Rough running Ranger, sometimes?
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New User
Joined: Aug 2006
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Rough running Ranger, sometimes?
I have a 94 Ranger. I would be driving and all of the sudden the tach goes down and kind of bounces up and down. The check engine light comes on. There is a loss of power. I come up to a stoplight and the tach is reading 0 but the engine is still running. When I take off at the light I have to give it alot of gas just to get going (clutch) and then it just takes off and runs fine. It might do this for 2 or 3 days straight, then not do it for a week. It will do it, then it will just run fine. Fuel pump is within range when checked. No clutch problems. HELP!
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 514
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From: Ohio
If your check engine light is coming on then one or more diagnostic trouble codes are being stored in the EEC system [the computer]. Code readers/scanners can be purchased at most autoparts stores starting at about 30 bucks and up, though some places have them to borrow. I believe the only way to truly trace your problem is to go through the sequence of checking the codes and resolving the issues raised by them. Otherwise you are just changing sensors and hanging parts that may or may not solve your problem.
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 514
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From: Ohio
That's a little puzzling to me. Even if your Ranger is OBDII [I don't know when Ford implemented OBDII diagnostics on the Ranger-it became mandatory in 96 though some manufacturers started with it before then] there is the possibility for Ford to have had some proprietary codes that not all scanners will pick up. You may be stuck going to a dealer so see if their readers will pick up the problem. However, there are others in the forum with considerably more experience than I have. Maybe someone else can give you more direction. Good luck.
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 13,851
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From: SW Va
Have the computer scanned for trouble codes as customstringer suggested & post ALL the code numbers found.
I'd also post the codes your gararge found when they decided it was a coilpack problem. If you don't know what it was, call them and ask fro the code number.
Most autoparts stores will pull the codes at no cost. Call around & see if any can do it on your vintage vehicle.
You can do it yourself, by following the directions in the "Tech Info" thread atop this forum.
The problem could be any of a number of electrical things, to maybe even a fuel delivery problem. So what I'm saying is, you may have more than one problem & the computer trouble codes may offer up some good clues, on where best to begin your troubleshoot.
Seeing as how the CEL has been on, it's likely codes are stored, unless the guy you took it to erased them after the repair!!!!
Let us know ALL the code numbers you find.
I'd also post the codes your gararge found when they decided it was a coilpack problem. If you don't know what it was, call them and ask fro the code number.
Most autoparts stores will pull the codes at no cost. Call around & see if any can do it on your vintage vehicle.
You can do it yourself, by following the directions in the "Tech Info" thread atop this forum.
The problem could be any of a number of electrical things, to maybe even a fuel delivery problem. So what I'm saying is, you may have more than one problem & the computer trouble codes may offer up some good clues, on where best to begin your troubleshoot.
Seeing as how the CEL has been on, it's likely codes are stored, unless the guy you took it to erased them after the repair!!!!
Let us know ALL the code numbers you find.
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 514
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From: Ohio
I concur with pawpaw's post [except for the "vintage" part-made me feel old, lol]. It won't hurt to have it checked with another scanner. If your tech cleared the codes, assuming the symptom repeat you describe, they'll be back the next time it occurs. Maybe go the auto supply store route first and use the dealer as the last resort.
