2003 ranger that hickups when it snows.

[climber338]

my truck seems to the hickups when ever it snows or the wind picks up a bunch of snow and i drive though the snow cloud. It seemed like the engine is locking up then restarting. Its enough to cause your neck some whiplash. It only happens when it snows. i have been dealing with this problem for 2 years now and there is no problem when it rains so it must be something with ice crystals getting on some sensor. ANY IDEAS????

 

[srteach]

If it doesn't happen when it rains (moisture), it has to do with temperature. Ice crystals are less conductive than water.
Bad or weak connections, loose wires, or something electrical.
If the entire truck shuts down, but the instrumentation stays live, check the wiring related to ignition. If everything shuts down, it's further up the line.

Get (rent, buy, borrow) a data logging computer. Log the ignition parameters to see which sensor or system drops when this happens. That will start the detective work.

 

[HRTKD]

It could be a loose air intake joint. I have an aftermarket intake on a different vehicle where the air filter tends to fall off. I could see a flurry of snow getting sucked into the engine while rain wouldn't.

 

[Jason]

My 04 did this. Dealer, friends, myself could not figure out why. It would be a quick rpm drop then right back. Almost felt like the tranny went to neutral and back real quick?

 

[SAY789]

Hmm i have same exact prob in my 01 exploder early in the morning sometimes it dies too idk what it is but its weird. my 94 seems to do it when im up snow wheeling but never any other time

 

[naford]

It could be like the fuel pump stops then starts? It would feel like the motor turns off then on really quick.

 

[exotic_4x4]

My 04 does this I think its the location of the airbox its right by the grille and behind the headlight ...I'm going to cap off my factory hole and move it to the backside of the airbox...I got a feeling its sucking in fine snow particles that the airfilter isn't catching..

 

[exotic_4x4]

I also had Ford say it was the torque. onvertor intermittently unlocking and relocking...Idk either no one seems to

 

[ranger024x4]

mine does this too. The kicker is my old 02 4.0L 4x4 (auto) did it and so does my new 03 4.0L 4x4 L2 (manual)

it has to be going at least 40 and like others said, it feels like the a/c compresser turning on but very very violently.

Last night it did it, and didnt this morning. again, it goes away when it doesnt snow. its crazy