1987 Ford Ranger Pick-up Won't Start - Ignition System

Question: I'm not getting full voltage to the glow plugs when the ignition is on or while cranking. I get full voltage for a couple of seconds, then it falls to 0v. According to the Chilton's manual I have, I should be getting full voltage for 3 seconds, then about 4v, and intermittant full volatge while cranking. Is what's in the Chilton's manual true, or am I "barking up the wrong tree"?

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Owner: , It's the 2.3L Turbo Diesel. JC

Technican: 5-18-03. 2.3L turbocharged, got it!! I'm putting the info together for you on "Notepad' so that I may cut and paste it to this window. It's a great trouble tree chart and I hope to finish and send it tomorrow. I pray it will do the trick for you.

Technican: 5-13-03. I believe the Chilton info is correct, however, the ambient temperature and the temp. of the engine itself can be factors too. Glow plugs have a timer that should provide the 12vdc 'pulse' during cranking. A cold engine requires 100rpm crank speed to start and 200rpm crank speed to start warm. I have had sucess starting stubborn engines by spraying WD40 or spray silicone into the throttle body while someone else cranks the engine. Sometimes a battery charger in 'boost' mode is needed to crank the engine fast enough. Have you serviced a fuel filter or had a fuel line loose that could have allowed air into the fuel injector pump?

Technican: 5-14-03. Excuse the intrusion, but, did you intend to release this question without any response to the help I offered, or, was there a glitch on the web site? Respectfully,

Owner: , What you wrote didn't give me any more confidence than I had before. You said "I believe the Chilton info is correct, however, the ambient temperature and the temp. of the engine itself can be factors too. Glow plugs have a timer that should provide the 12vdc 'pulse' during cranking." The first part tells me that my vehicle is not supplying the correct voltage(s) to the glow plugs, but you never addressed that. I meant no disrespect to you. I just need more in-depth, specific information regarding this problem. Perhaps some history would help. I got the truck from my neighbor, who had replaced the water pump, but screwed-up the installation of the two timing belts. I believe I got the timing belts straightened-out, but can't get the thing to start. JC Heinen

Technican: 5-15-03. All right Sir, I'll do some research and try to be more specific. If I don't find what I believe you can use, I'll release the question. Should you feel it best that I step aside, then, go ahead and release the question and I'll understand. I may need until tomorrow to gather the info.

Technican: 5-15-03. Please tell me which diesel engine you have, the 2.2L, or, the 2.3L Turbocharged? I have some info to share.

Technican: 5-19-03. Try this information and let me know what happens..OK? 5-19-03. 4-143 (2.3L) TURBOCHARGED DIESEL ENGINE ENGINE CRANKS BUT WON'T START: 1. Ensure battery is fully charged and engine cranking speed is approximately 150rpm. 2. Turn ignition switch to RUN position and check for a clicking noise at the glow plug relay. If solenoid clicks, proceed to step 3. If solenoid does not click, proceed to GLOW PLUG CONTROL SYSTEM diagnosis. ENSURE ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE IS BELOW 86* F. 3. Loosen one injector nozzle line nut and crank engine. If fuel discharges, proceed to GLOW PLUG CONTROL SYSTEM diagnosis. If fuel does not discharge, tighten nut and proceed to step 4. 4. Turn ignition switch to RUN position. Using a 12vdc test lamp, ensure voltage is available at fuel shut-off solenoid. If voltage is present, proceed to step 5. If voltage is not present, repair circuit as necessary. 5. With ignition switch in RUN position, disconnect, then reconnect fuel shut-off solenoid electrical connector. If solenoid clicks, proceed to ENGINE PERFORMANCE DIAGNOSIS. If solenoid does not click, replace fuel shut-off solenoid and repeat step 5. SUPER-QUICK GLOW PLUG SYSTEM: This system is used to enable the engine to start quickly when the engine is cold. The system consists of four glow plugs, a control module, two relays, a glow plug resistor assembly, a coolant temperature switch and connecting wiring. Relay power and feedback circuits are protected by fusible links in the wiring harness. The control module is protected by a seperate 10A fuse in the fuse panel assembly. The super-quick start system eliminates the waiting time to start the engine.When the ignition switch is turned to the ON position, relay #1 also closes and full system voltage is applied to the glow plugs. If the ignition switch is left in the ON position approximately three seconds more without cranking, the control module opens relay #1 and current to the plugs stops, preventing overheating. Relay #2 does not close until the engine is cranked. When the engine is cranked, the control module cycles relay #1 intermittently allowing the glow plug voltage to alternate between 6 and 12 volts during cranking and with the #2 relay closed. After the engine starts, the alternator output signals the control module to stop the #1 relay cycling and the afterflow function takes place. If the engine coolant temperature is below 86*F, the #2 relay remains closed. This applies reduced voltage (6-7.6 volts) to the glow plug resistor for approximately 30 seconds.

Owner: , Thanks for the info. I'll check it out & let you know what happened. By the way do you know where the "Control Module" they talk about is? JC

Technican: 5-20-03. Look for the controller under the hood at the front of the left fender apron, down low near the frame. Another location for the controller could be the RH cowl.

Technican: Hello, How is it going??

Owner: , Sorry, I've been busy with some other stuff, and haven't been able to work on the pickup. I'll be getting back to it shortly. JC

Technican: OK JC, I'll be out of town next week and away from library resources. I plan to take my laptop to see what happens..I'll be limited to assist.

Technican: Hello JC, Any results yet? Do you need more info?

Technican: How is this repair coming? I'm running short on time with the manuals I've borrowed to assist you.

Technican: May I have the courtesy of an update?

Technican: Are you there?

Technican: JC are you still working this problem out?

Technican: What is the status here, please?

Technican: Please update!

Technican: Hello, please update.

Technican: May I hear from you, please? Thanks!

Technican: Hello? Will you please update this question status?

Technican: Are we finished here? Please update.

Technican: Hello, Please update/close this question.