Cranks but will not start?

GUMP1991

MEMBER
1988 FORD RANGER
2.3L
4 CYL
2WD
MANUAL
76,000 MILES

Truck just cut off and will not crank. Now I've traced it out I've got power all the way to the coil. All my relays are replaced. I replaced the coil I replaced the ICM, it's got new spark plug wires and new spark plugs. It is getting fuel it's got and aftermarket high pressure fuel pump. I've checked to make sure it is getting fuel all the way to the engine every time I cut the switch on the fuel pump cuts on. I've got power to ECU, but I do have one wire that's come loose it's in the same part of the harness right before the ICM at the distributor, it's gray with an orange stripe. I think it might be the crankshaft position sensor wire, but I am not sure. I cannot find where the wires even are or where the crankshaft position sensor is. Any help would be greatly appreciated. It's been going on for three and a half weeks now and I desperately need this truck to run.

1 Reply

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
47,625 POSTS

I believe the crankshaft position sensor is the pickup coil inside the distributor, let's check for spark by following this guide. If it doesn't have spark let's check for power and ground at the ECM. Also, how does it sound when cranking? you may have lost the timing belt, and the distributor is not turning when the engine is cranked over. Can you please shoot a quick video with your phone so I can hear the engine cranking over? That way I can tell for sure what's going on. You can upload it here with your response.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-for-ignition-spark

Here are the engine ECM wiring diagrams so you can see how the system works and which wires to test for power and ground.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-test-light-circuit-tester

Check out the images (below). Please let us know what happens.

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