I bought a 94 Ranger 4x4, 4.0, auto, about a month ago. It ran great when I test drove it. So I bought it. It has been a great truck up until yesterday. I went to see a friend at lunch and when I came back out it wouldn't start for a couple a minutes of trying to start. It would start then shut off.

WHen it finally started it ran like crap. I nursed it to the dealership cause the check engine light was on and running badly. They told me they wouldn't be able to evan look at it for 3 days. On the way home it would start to go and then the rpm's would drop down to about 3-400 then in a couple of seconds it would get going and do it again. it did it for the 4 milr drivr back home.

Thought it was the fuel filter, so I replaced it. Did't work but at least it has a new filter. Then I checked the spark plugs. The left bank looked all right but the first two on the right were white tipped ond had some moisture on it. It wasnt gas. possible oil or coolant. I checked both levels and they were good. Put in new plugs last night that didn help.

The funny part of it was that I went to get into it and go to work this morning and it ran fine. No problems or hesitations or feeling like it was going to die on me. The check engine light comes on when it starts to die and then goes out when it starts running good.

I need some help figuring this one out

Thanks, Danny

 

It could be a lot of things, why haven't you pulled the code yet?

Sounds like a fuel pump crapping out. But lets not jump to conclusions till we get that code.

 

Electronic control module. My old 2.3L used to do that and I tried EVERYTHING you can think of. New fuel filter, checked the plugs and wires, busted out the cat thinking it was clogged... you name it man. To me, it almost felt like I dropped a cylinder or two (and in a four cylinder, that's a big deal!).

That brings up another point, what made me think that the cat was plugged was I noticed one night when it did this, the cat was glowing red-hot... very hot. Next time your truck does that, see if your cat does the same thing. What was happening is that ECM wasn't working properly and it would litterally shut the spark off to one side of the motor which caused all of that unburnt fuel to burn in the cat... hence the red-hot.

Unfortionately, they aren't cheap. I know the one for my 2.3 was $140... but it cured the problem immediately.

Let me know if you need help.

STan

 

Thanks for the help guys. I found out that the MAF sensor is bad. I was mucking around with it today when it started acting up. I would unplug a sensor and try and start to see if there was any change. Got to the MAF sensor and it started right up. Looks like I'm gonna need a new sensor. I'll let you know if this is it when I replace it this weekend.Thanks for all the help and advice.

Danny