1996 Ranger bucks (shuts down)

[mburnett]

I have a 1996 Ford Ranger 2.3 2wd 5-spd. I am having an issue with the truck cutting out on me while I am driving. It will shut down and come right back to life. There are times were it will not do it for a day and then other times it will do it multiple times in a short distance. I have checked the plugs and wires and they are good. I did a fuel pressure test to make sure there was not a drop in pressure. I am stumped and need help or advice to fix this. I do not want to take it to a dealer and have them replace items until they find the cause. Thanks in advance.

[Mike J.]

You didn't provide enough information to be of real help. So:

By shut down, do you mean a total loss of electical power?

Do the status lights (check engine, oil pressure, etc. ) come back on when it recovers?

If no total power loss, does it occur at certain speeds?

mj

[mburnett]

There is total loss of power for a split second. The dash lights, gauges, headlights and radio are not affected when this occurs. The power loss happens anytime, during acceleration, at cruise, with or without the cruise control on. Also happens at any temperature whether it is cold after starting in the morning or hot after driving at highway speeds for 30 minutes.

[Mike J.]

I'm guessing you mean that the electrical system is ok. You didn't say whether the check engine light came on. From what you're describing, you're either losing spark or fuel injection. Both are difficult to diagnose in this type forum because of how intermittant the problem is. A lack of spark would also most likely cause the check engine light to come on, so that leaves fuel supply. A fuel pressure test will only show a problem during the problem, so it can be deceiving. The inertia switch, fuel filter, and fuel pump will not show a check engine light, but could all cause your symptoms. I would add a fuel dryer additive to eliminate the possibility of water in the gas, then replace the fuel filter, bypass the intertia switch, look for a loose wire (power or ground) in the fuel supply circuit, and finally suspect the fuel pump. You'll need to do each of these items one at a time, so it's going to take time, especially starting with the fuel dryer additive, as it will take an entire tank of gas to see if it helps.

Good Luck,

mj

[geroux]

Just had atuneup on my 4liter.Plugs wires and iline filter. Thought I had a different truck after i picked it up .No more dieing out,and power to spare.

[Dakota]

I'm having a similar problem, but mine runs fine at hiway speeds, its only at the 0-20mph. that it wants to stutter and die. I've changed the fuel pump, gas and filter, egr valve and sensor. Still have the problem.