[65 falcon]

I bought this truck used from my local ford dealer with 92000 miles and a 3.0 engine. The miles don't bother me but every once in a while when I started it up after the engine's been warmed up it idles really wierdly. It idles at about 500 rpms and revs like a 4 banger rice burner. It still drives but doesn't go faster then 40 mph. The last time it did this was about four months ago.

Is it a computer thing? Or does it have that shut down cylinders on the freeway thing.

I've asked other people, but they have no idea what I'm talking about.

 

[Zephyrman]

Maybe some quick things to check, based on your description would be your fuel filter and your Idle Air Control. Not sure where the IAC is on an 06 Ranger, but it could need cleaning. Is your check engine light on?

 

[65 falcon]

Maybe some quick things to check, based on your description would be your fuel filter and your Idle Air Control. Not sure where the IAC is on an 06 Ranger, but it could need cleaning. Is your check engine light on?

The weirdest thing about it is the check engine light doesn't come on. That struck me as weird and a red flag. To check the IAC i would need an obd2 computer reading device right, or is it not a computer thing?

 

[Zephyrman]

I'm not sure about the IAC thing, but it seems to come up alot on other questions I've read and it doesn't seem to be computer related until it gets dirty or quits working. Seems to me that it throws a code and the CEL comes on. I'm leaning more towards a dirty fuel filter, considering it is happenning intermittently.

 

[Boghog]

It won't shut down cyls unless in the failsafe mode.There is a post here on failsafe mode if you want to read it.The IAC valve is motor inside a metal housing the regulates engine idle by moving a spring loaded cone away from a seat.Just like the faucet in your house need more water open the faucet.The PCM controls the movement of the cone to maintain a steady idle.It does get dirtyand sticks and needs to be cleaned about every 30kmiles.It doesn't thro w the CEL on unless the motor is shorted or open.This wouldn't cause your lack of power,because off idle it doesn't effect engine speed.You never mentioned if the CEL is or was on.

 

[Zephyrman]

Actually, he did. See the post above mine. It is apparent that you are more experienced in this are than I am, so I'll bow to your superior knowledge. I'm a carb guy, I just hate this EFI crap. There is no sarcasm at all in this post, so please don't take it the wrong way man.

 

[65 falcon]

Thanks guys, I'll check that and clean it. I'm more of a carb guy myself.This is my first fuel injected vehicle.

 

[billbjork]

I bought this truck used from my local ford dealer with 92000 miles and a 3.0 engine. The miles don't bother me but every once in a while when I started it up after the engine's been warmed up it idles really wierdly. It idles at about 500 rpms and revs like a 4 banger rice burner. It still drives but doesn't go faster then 40 mph. The last time it did this was about four months ago.

Is it a computer thing? Or does it have that shut down cylinders on the freeway thing.

I've asked other people, but they have no idea what I'm talking about.

 

[billbjork]

This could be something to check. If your muffler or catalytic converter is obstructed it will bog the motor down usually after driving a bit,(builds up back pressure). Now it could be a piece inside the muffler/converter broke loose and blocks intermittently.When it bogs stop and have someone rev the motor and hold your hand over the tail pipe to see if exhaust comes out at a good rate( you can use a rag or glove)at say 3000 rpm, if not it's obstructed if it pushes the glove/rag it's ok.
I have heard of vandals/ kids stuffing potatoes,rags in the tail pipe or even garages trying to get big repair bills. One time a guy backed into a snow bank and it happened to him.Sitting in a sales lot anything can happen but it turns out to be that THEY KNEW IT.

let us know!