Strange issue

[bendawson]

Hi!

I’m new here and looking for help.

I’ve been experiencing a strange problem with my 04 Ranger and wanted to see if anyone had any advice or had been through the same issue.

A few weeks ago, the check engine light on the truck went on and it lost power significantly. It was only making 15 mph or so even when I floored it. I pulled over, waited a few minutes, and got back on the road. It was driving fine and I got it to a shop. The guys there pulled a cylinder 6 misfire code, but said the cylinder looked fine and sent me on my way.

A week or so later, I ran into the same issue, but this time the truck was running very rough. The cab was shaking from the vibration of the engine and I had almost no power. I waited and the issue didn’t resolve, so I got a tow. At the new shop, they got the same code and again couldn’t find anything wrong. They’ve been driving it around for a couple weeks and say everything is running smoothly. They don’t have space for it in the shop for much longer, so are asking me to pick it up.

Has anyone here encountered anything similar? Does anyone have any advice for me? I don’t know a whole lot about cars and am at a bit of a loss. Would deeply appreciate any kind of guidance. Thanks everyone so much.

 

[pjtoledo]

first thing, remember these are waste spark systems.
that means the coil fires 2 spark plugs at once, on every revolution.
one of those sparks is at the end of the exhaust stroke, and thus is "wasted"

intermittent problems are the absolute worst to solve, no surprise there.

lets start with your skill level, we need a good idea of where to start. and will you do the work yourself?

I would start looking at wires & connectors. electronic controls need good clean power and ground connections. corrosion in connectors is a definite issue.
the camshaft synchronizer unit should be removed & inspected
connectors to the coil and computer should be pulled, sprayed with electrical cleaner, and re-set several times.