• Welcome Visitor! Please take a few seconds and Register for our forum. Even if you don't want to post, you can still 'Like' and react to posts.

40-50 mph hesitation


specialfxn

Member
Joined
Nov 5, 2013
Messages
17
Vehicle Year
2004
Transmission
Automatic
I have a 2004 Ranger 3.0. Lately, when i am driving between 40 and 50 mph and have to give it extra gas to pass or get up a hill, when i give it gas there is a choking or hesitation. A "da-dunk, da dunk". When I let off of the gas and reapply it is smooth. I have cleaned the Mass air flow sensor, and IAC valve. didnt seem to help. Also, a new fuel filter. I do not know enough to tell if it is a transmisssion issue, or a gas air mixture issue. Any ideas
 
If it was a trans issue(assuming automatic) you would probably notice the RPMs increasing but not the speed, however a trans issue is not completely off the table.

Assuming you have good top speed, i.e. no overall power loss above 50mph, then I would get a volt/ohm meter and check the TPS(throttle position sensor).
It has 3 wires connected, center wire is the "return voltage" wire.
When key is on(engine can be off) the computer sends the TPS 5volts(top wire).
The TPS is like a volume control or light dimmer, a variable resistor.
On the Return wire if throttle is closed you should see .7-.9volts, under 1volt
With throttle wide open you should see 4.6-4.9volts, above 4.5volts
In between you need to see a steady increase or decrease in voltage, no jumping around, a TPS can get a "dead spot" this would be seen as loss of power at that position and changing the gas pedal position(TPS position) would cause a return of the power.
Set volt meter to DC volts, 20vDC if available.
Get a sewing needle/pin, use it to pierce the center wire
Put meters black probe on Ground(battery is fine)
Turn on ignition key
Put red probe on needle/pin
You should see under 1v
Manually open and close throttle while watching voltage on meter.

FYI, a volt/ohm meter costs about $25, cheaper than pretty much any sensor, so........that $25 can save you hundreds of dollars in the long run, and it works on any vehicle, so truly a universal tester.

General power loss at higher speeds is usually low fuel pressure or clogged exhaust, this doesn't effect a "limited range" i.e. it doesn't get better at higher speed, it gets worse.
 
Last edited:
Thanks for the reply. I found a good video on youtube showing what you were talking about. I will try tomorrow and post my findings in case others have similiar issues.
 

Sponsored Ad


Sponsored Ad

TRS Events

Member & Vendor Upgrades

For a small yearly donation, you can support this forum and receive a 'Supporting Member' banner, or become a 'Supporting Vendor' and promote your products here. Click the banner to find out how.

Recently Featured

Want to see your truck here? Share your photos and details in the forum.

Ranger Adventure Video

TRS Merchandise

Follow TRS On Instagram

TRS Sponsors


Sponsored Ad


Sponsored Ad


Amazon Deals

Sponsored Ad

Back
Top