Tune Up

[daniel3507]

I've been getting about 17.5 MPG highway even after i changed the plug wires so its time for a tune up. My question though is what all should be replaced? I've gone some places for a tune up and all they did was change the spark plugs so this time its going to a dealer.

 

[Twizzler09]

Tune ups on a fuel injected motor are simple.

Spark Plugs, Plug wires, and maybe a fuel filter. Once in a great while maybe an Air Filter.

If you really wanted to be thorough, clean the MAF and throttlebody.

(fuel/air filters subject to mileage and elapsed time since last replacement)

Thats all there is to it. Most shops wont bother to clean the throttlebody or even touch the MAF unless its running absoluetly terrible. Which that'd be the only reason to touch either one in the first place. If your getting bad mileage and the normal maintenance has been done, theres something else causing it. Any lift on the truck? Big tires? What speed do you drive on the highway, what RPM does it run at? Also, what gears does it have in the rear end? Auto or Manual?

 

[daniel3507]

the truck is all stock and an automatic. the plug wires have been replaced and the fuel filter was replaced around 60k miles and im at just under 86k. on the highway i usually cruise 60. sometimes 65 and it usually runs aroun 1700 or 1800 RPM.

 

[mjonesjr]

Change your spark plugs with the proper Motorcraft plugs. Changing the plug wires wont do anything unless you change the plugs as well.

You should change your air filter every other oil change or 6,000-10,000 miles.

 

[Twizzler09]

1700-1800rpm is well below the torque peak of the 4.0. Of course its mileage is going to be poop.

Since its an automatic, though, not sure you can do much about it. The OHV 4.0 gets its best mileage in the 2100-2400 range usually.....turn overdrive off? Autos usually get slightly worse mileage than the manuals do in the first place, also.

Rangers have the aerodynamic properties of a brick, anyway. Wouldn't expect flabbergasting good mileage out of it.

 

[exbass94]

Don't forget the PCV valve.

 

[ssmith]

Plug wires

I have an 02 Ranger 2WD with the 4.0 engine. I have new plugs and wires in hand. I just cannot get to the 2 right rear plugs. I hve tried extensions with swivels, and going in through the wheel well. both ways are a no go. any recomendations?

 

[daniel3507]

those plugs are damn near impossible to get at. i tried and tried to get them but eventually gave up and took it in to get the plugs changed. sorry i couldnt be more help

 

[irishblessing]

yeah i had to go in through the wheel well there a pain in the ass but its the eaisest way

 

[rangerbert]

your gonna have bad gas mileage til the gas companies switch back from the winter blend gas. In winter time everyone has bad gas mileage. Tune up won't hurt but after its done your not going to tell a differance.

 

[ssmith]

plugs and wires

I found a shop to do the work, $120 to $160 with them using my parts. The book says 1.5 to 2 hours on the labor. I have been looking for someone to do my engine changeout on my 89 Ranger, if the shop does me right I will most likely use him to do the work.

 

[99iowa4x4ranger]

in my 99 i took off the passenger front wheel, and took off the splash guard, and got them that way. with a little extension and a flex head ratchet. . my hands arent too big though. and it was still a slight pain