Notices
1983 - 2012 Ranger & B-Series All Ford Ranger and Mazda B-Series models

2.3L won't run

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Oct 5, 2009 | 10:33 AM
  #1  
mechelement's Avatar
mechelement
Thread Starter
|
Cargo Master
15 Year Member
Liked
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 3,330
Likes: 13
From: Eaton, CO
2.3L won't run

Yesterday I changed the spark plugs per factory spec (0.044") and changed the air filter. I could not replace the fuel filter because I didn't have that special tool for the fuel lines. The battery was disconnected during the procedure. I reconnected the battery and then the truck started and idled fine. The fuel gauge read EMPTY and we shut it off and left it overnight.

This morning, my sister tried to start it and it experienced a very hard start. She finally got it started and she ran it to the gas station, left it running and put in dry gas with regular gas. Then she drove two blocks and it died. I went out there and tried to start it. I got it to start and depressed the accelerator pedal about half way after it started and it would idle at 200rpm for one second, bounce up to 2000rpm for one second, back down to 200rpm for a second and continued in that cyclic manner. So I shut it off.

I pushed the truck back to her house a few blocks and we called the dealership. They said IAC, fuel pump or fuel filter. I told them to absolutely replace the fuel filter regardless. It's being towed to the dealership. Do those items sound about right?
 
Reply
Old Oct 5, 2009 | 01:28 PM
  #2  
aquanaut20's Avatar
aquanaut20
Cargo Master
20 Year Member
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 3,263
Likes: 92
From: BC Canada
First up I would change the filter and perform a fuel pressure test.
 
Reply
Old Oct 5, 2009 | 07:58 PM
  #3  
mechelement's Avatar
mechelement
Thread Starter
|
Cargo Master
15 Year Member
Liked
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 3,330
Likes: 13
From: Eaton, CO
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.
 
Reply
Old Oct 5, 2009 | 08:04 PM
  #4  
aquanaut20's Avatar
aquanaut20
Cargo Master
20 Year Member
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 3,263
Likes: 92
From: BC Canada
Originally Posted by mechelement
They pulled it out and it was covered in FOAM. WTF? HTF would foam get on the MAF sensor??? .

Neither can I, now I will be up all night thinking this one out, damn you!

Just kidding glad it is fixed.. P
 
Reply
Old Oct 5, 2009 | 09:23 PM
  #5  
pawpaw's Avatar
pawpaw
Moderator
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 13,851
Likes: 111
From: SW Va
Club FTE Gold Member
On the foam covering the MAF sensor, what did you notice when you changed the air filter????

What kind of air filter did you use????
 
Reply
Old Oct 5, 2009 | 09:50 PM
  #6  
mechelement's Avatar
mechelement
Thread Starter
|
Cargo Master
15 Year Member
Liked
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 3,330
Likes: 13
From: Eaton, CO
I didn't buy the filter... My sister bought a Fram filter and for some reason a Fram filter was in there. I don't like Fram filters, but she said to just use it, so I installed it. Below the filter I pulled out was a bunch of debris - leaves, dirt, etc. We vacuumed out the air box. I didn't see anything up the intake tube.
 
Reply




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 05:54 PM.

story-0
10 Fords to Drive Before You Die

Slideshow: 10 Fords to drive before you die.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-22 14:29:44


VIEW MORE
story-1
3 Best / Worst Features Of The 2025+ Ford Expedition

The latest Expedition is quite popular, but it certainly isn't perfect.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-22 14:23:19


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Ways Ford is LOSING to the Competition

Slideshow: 10 ways Ford is losing to the competition

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-15 09:52:01


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now

Some great targets in today's expensive world.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-15 09:35:19


VIEW MORE
story-4
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

Slideshow: The VelociRaptor Expedition gains a lift, upgraded suspension, Brembo brakes, and trail-ready equipment while retaining the stock 440-horsepower EcoBoost V6.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-12 11:01:55


VIEW MORE
story-5
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-6
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-8
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE