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how do you test a ford ranger fuel pump

by Dr. Madisen Hessel Published 3 years ago Updated 3 years ago

The fuel pump can be tested by hearing the pump and observing the fuel flow. Hearing the Fuel Pump The fuel pump sits in the fuel tank and when you crank up your Ford Ranger, the fuel pump will run for five seconds. You can hear the pump running when you turn the ignition key to the "start" position.

Part of a video titled ford ranger fuel pump relay "location" fuel pump testing
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Coming i would recommend you to go underneath the tank. Okay the tank right right in the middle hitMoreComing i would recommend you to go underneath the tank. Okay the tank right right in the middle hit it a few times with a mallet with a rubber um tank or with a big piece of wood.

Full Answer

How does a fuel pump work on a Ford Ranger?

The pump engages when you turn the key the fuel pump will engage and send fuel through the line to the fuel injectors. The pump is built to a housing that holds the sending unit and a strainer. The strainer separates any large debris before it can get picked up by the fuel pump suction.

What are the symptoms of a bad fuel pump on Ford Ranger?

Symptoms Of A Bad Fuel Pump. When the fuel pump, in your 2.3L Ford Ranger (Mustang, Mazda B2300) fails, you'll see the following symptoms: The engine will crank but not start. Ignition system will still create and deliver spark to all 4 cylinders. The PCM will still pulse (activate) all 4 fuel injectors.

How do you test a fuel pump with a pressure gauge?

Hook the pressure gauge to the fuel pump test fitting. Locate your fuel pump test point, which is usually near the fuel injectors, and locate the point at which the pump hooks up with the filter injector rail. There should be a separation joint or a test port, where the pressure gauge attaches.

How do I know if my fuel pump is working properly?

The only way to truly tell is to place a fuel pressure gauge on both sides of the line and get a reading from both. If your car isn’t starting at all, and you hear the fuel pump prime that is usually a good indication that the pump is working to some capacity.

How do you check a fuel pump on a Ford Ranger?

Hearing the Fuel Pump Have a partner sit in the driver's seat. Take the gas cap off and have your partner turn the ignition key to "start." Ensure the gas door is open; when the key is turned, you will hear the fuel pump. If you do not hear the pump, then you will know the pump is gone bad.

How do you manually test a fuel pump?

4:056:05How to Properly Test and Diagnose a Bad Fuel Pump - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo you get your black test lead put it on the pen for the ground. And you can use the red test leadMoreSo you get your black test lead put it on the pen for the ground. And you can use the red test lead on the pen. That you verify that you have power to see if you get a reading.

How do I test if my fuel pump is failing?

The fuel pump should make an audible noise if it's working properly. Whack the fuel tank: Have an assistant crank the engine while you hit the fuel tank with a rubber mallet. If the vehicle starts during this procedure, it's a pretty clear sign the electric motor inside the pump is bad.

How do I test the fuel pump?

Step 1: Know the indications of a failing fuel pump. ... Materials Needed.Step 1: Locate the fuel pump. ... Step 2: Listen for buzzing from the pump. ... Step 3: Place the amp clamp over the positive wire. ... Step 4: Record amperage reading. ... Step 5: Remove electrical connector. ... Step 6: Place meter leads on proper terminals.More items...•

How do you fix a fuel pump without replacing it?

How to fix a fuel pump without replacing it?Use Fuel Pressure Gauge. This can be one of the best alternative solutions when you are concerned with the various ways to deal with a bad fuel pump to start your car. ... Applying Some External Pressure. ... Maintaining The Engine's Heat.

How do you check a fuel pump without a gauge?

Disconnect the hose coming from the pump to the filter and block the passage of the hose tightly with your finger. You can then start the car. If you feel that the fuel is pushing your finger hard, it means you have good pressure. If not, then you require replacing the pump.

Can you hear the fuel pump run when the key is turned on?

4. Once the car is on, you need to listen for the fuel pump. Someone else needs to turn the key because the fuel pump will hum for just two or three seconds if it's working. If you do not hear anything, the pump is not working.

How do I know if my mechanical fuel pump is working?

To perform this test, you should connect the test gauge to the metal output line using a spare piece of rubber fuel hose and a clamp. Once the connection is sealed, crank the engine over for 20 seconds. This will provide a full pressure reading, letting you know whether or not the pump is still in working order.

Is there a code for a bad fuel pump?

Bad Fuel Pump, Fuel Pressure Sensor Can Trigger Engine Code P0087.

How do you test a fuel pump with a multimeter?

0:110:58How to Test a Fuel Pump with volt meter - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipLeft on and with a paper clip inserted into the connector. With one of the meter leads click to aMoreLeft on and with a paper clip inserted into the connector. With one of the meter leads click to a good earth point and the engine cranking over we should see battery voltage of the livewire.

What would cause a fuel pump not to work?

The most common cause of fuel pump failure is frequently running the tank low on fuel, which causes the motor to overheat. The second most common cause is fuel contamination, usually dirt and rust particles that clog the fuel strainer and prevent the pump from drawing enough fuel under high engine load.

Where To Buy A Fuel Pressure Gauge

A fuel pressure test gauge isn't an expensive fuel injection diagnostic tool.

TEST 1: Fuel Pressure Test With Gauge

Thankfully Ford made it super easy to check the fuel pump pressure by installing a Schrader valve on the fuel injector rail.

What happens if the fuel pump on a 2.3L Ford Ranger fails?

When the fuel pump, in your 2.3L Ford Ranger (Mustang, Mazda B2300) fails, you'll see the following symptoms: The engine will crank but not start. Ignition system will still create and deliver spark to all 4 cylinders. The PCM will still pulse (activate) all 4 fuel injectors.

What does a 2.3L Ford Ranger need to start?

2. As you're probably already aware, the engine in your 2.3L Ford Ranger (Mustang, Mazda B2300) needs 3 things to start. These are fuel, air and spark. The major component that provides the fuel the engine needs to start is the in-tank electric fuel pump.

How to stop a backfire when cranking an engine?

This is what you have to do: 1. Remove the intake air duct from the throttle body. You don't have to completely remove it, since you'll have to reconnect it in one of the next steps. 2.

Why is my Ford Ranger not starting?

CASE 1: If the engine started and ran for a few seconds: This test result tells you that the reason your 2.3L Ford Ranger (Mustang, Mazda B2300) is cranking but NOT starting is due to a lack of fuel. CASE 2: The engine did not start, not even momentarily: This usually means that a lack of fuel IS NOT the reason your car is not starting.

Why won't my 2.3L Ford Ranger start?

Although the engine doesn't stay running, this test result is enough to tells you that your 2.3L Ford Ranger's no start problem is due to a lack of fuel (probably from the fuel pump).

Does the PCM pulse all 4 fuel injectors?

The PCM will still pulse (activate) all 4 fuel injectors. The fuel pump inertia switch has not activated (in other words, it's not cutting power to the fuel pump). To find out more about the inertia switch, go here: Checking The Fuel Pump Inertia Switch.

How does a Ford Ranger fuel pump work?

The Ford Ranger is designed with the fuel pump installed in the fuel tank. The pump engages when you turn the key the fuel pump will engage and send fuel through the line to the fuel injectors. The pump is built to a housing that holds the sending unit and a strainer. The strainer separates any large debris before it can get picked up by the fuel pump suction. The fuel pump can be tested by hearing the pump and observing the fuel flow.

How long does the fuel pump run on a Ford Ranger?

The fuel pump sits in the fuel tank and when you crank up your Ford Ranger, the fuel pump will run for five seconds. You can hear the pump running when you turn the ignition key to the "start" position. Have a partner sit in the driver's seat.

What does it mean when a fuel pump is engaged?

When the pump is engaged it will send fuel through the fuel line and it will spray the fuel out. If the fuel comes out with no pressure, then that is an indication that the pump is getting weak and will be ready to replace.

Where is the fuel filter located on a car?

In most cases, the fuel filter is located under the driver's door along the frame rail. The line running to the filter from the fuel tank is the inlet line.

Why does my fuel line come out with no pressure?

Have your partner turn the key to "off" and then back to the "start" position. If you notice the fuel coming out with no pressure, it may caused by a clogged filter.

How to check if fuel pump is broken?

Before you check your fuel pump, find the fuse that corresponds to the pump and pull it out to see if it is broken or burned. If it looks fine, check the voltage at the pump itself to make sure the charge that’s leaving the fuse gets to the pump. If this looks alright, then perform a fuel pressure test.

How long does it take to test a fuel pump?

The test only takes a few minutes. Hook the pressure gauge to the fuel pump test fitting. Locate your fuel pump test point, which is usually near the fuel injectors, and locate the point at which the pump hooks up with the filter injector rail.

What happens if a fuel pump fuse is blown?

Pull it out and inspect it for signs of failure. If the fuse is blown, it will be broken or burned.

How to know if you need to replace a fuse?

If you need to replace a fuse, make sure you use one with a proper amp rating, never installing one with more amps than necessary. If you find a blown fuse, that might be a sign that you've got a high amp draw and you need to check the individual circuits. Try to replace the blown fuel fuse and try and start vehicle.

How much does a fuel pressure gauge cost?

Get a fuel pressure gauge. Commonly available at most auto parts stores for $20-30, a pressure gauge is a good investment, useful on most makes and models of cars. If you don’t want to buy one, you can also often borrow one from machine shops or auto shops who have them to lend. The test only takes a few minutes.

Can you take a fuel pump apart and rebuild it yourself?

If your fuel pump does needs replacing, a rebuilt one is often as good as a new one, and a lot less expensive. If you’re feeling adventurous, some manufacturers supply rebuild kits. You can take your pump apart with a screwdriver and rebuilt it yourself, following directions on the kit.

How do you know if your Ranger fuel pump is out?

The only way that you are going to know that your Ranger’s fuel pump is going out is that it is no longer providing enough fuel pressure to keep the engine running under a heavy load, or at high-speed. Typically, if you are heading up a hill (or accelerating) the engine may start to feel like it is just running out of steam.

How to tell if a fuel pump is bad?

One of the most common signs that a fuel pump is going bad is a whining sound. The whining sound can indicate that the fuel pump is going out before there are any performance based issues. Keeping an open ear can save you from getting stuck somewhere with a bad fuel pump. It’ll sound like a low frequency buzzing sound.

What does a bad fuel pump feel like?

That’s what it feels like with a bad fuel pump. Now, a bad fuel pump can also feel a heck of a lot like a bad catalytic converter. Both conditions will make the motor feel like it is running out of wind when you hit the gas. A bad catalytic converter will not feel as jarring. It’s a smooth lack of power.

Why is my Ranger not starting?

This because there’s not enough fuel pressure to properly atomize the fuel as it enters the combustion chamber. If your Ranger is difficult to start, a bad fuel pump would probably not be the place to start looking, especially if you are’t getting a fuel related trouble code.

What happens if your fuel pump goes bad?

One of the worst problems that can happen to a vehicle is a bad fuel pump . If your Ford Ranger’s fuel pump goes bad, no fuel (or not enough fuel depending on whether or not it’s out all the way) can enter the engine. Without gas your Ranger will not run at all.

Why is the fuel pump in the fuel tank?

It is in the fuel tank because “pushing” fuel to the fuel rail is easier than “pulling” the fuel, which is what an inline pump would do.

What does a Ford Ranger need to start?

At the most basic of levels your Ford Ranger needs three things to start: Air, fuel, and spark . If any of these things aren’t present, the engine won’t turn over at all. If there’s been zero warning that the fuel pump could be going bad (hesitation, difficulty starting, etc) then it should not be automatically assumed that ...

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