pump may be out. hope this helps I know what it feels like to be stranded
2007-01-10 22:21:33 · answer #5 · answered by David M 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
could be gas filter, my experience though is that a dirty filter will allow the truck to idle but will not allow enough gas through to accelarate.
2007-01-09 20:43:41 · answer #6 · answered by donw1357 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Fuel pump might be bad.
2007-01-09 20:34:21 · answer #7 · answered by misc 75 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is your car's way of crying for attention.maybe it thinks you are taking it forgranted and wants u to know that it wants u to need it and that u have to show that.when was the last time u sat down with ur car and said u loved it? cars r people too u know, in their own way. they want to be loved and like being needed for a purpose. in another sense they r children because they crave ur attention but sometimes u cant give ur car all the attention it needs. this is way i would suggest getting ur car a dog, it would solve his attention problem. but remember u still have to show u care. at dinner when u r eating with ur car i want u to tell ur car u love it and that it means the world to you. this should get ur car out of this "im not working phase". your car will realize its loved and will stop not working to get attention. i hope i have helped but remember ur relationship with ur car depends soley among ur willing to stick to and commit to ur relationship with your car. have u thought of a second honeymoon maybe?
2007-01-09 20:55:00 · answer #8 · answered by HeWhoRunsWithScissors 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
I suspect that your fuel pump has failed.
2007-01-09 20:39:25 · answer #9 · answered by Gunrunner 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Go with ERIC..ten points for him.!
2007-01-09 20:45:06 · answer #10 · answered by buzzwaltz 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋