so i have a weird issue. when I'm running AC on my 2.3l ranger sometimes the idle wont go down but rather hold its current RPMs till i either turn the AC off or place the truck back in gear. any idea what that could be?

 

It probably has an a/c "kicker" that adds rpm anytime the a/c is turned on. Just like it has a p/s "kicker" to increase rpm when turning the wheels at idle.

 

IAC dirty/sticking/acting out maybe. Have the computer scanned for trouble codes, set, or pending & post up All code Numbers found, as they can offer up good trouble shooting clues. What year is it???

 

That's the normal operation, motor produces more horsepower to operate the AC motor which is an additional load, needs to run at a certain speed which is not present at idle.

 

[QUOTE=ranger pat;14604837]It probably has an a/c "kicker" that adds rpm anytime the a/c is turned on. Just like it has a p/s "kicker" to increase rpm when turning the wheels at idle.[/QUOT

well that actually explains a lot. the truck does struggle at an idle while turning the wheels.

ive never heard of the part before or anything about it but that makes perfect sense. and to the last post no it will even hold the rpms at 5k if thats where im at when it acts up.

97 ford ranger 4 seater
2.3l engine
5 speed manual

 

egr came up for the code. but i doubt thats my problem with the idle

 

The "kicker" ranger pat is talking about is likely the IAC = Idle Air Control & its a common problem part in Ranger idle woes. Cleaning it may help for a while, it did for me, didn't last, but was a good trouble shooting step, so when my idle woes returned I knew what to replace.

What EGR code Number do you have???? We're not to have EGR feedback at idle & if we do, it'll corrupt the computer idle strategy & fuel trim. The EGR woe will need to be put right, before you'll get good uncorrupted idle strategy & stable, uncorrupted, fuel trim.