Hi,I just bought a 01 ranger 4x4 with the 4.0 auto.The truck seems to run great until you floor it and the engine starts to cut in and out with the check engine light flashing.It fells like the trans was slipping but when i watch the tach it comes to a stop for a brief second and starts to climb again.Any ideas?I made an appointment with the local ford garage but they cant get it in till next week and i would really rather fix it myself if possible.thanks for your help

 

Welcome to FTE!!!

The first step to solving this is to pull the codes and see why the check engine light is on. Autozone will do this for free in hope that you will buy parts from them. Get the code(s) and post them here.

 

most likely its the egr sensor, I had a 2001 4x4 4.0l and the check engine light came on and I had the codes pulled by one of the mechanics in our garage and he cleared the codes and said if it comes back on when the motor gets hot then thats the problem, which it ended up being just that, Its the black sensor on top of the two hoses coming out of the exhaust pipe before the egr sensor, if you replace that it will fix the problem.

 

I went to autozone but they couldnt get any codes.They told me to come back when the light stays on.The light will only blink when its floored.It only does it when you put it all the way to the floor.EGR sensor is that a dealer item. thanks

 

EGR is not a dealer only item.

might want to check your plugs and wires for any signs of damage.

how many miles are on the engine?

 

I just changed the plugs to see if it would help but no luck.I put in autolite double platinum plugs. The plug wires look good.The truck has 36360 miles.

 

Is the EGR sensor your talking about called a EGR pressure sensor.Im looking at autozones site for the part. thanks

 

OK i went out and hammered on the thing and the check engine light stayed on.went to autozone and the code is p0300 multiple cylinder misfire.any ideas thanks

 

P0300 - Random Misfire The random misfire DTC indicates multiple cylinders are misfiring or the PCM cannot identify which cylinder is misfiring.

Possible causes..

Camshaft position sensor (CMP)
Low fuel: less than 1/8 tank
Stuck open EGR valve
Blocked EGR passages
One or more EGR passages may be blocked or partially blocked. If this is the case the Misfire Detection Monitor will indicate the EGR port to check for possible blockage.

 

2001 PCED OBDII SECTION 5: Pinpoint Tests

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HD: Misfire Detection Monitor HD: Introduction

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HD1 CHECK FOR ADAPTIVE FUEL MONITOR AND HO2S CONTINUOUS MEMORY DTCS
Note: The following is a list of non-misfire DTCs to look for in the Continuous Memory.

P0136, P0156
P0171, P0172, P0175
P1130, P1150
Are any of the DTCs listed above present?
Yes No
GO to HD3 . GO to HD2 .

HD2 CHECK FOR OTHER NON-MISFIRE CONTINUOUS MEMORY DTCS
Note: Check for other non-misfire Continuous Memory DTCs, which could cause the misfire DTC.

Are other non-misfire Continuous Memory DTCs present?
Yes No
ADDRESS the next Continuous Memory DTC. DISREGARD Misfire DTC at this time. GO to Section 4 for Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Charts . GO to HD3 .

HD3 CHECK FOR KEY ON ENGINE OFF (KOEO) DTCS
Check for any key on, engine off DTCs which could cause the Misfire DTC.
Are any key on, engine off DTCs displayed on the Scan Tool?
Yes No
GO to Section 4, Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Charts , and PROCEED as required. GO to JB1 to evaluate spark plugs and secondary wires. If OK, GO to HD4 .

HD4 CHECK FOR OTHER KEY ON ENGINE RUNNING DTCS
Note: Check for any other key on, engine running DTCs, which can cause the Misfire DTC.

Are any additional key on, engine running DTCs displayed on the Scan Tool?
Yes No
If DTCs P1132, P1138, P1152, P1158, P1131, P1137, P1151 or P1157 are present, GO to HD8 .

All others: GO to Section 4, Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Charts , and PROCEED as required. If Misfire is present: Those with DPFEGR Systems, GO to HD6 .

All others: GO to HD7 .

If Intermittent: GO to Section 2, Diagnostic Methods for Freeze Frame Data and GO to Z1 for Intermittent Diagnosis.

If OK, GO to HD7 .

HD6 CHECK/COMPARE PID VALUES
Start engine and warm to normal operating temperature.
Access DPFEGR PID.
Record DPFEGR PID value.
Key off.
Key on, engine off.
Access DPFEGR.
Compare key on, engine off and engine running PID values.
Was engine running PID value within 0.15 volt of key on, engine off value?
Yes No
KEY OFF. GO to HD7 . KEY OFF. GO to HE100 .

HD7 EGR RESTRICTION/FLOW TEST
Note: DTCs may be induced and will need to be cleared at end of testing.

Record and clear codes.
Disconnect vacuum line at EGR valve and plug the vacuum line.
Complete Misfire Monitor Drive Cycle.
Is Misfire code still present?
Yes No
GO to HD8 . REFER to Workshop Manual Section 303-00, Engine, for EGR and intake port inspection.

HD8 CHECK INJECTOR DRIVER PIDS INJ1F THRU INJ10F
Key on, engine off.
Access appropriate INJxF PID(s) for the suspect fuel injector.
Is the PID status Yes?
Yes No
GO to HD9 . GO to HD10 .

HD9 CHECK FUEL INJECTOR(S) AND HARNESS FOR OPEN
Disconnect PCM.
Measure resistance of fuel injector and harness circuit between the fuel injector and VPWR circuits at the fuel injector harness connector (GO to Pinpoint Test H . to refer to the injector connector chart).
GO to Pinpoint Test HC . Refer to the Fuel Delivery System Test Information Chart (at the beginning of the pinpoint test) for injector resistance values.
Is the resistance value(s) within specification?
Yes No
REPLACE PCM (refer to Section 2, Flash Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM) ). GO to H57 to diagnose fuel injectors.

HD10 CHECK FUEL PRESSURE
WARNING: THE FUEL SYSTEM WILL REMAIN PRESSURIZED WHEN ENGINE IS NOT RUNNING. TO PREVENT INJURY OR FIRE, USE CAUTION WHILE WORKING ON THE FUEL SYSTEM.

Install fuel pressure gauge.
Start and run engine at idle. Record fuel pressure.
Increase engine speed to 2500 rpm and maintain for one minute. Note and compare fuel pressure.
Is the fuel pressure at the specified pressure(GO to Pinpoint Test HC . to use the fuel pressure chart)?
Yes No
KEY OFF. GO to HD11 . REFER to Fuel System General Information, Section 310-00 in the Workshop Manual.

HD11 CHECK ABILITY OF FUEL SYSTEM TO HOLD FUEL PRESSURE
Start and run engine at idle. Note fuel pressure.
Increase engine speed to 2500 rpm and maintain for one minute.
Look for fuel leaking at the fuel injector O-ring, fuel pressure regulator, and the fuel lines to the fuel charging assembly.
Did fuel pressure remain at specification within 34 kPa (5 psi) for 60 seconds?
Yes No
KEY OFF. GO to HD12 . REFER to Fuel System General Information, Section 310-00 in the Workshop Manual to determine which area within the Fuel Delivery System is at fault.

HD12 CHECK FUEL INJECTOR FOR FLOW AND LEAKAGE
GO to Pinpoint Test HC . to refer to the Warning, Caution, and Handling, to avoid fuel spillage and injury.
Verify that the flow rate for each fuel injector is within specification, using Injector Flow Tester.
Is flow rate for each fuel injector within specification?
Yes No
Fuel delivery system is not likely to have caused the Misfire DTC. GO to HD20 to diagnose the vacuum system. REPLACE or CLEAN the inoperative fuel injector(s) as required. COMPLETE Misfire Monitor Repair Verification Drive Cycle(REFER to Section 2, Drive Cycles ).

 

HD20 CHECK VACUUM SYSTEM
Note: Some vacuum leaks can be heard.

Inspect all vacuum lines for damage, such as pinched lines, cracks, proper routing, and assembly.
Is the vehicle vacuum system OK?
Yes No
GO to HD21 . REPAIR the vacuum system. COMPLETE Misfire Monitor Repair Verification Drive Cycle(REFER to Section 2, Drive Cycles ).

HD21 CHECK DAMPER AND PULLEY ASSEMBLY
Note: This Pinpoint Test Step is for engines that have damper-mounted pulse rings. Remove the front cover if necessary to observe the crank pulley.

Observe the crank pulley for wobble.
Examine the EI pulse ring fastened to the harmonic fastener.
Does the crank pulley wobble or is the pulse ring loose or damaged?
Yes No
DISCONNECT battery for 5 minutes to allow PCM to learn new data, due to the old pulse ring. REPLACE the pulley or damper assembly. COMPLETE Misfire Monitor Repair Verification Drive Cycle(REFER to Section 2, Drive Cycles ). GO to HD22 .

HD22 CHECK EVAPORATIVE EMISSION SYSTEM
The Misfire Monitor can be influenced by Evaporative Emission System. The next five Pinpoint Test steps will diagnose the Evaporative Emission System.

Check the EVAP canister for fuel saturation.
Is there an excess amount of liquid fuel present in the fuel vapor storage canister?
Yes No
REPLACE EVAP. COMPLETE Misfire Monitor Repair Verification Drive Cycle(REFER to Section 2, Drive Cycles ). CHECK fuel tank vent system. GO to HD23 .

HD23 PRESSURE TEST EVAPORATIVE EMISSION SYSTEM
Pressure test EVAP emission system.
Install Rotunda Evaporative Emission System Tester 134-00056 or equivalent first at the EVAP SERVICE port, if equipped, then at the fuel filler cap.
Follow test instructions from the Tester Kit.
Is evaporative emission system holding pressure?
Yes No
GO to HD24 . REPAIR as necessary. COMPLETE Misfire Monitor Repair Verification Drive Cycle(REFER to Section 2, Drive Cycles ).

HD24 CHECK VACUUM IN EVAPORATIVE EMISSION SYSTEM
Check for blockage/restrictions or cut hoses between engine vacuum port and EVAP canister.
Check for blockage in fuel tank vent system.
Is there a fault indicated?
Yes No
REPLACE damaged vacuum hoses, or REMOVE blockage/restrictions. COMPLETE Misfire Monitor Repair Verification Drive Cycle(REFER to Section 2, Drive Cycles ). GO to HD26 .

HD26 CHECK OF EVAP CANISTER PURGE VALVE HOUSING LEAKS
EVAP canister purge valve electrically connected.
Install a hand vacuum pump to the fuel vapor port from EVAP canister on the EVAP canister purge valve vacuum at line.
Apply 53 kPa (16 in-Hg) of vacuum with the vacuum pump.
Does the EVAP canister purge valve hold vacuum at room temperature?
Yes No
GO to HD27 . REMOVE vacuum pump. REPLACE damaged EVAP canister purge valve. COMPLETE PCM Reset to clear DTCs.

HD27 CHECK FOR FILTER CONTAMINATION ON DAMAGE EVAP CANISTER PURGE VALVE
Vacuum line from input vacuum port to intake manifold on the EVAP canister purge valve (control vacuum solenoid part of valve) is removed.
Install a hand held vacuum pump to the open input vacuum port on the EVAP canister purge valve.
Apply 48-52 kPa (10-15 in-Hg) of vacuum to the EVAP canister purge valve.
Does the EVAP canister purge valve hold vacuum, or is the valve very slow to release vacuum to atmosphere?
Yes No
REPAIR EVAP canister purge valve filter. If unable to clean filter or REMOVE blockage to filter, REPLACE EVAP canister purge valve. COMPLETE Misfire Monitor Repair Verification Drive Cycle. REMOVE vacuum pump. RECONNECT all components. GO to HD29 .

HD29 CHECK FOR BASE ENGINE CONCERNS
This Pinpoint Test step will determine if there are any base engine concerns that may have caused the Misfire DTC or drive concern.

Note: Engine temperature may affect results.

Perform the following tests in order to evaluate base engine integrity:

Perform Engine Compression and leakdown tests.
Perform Valve Train analysis.
Check Positive Crankcase Ventilation System.
Check possible leakage points.
Refer to Engine System-General Information, Section 303-00 in the Workshop Manual for all of the above.
Is any service required?
Yes No
REFER to Engine System, General Information, Section 303-00 in the Workshop Manual, Diagnosis and Testing, to make repairs. The cause of the Misfire DTC is intermittent. To diagnose the Ignition System, GO to Z1 .

If OK, GO to HD30 .

HD30 CHECK FOR ADDITIONAL MISFIRE DTCS
Diagnostic Trouble Code P0300 indicates multiple cylinders are misfiring or PCM cannot identify which cylinder is misfiring.

Are any other misfire DTCs present?
Yes No
GO to HD1 . GO to HD31 .

HD31 CHECK FOR OTHER CONTINUOUS MEMORY DTCS
Are other Continuous Memory DTCs present?
Yes No
GO to Section 4 for Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Charts . PROCEED as required. GO to HD32 .

HD32 CHECK/COMPARE PID VALUES
Start engine and warm to normal operating temperature.
Access DPFEGR PID.
Record PID value.
Key off.
Key on, engine off.
Access DPFEGR.
Compare key on, engine off and engine running PID values.
Is engine running DPFEGR PID value within 0.15 volt of key on, engine off value?
Yes No
KEY OFF. Vehicles with VRS type CMP, GO to HD41 .

KEY OFF. Vehicles with hall effect type CMP, GO to HD40 . KEY OFF. GO to HE100 .

HD40 CHECK CMP SENSOR OUTPUT — PCM DISCONNECTED
Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P1309 indicates Misfire Detection Monitor is not enabled.

Disconnect PCM.
Connect digital multimeter.
Measure voltage between CMP and PWR GND circuits at the PCM harness connector.
Bump engine in short burst with the starter, without starting engine for at least 10 engine revolutions.
Does digital multimeter reading switch between low (less than 2.0 volts DC) and high (greater than 8.0 volts DC)?
Yes No
Note: A Hall effect type CMP sensor that is installed out of synchronization will produce a DTC. VERIFY the correct installation by referring to the Electronic Engine Controls, Section 303-14 in the Workshop Manual. If the CMP is installed properly, REPLACE PCM (refer to Section 2, Flash Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM) ). RESTORE vehicle. COMPLETE Misfire Monitor Repair Verification Drive Cycle (REFER to Section 2, Drive Cycles ). RERUN Quick Test.
REPLACE CMP sensor. RESTORE vehicle. COMPLETE Misfire Monitor Repair Verification Drive Cycle(REFER to Section 2, Drive Cycles ). RERUN Quick Test.

HD41 CHECK CMP SENSOR OUTPUT — PCM CONNECTED
Connect PCM.
Connect digital multimeter.
Start engine and vary engine RPM.
Measure voltage between CMP and PWR GND circuits at the PCM harness connector.
Does AC voltage vary greater than 0.1 volt AC?
Yes No
VERIFY the correct installation by referring to the Electronic Engine Controls, Section 303-14 in the Workshop Manual. If CMP is installed properly, REPLACE PCM (refer to Section 2, Flash Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM) ). COMPLETE Misfire Monitor Repair Verification Drive Cycle (REFER to Section 2, Drive Cycles ). RERUN Quick Test. REPLACE CMP sensor. COMPLETE Misfire Monitor Repair Verification Drive Cycle (REFER to Section 2, Drive Cycles ).

 

I took it to the local ford garage today.They told me i needed new valve springs and that there is a sevice bulitain for them.Has anyone heard of this problem?The truck only has 36360 miles on it.The only good news i got was that they cut the labor down from 15.5 hours to 8 hours.They are still soaking me $800.00 for a truck just out of warranty.

 

Hey Ken...did this info come out of the Helms manuals? I'm in the market
to get them (looks like around $300)....they appear to be worth it, since
if I can save $$$$ by doing it myself.....

jlhjr - ask to see the SB. I looked at www.alldata.com, and I didn't see any TSB
listed that would be related to valve springs? At least the titles of the TSBs don't
say anything about that.

 

Bad valve springs can cause random misfires, if that is your problem or not I can't say. I would talk to the ares service manager if the truck is just off warranty. Just tell the ford dealer to set you up an appointment when he will be in town, no more then a week.

For the helms manual, check Ebay, they often come up there.

Dave

 

Hey..
Why go to stealership?
Finding a good local shop might be better now that you are off warrenty.

http://www.alldatadiy.com/
This will give you access to a list of all of the Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins for free.
It is well worth the $25 to get full access it is like a online shop manual.
Many shops and dealers use alldata now instead of buying shop manuals.

Anyway... something smells fishy here.
Is it caused by "high revs" or "load"?
High revs can cause valves to float (especially when springs are weak).
Do you get any hesitaion/missfire when under heavy load at low rev?
It is a little hard to test with a auto... if you start from a stop going up hill and really step on it, is it OK until the revs get high?
If it missfires under a low rev load then likely low fuel pressue (pump, filter, regulator) or secondary ign (coil, wires, plugs).

Good luck.