Mike's learning experience

[mike 57]

I would rather spend my time figuring out a car problem than watch the evening news.
Daughter brought over her 97 Ranger with a few problems. Has 9 codes and other things.
Somebody had created a vacuum leak so it would kind of run.


I had ordered some stuff. MAF, camshaft position sensor, egr valve, cat and pipe and some cheap o2 sensors, blinker switch, lower radiator hose.
Installed the lot and it runs a lot better. Found a guber in the old camshaft position sensor.


Cheap o2 sensors did not work well. After talking to a mechanic I am ordering some Denso's.
The speedometer was not working. 1 ohm grounds both wires looking back into the harness. Looked like there was some wire showing so I opened up the covering a few inches and the wires were melted together. Went for a test drive and speedo works.


Now the truck runs well but smells rich. Getting a p1132 and p1152 code. When I replaced the downstream o2 sensor, the connector to the wiring harness was melted. Big brother will be over for a few days so we can install the interior in his camaro. I will need some time to research these codes.
Now a question. When I replaced the camshaft position sensor I pulled a clip (see blue screwdriver) and I think I messed up. Hopefully someone can tell me about it. What is it called, how to adjust?
Mike

 

[franklin2]

Does that cable go to the transmission or the cruise control? Here is the transmission kickdown adjustment procedure.

The kickdown cable is self-adjusting over a tolerance range of 1 in. (4mm). If the cable requires readjustment, reset the by depressing the semi-circular metal tab on the self-adjuster mechanism and pulling the cable forward (toward the front of the vehicle) to the "Zero'' position setting. The cable will then automatically readjust to the proper length when kicked down.

 

[mike 57]

I marked it with yellow tape

 

[pentode]

That’s the cruise control cable isn’t it? I’m on my phone and can’t zoom in enough.

 

[scotts90ranger]

It's definitely the cruise control actuator, I just don't know which notch it's supposed to go into.

 

[mike 57]

You guys are awesome. I was thinking along the lines of an air conditioning throttle something. Found this.

 

[pentode]

Cool, I figured if it was the cruise there would be a simple adjustment in the manual. Well found and good work on the truck!

 

[mike 57]

I broke down and took the Ranger to a shop for diagnosis. I figured my next step was to start throwing parts at it like a PCM. Well, the shop says everything looks good except the PCM is not responding correctly and the next step is a different PCM. $250 please.
I ordered new denso O2 sensors and a PCM.
New codes are all 3 O2 heaters.
Spent some time doing electrical tests on the O2 harness wires. All 3 O2 sensors disconnected. Key on have 12v on O2 heater ckt at the O2 connector. 81 ohm grd looking into the harness. Cycle key and now have 30 ohm grd (heater ckt). key off is open reading.
Replaced the downstream O2 connector that was melted.
I spent a day trying to improve the grounds by adding serrated washers. 2 places on the firewall and 1 on drivers fender.
O2 sensors and PCM arrived today. Plan for tomorrow is install all O2 sensors and drive the Ranger while watching the scanner. Then plug in new PCM and repeat test.

Mike

 

[mike 57]

New day, replaced all O2 sensors. Went for 5 mile drive, no change. Replaced PCM, went for 5 mile drive, new code p1443. Cleared code, test drive, code p1443 came back. No other codes showing!!!! New PCM seems to be the fix.
Found hole in evap hose several inches from throttle body. Test drive, code p1143 came back. Good vacuum to purge valve. Pulled purge valve and bench tested with battery. Totally blocked. I can hear it clicking when I touch the test leads to the battery. Used some carb spray. Got soaking with seafoam. Probably will buy a new purge valve. Can I bypass for a test?
Mike

 

[scotts90ranger]

That won't tell you much, I wouldn't just run it to vacuum as it'll probably run rich which is why there's a valve, unfortunately I don't know much about that system...