Regarding TSB 00-24-8 (3.0L pinging), I notice that the bulletin mentions changing both the ignition coil and PCM assembly. Is it absolutely necessary to change both out? Has anyone here just changed the coil and found success? If I do decide to pursue this route, I'd like to go the cheapest/simplest way.

My '99 Ranger has been pinging on and off. I switched to 89 octane and it pretty much went away, although it comes and goes from time to time. I'd like to go back to 87 to save on the cost of gas.

Anyway, any help appreciated.

Keith

 

Hi Keith, welcome to FTE!

I haven't heard of anyone doing one without the other, but maybe someone will pipe up...

In the meantime, maybe you can check the 5 digit code on the coil to make sure your 3.0L is covered by the TSB. If it is, your gonna want to replace it anyway, no? And it it isn't, then you won't have to worry about replacing the coil or the PCM in any case.

 

Have you tried cleaning the MAF senser, that might cure the problem.

 

I replaced the ignition coil (without replacing the pcm) on my 99 ranger 3.0 about 2 months ago with one from a 00 with 30k miles -.. didnt change a thing..

 

what about putting a msd box on, do you think it would help?

 

I'm in the same boat as you guys. My 99 3L pings going uphill year round. I'd love to know about a simple fix, whether it be a Ford coil or an MSD ign unit. I'd spend 100$$ on a mechanical fix before I change to premium, or even mid-grade gas. I plan on keeping my steed forever and the extra bucks poured into the gas tank are staggeringly high compared to an ignition component replacement. Do the math at 20mpg X 15,000 miles per year!!

 

I had the same pinging problem with my 99 3.0 (4WD extended cab, auto).
I started with the simple things...changed the plugs, air and fuel filters
but still pinged. Made sure the EGR was working and pulled it off to see
if it was plugged...(it wasn't). Cleaned the MAF...no luck. I could get it to ease up on the pinging by going to 93 octane...but still noticeable especially in hot weather. Went to NAPA and tried a new DPFE and still no luck. Finally
I read about the Intake Air Temperature sensor and how a gentleman
named Ranger Bill had made up a variable resistor set up to change the
resistance in the IAT circuit. Just on a whim I decided to throw in a new
IAT sensor and that did the trick. Did it last fall and after a couple of
weeks...I threw back in the old sensor and sure enough the pinging returned.
Put the new sensor back in and it hasn't pinged since (running 87 octane).

The DPFE ran about 70 dollars at NAPA while the IAT sensor is around 20
dollars, so I wished I had tried the IAT sensor first. This may not be
everyone's problem...but for the 20 dollars it was well worth it to me.

Geo.