Ranger losing power when accelerating

[Axman]

I've noticed a problem over the last week when I try to accelerate in my 2002 Ford Ranger. It has a 2.3 engine, 4 cylinder, which rides fairly smoothly until I give it a fair amount of gas to go up a hill or accelerate for any other reason. It bucks then backs off, over and over, as if it isn't getting enough gas. Another thing I have noticed is that whenever it does this, there is crackling on the radio, which stops when this subsides. It leads me to believe it may be a sensor problem or something of an electrical nature. Today the check engine light finally came on for this.

Any ideas for someone who is a real layman as far as auto repairs go?

 

[Quartermile]

Fuel pressure regulator

 

[Nosetackle63]

I've noticed a problem over the last week when I try to accelerate in my 2002 Ford Ranger. It has a 2.3 engine, 4 cylinder, which rides fairly smoothly until I give it a fair amount of gas to go up a hill or accelerate for any other reason. It bucks then backs off, over and over, as if it isn't getting enough gas. Another thing I have noticed is that whenever it does this, there is crackling on the radio, which stops when this subsides. It leads me to believe it may be a sensor problem or something of an electrical nature. Today the check engine light finally came on for this.

Any ideas for someone who is a real layman as far as auto repairs go?

Well there is your problem!

 

[BRUTUS_T_HOG]

sounds like bad spark plug wires to me.. especially the part about the radio crackling.

 

[modelageek]

I agree with Brutus it might be the wires or some other elctrical issues ie. coilpack. When was the last tuneup you did. Make sure you change your fuel filter also........