95 2.3 Ranger XL sputtering when giving gas cold

[ricardoguitars]

Hello everyone, my Ranger is behaving strange when it is cold, when I give it gas it sputters, like if it where running out of gas, it happens for a while until it starts building temperature, the gas pedal is not as responsive as in other cars, there is a strange like a 1 second lag after giving it gas. The sputtering only occurs when cold, but the lag is constant.

It has a new fuel pump, new fuel filter, new vacuum regulator, new O2 sensors, new cables and plugs, and new timing belt.

Thanks for the help.
Cheers.

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[Mark_88]

How long as it been doing this sputtering on warm up? If you just noticed it with cooler temperatures then it may be the coolant temperature sensor is not working properly.

Did you check for engine codes? There should be something indicating a problem with warmup like a code 116 for Engine Coolant Temp (ECT) sensor out of range (5 volts or less). If no codes then you might have to go through the components.

You can also do a quick start up test by simply plugging in the block heater if you have one...let it run for 1/2 hour and start the engine...if there is no stumbling then you know it is something to do with a sensor (ECT, TPS, MAF, IAT, IAC) or the computer.

The delay in response may indicate the Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) is causing both the warmup and throttle response issues....

Or it could be too much slack in your throttle cable. A common problem that can be fixed very quickly...see the link below from the Tech Articles section...your best friend on TRS...

http://www.therangerstation.com/Magazine/Summer06/throttlecablemod.shtml

And the link below this is information about the TPS...other very helpful links available...

http://www.therangerstation.com/Magazine/winter2009/throttle_position_sensor.shtml

 

[ricardoguitars]

The zip tie thing fixed the throttle lag, thank you!. I still have the sputtering issue, I scan it and got a P1409 code, I replaced the vacuum regulator but still get the code, the coolant temperature sensor seems to be working fine, it shows between 78 to 88 degrees Celsius, depending on the engine load and speed.

The sputtering is happening since I bought it a few months ago.

 

[Mark_88]

Good to hear the zip ties helped. Very common issue.

There are two coolant temperature sensors. One talks to the computer and one talks to the gauge on the dash. The dash only indicates the temperature and does not affect the computer so you need to check the one that talks to the computer.

But your error code might explain what is actually happening.

The code P1409 may be triggered by a loose vacuum hose or fitting so replacing the unit itself won't help in that case.

When the engine starts the vacuum solenoid opens which would cause a vacuum leak if the hoses are not tight. When the solenoid closes it seals the vacuum leak and the engine will run smoothly again.

You probably need to check all the hoses for leaks. Try plugging the vacuum line to the solenoid before cold starting to see if the stutter clears up.

The hoses can become brittle or damaged over time and allow the vacuum seal to not work. That may actually be causing the warmup issue also because during initial startup there is a vacuum leak when the

 

[ricardoguitars]

Good to hear the zip ties helped. Very common issue.

There are two coolant temperature sensors. One talks to the computer and one talks to the gauge on the dash. The dash only indicates the temperature and does not affect the computer so you need to check the one that talks to the computer.

But your error code might explain what is actually happening.

The code P1409 may be triggered by a loose vacuum hose or fitting so replacing the unit itself won't help in that case.

When the engine starts the vacuum solenoid opens which would cause a vacuum leak if the hoses are not tight. When the solenoid closes it seals the vacuum leak and the engine will run smoothly again.

You probably need to check all the hoses for leaks. Try plugging the vacuum line to the solenoid before cold starting to see if the stutter clears up.

The hoses can become brittle or damaged over time and allow the vacuum seal to not work. That may actually be causing the warmup issue also because during initial startup there is a vacuum leak when the

That makes sense, I will check for vacuum leaks. Thanks again.

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