Comming Death?

[LittleBigFoot]

Tonight I started my truck to go get some gas. It started and lost a lot of power and almost died. I had to shift to neutral and give it some gas to keep it alive. Everything was going out, all my concile lights dimmed. This happened once before but not nearly as bad. It's been really cold lately, but I've never had a problem like this till recently.

I'm thinkin fuel lines or filter. I've seen the same problem on a few frends cars. Tomorrow I'll give it a looksie and see what I can find out. I'll also run an OBDII test and pull some codes.

Any thoughts?

2000 Ranger 3.0l 4r44e

Thanks guys,
Adam

 

[Dave R]

Sounds more like an electrical issue.

If your lights are dimming and the engine is above 1000rpm, then you have a very large current draw somewhere.

 

[LittleBigFoot]

Then I wonder what could be drawing that much. I don't have any aftermarket life draining products.

Thanks for the input, Dave.

I'll post when I get it figured out

 

[Will]

Check the starter where the wiring attaches to it. I've had trouble like that. I've also had the battery break up inside and cause an intermittent 'open' that gave me fits.

 

[ForOffRoadDriving]

do a load test on the battery. you said it was cold when started doing it right? cold weather will bring out any weakness in a battery. you can pull it out and take it to almost any parts store and they can test it for you.

 

[ashleyroachclip]

Check your charging system , including all of your battery cables .

 

[thegoat4]

If your battery charge is low right now, pull your alternator and go have it tested. Also charge and load test your battery. Replace the bad parts.

If your battery charge is good, check your battery cables, especialy around the starter posts as wil mentioned. Look at the insulation for any signs of heat damage. Replace damaged cables and tighten loose terminals.

 

[94STXRanger]

sounds like your starters going bad, and all your electrical components are draining your battery soits shuting stuff down. Just take it to O'reilly ( represent O-town!) and have them test the battery and alternator while the truck is running.

 

[dranger21]

i had the same problem and it was my alternator. It was the first night it was bitter cold last winter too

 

[LittleBigFoot]

Ok, now get this. I started it up early thismorning. It was fricken freezing. I was in a hurry to get out of the house. I started her up and shifted into first really quick. It happened again. Now come to think of it, the previous times this happened, it was cold and I put it in drive really quickly. Could this have anything to do with it?

Everything appears fine. Battery is fine, cables and wires look good. I wasnt able to get in to have my alternator tested today, but if it happens again I'll have that done.

Maybe it's a ghost screwin with me. It is that time of the year lol

 

[Gabe8810]

you would want to check you silanoid too to make sure its not going bad if its only doing it when you first start it up and drive off real quick than let the truck warm up for 5 min or so than try it.

also does it stutter when you first try to start it?

 

[Robin Hood]

You're supposed to let your car warm up for at least a few seconds. The truck needs to build up oil pressure so parts can be properly lubed and all.

But other than that check the cables to the starter and do an alternator test.

 

[LittleBigFoot]

I know I need to let my truck warm up, but I was in a hurry!!! but that's no excuese.

It's only a problem when I need to haul balls.

I'll see how it goes tomorrow.

Thanks for the input guys


Adam