Hi I'm trying to fix up my brother's old ranger, and am new to these forums.
It's a 2000 Ranger 3.0L XLT.

It is idleing horribly and loses power when I get up to over 35 or 40mph.

The check engine light is on but when i try to attach a OBDII scanner to the port it doesn't register as being connected.

Was seeing if anyone had any idea as to what would cause the scanner to not be able to download codes?

 

Check the fuse for the cigarette lighter, if it's blown you won't be able to read codes.

BTW, welcome aboard.