2.3L ('83-'97) Plenty of Problems Popping Up: Just The Beginning

[Dirtman]

Not a shift linkage/DRS issue then if it'll crank at all. Since you mention issues with cold starting first thing I'd be curious to know is the condition of the battery. As batteries get older they are more and more susceptible to the cold.

 

[SadieJ709]

I have been wanting to replace the battery reguardless but I've been contemplating the same thing with the issues he's having.
it's honestly nice to know I actually kinda know what I'm talking about lol

 

[rumblecloud]

Yer doin' fine just stick with us and if you don't get what it is we're/they're asking you to do... ask more questions. Half the time - well, more like most of the time I don't get what they're asking. Thank you for posting the VIN...I'm guessing the exterior color is Charcoal grey? The TA in the VIN does not seem to exist so I'm guessing TR which is Charcoal Grey. No bigge I'm just ....well you already know that.

Whirring when turning the wheel: When it's cold this is most probably normal. The power steering pump and the power steering fluid, when cold, does not like to be disturbed so it whines -- kinda like Dirtman when he has to answer a question that makes him hafta think

 

[Curious Hound]

what would cause him to make a whirring sound whenever I turn the wheel? or is this normal in 22y/o Ford Rangers?

That would be the power steering pump. Ford power steering pumps are well known for their "whine". As long as the fluid level in the reservoir is OK, it's probably fine. The whine might be louder when the fluid is real cold.

 

[Curious Hound]

Yer doin' fine just stick with us and if you don't get what it is we're/they're asking you to do... ask more questions. Half the time - well, more like most of the time I don't get what they're asking. Thank you for posting the VIN...I'm guessing the exterior color is Charcoal grey? The TA in the VIN does not seem to exist so I'm guessing TR which is Charcoal Grey. No bigge I'm just ....well you already know that.

Whirring when turning the wheel: When it's cold this is most probably normal. The power steering pump and the power steering fluid, when cold, does not like to be disturbed so it whines -- kinda like Dirtman when he has to answer a question that makes him hafta think

They whine at all temperatures, just worse in cold weather.

 

[SadieJ709]

Hey SadieJ,
What was "done" to it about six months ago?

First, don't panic. As Dirtman said, fuses don't blow just because. They are there to protect other downstream components. Something is causing it - whether it's related or not, it doesn't sound like it, but who knows?
In order to help, members are gonna ask questions - especially about the transmission -- such as , What was "done" to it about six months ago?
We know you need Rudy back on the road and the smart people here will help you get it there.

sorry this took so long to answer, been distracted as hell cleaning Rudy's interior
I had to get the transmission fully replaced unfortunately for my bank account... But Rudy was perfect after that so of course it was well, well worth it

 

[RJMacReady]

my next question is: what would cause him to make a whirring sound whenever I turn the wheel? or is this normal in 22y/o Ford Rangers?

Not an expert by any means but I believe whirring or whining when you turn the wheel could be a power steering pump issue?

 

[SadieJ709]

still haven't figured out the issue with the shifting Just yet.
. I am still having to start the engine after I shift into N first, then I'm able to shift to drive or reverse or whatever else...

Also have not had the time to look at fuses and things for the taillights/breaklights Issue
hopefully I'll be able to continue working on Rudy when I get back home later today