I have a 2001 ranger 4x4 automatic. Whenever I accelerate above 2500 rpms, the truck makes a ticking noise that sounds much like static. As soon as it upshifts, the noise stops until the motor reaches that level again. It is annoying as can be. When it was still under warranty, I had it checked and the dealer could not find anything wrong. They at least checked the timing. The truck was most prone to making the noise most when I would run it for the first 15 minutes or so, but now does it pretty much all the time when I accelerate. It now has about 50,000 miles on it. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

"Ticking" can you be more specific. I have a 2001 4.0 and maybe its pinging, but it sounds like a rattlesnake at about 2200 -2700rpm. After it warms up good, it does not do it much. Check engine lights (I have none). At idle in park, I try and rev it up, it won't rev above about 2700RPM- cuts out (computer). But during driving, it runs all the way to about 6000RPM, and just the ticking/pinging/rattlesnake noise.

Does your engine rev alright? I am suspecious of MAF, cleaning made no difference. Apparently I have to go to Ford for MAFs, no aftermarket parts yet for 2000 and newer.

 

I guess a rattlesnake noise would be a very good description. I've been running premium gas for a while which has made no difference. It revs just fine, although the noise can still be heard.

 

I had an 01 Ranger and I had a similar problem with my 4.0. I brought it to the dealer and am pretty good friends with them so they had it checked out. They said there was a recall some plastic peice near the block. The guy I talk to isn't much of a mechanic and neither am I. They took the engine apart and replaced the part and I never had the problem again. I wish I knew the name of the part, I'll see if I cant find it and get back to this post. BTW it was covered all under a warranty because of some small recall on it.

 

I have not heard of the plastic part, but their are lots of plastic parts hanging on the engine. Mine only rattles when its under light throttle with a load - just reving won't do it. I am going to try and make an audio recording of it.

 

Is their a way to post an wav files (so you can diagnose the "noises" recorded) on this forum? I would like to post my rattlesnake noise and my rev stuttering problems on my 2001 4.0 SOHC and see if anyone has heard it before.

As an alternative I could upload it to my yahoo briefcase page and give you the link to the file where you could open it.

 

The link is the better idea.

 

Alright guys. I FINALLY found the recipt and paper that they had on my truck for the noise. It says it was the timing belt tensioner? They replaced it with a new part and I haven't heard the sound again. If it's still underwarranty maybe you should take it in and ask about it.

 

i believe it sounds like ur timing chain tensioner had the same problem on my 2001 rager 4.0 it took care of the noise havnt heard since lucky i was still under warranty