My 1990 ford ranger 4x4,2.9 v-6 died suddenly. It,s cold out, started and warmed up engine for a few, took off down the road got up to 45, set the cruise. 20 seconds later i heard a light snapping noise, cruise suddenly shut off and engine stopped. It turns over but won't start?

SOURCE: 1990 Holden rodeo, Isuzu ute wont start when cold,

its coss the motor is frozen , so put anti freeze in the radiator

SOURCE: High pitch winding noise on cold start up.

Sounds like a constricted IAC Idle air control valve passsage. Fairly simple to fix. Remove air filter trunking all the way to the throttle body to allow access. The IAC allows air passed the throttle when closed at idle. Just on the inside of the throttle body in front of the throttle flap there is an opening in the throttle wall. This is the air inlet to the IAC; there is an outlet similar on the other side of the throttle. Use carb cleaner and cloth to shift the grime from this tubing and get it like new. Hold the throttle flap open to get at both ends of the IAC tubing. The IAC can be detached and cleaned to a shine. Reinstall the IAC and replace all air pipe ducting. Leave for about 20 minutes to allow any cleaner residue to dry out. When you restart you might experience a bit of uneven running but this will disappear very quickly as the last of the cleaner dries out

SOURCE: 86 Ranger 4X4 2.9 fuel inj runs rough when warmed up

1988 ranger 2.9 runs great cold then after a few minutes when warmed up hesitates with intermittent black smoke from the tail pipe until i hit the the throttle then clears and will repeat this behavior...

SOURCE: 2000 93 won't crank after engine warm

My problem was the neutral start safety switch. The switch is right under the battery. It probably has a small crack, and when it heats up, the contacts open. Car thinks it is in gear, and won't crank. It happens only once a month for me, so I just open the hood and pour a bottle of water on the battery, it runs on the switch and cools it down. Car starts every time. New switch is $300, some day I'll replace it.

SOURCE: 99 hyundai accent starts sometimes. not battery

maybe its the throttle position sensor located on the throttle body 2 screws and a clip to uninstall.its a try the part cost $55.00.I got one on ebay for $20.00 for my 99 hyundai accent..