2005 Ford Ranger: fuel pump failure

Filed Apr 18, 2020 · Fuel system · 55,000 miles · PA

I would be driving and all of a sudden the whole vehicle would just shut down. This happened 3 or 4 times just going at 25 to 35 MPH. At first, I thought it was a clogged fuel line since it would somehow reset itself after having it towed to my mechanic so I replaced the filter even though I could see nothing wrong. When it happened again on a backcountry road the mechanic said it was probably the fuel pump so I had the whole thing replaced. It happened one more time after that, I was pulling onto a major highway and had just gotten up to speed 55 MPH and there was a tractor-trailer behind me when all of a sudden again everything shut down. Luckily I had enough moment built up I was able to coast to the side of the road before getting hit by the tractor-trailer. I finally looked online and found that someone had mentioned the same problem it may be the inertia switch. I called up a local dealership and had asked the parts person if the had a replacement and if he heard any problems about it. I was told it would have to be ordered because they were out of them, they had sold a few in the past months. When I explained the problem I was told oh yes we have heard about that happening but there was no recall. I explained how it could be a safety problem and was told that it must not be happening enough for it to be a recall. I recently found this site and have seen that I am not the only one who had this happen so at least I know I wasn't crazy.

Filed Feb 13, 2018 · Fuel system · 80,450 miles · IL · 1 injury

Engine stalled ostensibly for lack of fuel. First engine stall episode occurred while vehicle was turning leftward into driveway at about 2 MPH and at approx 5 degree angle of inclination. Vehicle was towed from where it came to rest to repair shop where diagnosis was fuel pump failure resulting in replacement of the fuel pump (ford oem part.) vehicle performed reliably thereafter for a period of approx 39 months without stalling. Second episode occurred after vehicle shut off and resting on flat driveway surface overnight. The following morning engine cranked but would not fire or start. Again towed to different repair shop where diagnosis was again fuel pump failure however upon attempt to restart following pump replacement, engine would not fire or start. Troubleshooting revealed fuel inertia switch required reset after which engine started, system tested ok and vehicle performed seemingly properly for next 10 days. Most recent (3rd) stalling episode occurred at traffic control light in heavy traffic immediately upon acceleration from full stop on level surface and attempting to travel directly forward with no turn of the wheel. Following removal from roadway, engine could not be restarted until after fuel inertia switch was reset. Vehicle then ran under its own power additional 2 miles to home where it remains pending further troubleshooting and repair.

Filed Sep 29, 2017 · Electrical, Fuel system · NY

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 ford ranger. While driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle stopped in the middle of traffic without warning. The vehicle was coasted to the contact's residence and the contact replaced the fuel filter. The failure recurred and the contact replaced the fuel pump. The failure recurred a third time and the vehicle was taken to an unknown independent mechanic who diagnosed and replaced the inertia switch. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and did not assist. The failure mileage was not provided.

Filed Sep 24, 2017 · Fuel system · 75,000 miles · FL

Ford ranger 2005 4 cylinder fuel cutoff safety switch cuts off without warning, first time in 2012 while out of state, traveling on the interstate at 70 MPH, tried to pull over, but not much of a road shoulder. I had it towed 11 miles to an unfamiliar garage that, replaced the switch for $360. In 2015 switch failed, towed to a local garage and repaired. I believe they reset the safety switch and charged $70 dollars. Researched the problem and discovered hundreds of complaints, found out the switch is probably defective and can be reset. I cannot start my vehicle more than three times without resetting the switch. The ford dealer wanted to replace my fuel pump for $850. I doubt that is the proper fix. This situation is extremely aggravating and quite dangerous. I don't know why ford is turning away from this problem other than the number of owners that have this problem. Someone is going to get hurt. I love my truck, I hate the inconvenience. There are other models experiencing this same problem. The cutoff can occur at any time, while in motion or standing still.

Filed Apr 20, 2016 · Body · FL

Frame on truck has completely rusted off in two pieces I went to replace the fuel pump and took the bed off to see the truck fold

Filed Jun 22, 2015 · Fuel system · 110,000 miles · KS

Leaking gas from fuel pump fuel pump has big crack in plastic where fuel line comes out

Filed Jun 5, 2014 · Fuel system · 128,000 miles · UT

First time we were shopping, when we started the car it wouldn't start. We replaced the fuel pump? When it happen the next time we were driving when engine shut off,we were on a dirt road had no power steering,no power brakes only going 20 MPH.the shop told us that it was the fuel shutoff valve in case of a crash. I purchased the ranger 5/30/13 from a ford dealer.over the past year the engine has stopped 8 to 10 times.we on a went trip last weekend it happen two times on I 84 in idaho we were going 75 MPH. I did get the truck off the freeway but wonder what if we were in boise or salt lake with all of the traffic what mite have happen.has this happen to other rangers ?????

Filed Mar 25, 2014 · Fuel system · 26,400 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 ford ranger. The contact stated that he was at a stop light when the engine stalled. The vehicle was towed to the dealer for inspection where they stated that the fuel pump needed o be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of failure. The failure mileage was 26,400.

Filed Aug 14, 2012 · Fuel system · 51,000 miles · ID

While turning a corner the truck just shut off and died. Had to push it over two lanes and into a parking lot only to find out the fuel pump inertia switch was popped. Reset it and the truck started for a few minutes but when I went to drive off it died again. Rechecked the inertia switch and this time it was not popped. Pulled the connector off of the switch and jumped the connector and the truck ran fine all the way home. This is not the first time this switch has given me trouble. About six months ago it did the same thing but thought it was the fuel pump and replaced a $400.00 fuel pump only to find out later that the fuel pump inertia switch had popped. This switch seems to pop in some odd and bad locations with no apparent reason. No bumps in the road, no hard braking, or hard acceleration etc. This time when I pulled the switch I found the connector slightly melted and realized that there was a loose connection in the switch itself. Had to order a switch kit which relocates it into the fuse panel kick plate of the truck. Ford should recall this as it is a good way to cause and accident if the truck was going high speed and all the sudden stalls and you loose all power steering and brakes etc. Could get someone killed. Thankfully I caught mine because I am a mechanic and know a lot about fords.

Filed Jun 26, 2012 · Electrical, Fuel system · 13,000 miles · MI

Driving on i75 when engine stopped. I lost all power. Was able to coast off the road and onto the shoulder. After five minutes, truck started and drove home without any further problem. Continued to have same problem, didn't matter what speed I was driving or if I was stopped at a light, and it would stop repeatedly in one week or go for months without a problem. Truck would stop and would eventually restart within a couple minutes or up to 30 minutes after it had stopped. I repeatedly had to coast or push this truck from the roadway without any power steering. In early 2011, the truck stopped three times in one day. The third time, it stopped in front of friendly ford, monroe, mi. They kept it for two weeks but it only stopped running for them one time and it repaired itself before they could find the problem. In may of 2012, it began stopping multiple times in one day. It stopped and would not restart and I had it towed to crest ford in flat rock, mi. They discovered the fuel shutoff inertia switch had failed and replaced it and the pig tail wiring harness. It apparently had overheated for some time and had melted the wiring harness into the switch. I paid $367.94 for these repairs. At this time the truck only had 28,370 miles on it. The truck was used very little and was always kept inside my garage. The dealer told me to contact ford for possible reimbursement. Ford told me they did not have a recall for this problem at this time but to keep my receipt in case of a future recall. I feel this is a safety problem. This switch is designed to shut off the fuel pump during a crash so as not to feed a fire. I googled for "ford ranger defective inertia switch," and found thousands of similar complaints where their ranger would suddenly stop and eventually would require the inertia switch to be replaced and in some instances, it was replaced as many as three times during ownership. *jb updated 07/19/12

Filed Aug 15, 2011 · Electrical · 69,283 miles · ID

Engine died when slowing for a turning vechicle an busy city street. Engine would not start and was unable to move vechicle out of traffic lane until tow truck arrived. Repair facility engine analysis identified the fuel pump inertia shutoff switch which as the fault. It would not reset and was replaced.

Filed Jun 3, 2011 · Fuel system · 77,000 miles · VA

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 ford ranger edge. The contact was driving 35 MPH when the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the stalling was caused by the reset button becoming too hot and stopping the fuel flow to the engine. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer where the contact was advised that the fuel pump was faulty. The dealer replaced the fuel pump but the repair did not remedy the issue. The contact took the vehicle back to the dealer and the dealer replaced the second fuel pump but to no avail. The failure persisted and there were no further repairs. The failure mileage was 77,000.