Rattle at Mid-Throttle
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New User
Joined: Nov 2004
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From: Alexandria, VA
Rattle at Mid-Throttle
Anybody ever get a tinny, mechanical rattle coming from the engine while at mid-throttle? I usually notice it at highway speeds in higher gears (4 and 5). I've got a '97 XLT 2.3L 5spd. It may also happen at lower speeds, but I'm not sure. It's just the oddest thing - if I am just maintaining my current speed and am pressing only lightly on the accelerator, it's fine. If I'm punching it and have the pedal to the floor, I don't hear it. But in between I will often get a little rattle, and it doesn't stop, either! It'll just keep on rattlin' away as long as I keep the throttle where it is.
Any ideas???
Thanks!
Nick
Any ideas???
Thanks!
Nick
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 294
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From: Kentucky
I have a 94 ranger 4x4 with a 4.0, and my engine does somthing simlar to this every once in awhile. There is a mass air sensor located on the intake air tube that comes from my air filter to my engine, I disconnect the wire harness and take it off (if i rember correctly there is 2 screws holding it) being very carefull with it because these babies are high to replace, then I take carburater cleaner and clean it by just spraying it. This has helped me.
This is what I do, but you might ask a tech. what they think.
Good luck
This is what I do, but you might ask a tech. what they think.
Good luck
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New User
Joined: Nov 2004
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From: Alexandria, VA
Well I experimented a bit last night, and the noise happens almost exclusively in 5th gear, sometimes in 4th, and always above 50mph.
I last changed my air filter about 10,000 miles ago, sometime in April.
What can be done if it's engine knock? I'm familiar with what it is, just not how to fix it.
Thanks again!
I last changed my air filter about 10,000 miles ago, sometime in April.
What can be done if it's engine knock? I'm familiar with what it is, just not how to fix it.
Thanks again!
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Joined: Dec 2004
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i get the same problem with my 90 ranger automatic, in overdrive at half throttle around 50. mine vibrates like something is all goofy, and it too will do it till i speed up or slow down. i usually just speed up, and it fixes the problem. 
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Postmaster
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From: Durham, NC
It sounds like you have a pinging (pre-ignition) problem. To verify it, try filling up with a tank of 93 octane fuel, and see if the noise goes away. If it does, try looking for the cause, dirty MAF sensor, EGR system not working properly, etc. .....
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New User
Joined: Nov 2004
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From: Alexandria, VA
Thanks for the tips! I've got about 100 miles left on my tank, so I'll fill it up with premium next time.
I also installed a K&M air filter this morning, but haven't gotten a chance to take it out on the highway, so I'll let you know if that helped at all.
Thanks again,
Nick
I also installed a K&M air filter this morning, but haven't gotten a chance to take it out on the highway, so I'll let you know if that helped at all.
Thanks again,
Nick
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New User
Joined: Nov 2004
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From: Alexandria, VA
Alrighty, I changed out the air filter and filled it up with 93 octane. The sound is almost entirely gone, but I still hear it a little bit.
So it sounds like it's probably engine pinging, huh? I understand the problem, but what exactly are the causes?
Thanks!
Nick
So it sounds like it's probably engine pinging, huh? I understand the problem, but what exactly are the causes?
Thanks!
Nick
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New User
Joined: Nov 2004
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From: Alexandria, VA
Oh yeah, forgot to mention - I changed the fuel filter at the same time as the air filter just for good measure. This was before I refueled, though, and it had no effect on the pinging, so it's probably something else.
Thanks for the tips, I'll investigate
Thanks for the tips, I'll investigate
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Joined: Sep 2004
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mine does the EXACT same thing. I have a 4.0 and going down the highway at about 70mph. I get a high pitched metallic "rattle" untill I either give it more gas or let off the gas. I have checked all of the heat shields, tightened up all of the wire looms and stuff under the dash, and taken it to the dealer several times. They replaced the tensioner once thinking that was the problem but they never could actually hear the problem for themselves. sure is an annoyance huh. I guess I am going to just bite the bullet and start running premium (really sucks here in expensive So. California)