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Another New Ranger

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Old May 22, 2004 | 06:39 AM
  #1  
xlt4me's Avatar
xlt4me
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From: Northwest Indiana
Another New Ranger

Picked it up last night with 4 miles on the odo. It was six weeks from order to delivery.

Specs:

2004 Ranger Reg Cab XLT 2.3l Auto, chrome trim, tilt/cruise, power group, aluminum wheels, dark shadow grey... looks sharp.

First impressions:

Interior is fine, exterior paint is good but panel fit is less than perfect... not terrible, ok for a truck. I am a little concerned about the engine. I know there is a learning curve for the computer engine / trans control and I hope things smooth out a bit. The engine is noticeably rough ( buzzy vibration ) at low RPM. I was expecting this new hi-tech 4cyl to be a very very smooth engine. My 2000 Honda CRV is like a sewing machine by comparison.

I'll post in the 4 banger group for their comments also.
 
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Old May 22, 2004 | 10:59 AM
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Vin 95
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From: Rosebud
I think it takes 40 drive cycles to set everything right,I've seen a post about setting these cycles(quite lengthy) but cant remember where its at.Try a search for "drive cycles".
 
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Old May 22, 2004 | 11:07 AM
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From: Rosebud
Sorry,I could'nt find it.Try contacting Ken00,I bet he can help you.
 
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Old May 22, 2004 | 11:46 AM
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Thanks Vin. I guess I should just give it some time and miles to break in and adjust. The owners manual just says it has to re-learn after a battery change but it dosen't say how long it can take.
 
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Old May 22, 2004 | 12:00 PM
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Vin 95
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From: Rosebud
After a battery change, let it idle WITHOUT touching the throttle for at least two minutes,this will relearn the idle circuit.the drive cycle Will EVENTUALLY set itself,but there is a procedure to set it faster.Something like excellorating from20 to 50with a steady throttle ( at 3/4 throttle) then coasting back down to 20, and doing this 3 times in a row.there is also one for stop and go traffic,and one for daily heat cycles.
 
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Old May 22, 2004 | 06:08 PM
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BTW, there is a cast aluminum bracket attached to the power steering pump with nothing on it. Seems like a waste.

Anyone know what it is used for?
 
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Old May 22, 2004 | 07:50 PM
  #7  
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I don't think any Ford engine will be as smooth as your Honda CRV engine. If there is, I haven't driven it.
 
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Old May 22, 2004 | 08:22 PM
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Congrates on the new truck!!!

It does take some time for the PCM to learn the long term strategies.
 
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Old May 23, 2004 | 09:24 AM
  #9  
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xlt4me
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Originally Posted by Ken00
Congrates on the new truck!!!

It does take some time for the PCM to learn the long term strategies.

Thanks. I quess you could say these Fords are slow learners...

It idles and cruises ok now but light acceleration still makes it buzz. Another words if you give it a little more gas it gets rough but if you give it more gas it smooths out again. Seems mixture / timming related. Hopefully it will learn to do better. Had a 93 Eclipse that took a week or so to re-learn after the battery was disconnected. We'll see and I pass along what it does.
 
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