Ranger - Not Starting

[Xandur]

First of all I know nothing about cars lol so figured I'd just ask for help because I'm about to lose my mind. Just bought I used 94 Ford Ranger pickup 3 months ago.

Monday, truck wouldn't start. Had power, just wouldn't start. tried for about an hour... total of about 20-30 times. Has a brand new battery in it. Towed it to Midas, they said it started right up for them. They said was most likely the spark plugs and plug wires as they were really bad... probably originals lol. Fine, went ahead with a full tune up and oil change... needed it anyway.

$400 bucks for a full tune up and oil change. Walk out to start up the truck... nadda. Still wont start... IN THE MIDAS PARKING LOT! Midas guys say they hadn't had a problem starting it at all. They act very confused, say they'll look at it.

Yesterday: Another $400 dollars for a new fuel pump and labor. Quote from Midas mechanic "well, we followed all the steps in the book and it must be the fuel pump". What book? 101 steps on why a Ranger wont start? Didn't exactly fill me with a sense of calm that a licensed mechanic has nothing to go on but a book. Did he run a diagnostic? Dunno. No big deal though because it starts right up and I drive it home. It must be fixed right?!?!?!

Nope. This morning... wont start AGAIN!! This is with brand new spark plugs, plug wires, fuel pump!! The car has plenty of power as the starter motor is going crazy every time I turn the key, but it just wont start up.

PLEASE HELP before I lose my mind!! Any ideas or suggestions would be great!

Thank You.

[Xandur]

Well, I've been trying to start it for about two hours with nothing, now all of a sudden it starts. I certainly can't have a vehicle that starts when it feels like it, so now I guess I'm asking what could cause this problem?

Just called Midas and they said it must be an issue with fuel pressure, but if the fuel pump is brand new there shouldn't be fuel pressure issues right?

again, thanks for any suggestions.

[quocfixescars]

A very common problem on many ford vehicles is simply the ground to the negative terminal on the battery. Odd as it may seem, carefully tracing the ground and testing its actual continuity is vital to starting a Ford. You can troubleshoot this by simply shaking the ground wire/terminal (negative - ) on the while someone else starts it. Careful not to get injured. If the ground is weak, everything will come on but the engine.