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I have a 93 Ranger 4x4 with 4.0 and 5-speed. I normally run regular unleaded fuel, and get decent mileage - about 18 to 20 mpg. It does ping a bit on the hills or when accelerating in to high a gear....
Driving home from work the other nite, the Check Engine Light went on, and it started pinging hard. I was driving about 65 on a level freeway at the time. Then the light went out and it startd running better, but it went on and off several more times. Engine wasn't hot - I'd only gone about 10 miles, mostly on the level or downhill.
Any idea what might have caused this?
If I took it in now to the dealer, would they be able to pull the codes off to see what happened?
If there is a code stored in continuous memory, it is saved for something like 50 engine run cycles. Why not have a look at the technical information at the top of this forum regarding how to pull codes, pull it, and post it here. You don't need a code scanner for your rig in order to pull codes.
Onn the 93, you can pull the codes yourself with a multimeter. Check the technical notes at the top of this forum for OBDI codes. Then let us know what you find if anything.
It' EEC-IV and it's found under the emissions section. Here's the url: http://fords.kilonet.org/ken00/EECIVQT.pdf
Note that you can also use the CEL rather than a scanner or voltmeter. Many parts stores will pull them for free in anticipation of your buying parts from them.
Thanks for the link to the tech, Cowboy Billy - something to read tonite!
I just tried at my local AutoZone - they just insist that the Check Engine Lite must be on - so guess I might have to get my own checker?? I don't have a decent Multimeter....
I also have a '93 and you do not need a multi-meter. On the firewall side of the battery box is your computer connection. There are two plugs inside - one with multiple sockets and one with a single socket.
Check the forum here but as I recall I grounded the single (white) connector to the battery, turned the key on - not running - and the CEL will flash - e.g. one flash is a #1, 2 flashes is a #2 and so on with pauses inbetween the various codes.
There is a procedure in this site on how to do this because that is where I learned how to do this. Once you have the code number post it here and someone can pass along the pinpoint tests to help you solve the problem.
Thanks for the link to the tech, Cowboy Billy - something to read tonite!
I just tried at my local AutoZone - they just insist that the Check Engine Lite must be on - so guess I might have to get my own checker?? I don't have a decent Multimeter....
The Autozone employee evidently does not understand that there are three types of codes that may exist on these vehicles, (shame on them!) and they must be corrected in this order: 1) KOEO (key off, engine off), 2) KOER (key on, engine running), and 3) CM (continuous memory). The CM codes don't turn on the CEL. As has been correctly noted, the system has the ability to display codes using the CEL although you have to watch the light carefully. But it does work.
Last edited by CowboyBilly9Mile; Nov 2, 2004 at 01:23 AM.
For what it's worth...you don't need a good volt meter. But you do need an "analog" meter so you can see the needle sweeps easier. As was mentioned...the codes come fast. You might need to run the tests more than once to catch everything.
That's a great site - thanks Russ! Lots of info - and not afraid to share for free! Hopefully I can work on this Saturday! In the mean time, I have a LOT to read!!
AutoZone has a sign outside advertising they will do "free" code checks - but in legaleze-size type says ONLY with CEL on! Obviously they either don't have a clue, or the lawyers are in charge!!!!
I really like this little truck, just think I prefer the old way of doing things - Carbs, points, no electronics, LEADED gas....it was EASY to figure out what was wrong, and even easier top fix!!! You could carry a cap, rotor, points, condensor, and a set of plugs in your tool box, and replace easily when you had to! Sure, wasn't quite as efficient, but if you bought quality, lasted a long time!! IMHO
I really like this little truck, just think I prefer the old way of doing things - Carbs, points, no electronics, LEADED gas....it was EASY to figure out what was wrong, and even easier top fix!!! You could carry a cap, rotor, points, condensor, and a set of plugs in your tool box, and replace easily when you had to! Sure, wasn't quite as efficient, but if you bought quality, lasted a long time!! IMHO
Yep, and you didn't bang your knuckles as much due to all the SPACE you had to work in. ;-)
On the other hand, the old way required way more maintenance and, without EFI, was not able to produce decent power while passing emissions. Welcome to the world of 100,000 miles between tunups .
Model T: I agree with you to a point (no pun intended). When the cars/trucks started going electronic I was almost overwhelmed. Once one becomes accustomed to the code analyzers the new way is much simpler.
Something to think about is investing in a scanner - like an Actron 9145 (no I am not endorsing any one brand) with the necessary cables to fit each of your vehicles. This type of set-up will digitally provide the codes KOEO, KOER and Stored, as well as the pin-point tests to find the part that is misbehaving. As an example, if you were to get a code P0340 - Cylinder Identification missing - you could use your analyzer to determine if indeed you are receiving signals from the Camshaft Position Sensor, the Crankshaft Position Sensor and other items that contribute to that function. The one that is not working is probably the problem. It may be only a bad connection but you found it. You are using technology to aid in finding the problem. It does not take long to become rather comfortable with this equipment.