Hello everyone, I have a 1999 ford ranger with 336,000 miles on it. When I parked it a couple moths back it ran really well. Now when I start it, it idles perfectly but when I hit the gas it instantly dies. What could be causing this? Thanks for any help you can give me.
Is the check engine light on, or is it just stalling when you press on the gas? If not, start with the most basic thing and replace the fuel filter. It's a metal can around the side of a pop can that's mounted behind the frame rail, right below the driver's door. It's very easy to get at if you don't have the 4×4 model. If you do, the transfer case partly blocks access, but it's doable. The 1999 Ranger has quick release fittings inside the ends of the lines and plastic retainer clips on the outside, so you will need a quick release tool to disconnect the inside snaps and use a flathead to pop the plastic retainers out. Be careful with the plastic retainers, they can snap pretty easily. While you're at it, pressure test that fuel pump in the place of the fuel filter. That will quickly tell you if the pump is the problem.
If the fittings at the filter won't work with the fuel pressure gauge, check it at the port under the hood.
No, the check engine light isn’t on. I will check that fuel filter next. I already checked the MAF sensor because I’ve had trouble with that before, but it doesn’t seem like that made a difference. It seems like when I first start it it will rev when I press the pedal, but after running for about ten seconds it will only idle and when i rev it will immediately die.
Fuel pump problems can be a challenge because the computer doesn't know if there's a pressure problem from the pump. Definitely sounds like that could be a fuel problem.