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3.0 stalls after going through puddles


TheRedRanger1999

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I have a 1993 ranger with 3.0 v6 4x4. It stalls after I go off roading through medium to large sized puddles. I had to take the TPS off bc if it's plugged in it'll crank but won't start. It's had the distributor all the way to plugs and the ICM replaced. Any suggestions would be helpful bc I love offroading in this truck but can only go in dry climates.
 


RonD

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Welcome to TRS :)

Manual or automatic?

All fuel injection computers have a "Clear Flooded Engine" routine
It allows driver to Crank the engine with fuel injectors OFF to dry out the flooded cylinders

"Clear Flooded Engine" is initiated by the TPS
TPS gets 5volts from computer
When throttle is closed TPS sends computer back under 1 volt, .69-.99v is spec
When throttle is wide open(WOT) TPS sends computer 4.5-4.9v

If RPMs are 0 and TPS shows 4.5-4.9v then computer starts "Clear Flooded Engine", fuel injectors are turned OFF, so crank but no start

So your TPS is shorted between the 5v and return signal volt wires, if the wires in the harness were shorted then unplugging TPS wouldn't allow startup, computer would stay in "Clear Flooded Engine" mode

Test TPS with OHM meter, top and center wires are the 5v and return, should show HIGH ohms with throttle closed, then low ohms at WOT


Stalling in water can be a few things
The Cold air intake is in the rad support and lower down behind the grill, if you hit the water too hard you can suck in water spray stalling engine, check air filter box for moisture.
If water level is too high the Fan can spray the inside of engine bay causing electrical issues

The Starter Relay(solenoid) on the inner fender is the Power distribution point for the vehicle, one post will have battery positive cable and several other wires attached for all the electrics, all wires here need to be in good condition.
One wire from this post runs to engine fuse box, its the main power for ignition switch, so a problem with this wire cuts power to engine systems which gets it power from ignition switch.

There are two Relays in the engine fuse box that can stall the engine
PCM relay and the Fuel Pump relay, these are activated by ignition switch

Do you remember if the CEL(check engine light) came on when engine stalled?
It should if computer was still getting 12volt power
If no CEL then power was cut to computer which is why engine stalled
 

TheRedRanger1999

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It's a manual truck, I got it for 600 and the CEL light is on for to and the CEL light doesn't come on when it stalls out from the puddle. The deepest water is maybe 6inches deep and it'll stall out, I have to disconnect the power terminal and then reconnect to get the truck to start

If I need to reinstall the TPS and run it's cycle then I will, only other light that is on is the ABS light but it's bc of the sensor in the rearend
 

TheRedRanger1999

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I unfortunately don't have an ohm reader but is there a way to test with a test light ie low light vs bright light?
 

RonD

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If CEL doesn't come on after engine stalls then Computer is turned OFF, test this by stalling the engine using the clutch, CEL should come on with in a second or 2 of engine stalling

If that doesn't happen when it "water stalls" then computer power is being cut and thats why engine stalls, no fuel injectors

In 1993 the computer is in engine bay drivers side between firewall and inner fender, below Clutch reservoir
Could be getting splashed water in there causing a short

No you need an OHM meter
$15 Volt/OHM meter can save hundreds of dollars over your life time
 

TheRedRanger1999

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Okay, when it does stall with clutch it does have a CEL light on
 

RonD

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So now you know the computer is off when it stalls in water, the reason for the stall most likely

Computer is powered by the EEC/PCM Relay in engine fuse box.
This relay is turned on by the ignition switch under steering column

Do you remember if the Battery Light came on in water stall?
Thats also powered by ignition switch but not PCM relay
 

TheRedRanger1999

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Battery light does come on too
 

pjtoledo

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if it stalls from water splashing in the engine compartment I would think testing with a garden hose would be quite helpful.
go slow, one small section at a time.

what happens when driving on a smooth road in the rain?
 

TheRedRanger1999

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truck drives fine when driving in the rain on a smooth road and small puddles or if the roadway has puddles on it it's only when I'm am offroading and I hit a big puddle
 
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RonD

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So a big bump, or only if there is water in it?
 

TheRedRanger1999

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Only deep water like 6" deep
 

RonD

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So bumps don't bother it at all
 

TheRedRanger1999

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Doing things wrong, until I get it right.
6 inches of water at the wheel or the cab? Because, 6" of water, is that considered Deep? I don't go off-roading, AT ALL, but I would think if the water barely gets the rim wet it would not be causing stalling issues.
 

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