´90 ranger wont start - engine turns

[rmillermex]

First diagnosed as fuel pump trouble. Then determined no current to spark plugs....
Whats the next step? Coil?
Thanks for your help
rmillermex, yes, down in Mexico.

[Psychopete]

Originally Posted by rmillermex

First diagnosed as fuel pump trouble. Then determined no current to spark plugs....
Whats the next step? Coil?
Thanks for your help
rmillermex, yes, down in Mexico.

Hmmm... Sounds like the ECC Relay may not be triggering. Coils seem to last a long time, that would be down the list on the things to check.

The ECC relay is triggered from the ignition switch. When this relay is activated, all the sensors get +12V, ECC is activated, and the fuel pump relay is switched on. If the ECC relay were not working properly, this would cause no spark and no fuel.

This is how it works on my 88 w/ 2.9L, it couldn't be much different. My reccomendation would be to attempt to pull codes to check if the ECC is getting powered. Also make sure the coil is getting powered as well.

If the fuel pump is coming on 2 times for about 2 seconds each, the fuel pump is getting powered and the ECC relay is functioning properly. If the computer is coming on, I would next look into the TFI module:
http://www.onr.com/user/pbooth/mustang/tfi.html

Though TFI problems are usually intermittent and are caused by getting too hot.

Check for bad grounds and verify that the small ground from the negative terminal on the battery to the ECC is connected. Also make sure that ECC relay is getting powered as well.. Also make sure that the distributor is turning. If it's not, your oil pump probably isn't either. It could also have a bad pick up coil in the distributor.

Just try your best to find out what's missing the the whole equasion, and work your way from there.

Pete

[rmillermex]

Hey Pete,

Many thanks for your coments and advice.

We did go through a lot of checks and finally established that the problem was one of the coils, the one on top.
This is a four cylinder, eight plug, OHC14, 2.3 liter engine, 1990 XLT Ranger, automatic.
Bought it used, no owners manual.

Replaced the coil, and Ranger is humming again.

Thanks a lot. Take care.

Rodolfo