Hi,

I have a 2000 Ford Ranger Flex Fuel. My truck has been acting strange lately. i was driving to work one night and it acted like it was running out of gas. I replaced the fuel filter the next morning and it drove fine for about 2 weeks. I also just as a safe thing I had the fuel pump replaced, but it was ok too. Then it started shutting off driving down the road. You pull over and put in park and it would start right up. I replaced the crank sensor. It seems like it fixed the problem. Then a week later I was driving to work one night and it started acting like it was running out of gas again. I had to have it towed. I tried starting it at my house and it started but it would barely run. It smoked and was running so rich that it wouldn't stay running. I had the codes pulled and it came up PO176, P1132, P1152. Can anyone help. I don't know what to do now?

 

Welcome to FTE. Good idea to have the engine control computer scanned for trouble codes & posting All code Numbers found, as they can offer up good trouble shooting clues.

The P0176 = Fuel compensation sensor circuit malfunction. This is a special sensor only on the 3.0L Flex Fuel Ranger. It's used to sense the % ethanol alcohol in the fuel. If this sensor, or its circuit go bad, or send the computer corrupt info about the % alcohol in the fuel, the computer will get confused about how long to have the fuel injectors squirt fuel & if they squirt too long, as it seems they're doing, the air fuel ratio will trend rich, as the trouble codes P1132 & P1152 = No O2 sensor switching cyl Banks 1 & 2, O2 sensors indicating Rich, which also tallys with your saying it was rich & smoking & wouldn't stay running.

So, have a look at the fuel compensating sensors electrical connector to make sure its properly plugged in, the pins inside aren't bent & sockets aren't
corroded, the wiring to the connector isn't damaged, like mashed, or cut insulation, or broken wire strands. If all looks well there, then suspect the sensor. Its output can be tested & a forum search will turn up the readings its supposed to be outputting to the computer, for say E10 gasoline.
Be prepaired, that puppy is an expensive part to replace, but if you have to replace it, go to www.retailmenot.com & look up discount codes for like Advance Auto, ect, that can save you 30-40% on parts cost if ordered online & if you opt for in store pick up, no shipping charges, so you can save more.
Some thoughts for consideration, let us know how your trouble shoot goes.

 

p0176 try this thread for this code
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/2...d-ii-code.html

p1132 is oxygen sensor bank 1
p1152 is oxygen sensor bank 2