2.9l stalls sometimes while in gear

[86ranger4x4owner]

I have a 1988 ranger with a 2.9l automatic.I think it could be from not letting it warm up enough but when i crank it i let it sit a few mins then i put it in gear and i punched the gas a little and let off and it sometimes stall.Am taking bout takin the plugs out and replacing them also might turn the distributor to get it idling a litte higher.If you have any suggestions on how to fix this problem please let me know thanks.

 

[RustedRanger]

Don't adjust the dist to fix the idle,it cause other problems. Sounds like a slow idle air control motor. You can try cleaning it or might have to replace it if thats the problem. Check the tech archives for idle problems.

 

[86ranger4x4owner]

where is the idle air control motor located is that where the air hose from airbox hooks to the throttle body or is the on the same side just a little father back on the throttle body which is round and has a plug at the end of it.

 

[Earl43P]

http://fordfuelinjection.com/?p=39

 

[RustedRanger]

Yea the longish round thing,flat on the front end and the plug in the back,has two bolts. Its on the passenger side of the intake. When I cleaned mine it had so much junk built up it killed the spark plugs,I still ended up replacing it.

 

[86ranger4x4owner]

I took it off but couldnt get the two other bolts off that holds it together but i ran the truck and unplugged it and it cut off so its working.But its not idling high enough is the a idle adjustement srew or what can i do to get it idle a little higher.

 

[86ranger4x4owner]

well i took the sensor off and couldnt get it apart so i put it back on it idle okay.Then i drove it just a little and it started stalling.right now it idles at 500 to 1,000rpm back and forth it doesnt run smooth.What else could this be? and then it died and i tryed to crank it back up and had to floor it to get it cranked up and it just cut off again when i let off the gas.

 

[jhammel85]

Still really sounds like that sensor. When they are stuck closed, you've gotta floor it to get enough air in to start.
To take it apart, there are two screws on it. One each side. If you look down at it from where the plug would plug in, you'll see one screw on each side. Take it apart, spray it down with something and put it back together. Make sure to shake the crap out of it when you spray it.

Another thing would be to test the TPS voltage to set it's base line. Idle should be 1200 cold and 850 warm.

Last thing I can think of is a vac leak.

Hope that helps a little!

 

[Psychopete]

Last thing I can think of is a vac leak.

I was thinking along those lines also. Vac leak will sometimes throw a code 42 - check engine light working and/or present?

Carbon build up around the edges of the throttle body plate will also cause issues with stalling and idle FWIW, might be worth while to look and see if it needs cleaned off.

 

[RustedRanger]

I agree with psyco, I had sprayed most of a can of cleaner through my throttle body/intake but a friend told me to spray some on a rag and wipe off the back of the throttle plate.....there was a ton of crud left after I had sprayed it out. If cleaning the idle air motor doesn't work it could need replaced. But it is better to check out as much stuff as you can before buying new parts. Did you try unplugging the air control motor while its running? If you unplug it and it dies then it's working,but it might still be bad. Mine was.

 

[86ranger4x4owner]

Its not the sensor i took it apart and cleaned it.and the check engine came on a couple of days ago while i was driving it.now it wont crank at all i think the spark plugs are full of gas again but anyone know how to idle it up?

 

[Psychopete]

The computer controls the idle, so the issue needs fixed to fix the idle. Try starting fluid in the upper intake. If it starts on that and dies, you are not getting any gas into the cylinders. If it doesn't start at all, check for spark.

 

[mhughes165]

Its not the sensor i took it apart and cleaned it.and the check engine came on a couple of days ago while i was driving it.now it wont crank at all i think the spark plugs are full of gas again but anyone know how to idle it up?

why are u bothering to ask if u keep coming back to your solution....its not the problem...

 

[gaz]

Stalling automatic

"86ranger4x4owner",

I had a very similar problem with my BII auto, it was the torque converter. I would put in gear and it would stall intermittenly but usually after a very short amount of time, no amount of throttle would keep it running at idle; I had never seen an automatic do this before and I was stumped for some time.

Replacing the torque converter is pretty simple, it does take some time and will cost you to have done. I recommend having your vehicle tested FOR FREE by a well respected local automotive or transmission shop first. On a similar but not free note, you could purchase a diagnostic tool and test you vehicle yourself. I have been using them for years and the new stuff is very good at nailing the actual fault and providing the correct fault codes.

Good luck.

 

[86ranger4x4owner]

I just went ahead and put it in the shop.The mechanic has got it running abit better.he ran the code reader and it didnt run any codes.he changed the oil and said it had gas in it.and changed the spark plugs and got it running better.and the fuell pressure is 30psi.