Hooknswoop 19 #1 October 14, 2005 OK, I have a 1996 Ford Ranger, 2.3L 4cyl. I have replaced: Spark plugs and wires Mass Air Flow Sensor TPS Oil/Oil Filter EGR Valve 2x O2 Sensors Purge Valve Canister Soleniod and switch assembly Air Filter It has an intermittent problem. it will idle very rough, thenif I take the thorttle to the floor it will surge-idle-surge-idle-surge-idle-run normally. It will then run fine for a while, then, usually at a stop light, run rough and go through the surge-idle process with the pedal to the floor, then run normal for a while again. It seems to happen mostly right at start. The CHK ENG light is not on. It was on, but the plug on the EGR DPFE was loose from replacing the EGR valve and it went out. I think it could be: Idle Air control valve EGR vacuum soleniod Coolent temp switch or sensor Any ideas? Derek Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
racer42 0 #2 October 14, 2005 I just went through something similar with an 01 Sentra. It turned out to be broken wires on the mass air flow sensor...thank god. It's gotta be a sensor problem , trick is finding the right one. Have you had it's little computer brain read yet? Good Luck. KevL.A.S.T. #24 Co-Founder Biscuit Brothers Freefly Team Electric Toaster #3 Co-Founder Team Non Sequitor Co-Founder Team Happy Sock Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
justinb138 0 #3 October 14, 2005 QuoteOK, I have a 1996 Ford Ranger, 2.3L 4cyl. I have replaced: Spark plugs and wires Mass Air Flow Sensor TPS Oil/Oil Filter EGR Valve 2x O2 Sensors Purge Valve Canister Soleniod and switch assembly Air Filter It has an intermittent problem. it will idle very rough, thenif I take the thorttle to the floor it will surge-idle-surge-idle-surge-idle-run normally. It will then run fine for a while, then, usually at a stop light, run rough and go through the surge-idle process with the pedal to the floor, then run normal for a while again. It seems to happen mostly right at start. The CHK ENG light is not on. It was on, but the plug on the EGR DPFE was loose from replacing the EGR valve and it went out. I think it could be: Idle Air control valve EGR vacuum soleniod Coolent temp switch or sensor Any ideas? Derek I'd get that checked out first. From what I've heard from a few mechanics, those are problematic on alot of vehicles. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tr027 0 #4 October 14, 2005 If it has a throttle body (where the air goes after the air filter) check if that's clogged/dirty. Maybe PCV (positive crankcase ventilation). Just ideas though, not gospel, since I'm not a mechanic."The evil of the world is made possible by nothing but the sanction you give it. " -John Galt from Atlas Shrugged, 1957 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
chutem 0 #5 October 14, 2005 Check your fuel pressure. If low replace the filter and hope you get lucky. If your not lucky you'll be pulling the gas tank to change the fuel pump. Some trucks it's easier to pull the bed off than drop the tank. If your fuel pressure is ok it might be time to have a DEALER check your computer, they will be best equipped for that. Had to replace the computer on my 95 dodge van recently after spending major time checking/changeing most of the components you mentioned. Another cheap item to try would be the ignition coil. That is if this vehicle has only one coil, if it has one coil per cylinder that is most likely not it. Good Luck James Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hooknswoop 19 #6 October 14, 2005 Quoteit's little computer brain read yet? The Chk eng light isn't on. I am trying to avoid taking it in to a dealership. Derek Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hooknswoop 19 #7 October 14, 2005 QuoteCheck your fuel pressure. If it was the fuel pump or ignition coil (it has 2 for 8 plugs), wouldn't it do it all the time? I hope it isn't the computer, $140.00 for a new one. Derek Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hooknswoop 19 #8 October 14, 2005 QuoteIdle Air control valve Ya, I think I'll try that next. Derek Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
livendive 8 #9 October 14, 2005 I'm no mechanic, but I do know that fuel filters are cheap, and a clogged one can make an engine run poorly. Blues, Dave"I AM A PROFESSIONAL EXTREME ATHLETE!" (drink Mountain Dew) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Taylor610 0 #10 October 14, 2005 Hey Bro...sometimes on these older engines the idle valve may be sticking a little. I still have my 95 explorer although it has the 4.0 in it, sometimes it does the same. It was suggested that the next time I fill up I run 1 can of Marvels Magic Mystry oil through it (put in the gas tank) and if it continues after that, it would probably be a sensor. If it stops, it was just gunk causing something to sticka little. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hooknswoop 19 #11 October 14, 2005 Quote I'm no mechanic, but I do know that fuel filters are cheap, and a clogged one can make an engine run poorly. Right, but it only does it sometimes. If it was the filter, it would always run poorly. Derek Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hooknswoop 19 #12 October 14, 2005 QuoteMarvels Magic Mystry oil I'll try that is the Idle Air Control Vavle I just bought doesn't fix it. Derek Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jmpnkramer 0 #13 October 14, 2005 QuoteAny ideas? Sure do have an idea: QuoteI have a 1996 Ford Ranger, There is the problem! Seriously I am not sure. I do mucho shade tree stuff. Although Ford and I have never gotten along. Laters, K-Man!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! .The REAL KRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAMER! "HESITATION CAUSES DEATH!!!" "Be Slow to Fall into Friendship; but when Thou Art in, Continue Firm & Constant." - SOCRATES Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Shotgun 1 #14 October 14, 2005 That sounds very similar to a problem that I've just started having with my 98 Ford Ranger. I have been thinking that maybe the spark plugs need to be replaced, but I haven't gotten around to that yet. It sort of feels like it's not firing on all cylinders when it's cold, but I'm not sure what else to check. (I don't know very much about working on cars.) I hate intermittent problems because it seems that if I take it to a mechanic then I can never get the problem to actually happen while I am there. And I don't even have a mechanic out here because this is the first problem I've had with my truck in the 7 years that I've owned it... So if you figure out what the problem is, please let me know, because that might give me a clue as to what to check on mine... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hooknswoop 19 #15 October 14, 2005 OK, will do. I got a PM that someone else had the same problem and it was the timing. They got it fixed for $50-ish. Seems like it could be so many things. I figure the stuff I am replacing was going to break soon anyway. I would rather replace parts that have a lot of miles on them than pay for diagnostics. Derek Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
diablopilot 2 #16 October 14, 2005 Ohhhh...goody....was just thinking about a thread like this. 88 Jeep Cherokee 4.0 inline 6 Auto trans Will crank strong, but not catch at night or when the outside temp is low. If the temp is warmer it will sometime catch and idle like it's missing 3 or 4 cylinders, and sometimes run fine. I think it's spark, failing coil or ignition control module. Friend of mine said O2 sensor.---------------------------------------------- You're not as good as you think you are. Seriously. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
HydroGuy 0 #17 October 14, 2005 QuoteOK, I have a 1996 Ford Ranger, 2.3L 4cyl. I have replaced: Spark plugs and wires Mass Air Flow Sensor TPS Oil/Oil Filter EGR Valve 2x O2 Sensors Purge Valve Canister Soleniod and switch assembly Air Filter It has an intermittent problem. it will idle very rough, thenif I take the thorttle to the floor it will surge-idle-surge-idle-surge-idle-run normally When was the last time you replaced your fuel filter? It would have been one of the first things to check...so maybe you've already done it. Fuel pumps themselves USUALLY just die...but you never know. You should replace the PCV valve and grommet and adjust timing just because you've done a full tune up anyways. Did you replace the air filter with an oiled version (K&N)? If you put them on too oily they will foul up the Mass Air Flow sensor. Clogged injectors? Clogged catalytic converters? Been a while since I had my 5.0 Cobra...my Ford familiarity has diminished. Does that thing have a cap and rotor?Get in - Get off - Get away....repeat as neccessary Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tri160 1 #18 October 14, 2005 A clogged fuel filter can definately be an on and off problem. has happened to me on a couple of different vehicles with the same symptoms you are having. Cheap and easy to check/repair. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
billvon 3,116 #19 October 14, 2005 Check the vacuum hoses. A leaky vacuum hose can cause that since it allows air to bypass the mass flow sensor. It's worst at idle since that's when vacuum is highest, and that's when just a little leaking air can confuse the computer. And since most cars use vacuum to drive the A/C control valves and the brake booster, those vacuum hoses go all over. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jasonRose 0 #20 October 14, 2005 Sell it and buy a Chevy!!! Some day I will have the best staff in the world!!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
chutem 0 #21 October 14, 2005 Electric fuel pumps going bad will be intermittant lots of times. I have replaced 3 in personal vehicles and many on boats. Ignition coils can also be intermittant. James Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Shotgun 1 #22 October 14, 2005 QuoteOhhhh...goody....was just thinking about a thread like this. 88 Jeep Cherokee 4.0 inline 6 Auto trans Will crank strong, but not catch at night or when the outside temp is low. If the temp is warmer it will sometime catch and idle like it's missing 3 or 4 cylinders, and sometimes run fine. I think it's spark, failing coil or ignition control module. Friend of mine said O2 sensor. I think that in your situation, the problem is mostly likely the driver. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
diablopilot 2 #23 October 14, 2005 Quote I think that in your situation, the problem is mostly likely the driver. You know, if you want a spanking, all you have to do is ask. ---------------------------------------------- You're not as good as you think you are. Seriously. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Shotgun 1 #24 October 14, 2005 QuoteYou know, if you want a spanking, all you have to do is ask. Oh, OK... I'll remember that. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
HydroGuy 0 #25 October 14, 2005 QuoteSell it and buy a Chevy!!! I had an LS1 SS Camaro. It was fast. It had a nice transmission. It took six hours to change the spark plugs... Replacing the clutch was over 600 bucks... But when the sloenoids opened on that 150 shot of giggly....Get in - Get off - Get away....repeat as neccessary Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
