2.3 Ranger losing power when accelerating

[Axman]

I've noticed a problem over the last week when I try to accelerate in my 2002 Ford Ranger. It has a 2.3 engine, 4 cylinder, which rides fairly smoothly until I give it a fair amount of gas to go up a hill or accelerate for any other reason. It bucks then backs off, over and over, as if it isn't getting enough gas. Another thing I have noticed is that whenever it does this, there is crackling on the radio, which stops when this subsides. It leads me to believe it may be a sensor problem or something of an electrical nature. Today the check engine light finally came on for this.

Any ideas for someone who is a real layman as far as auto repairs go?

 

[orangealpine]

Yes, it sounds electrical in nature. Ignition spark to be more precise. Bad high tension (spark) components can function okay under light load, but break down under load, causing a miss. Most likely culprit is plugs and plug wires. How many miles since they were changed? If they are good, next most likely, but much more expensive, is the coil.

Bill

 

[modelageek]

I've noticed a problem over the last week when I try to accelerate in my 2002 Ford Ranger. It has a 2.3 engine, 4 cylinder, which rides fairly smoothly until I give it a fair amount of gas to go up a hill or accelerate for any other reason. It bucks then backs off, over and over, as if it isn't getting enough gas. Another thing I have noticed is that whenever it does this, there is crackling on the radio, which stops when this subsides. It leads me to believe it may be a sensor problem or something of an electrical nature. Today the check engine light finally came on for this.

Any ideas for someone who is a real layman as far as auto repairs go?

do a complete tuneup including fuel filter.......check for codes, even pending codes............r.......only use autolite or motorcraft plugs and wires if you need more info about a tuneup let us know

 

[modelageek]

I just noticed you were new here....i will elaborate. tuneup= fuel filter, air filter, pcv, plugs, wires, clean TB, clean iacv, look for broken hoses, clean batterry terminals, add bottle of techron to fuel tank

 

[Axman]

Thanks for the help. I took it to Autozone and the error code was P0301 with cylinder 1 misfiring. I have around 85K miles on it and am embarrassed to say I don't think I ever gave it a tuneup. It even has its original battery, surprisingly enough.

 

[BRUTUS_T_HOG]

which one of your double posts are you staying in? you need to check the spark plug wires and the coils.

check for cracks, burns, splits, rubbed spots, ect.

 

[Axman]

I'll stay in this one since my Ranger is post 2000. I'll check out those things or perhaps bring it in... now I have something to work with. Hopefully I can get it in tomorrow, if not then I hope I won't damage it by driving over the weekend?

 

[modelageek]

I'll stay in this one since my Ranger is post 2000. I'll check out those things or perhaps bring it in... now I have something to work with. Hopefully I can get it in tomorrow, if not then I hope I won't damage it by driving over the weekend?

If the cel is flashing that means you are having multiple misfires and you do not want to drive very far because it could do damage to the catalytic converter.

 

[modelageek]

I'll stay in this one since my Ranger is post 2000. I'll check out those things or perhaps bring it in... now I have something to work with. Hopefully I can get it in tomorrow, if not then I hope I won't damage it by driving over the weekend?

make sure you tell the mechanic about the misfire before he dives into the tuneup

 

[modelageek]

I'll stay in this one since my Ranger is post 2000. I'll check out those things or perhaps bring it in... now I have something to work with. Hopefully I can get it in tomorrow, if not then I hope I won't damage it by driving over the weekend?

one final thought. you might want to consider replacing the serpentine belt(a goodyear gatorback belt is recommended)also. and check or replace radiator and heater hoses. Al of those things will add up to some Money. if you decide to give it a go on your own and do the work yourself lets us know and we can help you. I think the 2002 have the fuel filter with the pushbutton release. This is easier than the old style. alL those tUnEup parts, the belt and the hoses are probably about $100- $130 for parts. you can go to rockauto.com and price them out.........and again ONLY USE AUTOLITE OR MOTRCRAFT PLUGS AND WIRES

 

[Axman]

The check engine light remains on solid, so I hope I am good to go as far as driving some this weekend? Gonna be tough to squeeze in a mechanic today with the holiday weekend here. I can do the basic checks, but no mechanic am I!

 

[Axman]

The latest - I had wires and plugs replaced which seemed to help a little but soon was apparent I still had the problem back. Last night I noticed when the lack of power pops up (especially if I am in a higher gear going up a hill), the Check Gage light flashes briefly but the gauges all appear to be OK. It may be my imagination but the truck seemed to run better when there was a 1/4 of a tank or less gas versus a full tank. I bought the fuel from various stations.

 

[modelageek]

You should fix the other STUFF. After the other STUFF is fixed maybe you can find new STUFF and replace the STUFF with new STUFF

 

[Axman]

So much stuff, so little time... I should add the alternator gauge does seem to be charging a little all the time - I still have the original battery in this truck. Almost 9 years!

 

[modelageek]

"Good stuff"