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2.3L ('83-'97) 1996 Ranger 2.3L - Will not idle cold, Low power after warm up


ksimp

Member
Joined
Nov 10, 2024
Messages
8
City
SC
Vehicle Year
1996
Engine
2.3 (4 Cylinder)
Transmission
Manual
1996 Ford Ranger
2.3L four cylinder
5 speed manual
258,000 miles

My 96 Ranger will not idle when cold. After warming up to about 160* F, it will start to idle without having to goose the gas.
Engine is freshly rebuilt. New crank brgs, rod brgs., pistons, rings, cam brgs, hyd. lifters, cam shaft, oil pump, timing belt.
I replaced the crankshaft sensor, plugs, wires, upper and lower O2 sensors, TPS and IAC. I also replaced the PCM.

DTCs
P1000
P0136
P0171
P0401
P1131

I could not determine if a gasket between the exhaust collector and CAT input pipe is required. So, one is not installed.

Thanks for all your help.
 
Did you buy parts straight off the orient express or are they quality parts?

Fords REALLY want to be run with either motorcraft branded parts OR parts from whomever made the OE part for Ford.. NTK for O2 sensors for example. Anything else has no guarantee of success. You replaced a lot of sensors all at once...
 
Hi Blmpkn,
Thank you for the prompt response.

Before the engine rebuild, I'd replaced the upstream and downstream O2's with generic units from Amazon. After the rebuild, in an attempt to solve this issue, I replaced both with Denso's from Rockauto. They both show voltage changes using a Scan Tool.
Also, the engine is not original. It has a rebuilt in Mexico sticker on it.
 
Most of those codes show it's running lean, the fact it doesn't run right cold either says to me there's some unmetered air getting in (air leak after the MAF, intake gasket leak or PCV off or something, they don't like that) or the fuel injectors aren't up to snuff or the fuel pressure is low

I have the fuel injectors I pulled off of my '97 a couple years ago sitting around, I think they're somewhat restricted since I was getting random lean codes but no running issues but...
 
scotts90ranger,
I think you are on the right track concerning the fuel injectors. I'd replaced the original ones with a set from ebay before my rebuild. I decided to do the "long screwdriver" test today, and #1 was totally quiet, no clicking. #2 was strong, #3 was ok and #4 seemed a bit weak. I'm going to ohm the original set. Test their "clicky-ness" with a battery, and if they check good, clean them out and reuse them. I'll also check the wiring. I have a set of noid lights on the way.
Thanks for the suggestions. I think sometimes you're just too close to a project. I helps to have others with a different point of view (read that as experience) to chime in.
 
Turned out to be the #1 injector. Cheap ebay units. I cleaned, re-o-ringed and filtered the original injectors after making sure they were all clicking. Reinstalled them and the truck is running great. Now I just have to put 400 more miles on the engine and change the oil and filter.
 

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