A couple days ago I started having problems with the idle on my 2000 Ranger which has the 4 cylinder motor. When I came to a stop and pushed the clutch in, the motor sometimes but not always will rev really high and then back down again. I think it's doing the same thing when I'm driving although it's not nearly as noticeable as when I stop, because I can sometimes feel like the truck is trying to pull more than I'm giving the gas to it. Someone suggested today that my throttle control valve or idle control valve was bad, because they had a Ranger with a similar problem. Anyone have any ideas before I go spend the $50 or so on a new idle control valve? Thanks for any and all help offered!

 

I agree it sounds like an actng out IAC, a common problem part.

Next time it acts out, try disconnecting the IAC's electrical connector & drive it to see if the problem stops. The engine may idle rough or stall, so you might have to give it a little throttle to keep it idling.

You could try cleaning it with a plastic safe spray cleaner like CRC MAF sensor spray & see if the problem ceases.

The problem might return, as it did for me, so I finally replaced mine, but cleaning it was a good trouble shooting step.

Let us know what you find.

 

Bought a new idle air control valve today (about $45 with tax) and swapped out after work. Took for a drive and seems to run fine now, no more idle problems! Thanks for the advice.

 

Good fix & feedback & to hear you seem to have your idle speed back under control.