oldgeek
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Jun 1, 2022
- Messages
- 819
- Reaction score
- 1,027
- Points
- 93
- Location
- USA
- Vehicle Year
- 94
- Make / Model
- Ranger XLT
- Engine Type
- 2.3 (4 Cylinder)
- Transmission
- Manual
- 2WD / 4WD
- 2WD
Hello.
I had to take a look at the codes from the CEL. The situation is that first, the engine seems to take an extra crank or two to start, at least from what I was used to. I mean that it used to start pretty well within a second, now it takes maybe a second and half to two seconds. This is whether cold or at operating temp. Now the weird thing, to me at least, is that when the engine cools down a little bit, or the outside temp is around 100 degs, it takes extra effort to start. Sometimes taking two tries, and then pressing the accelerator just a little bit then it starts (I know you shouldn't have to press the accelerator, but it does seem to make a difference, might just be my perception).
Now this has happened a couple of times, the engine has cooled just a little, try to start it, stop cranking, and on the second try, there is a hesitation like not enough juice, and then I smell fuel (guessing from the exhaust). I then stop the cranking, and try again and it starts without issue. I haven't done a load test on the battery. The voltage is OK and I did test the fluid with a hydrometer and all the cells are fine that way. However it starts fine otherwise outside these two or three times that the above happened.
I pulled codes this afternoon.
214
222
332
172
326
335
I've been wanting to replace the O2 sensor for a while (unfortunately, the part doesn't come boxed with the time needed to install it!), but is 172 due to a bad O2 sensor or something else? I cleaned to EGR out a while back also with carb cleaner. The valve would open and shut with vacuum, and it would not drip any cleaner while shut, so I assumed the valve was seating. Might be wrong there.
Thanks
I had to take a look at the codes from the CEL. The situation is that first, the engine seems to take an extra crank or two to start, at least from what I was used to. I mean that it used to start pretty well within a second, now it takes maybe a second and half to two seconds. This is whether cold or at operating temp. Now the weird thing, to me at least, is that when the engine cools down a little bit, or the outside temp is around 100 degs, it takes extra effort to start. Sometimes taking two tries, and then pressing the accelerator just a little bit then it starts (I know you shouldn't have to press the accelerator, but it does seem to make a difference, might just be my perception).
Now this has happened a couple of times, the engine has cooled just a little, try to start it, stop cranking, and on the second try, there is a hesitation like not enough juice, and then I smell fuel (guessing from the exhaust). I then stop the cranking, and try again and it starts without issue. I haven't done a load test on the battery. The voltage is OK and I did test the fluid with a hydrometer and all the cells are fine that way. However it starts fine otherwise outside these two or three times that the above happened.
I pulled codes this afternoon.
214
222
332
172
326
335
I've been wanting to replace the O2 sensor for a while (unfortunately, the part doesn't come boxed with the time needed to install it!), but is 172 due to a bad O2 sensor or something else? I cleaned to EGR out a while back also with carb cleaner. The valve would open and shut with vacuum, and it would not drip any cleaner while shut, so I assumed the valve was seating. Might be wrong there.
Thanks