Ranger after airbag deployment - running rough

[k_kindig11]

I hit a deer tonight and it deployed my driver airbag. It busted out my headlight and did some body damage but didn't hurt my radiator or anything else important that I see. No fluid leaks that I can find. When I started it, it's rough starting and idles low and almost dies to the point I have to pump the gas or it might die. I limped it back home and it would would run rough part way and it seemed the gas pedal would cut out part time, then smooth out for a little while, then rough again etc. At each stop or slow down it would die and I had to pop the clutch the get it going again. I've read on here that upon airbag deployment there is an inertia switch that is suppose to shut off the fuel pump. Obviously it didn't shut it all the way off since I could limp it home but why would it be running so rough if no vital parts were damaged (that I can see... Disregarding electrical stuff). Could the inertia switch be "partially" cutting off fuel pump. I haven't tried resetting the switch yet. Any thoughts?. I was on my way to the hospital where my wife might be going into labor in the next day or two so the truck is at home now and waiting for me when I get to come back home..... Any help would be great. Truck is a '97 ranger 2.3L manual.

 

[doorgunner]

weird! my wife's explorer flipped and the engine kept running until it seized up....maybe your vehicle safety wiring is defective & is intermittently shutting the fuel pump off....reset the inertia switch under the dash to start with...

that's all i got.....

 

[LearjetMinako]

The inertia fuel cut-off switch is located on the passenger side floor board, next to the plastic panel by their feet. The airbag module is located behind the plastic panel in the same location.

Just a few ideas for you to try.
1. Reset the fuel cut-off switch. Either make sure the red button is pushed all the way in or pop the red button up and then press it back in.
2. Disconnect the airbag module and then also the truck's battery to reset the PCM (ECU), but leave the airbag module disconnected, then reconnect the truck's battery.

 

[k_kindig11]

I will try that when I return home, hopefully today. I don't know what else it could be.....

 

[97RangerXLT]

Also make sure that you didnt knock any of the plumbing to the intake loose. If air is getting pulled in after a sensor it might make things run rough

Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk 2

 

[509lifted]

97 ranger gas a good point, your hose could be off the maf and that will make it run horrible

 

[k_kindig11]

Thanks I will check that also. I'm taking any advice and will follow up. My wife had her baby Tuesday and so they will be released this evening so tomorrow I should be able to check all suggestions. I appreciate all input thus far. It's much appreciated.

 

[k_kindig11]

The inertia switch was not popped up. But I popped it up and pushed it back down just to be certain it was all the way down. I unplugged the air bag module and disconnected the battery. I will be trying to see if the truck runs better in a moment once I get done typing this. Other than body damage, this is the only thing broken within the engine bay that I can see. Would this broken airbox allow more air in after the maf and cause it to be running rough?

 

[k_kindig11]

Ok so the enertia switch and disconnecting the air bag module didn't help. I duct taped over the broken part in the air box and it magically fixed the problem. So that break was letting in too much air after the maf sensor. Thanks to everyone for the help. The member that mentioned the possibility of too much air coming in after a sensor hit the nail on the head.

 

[97RangerXLT]

Cool! Glad you got it nailed down. that part of the intake should not be too much at a local junkyard.

AJ

 

[wildbill23c]

Congrats on the new baby, and on the temporary fix on your truck.