2004 2.3L random sputtering low RPM start
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Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2008
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From: Eaton, CO
2004 2.3L random sputtering low RPM start
My sister's '04 Ranger (56k miles) is having a really low RPM sputtering start. It starts at ~100 RPM, sounds like it's going to stall and then shoots up to 3k RPM. Sometimes it takes a really long crank and then it starts at a really low RPM. This is completely random and doesn't seem to be temperature related. The Ranger is used 3X per day, so 6 starts. One out of the six starts will start as aforementioned.
Any suggestions?
Any suggestions?
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Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 3,330
Likes: 13
From: Eaton, CO
All right, I just got some more info out of this situation... Evidently this has progressively gotten worse over the past three months. She'd have one of those starts per week and it worked its way up to one per day. Plus her fuel economy has decreased over the past few months.
I'm going to replace the fuel filter, air filter and spark plugs. What does Ford spec for spark plugs and what's the gap?
I'm going to replace the fuel filter, air filter and spark plugs. What does Ford spec for spark plugs and what's the gap?
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 13,851
Likes: 111
From: SW Va
Try the owners manual for plugs & gap, or look it up on the Motorcraft website.
The random low start rpm could be caused by a number of, or combination of things, but right now without more clues, sorta sounds like a problem with the IAC & it's a common problem part, so do the funtion test on it outlined in the "Tech Info" page atop this forum.
Cleaning the IAC often doesn't last, so if you do that & it clears the problem for a while, at least you'll know to replace the IAC if/when the problem returns & for that reason Ford recommends replacement & I too found cleaning the IAC didn't cure my 99 Rangers problem for long.
Is the CEL lit???? If so then there are trouble codes stored in the computer, so have your favorite autoparts store do a no cost trouble code scan & post ALL the code numbers found, as they can offer up good trouble shooting clues.
More thoughts for consideration.
Let us know what you find.
The random low start rpm could be caused by a number of, or combination of things, but right now without more clues, sorta sounds like a problem with the IAC & it's a common problem part, so do the funtion test on it outlined in the "Tech Info" page atop this forum.
Cleaning the IAC often doesn't last, so if you do that & it clears the problem for a while, at least you'll know to replace the IAC if/when the problem returns & for that reason Ford recommends replacement & I too found cleaning the IAC didn't cure my 99 Rangers problem for long.
Is the CEL lit???? If so then there are trouble codes stored in the computer, so have your favorite autoparts store do a no cost trouble code scan & post ALL the code numbers found, as they can offer up good trouble shooting clues.
More thoughts for consideration.
Let us know what you find.
Thread Starter
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Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 3,330
Likes: 13
From: Eaton, CO
There's no CEL as far as I know. Is it typical for a poorly functioning IAC to cause aforementioned starting issues? I can't seem to find the IAC function test thread... I'll look some more. I've read some IAC threads and lots of folks notice really low idle at stop lights after driving their trucks for a while. I'll ask her about that. I hope to install maintenance items today. I will try to get more info about the IAC symptoms from her. I'll keep you posted. Thanks. 
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Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 3,330
Likes: 13
From: Eaton, CO
Just got off the phone with my sister and I asked her to describe ALL issues with the truck. So far everything points to that IAC and I told her about it. She's calling the same parts store and adding it to the list. Where's the IAC located on the 2.3L?
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Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 3,330
Likes: 13
From: Eaton, CO
From my other recent thread:
And they say that the foam buildup has caused the starting issue.
So they checked fuel pressure and it was spot on. Then they ran a diagnostic scan and the mass air flow sensor was tweaking. They pulled it out and it was covered in FOAM. WTF? HTF would foam get on the MAF sensor??? After they cleaned the MAF sensor and intake tube, they had to clear the CEL. Then all the other stuff checked out great. They replaced the fuel filter because I told them to. I cannot believe foam got on the MAF sensor.
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