'88 Ranger issues
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'88 Ranger issues
I have an '88 Ranger with a V6 and auto trans. Lately when I start it cold the check engine light is on. It stays on for about 5 minutes or less as I begin to drive. The performance is lacking and I often have to goose the pedal just to keep it running. After the light goes off the truck runs fine. It almost seems like a bad cold start valve but would that cause the check engine light to be on? Also can anyone suggest an affordable place online to get some front end parts/ Thanks for any suggestions.
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Joined: Jul 2003
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From: north carolina
first thing get a code reader and pull the trouble codes, i would look at the tps and the iac. the ecm may be toast, but check the codes to give you an idea where to start rather than shot gunnin parts under the hood.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2003
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From: Eastern WA
You need to first pull codes; anything short of that is pure guessing. Also, do a visual on the engine for loose wiring/vac hoses, damaged components related to the EEC system, and other visable signs of distress.
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Here's some dumb questions. What's the EEC system, tps, iac and ecm? Sorry to be such a newbie.
As for the front end it looks like I need ball joints, bushings, center link, tie rods that type of stuff...
As for the front end it looks like I need ball joints, bushings, center link, tie rods that type of stuff...
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Ok so the codes will tell me which if any of these items is faulty? Makes sense. Now I need to find a code reader... big bucks?
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Ok I haven't had time to pull the codes yet. This is what's happening so maybe someone has experienced the same issue. The truck will start up on the first try while cold. The check engine light will come on after about 4 seconds. I hold the pedal down slightly and wait. The check engine light goes off after about 3 minutes and the engine revs high so I can let off the pedal. I wait about 2 more minutes and the truck drives fine. This is my first issue. My second issue is this... If I try to drive before the truck is 'warmed up' and it stalls... it will then take several minutes of cranking for it to start again. Also if I drive for several minutes and then shut it down for say 10 minutes. It just cranks and cranks and cranks until it finally does start. Until I can pull the codes has anyone had a similar experience? THANKS.