Ranger 3.0 Sticking Throttle

[Trevor Dean]

This has been a minor issue for several months, but now needs to be solved. In the last 6 months I've replaced all the sensors on top of the intake, but not with Ford brand parts.

I have a 3.0 engine and a 5-spd (2wd). The proble occurs when I'm driving at any speed.

For example; I'll be driving at 30 mph, maybe 2K rpm, I depress the clutch to shift gears (up or down), and when I let off the gas, the 2k rpm will continue for 2 to 3 seconds, then drop down as it should.. The rpm should immediately decrease when I let off the gas, but it doesn't. Lately it will maintain the higher rpm for 2 to 5 seconds, then drop back. This is not an intermittant problem - it's always present when I drive the truck.

This makes for sloppy shifting and a few other minor problems, especially if the A/C is on. If his were a carbureted engine I'd be looking for stuck throttle shafts, sticking linkage, etc.

All the engine parts (linkage, etc) on the Ranger are in excellent and clean condition. I'm thinking the problem could be caused by one of the newer sensors near the throttle body, but don't know for certain.

I'm mainly an old-school type mechanic, so once I have the problem identified I can make the repairs. I don't want to just R&R parts to try and solve the problem. That would be a waste of money, and some of these parts are quite expensive. Maybe I should have bought Ford brand parts in the beginning?

Any assistance will be appreciated.

 

[black_demon69]

This has been a minor issue for several months, but now needs to be solved. In the last 6 months I've replaced all the sensors on top of the intake, but not with Ford brand parts.

I have a 3.0 engine and a 5-spd (2wd). The proble occurs when I'm driving at any speed.

For example; I'll be driving at 30 mph, maybe 2K rpm, I depress the clutch to shift gears (up or down), and when I let off the gas, the 2k rpm will continue for 2 to 3 seconds, then drop down as it should.. The rpm should immediately decrease when I let off the gas, but it doesn't. Lately it will maintain the higher rpm for 2 to 5 seconds, then drop back. This is not an intermittant problem - it's always present when I drive the truck.

This makes for sloppy shifting and a few other minor problems, especially if the A/C is on. If his were a carbureted engine I'd be looking for stuck throttle shafts, sticking linkage, etc.

All the engine parts (linkage, etc) on the Ranger are in excellent and clean condition. I'm thinking the problem could be caused by one of the newer sensors near the throttle body, but don't know for certain.

I'm mainly an old-school type mechanic, so once I have the problem identified I can make the repairs. I don't want to just R&R parts to try and solve the problem. That would be a waste of money, and some of these parts are quite expensive. Maybe I should have bought Ford brand parts in the beginning?

Any assistance will be appreciated.

check and lubricate the accelerator pedal cable mine was doing the same thing also lubricate linkage at the throttle body. one other possibility is that throttle plate is dirty and needs cleaning so i would clean that also. look for vacuum leaks.. i doubt that sensors would cause your problem without throwing the CEL. one other note use a non petroleum lubricant like Teflon or silicone, and follow recommended procedure for cleaning throttle plate...

 

[adsm08]

The IAC maybe be getting stuck, or may be feeding back, if its a non-Ford part.

Ford ones have a diode in them to prevent feedback keeping them stuck open and damaging the pcm. The diode is not on many aftermarket units.