starting problems help

[Cobra GT]

I have a 94 Ranger w/ a 2.3L, just bought it and it has a problem starting. When it finally starts it runs perfect, purrs like a kitten. Bought a OBD code reader and got back EGR stuck, fixed that and am getting (ECT) code engine coolant temperature sensor too high or too low voltage. I have changed plugs and wires the fuel filter was just changed but I am I am gong to change that tomorrow. Also it is also giving me a code from the memory that the vehicle speed sensor (VSS) signal too low. Can anyone help me with this problem? Thanks.

 

[97ranger xlt]

did you disconnect the battery to reset the computer after you did the work?
if not try it.

 

[zekew64]

What is it doing to have you say that it has problems starting?

And +1 on the disconnecting of the battery to reset the ECU.

 

[Cobra GT]

It was the engine temp coolant sensor(ECT), starts right up now. that was one of the codes i was getting but i would never had thought that that would make that damn thing act like that.

 

[RonD]

The ECT is a 2 wire Coolant Temp sensor, it works similar to the 1 wire dashboard temp gauge "sender" unit, it is a resistance type sensor.

The ECT sensor is common to all fuel injected engines, it is the "choke" setup that was lost when carbs/jets were lost.

A choke on a carburetor worked by limiting the air flow into the top of the carburetor which caused higher vacuum so more fuel was "sucked" from the jets, so engine could run rich which is needed when cold.
Increased vacuum level also advanced distributor timing in these older setups, so two birds with one choke plate

The ECT "tells" the computer the engine is cold so computer opens injectors longer(rich) and computer advances spark timing.
If ECT fails it can fail in two ways.
Hard starting when cold means ECT is telling computer engine is warm all the time.
Excessive fuel use(lower MPG) means ECT is telling the computer engine is cold all the time, so engine is running rich all the time, better performance is often felt with this.

Some have been known to "hijack" the ECT signal and use a variable resistor in the cab to adjust the mixture when they want more performance but less MPG