94' Ranger acting weird

[plutonium233]

My brother's 94 Ranger will crank and run fine for awhile and then die suddenly. He says the check engine light flashes once or twice and goes out. Sometimes it will crank back up, but most of the time it has to sit for quite a while. I checked the fuel pump and fuel pump relay and they are fine. When this problem occurs and you turn they key on, the fuel pump won't kick on like it should before you start it. I am also sure the injectors aren't firing when the problem is occuring because I can jump the fuel pump relay and make it come on and it still won't start. I can spray fuel in the intake and it will start and run for a second or two. I am currently looking for the method to read codes with a jumper wire so I can see if there are any codes. If not, could the computer itself be losing power?

Thanks,
Kyle

[12Ounce]

Have you pulled the codes?

[plutonium233]

I just tried to pull the codes and nothing happens. I think the computer isn't even powering up. Where is the computer located in this truck? I will try to get to it and check the power supply, etc.

[12Ounce]

Originally Posted by plutonium233

I just tried to pull the codes and nothing happens.

Exactly what do you mean?

Does the "check engine light" show up when the ignition key is first turned "on"?

[plutonium233]

No, the Check engine light does not come on which I assume is one indication that the computer isn't powering up. What are some things that I can check? For a while, I was able to leave it for a day or so and go out and it would crank up, but it hasn't cranked at all this week.

Kyle

[plutonium233]

I forgot to mention that I swapped the EEC and Fuel pump relays and still nothing...

[12Ounce]

Is the lamp missing/burned-out by any chance?

[butch h]

Did you check fuses? You will not be able to get codes without the check engine light.

[plutonium233]

I think the bulb is good since it works when the truck decides to run. Same for the fuses, but I did check them just in case something crazy was going on. haha. I will be away from home for a few days, but when I get home I will be tracing my power wires and grounds to see if I can narrow down the problem.

[rhandwor]

If this is a 2.3L I would get the module checked at Advance Auto they check them free. Some times you have to heat them up with a hair dryer before they quit. Otherwise I would suspect the crankshaft position sensor.
On a 3.0L check the camshaft position sensor. Check the module first.

[plutonium233]

If your talking about the ignition module, its not that. I am getting a good spark all the time.

Kyle

PS: it is a 4 liter

[rhandwor]

I would check the ground for the fuel pump which I think is in the left kick panel. The ground for the pcm relay should be left front of engine comp. near radiator. Camshaft sensor ground right kick panel pcm case ground close also.
Left rear corner of engine comp.vss ground.

[plutonium233]

Just wanted to give an update about this for anyone else having similar symptoms. I know its been too long, but I think it is pertinent information for anyone who is having this problem. I decided to bite the bullet and buy a used EEC. Put it in, check engine light worked, started right up. Nice happy ending haha.