95 Ranger Starting Problems

[bskin]

I have read a few post and have decided to ask the experts a question about my truck! I have a 95 Ranger 2.3L, 2WD Manual. Lately I have had problems with restarting it after trips. First thing in the morning it is fine. I start it up and drive on to work. If for any reason I shut it off or kill it, it cranks and takes forever to start. I can usually wait a bit and restart it. I have found that the old trick of turning the key on a few times and then holding the gas down will work a big part of the time. If I leave it in the parking lot at work and come out after work it starts fine as well. The main problem is if it dies after I have been running for a bit or when I first start it up. Any clues? Thanks

 

[AgPete139]

First, welcome to TRS!

Your IAC (Idle Air Control Valve) is sticking. It's located by the throttle body & intake manifold. Take it off the two 10mm bolts, spray it very thoroughly with carb cleaner, and replace. The 3rd Gens are notorious for this.

Let us know how it goes.

Peter

 

[bskin]

Thanks for the quick reply! I will try this tomorrow after the Colts game.....
I will let you know.

 

[bskin]

I took off the valve and it was black! I cleaned it a bit but the seal seemed funny. I went to Autozone and bought a new one for $40 and put it on. So far it seems to have done the trick! I turned it on and off several times without a problem. I will check back with you in a week or so. Thanks again you really know what your talking about!

 

[bskin]

Well...... I guess I spoke to soon. The problem came back so I dropped the tank and changed the fuel pump. Same problem. If you start it and its starts ok, it will run great. If you start it and it dies, you might as well wait about 10 minutes before starting it! I can turn the key on and off several times and hear the pump running. Any other ideas? Already installed New IAC and fuel pump and filter.

 

[R***A**N**G**E***R]

Well...... I guess I spoke to soon. The problem came back so I dropped the tank and changed the fuel pump. Same problem. If you start it and its starts ok, it will run great. If you start it and it dies, you might as well wait about 10 minutes before starting it! I can turn the key on and off several times and hear the pump running. Any other ideas? Already installed New IAC and fuel pump and filter.

You are going to go BROKE replacing all these parts you mentioned and you STILL have the problem!! My question is at what point does one just bite the bullet and pay a diagnostic fee at Ford so you know EXACTLY what the issue is.

Once you know what the issue is THEN you can say screw the stealership and fix it your self. Just my 2 cents

 

[bskin]

well..... I have just got about $140.00 in it right now. The truck has 160K on it so I dont think it was that bad of an investment. Just wondering if anyone else had the problem.