Misfiring(?) Ranger
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Misfiring(?) Ranger
2002 Ranger 2.3L 5-spd 47,500 miles
This problem seems to have come on rather rapidly (over the last week). I used to get an occasional hiccup where it felt like there may have been a misfire but they were few and far between. Now it is VERY consistent, particularly when the engine is cold if I don't keep the revs up. If I lug the engine at all I feel like I am riding a bucking bronco. Perhaps just a fouled plug or two? Haven't had time to check yet. I know it doesn't have many miles on it, but maybe it's time to just replace the plugs. Anyone have success with something this simple? Also, since it is only a 4, anyone have any opinions on whether or not the iridium plugs are worth the extra few bucks?
Thanks
This problem seems to have come on rather rapidly (over the last week). I used to get an occasional hiccup where it felt like there may have been a misfire but they were few and far between. Now it is VERY consistent, particularly when the engine is cold if I don't keep the revs up. If I lug the engine at all I feel like I am riding a bucking bronco. Perhaps just a fouled plug or two? Haven't had time to check yet. I know it doesn't have many miles on it, but maybe it's time to just replace the plugs. Anyone have success with something this simple? Also, since it is only a 4, anyone have any opinions on whether or not the iridium plugs are worth the extra few bucks?
Thanks
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2006
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From: Ellington, Connecticut
misfire
Hi hancockr,
Check out the other recommendations 1st then:
As for the plugs: less changes because more durable.
As for hiccup: injector(s) malfunction.
Oh Yeah! 1st check the codes!
Check out the other recommendations 1st then:
As for the plugs: less changes because more durable.
As for hiccup: injector(s) malfunction.
Oh Yeah! 1st check the codes!
Last edited by crazypaw; Apr 2, 2008 at 09:43 AM. Reason: more info
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My truck sat for almost a year with a similar problem. I just stopped driving it as I had no time to investigate. I was getting mis-fire errors and cylinder lean/mixture incorrect errors. I checked wires, injectors, valves, etc., etc. I never thought to pull the plugs! When I got around to doing a compression test the plugs we shot! So much for fancy platinum, 100K mile plugs. What a load of crap! I tossed those plugs and put in a good ol' fashioned set of Motorcraft $2 specials. Truck has been fine since then, no problems. I've stop using fancy plugs in all my Fords. My 96 'Stang GT did the same thing.
Former ******
Joined: Nov 2004
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From: Salt Lake City, Utah
Get the OEM spec plugs in the Motorcraft brand. Head to Auto Parts Fast at RockAuto to find one of the better prices on genuine Motorcraft plugs.
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Thanks for the suggestions. I'll be pulling the plugs this weekend to check. As for codes, the check engine light has never lit on this truck.. Can there be codes even without the light?
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2006
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From: Ellington, Connecticut
Hi hancockr,
If the bulb is blown you will still have codes & can also be tested w/ a VOM & this info is in FTE/Keno's Tech Section.
If the bulb is blown you will still have codes & can also be tested w/ a VOM & this info is in FTE/Keno's Tech Section.
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Oh well. So much for the weekend. Started the truck this morning to go to work and could barely keep it running. 2 of 4 cylinders not firing at all. Limped it to the auto parts store and replaced the plugs there. Lucky me. They had a code sniffer on clearance (check engine light finally on now!). Bought that, (always wanted one anyway), codes were misfire on 1, misfire on 3, and lean on 1. Figured plugs weren't gonna fix it, but put them in anyway. Nope. Truck is at the dealer right now. This came on so fast, I'm wondering if I have contaminated fuel.
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If I had thought about it a bit more instead of worrying about getting to work, it would have made sense that if I was getting a misfire on BOTH cylinders 1 and 3 that these are both on the same side of the coil. Sure enough. Bad coil. Oddly (or not) the starting problem and surging problem I have been dealing with for 4 years also appear to have gone away. I had that truck back at the dealer several times for both those problems while under warranty and they never found anything. Finally gave up asking.
It is fixed now. $500.
It is fixed now. $500.
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If you have documentation of the surging and starting problems while under warranty I would make them refund (at least) the cost of the coil. Complain to someone in upper management at the dealer and if they don't help go to Ford corpororate. If they had done their job earlier you would never been hit with that $500 repair bill.
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I bet that coil was on it's way out while under warranty. If the tech that worked on it would have checked reistance values it probably would have flunked the test. If you are firm with them they should refund most if not all of that bill.
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Won't be able to get to it until Monday, but I am going to see what happens. I have successfully fought these things with Ford a couple times before. I will post my results.
I just went out at lunch and could not believe how nicely that truck starts now. Fires up within 1/2 second. Before, used to take a good 2 to 3 seconds or longer.
I just went out at lunch and could not believe how nicely that truck starts now. Fires up within 1/2 second. Before, used to take a good 2 to 3 seconds or longer.
