hey everyone, need assistance lol

[staceyrenee]

Hi, i recently traded for a 94 ranger splash 4 cylinder, it started shutting off and backfiring out of nowhere, im not sure if this is where i should be posting this or not, so please be patient. I pulled the codes and its showing: 172, 211, 218, 222, 223, and 224. Please help, im going to change the wires and plugs, but not sure what all the codes mean and i looked them up but still not sure, any assistance will be greatly appreciated, thanx!!

 

[Mark_88]

Welcome to TRS~!

Well, you can find the codes in the Tech Library...a great resource...here is a link...

http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/3digitcodes.html

<table border="1" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="0" width="95%"><tbody><tr><td bgcolor="#D6D6D6" width="17%">172</td> <td width="83%">(R,M) Oxygen sensor not switching - system is or was lean - Single, Right or Rear HO2S - Fuel control</td></tr></tbody></table>
211 (M) Ignition PIP signal was erratic or missing - Ignition Systems


218 (M) IDM signal open or high or left coil pack failure - Ignition Systems


222 (M) IDM open or high or right coil pack failure - Ignition Systems

<table border="1" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="0" width="95%"><tbody><tr><td bgcolor="#D6D6D6" width="17%">223 </td> <td width="83%"> (M) Dual Plug (DPI), SPOUT or IDM circuit fault - Ignition Systems </td> </tr> <tr> <td bgcolor="#D6D6D6" width="17%">224 </td> <td width="83%"> (M) Failure in ignition coil primary circuit - Ignition Systems </td></tr></tbody></table>
To me it looks like the wires and plugs are OK...but sounds like either a coil or ignition module...or your birthday falls on a Tuesday this year...

Fortunately, for you, there are people on here with more experience and can probably narrow it down to something simple...like a ground wire off...

 

[staceyrenee]

what does IDM open or high mean? I was going to replace the coil packs, but i dont want to if its not necessary, and the system being lean, do i need to replace the o2 sensor?

 

[RonD]

Codes usually mean sensors are working and reporting a problem.

IDM = Ignition Diagnostic Module

The '89 to '01 Ford Lima(4 cyl) engines used dual coil packs, and 8 spark plugs
4 left side and 4 right side, each with it's own coil pack.

First thing would be to hit a wrecking yard and get a couple of Ford 4 plug coil packs, usually $5-$10 each
Or get one new coil, just 1
Then swap out one coil and see if code for that coil goes away, if it does replace other one as well.

Once spark is working without codes then tackle the Lean part.
Run some Seafoam in the gas tank to clean up injectors.
And check for vacuum leaks.
Vacuum leak will usually cause a higher idle, but IAC(idle air control) valve may lower idle so that symptom is not noticed.
vacuum leaks and dirty injectors can cause lean O2 sensor code.

 

[Road Angels]

back fire

Start with the simple wiggle tests on the harness then check the ignition switch, also with a wiggle test of the key while running, and wiggle the harness going up into the steering colum, all while engine is running, be careful around a running engine

 

[70roadrunner]

i would check vaccum lines before spending money on parts. get a can of starting fluid, start engine and let it warm up. with the engine running, give a quick shot of SF(starting fluid). by quick, I mean as fast as u can push the button and release it. keep it in as concentrated area as possible. find the area that makes the way the engine run differently, then look in that area for a broken or cracked hose