Can you Help?

[Machine]

I am not sure where the best place to post this would be. It is a little of everything. I just purchased a 2000 Ranger. I have never owned a Ford, so honestly, I don't know a thing about them. I really could use some help with some diagnostics if you can. Here are my problems (2 major).

Engine light came on today. All the other gauges are fine. What can I check? Do I need to take it in? ASAP? Any ideas?

ABS seems not right. When I press the brakes the wheel pulls hard right. Plus the brakes feel grabby in the front. I don't know a thing about ABS.

There is also a small squeel like a water pump starting to go or a belt? Could that have anything to do with the check engine.

If you can lend any advice I would REALLY appreciate it. I just got the truck and really like it (other than this stuff). Thanks.

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

you need to take it in and have the trouble codes pulled. most auto parts stores have a generic scan tool and will pull the codes for you for free. if the truck is running well, i wouldnt say its an urgent thing (probably an emissions device).

you need to check, or have checked, all 4 brakes. if the ABS light isnt on, the ABS is probably functioning properly. any number of things can cause brakes to pull when applied. some things to look for are: stuck calipers, warped rotors (does the pedal pulse according to speed while braking?), stuck caliper slides, worn brake pads, mis-adjusted brake shoes....the list goes on.

the squealing could also be a number of things...only one of which is extremely serious, and that is your cam position sensor. the 3.0 is somewhat notorious for eating them up once the miles get into the triple digits...and if the CMP fails, it can possible take out your engines oil pump. you need to determine which end of the engine the noise is coming from.

 

[Machine]

Thank you for the info. It is running great. The problem is I have to take it through emmissions testing, so I gotta fix it ASAP.

The ABS light came on, but when I turned the truck off, it was gone and hasn't been back.

The squeeling seems to go away after a short time. I will have to deal with that after the others. The truck only has 71k on it, so hopefully these are all small matters. Thanks again

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

does the squeaking only occur for a few seconds after you start the vehicle?

i would actually be most worried about the squeak until we can determine whether or not its a failing CMP sensors.

 

[Machine]

It is loudest when I first start it in the morning. Then it goes to a dull squeel. Is there a way to tell if it's the CMP sensor easily? Thanks.

 

[Bob Ayers]

If the squeal is coming from the back of the motor, then there is a good chance it's the camshaft position sensor synchro. If it is coming from the front of the motor, then it's the serpentine belt, or a pulley (tensioner or idler) bearing.

Keep in mind, the squeal from the back of the motor is the SYNCHRO, not the sensor itself. The SYNCHRO has a gear on it that is driven from the camshaft, and the SYNCHRO drives the oil pump and camshaft position sensor. If you replace the SYNCHRO, then you might as well change the sensor too.

 

[Machine]

Thanks. I will check things tonight. It has been raining like crazy so haven't had much chance to do anything since I picked this truck up. I really like it, just hoping I can get all the bugs worked out. Without spending more than I paid for the truck.

 

[ca1rangers]

I would say the squeal is the belt tensioner. Thats about when I had to change mine. It would only make noise every now and then. I did the belt first(cheaper) then moved to the tensioner. With the engine light just have the code cleared out before you get it tested. I get a 0442 vacume code every now and then.