Hey all - was working on several things, including installing an air compressor, in my 95 4.0. Battery was one year old. At one point I let the compressor run for about two minutes without the motor on (I know I shouldn't, but I was in the garage and didn't want to stink up the whole house). I left it for a few days (no dome lights or anything left on), and it was totally dead. I put my jumper box on it and it started right away. I let it run for a few seconds, then tried to turn the compressor on, and the motor died immediately. I left it again, then today went to jump it. It either wouldn't crank at all, or it would crank strong but never start. The battery was under warranty and they swapped it out - old one was showing 3v when I brought it in. Put the new battery in and everything is working normally, but it won't start again - just cranks and cranks.

Should I try the computer reset where I ground the battery terminals to each other for 5 minutes, then turn the headlights on and off? Everything was working beautifully before this, and I'm hearing the (new) fuel pump run for a few seconds when I turn the key.

Sure appreciate the help!

 

Was it working with the new fuel pump before? Check if you are getting fuel to the engine and if there is gas in the tank. Possibly the new fuel pump gauge is inaccurate.

 

Not a bad idea, but yes, new fuel pump was about a thousand miles ago and has been working perfectly so I'd be very surprised if that was the problem. I'm about to try the computer reset and if that doesn't do it I'll look at the fuel, though that would really be a surprise to me.

 

Computer reset did nothing. Got it to BRIEFLY start, but super weakly - maybe it hit 100 RPM!! And only for a second or two. Time for bed but tomorrow night I'll check for spark and fuel!

Thing was running PERFECTLY when I pulled it into the garage last week.................what could a drained battery have messed up? So confused

 

Well update - checked all the fuses, starting with under the hood since I'd convinced myself it must be one of those. The ONLY fuse that was blown was a 2-amp in slot #7 under the dash, which the manual says is for ABS. Well this ol pile doesn't even HAVE ABS - and yet there was a blown 2-amp fuse in there. The lowest I had was a 5-amp, so I threw it in and went to start it - same thing. After 5 seconds or so I was about to let off the starter when it kind of started to catch a little like before, so I gave it some throttle a few times, and wouldn't you know, she started up! I let her run 5 minutes or so, then shut it off and started it a few times - no problem. Ran the compressor, no problem there either. Took that fuse out, ran just fine.

SO

I have absolutely no idea what happened. Seems like these old rigs don't like having the battery run all the way out for sure - who knows what it messed up in the computer maybe. Anyway, she's running great now! The world may never know. Sure appreciate the help!

 

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