I have 92' Ford Ranger with 2.9 V6. I am having a starting problem. I turn the ignition and the starter motor runs strong but the engine sputters and won't start. I also notice that I don't hear the "whine" of the fuel pump pressurizing the system when I turn the ignition key.

But when I use jumper cables the engine starts. I had a new fuel pump installed 11 months ago.

Is there more going on hear than a semi-dead battery?

Thanks,
Dave

 

A bad battery can still crank the starter but won't start the vehicle because it doesn't have enough crank amps to crank it over. If you are able to jump it, definately sounds like the battery.

 

Thanks techmanbd for answering my question about "will dead battery still crank starter motor?" It makes complete sense that it is just bad battery. but a couple things still bother me.

If it is bad battery, it only took me 15 minutes to charge it.

Why did the engine sputter when I tried to start it?

I used tap water instead of distilled water for battery. Would this cause problem?


Also, if there was enough amps to cycle starter, would there not be enough amps also for fuel pump to pressurize system (whining sound with ignition)?

Thanks,
dave

 

you may also want to look into testing your alternator just to be safe it is free at any auto zone, if it can't put out the amperage, the motor will sputter after you start it if you can.

if your alternator is ok you should go ahead and spend the money on a new battery.

it askes for distilled water, but tap water will still do the trick.

 

Also check you battery termanals and grounds for corrosion.