My 94 Ranger w/ the 4.0L V6 has startedpinging really bad, even on flat grades with slight acceration. In addition, it is powerless. Anyone have any ideas why. I purchased an anti-knock sensor, but have been unable to locate it. Is it possible the tempature sensor going to the computer is not functioning properly? Help!

 

Just an idea, You may have gottin bad gas or been a victom of contamination.

 

>My 94 Ranger w/ the 4.0L V6 has startedpinging really bad,
>even on flat grades with slight acceration. In addition, it
>is powerless. Anyone have any ideas why. I purchased an
>anti-knock sensor, but have been unable to locate it. Is it
>possible the tempature sensor going to the computer is not
>functioning properly? Help!



The first thing that i'd check is Oxygen sensor (this is possibly what you are refering to, i've never heard it called that though), It's located on your Cat. This sensor tells the computer what mixture is too rich or too lean, with out this working properly, the computer is just guessing. Far as i'm concerned the best way to check it is just to replace it. If that doesn't do the trick, I'd really look close at your plugs to make sure they are at the right gap, or that they are not shot (actually this should be the very first thing). There are few other things that I'd reccomend, but they are prolly not neccesarry, like a new fuel filter, and air filter.

feel free to shoot me a email at The_partyguy(No Email Addresses In Posts!) if you need any advice,


super

 

When my '92 Explorer (4.0L OHV V6) was pinging, I found out that a common problem with this engine is the lower intake manifold bolts become loose over time. After I retorqued them to specification, my pinging went away. A few other things I've run across that sometimes are involved are vacuum leaks, dirty mass air sensor, bad engine coolant temperature sensor.

 

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 16-Jul-02 AT 09:50 PM (EST)]Like mrshorty said, another thing to check is the mass-air-flow sensor which is located just downstream of the filter box. Unplug the sensor, take out the two "torx" like screws, and gently lift the sensor out of the hole. You'll see two extremely tiny coiled wires that most likely have a little dirt on them - DON'T TOUCH THEM - they are very fragile. What I do is just spray the little coils off with carb cleaner and just put it back together. This may (should?) help your pinging problem.

Note 1: You will probably have to get a special bit to fit those 2 "torx" like screws - I don't think they are plain ol' torx.

Note 2: When unplugging the wires, be careful with the double clip underneath that holds the wire plug or you'll break the tongs off it, use a little screwdriver to push the tongs down, just a little, while your pulling on the wire plug - don't get carried away or you'll bust the tongs. (I broke one of mine (duh)- but the remaining tong seems to catch and hold the plug just fine.)

By the way - take a look at the topic "K&N Filters - Starting to Scare Me" in the "Aftermarket Products" forum if you want some info on one possible cause of dirty mass-air-flow sensors - a poorly operating air filter.

Sorry for talking (writing ?) your ear off.

 

>
>By the way - take a look at the topic "K&N Filters -
>Starting to Scare Me" in the "Aftermarket Products" forum if
>you want some info on one possible cause of dirty
>mass-air-flow sensors - a poorly operating air filter.
>

FYI


Yeah I agree there is really good info there, from my personal experince, over oiling the filter can and does happen, as long as you don't get aggresive with the oil, your mass air flow sensor should be clean.

 

Sorry to chime in late, but dollars to doughnuts your plug wires are bad. Classic symptoms. Avoid the cheap sets, connectors don't fit properly atop the coil pack and you will be replacing them again within 2 years. Motorcraft or Bosch recommended.

 

Pinging post I cobbed:

FINALLY cured the pinging and check engine lite!
« on: Jul 20th, 2002, 6:13am »

After months of trying to nail down this problem in my 94 4x4 xcab. I had the fuel injection system professionally cleaned. WOW what a differrence. No more ping and no more check engine light and it feels like I added about 50 hp. Later.

 

 

Ran into a somewhat similar problem with a 4L V6 in a 1994 ranger pu. I ignored diagnostic indicating temp sensor was defective based on fact that the temp reading on dash gauge was reading normal. It turned out that engine has a second temp sensor dedicated to providing engine temp info to the computer(it was telling the computer that engine was at 489 degrees). Replaced same and engine runs like new with 140K miles plus. Hope it helps...