I am having trouble with my 1986 Ford Ranger XLT automatic 4x4 with an EFI. It starts up great but idles roughly and way too fast. I cant read the RPMs because of no Tachometer. It isnt licensed or insured yet so cant drive it to the shop to read the codes. I put STP fuel injector cleaner and water remover in that helped but still bad. It has new spark plugs and good wires so that confuses me. This is my first vehicle so i am new to this stuff. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Jeremy

Where is the fuel filter on this model. It has a supercab and i heard there are 2 filters... is that true? thanks

 

have you checked the timing?

 

First, go to the parts store and get a "VOM" (volts,ohms meter). Twenty bucks tops.
When you get back, get on this board and click on the sticky called "Technical Information". Scroll down to the title "Pulling EEC IV Codes" and click on it.
Read up some and then you can pull your own codes.
If there's anything about any of the procedures that doesn't make sense to you, come on back and post your question.
The fuel filters are usually inside the drivers side frame rail, under the cab.

 

have you changed the filters (oil, air, and especially fuel)maybe try cleaning the IAC and make sure no gaskets are leaking like the upper intake/plenum gasket.

 

A bad TPS (throttle position sensor) will cause the same symptoms also....

 

I changed the oil, and air filters. I dont know exactly where the fuel filter is located. I have heard there are two on my model. Is that true?

 

the best thing to do is go to Autozone or another parts store and they could tell you for sure.

 

I found out the distributor was loose and not connected right. I took it off and fixed it then installed it. All the spark plug cables are connected right but it had a hard time starting. The idling problem sounded like it lessened, but now it wont start at all. no head lights, interior lights, no sound from the fuel injecter or anything. The battery is full charged. I am starting to get mad at it.. I guess that wont help.
Jeremy-

 

You need to bring up the #1 piston to TDC on the compression stroke, remove the distrib. cap and see if the rotor is pointing at the number 1 plug wire, if not adjust by turning distrib. or removing distrib. or repositioning.

 

I got it right with the help of my dad. thanks anyways.