I have a 1991 Ford Ranger with a 4.0L v6. It runs fine except the transmission shifts rough sometimes, the battery gauge moves back and forth when i'm stopped. It stalled about two weeks ago. I waited a few minuites and then tried to start it, it turned over...then i realized my lights were on, so i turned them off. Then it started right up. After it dies, the truck turns over just fine. It happened again today. I waited a few and then it started just fine. I threw it in nuetral at the red-lights so it wouldn't die. I am looking for any ideas as to why this is happening. Thanks.

 

Check the IAC, check for loose grounds, check the alternator output, and regulator if you have one. The volt gauge jumping is either 1)loose something, 2)changing load, or 3)changing output of the alternator. It could mess up the IAC if the voltage is really jumping that much. It could also affect the shift solenoids in the transmission.
tom

 

Thanks for your reply tomw. I'll work on it and keep ya'll up to date.