• 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.

'94 Ranger 2.3L, high idle issue


jinx44

Member
Joined
Jul 12, 2012
Messages
6
Transmission
Automatic
I just bought a '94 Ford Ranger, 2.3L, 5 speed, 2wd with 199,000 miles. It has a slight miss/hesitation at cruising speeds and lower throttle position.

KOER scan shows code 411---Cannot control rpm during KOER low RPM check.

The idle speed was 1180rpm, TPS at .98v, IAC duty cycle 0.0, MAF around 1.1v.

The TPS is not slotted for adjustment.

If I turn the idle screw down, I can get the IAC to command 10-15% duty cycle and it will idle at 720rpm. However, my TPS voltage is down to .83 and it still has the miss.

I checked for vacuum leaks and could not find any. Since intake gaskets are cheap, I put a new set on, checked the intakes for any cracks, and went over the vacuum hoses as I went back together with it. The only vac hoses are for FPR, EGR, and A/C controls. Capping them one at time did not change anything. Since putting the gaskets in, I have sprayed 3/4 of a can of ether around everything and still no sign of leaks. I also replaced the PCV valve to fix vacuum on the crankcase, and replaced the ECT with the updated Ford kit since I had the water drained to remove the intake. While I was there, I replaced the spark plugs and wires with the recommend Motorcraft parts. The old plugs had 15k miles on them, and all looked fine. No sign of coolant, oil, or rich/lean on any cylinder.

I have access to a wrecked truck for parts, so yesterday I tried swapping the TB. With the TB and TPS from the other truck, TPS is at .94v, idle still at 1180, and IAC still commanded 0.0.

This morning I swapped the IAC from the wrecked truck in case it wasn't closing properly. Neither IAC closes completely, so I am guessing that is how they are from the factory. But even with the new IAC, everything is the same.

I am thinking about slotting the TPS so I can turn the throttle blade down and still keep .98-.99v. However, there is obviously an issue somewhere and I would rather fix that issue than bandaid it.

I pulled the timing cover yesterday to check to make sure the cam timing is correct (previous owner put a new belt on it 15k ago). Crank and cam are lined up correctly. I can't find a timing mark on the cover for the oil pump gear though. I am not sure that it matters on a '94 since there is no distributor or cam position sensor.

When I was on the way home with this truck a couple weeks ago, I had to make a stop at the store. When I went back out to leave, it wouldn't start. It took a few tries, then it fired up like nothing was wrong. When I got home, I ran the KOEO codes and it showed a PIP/CKS erratic signal code. I have put 500 miles on it since without a no start issue or with that code coming back.

I am considering replacing the CKS while I have the timing cover and all off. I just hate to keep throwing parts at it though.

Any ideas?
 
Last edited:
Dang I have the same issues and about the same mileage. You are just a few steps ahead of me and still nothing. That sucks. There has to be an answer out there! Good luck!
 
I had a high/hanging idle on my 2000 Mustang GT some years ago. It was caused by a bad DPFE sensor.
 
I had a high/hanging idle on my 2000 Mustang GT some years ago. It was caused by a bad DPFE sensor.

DPFE is working fine, and has actually been changed out with one from the truck I have been stealing parts off of. I had an EGR issue that ended up being caused by gasket misalignment when they put on a new EGR valve.

The entire EGR system has been checked and is now working properly.

I have removed the EGR valve and blocked the port to make sure there was no gas passing through it when it wasn't supposed to.
 
I have also cleaned the MAF, and have swapped it with the one from the other truck. There was no change.

If I unplug the MAF and allow it to use the failed MAF table, the miss/surge clears up almost completely. If it is an air leak somewhere, the failed table is probably a bit richer which is what helps the miss.
 
Swap the ignition control module and also check the coil packs to make sure they're fine.

Btw, you explained everything out very nicely. It isn't often that someone posts up a question with a detailed account of what they've tried and troubleshot thus far.

Welcome to The Ranger Station.
 
Swap the ignition control module and also check the coil packs to make sure they're fine.

Btw, you explained everything out very nicely. It isn't often that someone posts up a question with a detailed account of what they've tried and troubleshot thus far.

Welcome to The Ranger Station.

I will check the ICM and packs. It can't hurt since I have checked everything else. lol Unless they are somehow increasing timing, I don't see the ignition causing the idle to be elevated by 450rpm.


I have built some pretty quick later model Mustangs and Lightnings in the past with turbos, blowers, stroker engines, 2V to 4V swaps, stick to auto trans swaps and keeping electronic shifting, etc. So I am not completely new to Fords EFI and emissions systems. I also own a Snap On Solus scanner, mighty-vac pump, fuel pressure gauge, a nice selection of hand tools, etc. Most guys buying a beater ranger for a grand don't have these luxuries. lol

This is why it really has me stumped. I have checked everything I can think of and nothing has made even a slight difference.
 
Oh, and fuel pressure readings:

KOEO: 31psi

Idle: 33psi

Idle with regulator line unhooked: 41psi

All pressures are steady. Just thought I would mention that I have checked it as well.
 
Bump.


I have turned the throttle screw down to allow the IAC to control idle. IAC is 20%, TPS at .81, and MAF at .80.

I have checked a few more things:

Compression is 150-160 in all cylinders.

Exhaust gas back pressure at the O2 sensor is very erratic at idle, jumping from pressure (1psi) to vacuum (1-2"). At 3000 RPM, its steady and shows no pressure. I would guess this is caused by it running rough at idle.

The spark plugs have 1000 miles on them now, but are very white (lean).

I have added a ground to the ICM, swapped ICM and coils from the wrecked truck, and tested the spark with one of the inline bulb spark testers. The spark showed great on the tester, and swapping the coils or ICM helped.

With the MAF voltage so low at idle, and having to turn the throttle plate down to reduce idle, along with the plugs looking lean, all signs are pointing to an air leak. I have no clue where it could be.
 
When I was on the way home with this truck a couple weeks ago, I had to make a stop at the store. When I went back out to leave, it wouldn't start. It took a few tries, then it fired up like nothing was wrong. When I got home, I ran the KOEO codes and it showed a PIP/CKS erratic signal code. I have put 500 miles on it since without a no start issue or with that code coming back.
I had this one more than once random BS headache .:icon_confused:
Thought it had something to do with the fuel pump system because when it occured the pump didnt do the prime cycle when the key was turned on .
Finally ran a bypass switch so I could run the pump the next time it happened....
Ha ha the motor didnt care about that .Did it again and my smart ass switch made no difference :icon_rofl:
Ends up the ECU relay was the culprit . :annoyed:
Guess afer 18 yrs stuff just wears out :idiot:
 

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.

Latest posts

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