Check engine light 96 ranger
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Check engine light 96 ranger
I just bought a 1996 Ford Ranger XLT extended cab, auto, 4.0L V6. It has 123,800 miles. It runs great, just needs new plugs. I would change them myself but I can't get to them. The check engine light is on, how do I go about figuring out what that means? Is there some kind of error code reader I can get? If so, where can I get one?
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Joined: Apr 2004
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From: Kennesaw Ga
if engine is running great i am almost 100% sure it is your O2 Sensor. at 110,000 mine went out in my 99 b3000 truck ran just fine but CEL was on. Get new senson cause you will need one soon even if thats not the case. take it home unplug battery grab a beer from the fridge change sensor plug battery back up and let idle for 10-20 min to see if light comes back on.
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Joined: Jan 2003
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From: Connecticut
If you have an Autozone around your area, they will read the codes for free. Many other parts stores will, as well.
Write down the code numbers and post them here, and we will help you with the necessary repair.
Write down the code numbers and post them here, and we will help you with the necessary repair.
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Okay I'll take it to auto zone today. I'm having the oil changed today too. The only thing that seems odd is that the truck idles very high for a few seconds after I start it. It will hover around 2,000 RPM for about 10 to 15 seconds, then go down to about 1,000. Where should this truck idle?
Could old spark plugs cause the CEL to come on?
Could old spark plugs cause the CEL to come on?
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Joined: Jul 2006
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From: Ohio
Your 96 is probably OBD I and it must be that those autozones will only do MIL checks on OBD II vehicles which generally are 97 and later. I can't believe there aren't other stores who will have an OBD I. Innova makes an OBD I scanner that used to be about 30 bucks. If not in a store Amazon sells it:
http://www.amazon.com/Equus-3145-For.../dp/B000EW0KHW. They used to even have them at Wally World.
Double check to make sure it will work with your truck. OBD II was required for 1997 and later vehicles but some started to implement it with 96 vehicles. If you have it there will be a 16 pin connector which may be behind a small pull out panel in the plastic shroud under the steering wheel.
http://www.amazon.com/Equus-3145-For.../dp/B000EW0KHW. They used to even have them at Wally World.
Double check to make sure it will work with your truck. OBD II was required for 1997 and later vehicles but some started to implement it with 96 vehicles. If you have it there will be a 16 pin connector which may be behind a small pull out panel in the plastic shroud under the steering wheel.
Last edited by customstringer; Jul 29, 2007 at 02:29 PM.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2003
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From: Connecticut
A '96 Ranger is fullly OBD-II compliant. Autozone should be able to pull the codes no problem.
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Thanks for the help, guys. I went to Auto Zone today, but I got there right as they were locking the doors for the night. Who knew they closed at 7pm haha. I get off of work at 2pm tomorrow, so I'll head out there and see what the deal is.
On a side note, I successfully installed a new CD player all by myself. I also installed two Memphis Audio 10" Power Reference subwoofers. It sounds nice, but I need more mid range speakers to even out the sound.
On a side note, I successfully installed a new CD player all by myself. I also installed two Memphis Audio 10" Power Reference subwoofers. It sounds nice, but I need more mid range speakers to even out the sound.
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