3.0 intermittent performance

[HowardJGifford]

I recently bought a 2004 ranger edge 3.0 two wheel drive 5 speed with about 166k miles. The check engine light is always on. When first started, the engine runs good,,, ,,,(, usually). After a while the rpm's decrease and engine runs very rough and the check engine light blinks. After about 30 seconds, engine runs ok and check engine light stops blinking, but stays on. Runs good for about 23 seconds then faulters again. It seems to cycle. Runs good for 23 seconds then bad for 30 and so on. This happened while I was trying to maintain a constant 2k rp m. Seems the engine will start up in the same condition as when turned off.
I hope someone can help.
Thanks, Howard

 

[8thTon]

So what code is it giving you?

 

[rusty ol ranger]

Pull the codes.

 

[HowardJGifford]

So what code is it giving you?

I haven't had it analyzed. Guess I should, but, it isn't licensed yet

 

[8thTon]

I haven't had it analyzed. Guess I should, but, it isn't licensed yet

Well, the CEL codes aren't always the complete, correct story, but it's trying to tell you something and has more info than any of us do.

 

[HowardJGifford]

Well, the CEL codes aren't always the complete, correct story, but it's trying to tell you something and has more info than any of us do.

Ok, thanks, I'll get back sometime.

 

[Ranger 2005]

Ok, thanks, I'll get back sometime.

Howard, I have same truck, same exact problem, engine goes thru cycles of rough running and miss firing- then runs so smooth for a time you think it stalled- very frustrating.

 

[91stranger]

Could be a fuel issue like a plugged up filter or weak pump. CEL wont tell you nothing about the fuel system. Normally when the CEL is flashing then its severe.... At least that's what I was always told, if your CEL starts flashing to pull over and shut it off as fast as you can. Being a 3.0 they didn't have too many engine issues other than the camshaft synchronizer is pretty common. Go to Walmart and buy an ODB2 code reader and see what it says....

An OBD2 code reader is a must if you plan on trying to diag stuff yourself. It's a ranger, it's gonna break down and you're gonna want to pull the codes before spending money throwing parts at it in hopes of it getting fixed.