Hi everyone,
i have a 99 ranger with a 3.0. i just put a K&N air filter in it. Now my truck will start, run for about 2 seconds and die. it does this with the old filter or the k&n. K&N says to reset the computer you have to unhook the battery for 15 min or so, then, when you start it up it will reprogram itself. i tried this. nothing happened. please help!
xizang11

 

xizang11,

I would guess that it could be a few different problems really. You could be looking at a problem as easy as checking the connections to your coil pack and alternator. Another thing is to check all your electrical systems and the fuel lines. And check the intake manifold or throttle body for vacuum leaks along with making sure all hoses are properly connected. If all else fails, I'd say buy yourself a new computer chip to pop in the ECU and that should do the trick for you. A lot of good chips around for about $300 so its your pick. I know you said you just put in a new K&N filter, but not the performance intake kit? Just asking cause got to thinking that normally the only time I've heard of anyone having a problem with the Mass Air Flow Sensor was when they ripped out the entire pipe, silencer, and everything on the stock intake to put in a new intake kit. Normally once that goes ya gotta buy a new one. I've seen some people saying they only cost like $50 bucks but I don't think thats right. I've seen Granatelli Motor Sports Mass Airflow Sensors for as low as $300.00 and they're better than the stock airflow sensor. But anyways, hope you can figure out what is wrong with your Ranger. Have a great day. Goodluck!

James

 

Thanks for your help. I think i shorted the MAF. I have always had older vehichles, and I'm used to working on my own car/truck. I am not, however used to all these sensors and what not. When I changed the filter, i didn't disconnect the battery, so the computer did not re-program itself...i have since restarted the computer, but i think i have to replace the sensor.

thanks again,
Xizang

 

 

>>i have since restarted the computer, but i think i have to replace the sensor.


Shouldn't a bad MAF throw a code and light the "check engine" light?

 

Xizang,

You're welcome for the help. Yeah, disconnecting the battery for about 20 minutes and then hooking it back up is a good thing to do. Yes, it resets the computer; however, from what I understood about it, it pretty much just resets back to stock again and sometimes it will reprogram itself a little to improve some what and sometimes it doesn't. So kind of hard to say unless you buy a chip. I have to agree with the other guy though, if the sensor messed up I think there would be an error code of some sort. But on the other hand, everyone I've been talking to lately have started talking about replacing the mass air flow sensor when replacing filters with K&Ns too. Anyways, Goodluck again.

James