Ranger sluggish and "jumps/jerks" when accelerating and cruising...


Kaos

15+ Year Member

Joined
Mar 12, 2009
Messages
21
Points
3,101
Vehicle Year
1997
Transmission
Manual
I have a 97 Ranger w/ 4.0L and 180,000 miles. Lately, it has been very sluggish and when accelerating and cruising it "jumps" or jerks. It doesn't act up all the time but at least a couple of times per trip. I think it needs a new fuel filter and a tune-up but I'm open to suggestions/experiences. TIA.
 
Mine was doing that for the past 4-5 months, and it turned out that I accidentally reversed the O2 sensors when I did my tranny swap (right sensor to left plug and vise versa).

So, if you have done anything that involved the O2 sensors, then look into them being switched. Also, if you have any codes, you should have them pulled as well.

Does your fuel mileage suck as well?
 
Mine does the same thing, if I'm coming to a stop or slowing down to make a turn, it will jerk/jerk/jerk/jerk until i push the clutch in or give it gas. btw no cel, but didnt check for codes.
 
That jerking is exactly what mine was doing too (more going through a parking lot than slowing down). It doesn't really do it anymore.
 
Replace your fuel filter ($7) before you diagnose further.

AD
 
Well the tune-up did the trick. My truck runs better than it has in a while. Since I was already messing around, and it needed it, I went ahead and changed the oil and fuel filter too. All-in-all it's been a fun day in the garage.


Thanks everyone for the help!!!!
 
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