Hello, my truck has been sitting for a week or two. I would occasionally start it, but I have not driven it in a couple of weeks. I tried to start my truck and it will turn over, but not start. I’ve tightened the battery cables, and made sure that everything is intact. I even tried to jump it off with cables. Still no start. Any ideas what could be the issue?

Thank you

 

Possibilities (all gasoline-engined vehicles):
1. Starter cranks/spins engine normally, but engine will not start.
2. Starter/engine makes no noise or just clicks when key is in the "start" position.
3. Dashboard warning lights don't come on at all with key in "run" position.
4. "She won't turn over" - that's a sex issue.

So different troubleshooting those issues.

 

So more information needed. Is this truck new to you? Did this happen at once or happen gradually? Automatic or manual transmission? Do you have a digital multimeter/voltmeter? Provide as much information as to the SYMPTOMS as possible.

 

number 1 from your post above. The truck is not new to me. I’ve had it for a little while now. This happened before and I adjusted and tightened the battery cables and everything worked properly. I’ve done that already like 3 times and still get the same result. Someone mentioned fuel pump. Is that a possibility?

 

So it's condition #1. First step is to get some aerosol starting fluid (or aerosol choke cleaner) and spray some into the air cleaner or intake throat; hold down gas pedal and try to start. Do this several times if necessary. If engine runs even fora few seconds or so, then problem is fuel-related. If not, then spark-related.

That's always step 1 of troubleshooting when the starter spins the engine normally.

If the engine runs a few seconds when you do this test, then you can troubleshoot whether the fuel pump is getting positive voltage when the key is in the "run" position. There will be at minimum a fuse and a relay prior to the fuel pump.

I'm sure you know that your 1998 Mazda is actually a Ford Ranger, try to locate a wiring diagram for 1998 with 4000 engine.

 

Thank you for the information. I will try that.