Since my occupation often keeps me away from my home PC (I have to get a laptop ), thus preventing me from replying immediately, I want to thank everyone in advance, for their help.

I wrote a month ago, about minor driveability issues (minor pinging at certain RPM's; intermittant stalling from neutral to first; minor hesitation/surging at certain RPM's). A few posters suggested that I clean the MAF - which I did.

Unfortunately, I learned the hard way that MAF's are very sensitive to cleaning agents, and I blew the sensor.

I picked up a new MAF sensor at AutoZone, and the truck drove like it was new - plenty of power, no pinging, no hesitation, no stalling from neutral to first. This lasted a good week or two, but within two days after the first two weeks, my old driveability problems resurfaced, until the motor ran very poorly - with a constant on check engine light.

Thinking the MAF was defective, I swapped it for another one. And again - the truck ran great, until two days ago. Last night, the check engine light went on, and the scanner won't pick up any codes in the computer.

I can't figure it out. I've had my '01 Ranger (2.5 4 cylinder) for almost a year, and prior to this, never has the check engine light come on. I have no other problems, and the connection to the MAF is clean and tight.

I'm stumped, and don't have the money to bring the truck to the dealer. Anyone have any ideas?

Thanks again

 

Since it's not showing any codes,ya have to go back to the basics.Check the plugs,wires,and you might want to replace the fuel filter,as well.Check for any vacuum leaks,and make sure all the wiring connectors are tight.In my experience,its usually the plug wires.If you do replace them,get some good ones,as the cheaper ones don't last.

 

Did you reset the computer after swapping the MAFs? First of all, find out why the scanner isn't getting codes. Does it get the 'all clear' code? Or no codes at all? If no codes at all, I'd lean towards a computer problem.

 

Two problems with a MAF, kinda sounds like it may be getting dirty from a faulty, or improperly fitting air filter element, or over oiled, cotton gauze or foam filter, if your using one of those, or maybe a defective, or improperly buttoned up air box.

 

Kurn, thanks for the suggestions. Actually, I think it's an MAF related problem, because when I replace the MAF sensor, the problems disappear. If it were anything else, the problems wouldn't go away when I replace the MAF

 

Thanks for the reply Actually, I did clear the computer by removing the negative battery cable for a good 20 minutes...This morning, a counterman (and enthusiast) at AutoZone said 'the computer isn't putting any codes out' - making me think that there are no codes at all

 

Pawpaw, what you say makes sense...I believe that I buttoned up the top of the air box properly, so I don't know if that's the cause of the problem, but I am definately going to check that again. Thanks

 

(Unfortunately) the air box is on tight as I thought...the air filter is good too

 

Just a flash thought .Did you keep your old(new) MAF. If you do, swap it back in and see what happens. A check engine light with no codes is just plain goofy. Call the dealer and ask them what that's about. The guy at autozone, did he get no codes or no power to the reader and just assumed it meant no codes?

Fred

 

Well one other thing that comes to mind about the air filter is, a while ago, maybe last year or so, I heard about some problems with improper Ranger air box fit, with Purolater air filters.
My daughter had to take one back last year, because the flashing on the foam gasket was so poorly trimmed, it had chunks cut out of it such that it wouldn't fit tight enough to seal,arond the edges, so if your using a Purolater air filter, check it closely.

If the check engine light is on, there is a code stored in he computer, so try another autoparts store for a computer scan & post ALL the code numbers here, in the sequence they were pulled. Also check for & list any pending codes found. The code/s could provide good clues on where best to look next in your trouble shoot!!!!!

 

Just for fun, regarding a code reader that won't power up.

On edit: Here's a quote from Pawpaw.
<TABLE class=tborder id=post4604522 cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=4 width="100%" align=center border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=alt2 style="PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px"><TABLE cellSpacing=4 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD style="PADDING-LEFT: 25px" width="100%"></TD><TD vAlign=top noWrap>Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: SW Va
Posts: 2,433


</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR><TR><TD class=alt1><TABLE><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=top width="100%">WOOPS, my bad, can't type, it's position 17 & it's a 25 amp fuse & yes it's the fuse panel on the drivers side of the dash.

This fuse supplys power to the cigar lighter & the DLC connector to power the scantool when it's plugged into the DLC.
If this fuse in blown or missing, the scantool won't work, so it can't extract any stored codes.
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99 Ranger 4dr 4x2 4.0L 5spd auto 3.55L/S Payload pkg2 tow pkg

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