2002 Ranger surging problem
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2002 Ranger surging problem
2002 Ranger 2.3L 5-speed, approx 34,000 miles. I have a strange “surging” problem that has pretty much been there since the truck was new. Complained to the dealer 3 times while truck was in warranty and they could never “find it” or “reproduce it”. I finally gave up asking about it because it isn’t extremely bothersome, and my truck is reliable, always starts, good mileage (24-27MPG in city). Used to occur only under warm start conditions so I started to suspect vaporized fuel in lines (don’t know if that is possible with fuel injection….might just be showing my age and familiarity with carbureted engines). However, it now will do it when cold. As I said, it isn’t very dramatic, but to describe it, I would liken it to the tug/push feeling you get when you are pulling a trailer. Sort of a mild nudging…always when I am driving at a constant speed, usually between 35-45 MPH. I don’t have a code sniffer, but when it was at the dealer, the mechanics told me nothing had registered. Nothing real big, but it is somewhat annoying. Anybody with similar experiences or thoughts on this?
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From: SW Va
Well, now that it's acting up cold too, why not run this puppy by your favorite autoparts store & have them scan the computer for trouble codes, maybe it'll offer up a good clue on where to begin your trouble-shoot.
Most stores will do it at no charge. Then post ALL the code numbers found.
If that doesn't turn up anything, see if you can make loan of a scan tool, on their Loan-A-Tool program, hook it up & have someone drive the vehicle, to reproduce the problem, while you monitor some things, like fuel pressure, O2 sensor switching range & speed, MAF sensor output to the computer, ect, ect & see if you can catch something acting out, or on the hairy edge of it's operational limits.
Let us know what you find.
Most stores will do it at no charge. Then post ALL the code numbers found.
If that doesn't turn up anything, see if you can make loan of a scan tool, on their Loan-A-Tool program, hook it up & have someone drive the vehicle, to reproduce the problem, while you monitor some things, like fuel pressure, O2 sensor switching range & speed, MAF sensor output to the computer, ect, ect & see if you can catch something acting out, or on the hairy edge of it's operational limits.
Let us know what you find.
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Hadn't thought of having codes read at the auto parts store. WIll have to check around and see who will do it. Used to have easy access as my brother is a Ford engineer, but don't live nearby anymore. Thanks for the suggestion. Will post as soon as I have something.
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Well, finally got to an auto parts store last week and borrowed a code sniffer.
Absolutely NOTHING showed up. No codes at all. Not sure where that leaves me.
Maybe the fuel mix is running lean. I don't know. As long as I continue to
get 25 to 26 MPG in city driving maybe I should just count my blessings and
leave it alone...it is somewhat annoying, though. Haven't yet looked for TSBs relating to ECM...best place to find them??
Absolutely NOTHING showed up. No codes at all. Not sure where that leaves me.
Maybe the fuel mix is running lean. I don't know. As long as I continue to
get 25 to 26 MPG in city driving maybe I should just count my blessings and
leave it alone...it is somewhat annoying, though. Haven't yet looked for TSBs relating to ECM...best place to find them??
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 13,851
Likes: 111
From: SW Va
Well if you can make loan of a scan tool, hok it up & have someone drive the vehicle while you monitor things, maybe you will be able to catch something acting out.
With no trouble codes showing, it kinda sounds like maybe a vacuum leak somewhere, maybe on something thats heat sensitive. BUT that includes so many things it's likely to be a long tedious search, without some good clues from a scan tool or a TSB as Bill suggested.
You might try monitoring fuel perssure, MAF output, O2 sensor switching rate, check your spark plug gap, check for vacuum leaks in any vacuum lines, the EGR system, vapor recovery system, including your gas cap, it's seal & being sure it's on tight enough to "click"
Just some more thougts for consideratin.
Let us know what you find.
With no trouble codes showing, it kinda sounds like maybe a vacuum leak somewhere, maybe on something thats heat sensitive. BUT that includes so many things it's likely to be a long tedious search, without some good clues from a scan tool or a TSB as Bill suggested.
You might try monitoring fuel perssure, MAF output, O2 sensor switching rate, check your spark plug gap, check for vacuum leaks in any vacuum lines, the EGR system, vapor recovery system, including your gas cap, it's seal & being sure it's on tight enough to "click"
Just some more thougts for consideratin.
Let us know what you find.
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