Hey guys. GOt a confusing problem. I started my 95 4X4 2.4L up and drove about a block just fine. Then I shifted into second gear, and all of a sudden the truck died. COuldnt start up again. Everything else is fine, like battery and starter. It turns over but nothing else. It kind of seems like there's no gas getting to the engine. I'm thinking its some sort of fuel delivery problem. What can I fix/check on my own before I take it to the shop? P.S. - I JUST filled gas, so that is not the problem!!!! What can affect the truck and prevent it from running like this? PLEASE HELP!?!?!

I'm assuming you got it home and aren't working on it in the street.

It takes 3 things to make an engine run: Mechanical, electrical, and air/fuel. We have to assume the mechanical is OK if you didn't hear grinding or other horrible noises when it stopped

Check for spark first- remove a spark plug, ground the threads against a clean metal part of the motor, and have someone crank the engine. Make sure you see a blue spark from the electrode. If so, re-install the spark plug. If not, trace the problem- plugs, wires, cap, rotor, ECU, etc.

If the electrical is good, it pretty much has to be fuel/air. Testing this is a bit trickier. Did you smell fuel when you were testing the spark (coming from the open spark plug hole)? You can disconnect a fuel line somewhere near or at the fuel rail, see if there's pressure in it. Your ECU may be throwing codes that will give you an idea what's wrong- could be the MAF (mass air flow) sensor, the O2 sensor (usually just causes a rich condition though) or any number of other problems. Search the forums to find out how to pull codes if you don't know how- I know there's a couple of write-ups about it.

Let us know what you find.

-Spike

ckeck the fuel pump fuse and all the fuses

thanks for the help guys. But where is the fuel pump and how can I check if it's ok?

fuel pump is in the gas tank. take it out, then turn the key to the on position, and if you don't hear the pump running, you need a new one. check the fuse first though.

I had this problem with my 86.5 hardbody 4x4 4cyl..the motor just died so I checked the fuel pump fuse and it was blown so I put another one in and still nothing, checked the fuse and it was fine..I pulled the fuel pump and one of the wires on the pump was corroded off the terminal so I wasn't getting any power to the pump..I soldered new wires on it and its been running fine now for 2 years..hope that helps

sorry i dont understand that the fuel pump is in the tank? So how am i supposed to take it out and check it?

Check it at the engine first, much less confusing. If it works at the engine it works at the tank.

-Spike

When you turn the key "on" do you hear the fuel pump kick on? it should kick on for about 3 seconds..if it doesnt, it might be the fuel pump relay which on my truck is located on the right front fender also check to see if you have fuel pressure

I do believe the fuel pump is working. What else is there? I am going to try to change my fuel filter today. Ill let you know if it works. Any helpful hints?

Not familiar w/ particulars on your 95, but my fuel filter has soft lines on it. I usually change those out overy other time, just because the "fuel injection hose"( different thatn regular fuel hose) isn't all that expensive, and the job just flat goes quicker if you can cut the lines off instead of trying to get them "unglued".

I try to change it at least every 30 thousand miles.

Prcedure is to drive till your on fumes, then pull the fuel pump fuse and try to start it.

It will not be able to start.

I usually use minivice grips or hemostats to squeeze the soft lines closed while removeing the filter- which on my truck- is on the right frame rail below the back of the cab.

HOw old is the filter on there now?

I think its stock. It looks really old and dirty. Also that fuel injection hose, is it jsut a generic hose or a special one for every car?

match it up to the diameter that's on your rig.

It takes higher pressure than regular fuel hose( which will crack).

okay so i pulle d aplug to check for spark by putting it on the block and starting it. No spark. SO now what? Distributor? SOme other thing that I cant think of? THanks again

First, check your wires for breaks, then I would pull the cap/rotor and look at those. If that checks out, then move on and check the coil. If all that checks out, then you'll probably need to pull the codes off the computer, because it will be something else in the ignition.

But remember to check all the easy, simple stuff first!