Cranks but no start?

1988 FORD BRONCO
65,000 MILES • 5.0L • V8 • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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COLTERDALE
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
I’ve got spark and I’ve got fuel and fuel pressure. You can turn the ignition and it cranks great but doesn’t start.
Nov 2, 2022 at 8:32 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • Experienced Mechanic
  • 110,240 POSTS
Do me a favor. See if it starts for a couple seconds using starting fluid. If it does and then stalls, it's fuel related.

If that is the case and you are sure the fuel pressure is within the manufacturer's specifications, then chances are we lost power to the fuel injectors. There are a few splices involved.

Here is how it works: Power is supplied to all fuel injectors with the key on. Check the red wire at any of the injectors for power. For the injector to actuate, the EEC (electronic engine control module) provides a ground path. Once that happens, the injector fuels a specific cylinder.

So, first try the starting fluid. If it runs and shuts off, check the red wire at any of the fuel injectors with the key on and let me know what you find.

If there is power, disconnect one of the fuel injector wiring connectors. There will be two wires. Select the one that is not red. Take a test light and connect one side to the battery-positive terminal and the opposite side of the light to the ground wire at the connector. Have a helper crank the engine. The light should strobe on and off.

If there is power to the injector and the ground path doesn't strobe, chances are the EEC has failed or one of the splices (there are a few) is bad.

Let me know what you find or if you have other questions.

Take care,

Joe

See pic below.
Nov 2, 2022 at 10:25 AM
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