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Hesitation?

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Old Jul 22, 2002 | 09:27 AM
  #1  
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Hesitation?

Hi,

My '96 4.0 is hesitating at speeds of 80 km/h and greater. What a pain in the butt! I can't figure it out. The hesitation/surging only appears when I put slightly more than a light load on the engine, such as a small hill. The engine light doesn't trip. Where do I start looking? Oh ya, I also cleaned the MAF.

Has someone come across this problem?
 
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Old Jul 22, 2002 | 11:01 AM
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Hesitation?

Plugs, wires, fuel filter, air filter.

super

 
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Old Jul 22, 2002 | 12:58 PM
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Hesitation?

I should have also mentioned that I've changed all of the above within the last year or so. New IAC solenoid as well.
 
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Old Jul 23, 2002 | 08:18 AM
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Hesitation?

ok, 3 questions..

What kind of tranny, Auto or Manual?

How many miles?

What kind of milage have you been getting lately?




I'd also replace the O2 sensor thats on the cat...it tells the computer wether its running to rich or too lean....this could also be the source of your problems...In my opinion don't be afraid to pay a bit more for a good one.

super
 
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Old Jul 23, 2002 | 09:38 AM
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Hesitation?

Auto 4x4
81000 miles
Approx. 19.3 mi/G....roughly. (I've never actually measured it, but I always set my tripometer before a fuel fill so I have a good idea of how many miles per tank).

I've never replaced either 02 sensor. I figured that if the 02 sensors go bad, they would trip the engine light (the engine light is not on). Is that incorrect?

 
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Old Jul 23, 2002 | 09:58 AM
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Hesitation?

hmmm yes and no...

they can get dirty

I'd put money on it that the o2 sensor is close to going...
I think the last time I checked, they cost about $30..

if it isn't that, I'm stumped..

super
 
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Old Jul 23, 2002 | 10:10 AM
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Hesitation?

OK, well, thanks. I reached the same conclusion that maybe its an 02 sensor problem.

Another thing that someone mentioned is that maybe one of the plugs went bad. I replaced my OEM with Bosch Platinum plugs. I still have my original OEM...I might try replacing the originals and compare the difference. (They also mentioned that Rangers don't use all the same OEM plugs on the same vehicle. Supposedly, one or two of the plugs are different????? Ever heard that?)
 
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Old Jul 23, 2002 | 10:34 AM
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Hesitation?

I've had 6 ford rangers, 92 on up to 00, I've never heard any thing like that, and never seen it. Your Bosch's should be just fine...that's what i've got in my 00 4.0L ranger.

Are they platinum +4's, if not make sure that they are gapped correctly...


super


 
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Old Jul 23, 2002 | 10:59 AM
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Hesitation?

No they are not +4's.

Well...thanks for the help.
 
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Old Jul 23, 2002 | 11:03 AM
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Hesitation?

no problem, hope I was of some help


super
 
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Old Jul 28, 2002 | 02:57 PM
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Hesitation?

The DIS ignition systems should have double platinums, +4s are BS. Have you checked for the 4.0 intake vacuum leak?
 
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Old Aug 1, 2002 | 08:35 AM
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Hesitation?

Nope. How do test for a leak?
 
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Old Aug 1, 2002 | 03:32 PM
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Hesitation?

On a cool engine, spray carb cleaner around the seal and look for an rpm change.
 
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Old Aug 4, 2002 | 10:52 PM
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Hesitation?

Ken00 I'm very curious, what did you mean that the DIS ignition should have double platinums? I've seen Bosch platinums go approx 75,000 without a lick of trouble - just changed them `cause I thought I should. I've currently got +4's in another vehicle for about 35,000 and again, not a hint of any trouble. They may be over-priced but if you can (reportedly) get 100,000 out of them why not?
 
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Old Aug 5, 2002 | 12:15 AM
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Hesitation?

I have never had any luck with bosch plugs on ford cars.
I have owned 3 fords previous to my 2002 ranger and bosch plugs sucked it in 2 of em I didnt put em in the third I learned.
Motorcraft or Autolite work very good in fords. My opinion and some friends who have owned many fords too :-)

If it was me I'd probably just go buy autolite dbl plat plugs
they are like 3-4 bucks each and last a long time.
 
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