I've got a '97 Ranger 2.3 5-speed with 224k miles. I'm in college and live on campus now, so the truck tends to sit for several days at a time.

I've noticed that after the truck has sat for several days, particularly if it has rained in that time, it is very difficult to shift smoothly for the first few shifts (5-8, usually). If I shift normally, it will buck a bit, like I engaged the clutch too fast. I can rev the engine way up and then slip the clutch to engage it smoothly, but I don't like to.

At first I thought it was something to do with the clutch, but the entire clutch (master, slave, clutch) has been replaced, and the transmission replaced due to a bad bearing and the problem didn't change. Then, I happened to take a different route out of the parking lot, that required me to downshift sooner than usual. I double-clutch this truck out of habit, and when I went to rev the engine up, the revs didn't come up even though I was pressing on the gas. The engine did feel "different" when I was pressing the pedal, though I can't really describe how. I don't have a tach. After that, I started paying more attention, and realized that when it is difficult to upshift the revs don't seem to be coming up as I press the gas and engage the clutch. I am not getting a check engine light, and the throttle cable and plate appear to move smoothly without binding. Interestingly, I do not have any trouble starting out from a stop, though perhaps I am simply correcting for the vehicle's peculiar behavior without being aware of it.

I don't really have a full understanding of the sensors that control how much fuel the engine gets, but I'm guessing that perhaps one of them is somehow related- i.e. the computer doesn't realize I've opened the throttle and doesn't give it any more gas. Does this sound reasonable? Only other thing I can think of that could be relevant is the IAC. Last December, it started acting up a bit, making the truck hard to start, and eventually wouldn't start at all. It was about 15* out and I was two hours from a heated garage, so, in desparation, I whacked the thing with a wrench, and it started right up. That night, I pulled it off and cleaned it up good with TB cleaner. I assumed that to be a temporary solution, but it worked for the rest of the winter. I can't really see why that would cause the problem I'm experiencing, but it certainly seems possible that I damaged something in my redneck-engineered solution to the problem (desparate times and all that...).

Thanks for any advice,
Ian

 

bump.........

 

I'd suggest at least getting the codes pulled, just in case.

Odd you mention it though, CrazySpyder69 ended up with a loose throttle cable of some sort, he's got a four banger of around that year, just something to check.

 

I think your right to place the IAC high on your suspect list, especially since you've already had past problems with it.

I'd also put a acting out MAF there too!!!!

Check out the "Tech Info" thread atop this forum, for links to detailed info on both these items.

Are you certain your tranny lube level is up to snuff???? How is it's condiion????

Just some more thoughts for pondering.

Let us know what you find.

 

I probably ought to go ahead and replace the IAC, and I'll try cleaning the MAF. What does the TPS do? Is that something I can clean, or test somehow?

Motorcraft IACs cost quite a bit more than off-brand ones. Any opinions on whether this is something I can afford to cheap out on, or do I need to go for the good one (keeping in mind that the 4-cyl IAC is much harder to change than either 6-cyl)? I'd much rather go for the Motorcraft, but it looks like the difference in price is about $40, not insignificant for a broke college student.

And pawpaw, although I will check the trans fluid for level and color, I doubt that the problem lies there because this problem was present both before and after I had the trans and clutch replaced. The fluid sure ought to be good, since it only has a few thousand miles on it.

 

TPS testing is also covered in the "Tech Info" theread, so it's a good suspect too imo.

From your description of having shifting difficulties, I thought maybe you were having more than one problem & maybe low tranny fluid, or fluid condition may be playing a part with the tranny syncros!!!!

I've never had to replace the IAC, so I don't know about aftermarket quality, compaired to Motorcraft, but if the aftermarket part says it meets Fords specifications, I suppose it'd be ok.

If your that strapped for cash, look to a salvage yard, for the IAC from a late model low mileage vehicle, bet the price would be right!!!!