Engine shut off while driving and will not start

Hi,

Does the engine sound differently since this happened? I'm asking because there could be a timing belt issue. If possible, record the engine cranking so I can hear it. I can usually tell if it is a timing-related issue.

If you have spark and fuel, it should run. Do me a favor. See it if will start for a couple of seconds using starting fluid. If it does, then we know it is a fuel related issue.

Also, here is a link you may find of interest:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-cranks-but-wont-start

Keep in mind that even if you hear the fuel pump running, it may not be providing enough fuel pressure to run the engine. So if it starts with starting fluid for a couple of seconds, I recommend checking the fuel pressure.

Here is a link that shows in general how to check the pressure:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator

Here are the manufacturer's specifications for fuel pressure:

1997 Ford Truck Ranger 2WD L4-140 2.3L VIN A EFI
Fuel System Pressure
Vehicle Powertrain Management Fuel Delivery and Air Induction Fuel Pump Specifications Pressure, Vacuum and Temperature Fuel System Pressure
FUEL SYSTEM PRESSURE
Fuel System Pressure .................... 240-280 kPa (35.0-40.0 PSI).

______________________

There is an inertia switch that shuts it down in the event of an accident. However, if you hear the fuel pump and have spark, that isn't the issue.

Let me know what you find.

Joe

Will it start for a couple seconds if you use starting fluid? Also, you indicated there is spark, is it a hot blue snapping spark? If you remove the spark plugs after trying to start it, are they wet or dry?

Just hearing it crank, it doesn't seem to be a timing related issue. Now, if it does have a good spark, the next thing is fuel. I realize you hear the pump, but try the starting fluid trick to see if it starts for a couple seconds and then stalls.

If it does, the next step is to check pressure and if pressure is good, we need to check the injectors for a pulse. Here is a link that shows how that is done:

Here is a link that shows how to test injectors:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-a-fuel-injector

Let me know if you have already tried the starting fluid trick and the results

Take care,
Joe

If it doesn't even try with starting fluid, then either you have a really weak spark or no spark. Could you check that again? Follow this link and let me know what you find:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-an-ignition-system

Let me know.
Joe

Then it isn't making sense that it wouldn't fire on starting fluid. Listening to it crank doesn't make me think it's a timing or compression issue. Do me a favor. See if there is an injector pulse at the fuel injectors. I attached a link above showing how to test the injectors.

Just for curiosity, does it sound any different to you when cranking than it did before?

Let me know.
Joe