89 Ford Ranger xlt 2.3l: My daddy's ol truck and what I learned to drive in! Finally mine, but after much neglect :(

[Sonic03]

How have you been making out with this: Any luck yet?
I don't know if it at all had been previously mentioned, I glossed over some of the responses. If you know anyone w/access to a Ford scan tool or very capable aftermarket brand look for codes or anything which in the manual might suggest something which might be out of specs. Previous experience led me to find that Alldata DIY had most, if almost not all for their information directly from the manufacturer shop manual, so this might be helpful if you've not found an answer yet. It's online, from what I recall the subscription price was reasonable, and you could print pages to take out with you while you work on it.
Also, if it has sat for a while, inspect the wiring in the engine compartment and look for evidence of rodent damage. Even if it had been stored in a garage they will find it and get in there wreaking havoc where they may. We see it all the time in the shop.

 

[Steinasaur]

Is that something I can do? And if so what do I need to test them? I know there are specific tools for it but is there ANY other way?? Think backwoods lol this morning I checked the codes old school by counting the check engine blinks with a jumper on the plug u plug the computer scanner in....the code was for throttle position sensor. Does that mean it's the tps or can than mean other things too?? I'm literally learning as I go with the guidance of a few wise ol shade tree mechanics who come in if I ask them too bc they see me wanting to try to figure this stuff out but getting expensive so I'm open to ANY tricks of the trade

Fuel Injectors are not a hard change on the 2.3, but it is easiest to do taking the throttle body off. I run on a 92/93 2.3l and have done way more work on that I would like to admit on that engine lol. I think the 89 is double plugged like mine, and its a good chance to get to the hard to reach rear plugs on the driver side. Good Luck!

 

[Sonic03]

If I remember, I'll ask a few of the older techs at work who were working when these trucks were coming through the shop. Someone might recall any particular issue which might cause similar issues they'd seen.