Some 2007-2009 Ranger vehicles equipped with a 2.3L engine and automatic transmission may exhibit an engine droan/moan/vibration at idle in the cab. There is a TSB 09-18-5 . Install Exhaust Damper, Reprogram The PCM And Neutralize Engine And Exhaust.
I too have a rough idle. You can easily feel it in the seats, the gas pedal, and the steering wheel. Sometime worse than others. Almost feels like a grinding in the gas pedal.
When stopped at a light, the whole truck vibrates.
More so when very cold, but to a lesser degree when warm.
I cleaned (properly) the MAF sensor (5 times in a row) and it got worse.
No codes.
Drinks gas like a thirsty camel on a hot summer day when temps are below 40F. Colder it is the faster it drinks gas. I can actually see the gas gauge move a needle width when only driving 3 miles. That is about 3 to 6 mpg. I start it, wait for rpm's to drop to about 1050, put in gear and drive slowly till it warms on it's own.
Thermostat was replaced by Ford last year. It refuses to warm up unless driven. Acts exactly like a diesel in that respect.
Trans is shifting a little funny too.
Mine is a 2008 ranger xlt (styleside, reg cab, short bed), 2.3L, automatic, 2WD. 42,000 miles.
Dealer last winter says nothing wrong. Another repair shop this winter can't find anything wrong either.
I tried seafoam and B12 chemtool. Slight improvement.
This time I tried BG 44K cleaner ($28 a can) and things seemed noticeably improve. But still drinks gas and runs rough.
Once I get above 2000rpm it doesn't seem to run rough.
I do on occasion hear a snapping noise from underneath the truck.
No soot in the tail pipe.
Before I had this problem I could get 35MPG on the highway (48 mpg max speed, not the 65+ speed limit)
One says it might be a intake manifold o-ring leaking vacuum. I sprayed ether around everything and no change in condition or increase in rpm.
Internet sources indicate bad EGR.
Other internet sources say bad/clogged IAC or bad MAF.
Another says it might be sticking valves - possible because I hear valve rattle when cold but it has always done that since new.
Others say might be bad spark plugs, wire(s) or coil pack.
I didn't see an IMRC valve on it but that doesn't mean it doesn't have one.
Another says it might be a coil in the transmission?
Another says it might be a cam sensor.
Another says it might be the computer (possible but doubtful).
I used to run a K & N air filter but when the problem arose I put in a new paper filter. Still no improvement. I removed the air box baffle to see if that might help. Nope.
Muffler getting loud too, but no rust through yet.
I don't want to throw parts at it nor pay for hours and hours of diagnostics.
I fear that it might be the egr valve, which from what I read it is a VERY expensive job to do. Supposedly it requires pulling the transmission to get to it. 5-8 hours of labor plus the part....
And that doesn't include decarbonizing the passage if needed.
I thought about cleaning the IAC thinking that it is sticking.
I also thought about replacing the MAF sensor since the problem got worse after cleaning it.
Should I replace the MAF sensor? It costs $120 aftermarket plus core.
I do have a slight hesitation when stepping on the gas pedal from a stop. Ever so slight.
I rarely go above 2000 rpms to save gas. I will once a week go on the highway at highway speeds and 'blow out' the carbon (never see any).
At my wits end here.
At $80/hr for diagnostics I could very easily get ripped off.
And I would have to pay that even if they couldn't find or fix the problem.
About the damper. Why would it be needed now when it wasn't ever needed before???
Isn't that treating the symptoms and not fixing the problem?