2000 Ford Ranger Low RPM

[dhess184@gmail.com]

Hello, new to the forums. I have a 2000 Ford Ranger XL with 5-spd manual transmission. Low RPMs shifts to 1st and 2nd no problem, but "falls on it's face" and won't go into 3rd or higher. Reverse no problem. At an idle can hit all gears without issue. Changed coil packs, wires, plugs, air cleaner. Need to have fuel filter (next known option) changed. Requires special tool to remove and install a new one. Out of other options or ideas. Any help would be appreciated. My first truck, and first manual. Happy to have it, want to keep it, but if I can't fix it, it goes.

 

[RonD]

Welcome to TRS

A little confused, but that is my nature.

So your question is "Why do I lose power in higher gears?"

Or "Why won't transmission shift into 3rd, 4th or 5th(OD) when driving above 25MPH?"


On the first, yes, it could be fuel flow is restricted by dirty fuel filter so when high demand is needed the fuel pressure is dropping so engine loses power.

Could be the fuel pump itself has lower pressure.

2000 Ranger fuel system should have 60-70psi at the fuel rail(on the intake manifold), engine on or off, there is a test port on the fuel rail, looks like a tires air valve, and it works the same way, even has a cap on it that looks like a tires air valve cap.

Exhaust, if Cat or Muffler gets loose inside it can restrict air flow out of the engine, if old used air can't get out then new air with fuel added can't get in, so under load it builds up a back pressure and power drops off.
You can test for that with a vacuum gauge.
Or tap on the Cats and muffler, when they are cold, a listen for rattles inside, but not really definitive, vacuum test is.

 

[dhess184@gmail.com]

No, runs well in 1st and 2nd and reverse, but won't go to 3rd or higher. Only travels at 25 mph. Rpms go up, but then seems like they drop off. I can get all gears standing still without problem. cat and exhaust have been checked, all good there. Will have to get fuel filter changed and go from there.

 

[dhess184@gmail.com]

Welcome to TRS

A little confused, but that is my nature.

So your question is "Why do I lose power in higher gears?"

Or "Why won't transmission shift into 3rd, 4th or 5th(OD) when driving above 25MPH?"


On the first, yes, it could be fuel flow is restricted by dirty fuel filter so when high demand is needed the fuel pressure is dropping so engine loses power.

Could be the fuel pump itself has lower pressure.

2000 Ranger fuel system should have 60-70psi at the fuel rail(on the intake manifold), engine on or off, there is a test port on the fuel rail, looks like a tires air valve, and it works the same way, even has a cap on it that looks like a tires air valve cap.

Exhaust, if Cat or Muffler gets loose inside it can restrict air flow out of the engine, if old used air can't get out then new air with fuel added can't get in, so under load it builds up a back pressure and power drops off.
You can test for that with a vacuum gauge.
Or tap on the Cats and muffler, when they are cold, a listen for rattles inside, but not really definitive, vacuum test is.

Thanks Ron D, my friend (a very trusted mechanic) checked exhaust system, etc. He's out of ideas. I guess I'll go with filter and go from there.

 

[RangerDange]

Did you by chance get a check engine light or any codes? If your certain it has proper fuel pressure id check the clutch components. Is it slipping?

 

[dhess184@gmail.com]

Did you by chance get a check engine light or any codes? If your certain it has proper fuel pressure id check the clutch components. Is it slipping?

No check engine lights, no slippage, seems to be no issues with the clutch.

 

[dhess184@gmail.com]

Ranger UPDATE!

Fuel filter changed, I got gears back, but still low RPMs. Wants to fall on it's face. Friend seems to think low compression due to a burnt or bent valve. Any thoughts on this? Also exhaust system has a leak and needs to be fixed. Possible cause of problem?

 

[RonD]

On Lima engines older timing belt can stretch which lowers compression reducing power over all, not an idle issue.

Even with burnt valve or stretched belt the computer will use the IAC valve to increase RPMs to "target" RPM based on engine coolant temp.
i.e. there is no idle screw so no mechanical preset idle level.
Computer has full idle RPM control via the IAC valve, so if "target" idle is 750, then computer will open IAC Valve enough to set that idle, if engine is missing it will open it more to get to "target" RPM.

To do a compression test 1 spark plug needs to be removed from each cylinder before testing.
Disconnect 3 wire connector on both coil packs
Install screw in compression gauge to one cylinder.
Press gas pedal to the floor(this shuts off fuel injectors) and crank engine

Listen for 4 or 5 compression "hits", you will hear them
Write down PSI and cylinder number

Repeat for all 4 cylinders

2.5l should be above 160psi, from sea level to 2,000ft elevation, on each cylinder.

Overall low compression is most likely timing belt
single cylinder low compression is most likely valve issue


Exhaust leak after the O2 sensor wouldn't cause the problem, before possibly.
Exhaust leak can also mean exhaust is getting clogged up and back pressure caused the leak to start.

 

[dhess184@gmail.com]

Thanks RonD,

I'll relay the message. He knows how to do the compression test. Just need the tester.

Haven't pin pointed exact location of exhaust leak though. O2 sensors were checked by my mechanic and he says they're fine. So will do compression test and chase down exhaust leak.

Also, would old gas play a part? Even after using Heet gas treatment?

 

[RonD]

Yes, old gas has less "stored" power, the parts that burn when ignited is less per gallon, so power is less.

HEET doesn't restore old gas, it bonds with water in the gas, allowing the water to be run thru the engine without causing misfiring.
Also used to prevent water in the system from freezing in colder climates.

Octane booster doesn't either, octane is a heat rating not power rating, it also bonds with water and also can stop pinging temporarily.

Outside of draining the tank, adding new gas is the only way get the old gas to burn reasonably well, alot more new gas

 

[monstermazda]

Check your coolant temp for the computer if it's reading cold it runs rich.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G870A using Tapatalk

 

[dhess184@gmail.com]

Check your coolant temp for the computer if it's reading cold it runs rich.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G870A using Tapatalk

Runs a little cooler than the average temp. But nothing major.

 

[dhess184@gmail.com]

New UPDATE on 2000 Ranger

Runs and drives ok. 0-15 1st gear, 15-25 2nd gear, 25-40/45 3rd gear, 45 LOSES POWER!!! Not sure what's going on. 2 owners ago, blew brake lines, and timing chain. Is it possible computer is in "safe mode"? If so, how to reset it?

 

[monstermazda]

Ok need tire size ,gear ratio and what speed in fourth gear you are at 2000 rpms

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G870A using Tapatalk

 

[dhess184@gmail.com]

Ok need tire size ,gear ratio and what speed in fourth gear you are at 2000 rpms

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G870A using Tapatalk

Tire size is the 15 inch, as for the rest of it, not sure. I can hit fourth at 40 mph. Just got the truck not too long ago. Trying to nurse it back to health.