Notices
1983 - 2012 Ranger & B-Series All Ford Ranger and Mazda B-Series models

General engine and ECU question

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jul 6, 2016 | 11:36 PM
  #1  
Ponyguy's Avatar
Ponyguy
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
From: Oswego, IL
General engine and ECU question

I have a 2004 Ranger with a Duratec 2.3 liter 4 banger stick shift. I took it to the Ford dealer a couple weeks ago for an oil & filter change; I got it back and drove it for a couple weeks, but I kept smelling some sort of fumes as I drove it... like I was catching the exhaust from a motorcycle. I figured that maybe there was some engine oil spilled on an exhaust pipe, or some such. Finally, this afternoon I got fed up with the smell, and I popped the hood for a peek... sure enough, the oil filler cap was missing. Snooping around, I saw the oil filler cap stuck beneath the hood latch assembly in front of the radiator. So, I popped it back on, and the stink disappeared.

My question: With the oil filler wide open, shouldn't the engine computer throw a code? It didn't. Seems to me that at least the PCV system should show a failure.

Thanks for whatever help you guys have...
 
Reply
Old Jul 7, 2016 | 07:17 AM
  #2  
pawpaw's Avatar
pawpaw
Moderator
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 13,851
Likes: 111
From: SW Va
Club FTE Gold Member
How wet is the engine with oil that blew out??? I'd call the Dealer Service Manager & explain what you found, hopefully you took some photos, & tell him you expect another oil & filter change as you don't know how much in the way of contaminates have gotten into the engine. Take your service receipt with you so they know which tech did the work.

There is a specification for crank case pressurization/blow by, that can be measured with gauge but I don't know if your year model has a mounted sensor for that that would trip the CEL/SES light

Let us know what you decide to do.
 
Reply
Old Jul 7, 2016 | 07:20 AM
  #3  
tomw's Avatar
tomw
Logistics Pro
20 Year Member
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 4,907
Likes: 39
From: suburban atlanta
There is no sensor that detects crankcase pressure or PCV system flow. The only symptom, beyond the odor you perceived, would be a possible change in idle speed as the PCV would have a little less restriction on the air coming into the crankcase, but not much.
The flow is filtered air from the intake tube into the cam cover, through the crankcase, out through the separator, through the PCV and into the intake. More or less.
The only thing a missing cap did was allow unfiltered air, with a little less restriction, into the crankcase. And the fumes to escape.
tom
 
Reply
Old Jul 7, 2016 | 07:00 PM
  #4  
spooktn's Avatar
spooktn
More Turbo
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 623
Likes: 2
From: Usa
Wow that was a great explanation Tom,,, you have a good handle on these old Rangers
 
Reply
Old Jul 7, 2016 | 09:30 PM
  #5  
Kruse's Avatar
Kruse
Fleet Mechanic
20 Year Member
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,529
Likes: 35
From: Kansas
Originally Posted by pawpaw
I'd call the Dealer Service Manager & explain what you found, hopefully you took some photos, & tell him you expect another oil & filter change as you don't know how much in the way of contaminates have gotten into the engine.

They screwed up and you are giving them a chance to use your vehicle to screw up again? To each their own.
I bought a new vehicle from Ford back in the late 80s and they gave me "free oil changes for life" on the vehicle. (It was their policy on every new vehicle they sold. I couldn't get them to lower the price if I didn't participate) ON THE VERY FIRST OIL CHANGE, they stripped the plug. One must remember that the "tech" changing your oil at the dealership are usually the lowest of the low. (Sorry, if any of the readers change oil at a dealership and you are the best)
Just tell the dealership owner exactly why you won't be going to them ever again.
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
djhecker15
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
6
Jul 27, 2010 01:11 PM
f250meangreen
6.0L Power Stroke Diesel
9
Nov 18, 2005 06:22 PM
ShanMcPherson
1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
3
Apr 25, 2005 12:00 AM
tg3434
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
2
Sep 28, 2003 09:28 AM
Madsan
Ford Inline Six, 200, 250, 4.9L / 300
7
Sep 12, 2003 02:04 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 08:17 AM.

story-0
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-1
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-3
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-6
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-8
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE
story-9
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE