curious and eager truck maintenance newbie..

[FL_forlife33]

I'm a newbie to the site, this place is totally awesome. I never knew that there were people that we're so into Ford Rangers...

I have pretty much always owned rangers.. and my most recent ranger is a 99 3.0 V6 4WD... i love it, compared to my older rangers it has more power, and i'm really happy to have 4WD.. but, when i bought it, it definitely had some problems with it. nothing too serious i don't think..

when i bought it the ABS light was on, and is still on, along with the check engine light... I've been doing the research on here about the ABS light, and i don't have any problems with the speedometer so i'm thinking the ABS thing isn't that serious, but i would like to replace it just to be good to my vehicle. is it the sensor that is on the top of the rear differential?

about the check engine light, the person i bought it from said his mechanic said it was the emissions sensor?? that it didn't comform to new hampshire's standards, but in the state of FL it didn't matter?? i'm not positive that that's the case, but i would like to confirm. do I need to take it in and hook it up to the computer? if so, is there anyone that does that for free?

there are also some 4WD problems, but i'm going to do more research on here, and try locking the vacuum hubs, and test my transfer case and motor before i know exactly what's wrong. it has problems shifting into, and out of, 4LOW sometimes, and i think this is indicative of the transfer case motor??

any help would be amazing...

 

[AngryLepercon]

Welcome to TRS. Hope you find all the information you are looking for.

 

[Mark_88]

Welcome! Sounds like you've got more than one issue that you want to clear up, and the introductions is a good place to start...but since the experts in some of the areas don't necessarily read this section you might want to post again in a specific forum...the ABS would best go under Brakes, and anything to do with drive trains could be posted under the appropriate section...there are many experts here that can answer your questions directly or give you things to try that will lead you to a solution...

The check engine light is the only one I'm familiar with, and I left mine on because it gives my face a nice red glow at night so other drivers think I'm evil or something...lol...

Actually, the light indicates that your emission controls are out of spec...no biggie...but most likely an O2 sensor or gas cap issue...they're pretty simple to correct, but sometimes just disconnecting the battery for a minute will clear it up permanently...I've had mine go on and off with bumps on the highway so I don't take it too seriously...but getting rid of it is always nice...

 

[FL_forlife33]

thanks..

thanks for much for the reply, much appreciated. the people on this site are so nice and helpful, it's great!

i'll post specific questions in the pertinent forums.

thanks again!

 

[KELLY88]

Welcome to TRS. To your question about the check engine light, autozone will read it for free and tell you what code or codes your computer is throwing and typically give you some solutions to fix your problem. Emissions controls can typically be a quick fix, gas cap is the most common but also the EGR and Evaporative Emission Control System (EECS) can have some problems. My 97 had it. Some of the more common issues with that is a rotted or disconnected vacuum line which is a very easy fix. Other times sensors will either need cleaned or replaced. Good luck. Also your handle says you're from Florida (I'm guessing) what part?

 

[FL_forlife33]

right next door

haha, you're in Lake Mary? I just moved from Lake Mary to Orlando, and still work in Lake Mary 3 or 4 days a week... small world..

thanks for the info, i didn't know Autozone would hook it up for free. that's sweet..

take care