Ford Ranger cutting out

[ryder1964]

My 1996 Ford Ranger is cutting out while driving. It acts if you just shut off the key for a second and turn it back on. It has a new fuel pump and cam sensor. Any help would be appreciated.

[JustinOK]

If everything is cutting out (radio, headlights, etc) then its probably grounding out somewhere. My other truck was actually doing this three weeks ago. I followed the positive cable from the battery to the starter,and I found the connection from the starter to the starter solenoid was the culprit. The insulation was completely gone, and the stud from the solenoid was no longer firm, but loose and was grounding out, presumably when I'd hit bumps in the road?

Might want to check the positive from the battery to the alternator (might have a 6 inch segment of fusible link). Double check battery connections, look for corrosion, tightness, etc. Be careful, wear eye protection and gloves. Have a fire extinguisher nearby.

[blueguze]

If you don't have a OBD2 scanner go to your local auto parts store and have them check to see what codes the computer is throwing. After I replaced the cam sensor a short time later the cam faulted. When it was changed it runs like a new truck!

[goaliefight]

Explain "cutting out" a little deeper. Do you have a tachometer? Is it going to 0 when the cuts out or jumping around? I had a problem once where a cracked spark plug wire would arch every so often and would cause my Ranger to sputter. It didn't die completely, but I would describe is as cutting out randomly.

[tomy092]

i was driving along the other day, day turned to evening, turned on headlights and the truck shut off completely !! like turning off the key. did it twice, got it home and tried to get it to do it in the morning and it wont, all connections good,good battery. any clues ?????