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  #1  
Old 05-30-2014, 01:45 PM
Wrench Twister Wrench Twister is offline
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Default ery Strange Ignition Problem, 2.3

Ok, 99 Ford ranger 2.3 4 cyl, 2 plugs/cyl. I thought it was leaning out, common to all 4 cyls, so I replaced the MAF. It thought I was near Denver in baro when I'm in Chicago. Runs better, but no change in the problem. It detonates like crazy (constant) on all 4 cyls with high manifold vac (overdrive,cruising) if both coils are connected. Step on the gas and drop the vac slightly all is fine until you let off. Disconnect either one, the problem goes away but the performance isn't quite there and it's a pooch already at it's very best. Misses like crazy at idle, stumbles when taking off (NOT the EGR, verified). I have replaced almost everything I couldn't bench test with an oscilloscope and DVM (electronics engineer) or trust 100%. The shop diag scope reads it as a 6 cyl with 2 cyls malfunctioning. The ECU is correct, F77F012A650-JC ARR2. Should I consider hanging up dead chickens by the light of a full blue moon or what? VERY STRANGE. I'm clueless... If I leave it the way it is, I' going to destroy the motor.
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Old 05-30-2014, 02:00 PM
modelageek modelageek is offline
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Originally Posted by Wrench Twister View Post
Ok, 99 Ford ranger 2.3 4 cyl, 2 plugs/cyl. I thought it was leaning out, common to all 4 cyls, so I replaced the MAF. It thought I was near Denver in baro when I'm in Chicago. Runs better, but no change in the problem. It detonates like crazy (constant) on all 4 cyls with high manifold vac (overdrive,cruising) if both coils are connected. Step on the gas and drop the vac slightly all is fine until you let off. Disconnect either one, the problem goes away but the performance isn't quite there and it's a pooch already at it's very best. Misses like crazy at idle, stumbles when taking off (NOT the EGR, verified). I have replaced almost everything I couldn't bench test with an oscilloscope and DVM (electronics engineer) or trust 100%. The shop diag scope reads it as a 6 cyl with 2 cyls malfunctioning. The ECU is correct, F77F012A650-JC ARR2. Should I consider hanging up dead chickens by the light of a full blue moon or what? VERY STRANGE. I'm clueless... If I leave it the way it is, I' going to destroy the motor.
You have a 2.5?

Any codes, pending codes? Does CEL come on KOEO?

So if you disconnect either coil pack the issue goes away? Are you sure? Crossed wires?

What do you mean by detonates?
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2004 Ext Cab, 4WD, 4.0, Auto, 154k. (4.0 engine is out of a 2009 Ranger w/96k) ( as of 7/1/2017)

2004 Ranger, Ext Cab, 2WD, 3.0, 5 speed , 4WABS, crank windows, no cruise, Edge 116k.(6/5,2014) (SOLD).
1999 Ford Ranger, Reg Cab, 2.5, 5 speed, 2WD, no AC, 150k (SOLD).
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Old 05-30-2014, 02:21 PM
Wrench Twister Wrench Twister is offline
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Default Re: ery Strange Ignition Problem, 2.3

Only code it's tossing is for the downstream O2 heater which isn't there (As I understand it, it's only used to monitor the performance of the catalytic converter and trips when the converter takes a dump. Isn't used for engine management at all unless the upstream fails) and complains about being unable to complete diagnostics. The upstream O2 is brand new. Nice strong spark from both coil packs, jumps over 2". Plugs, wires new gapped at 42. EGR valve is new and makes no difference if it's connected or not for the idle issue. I've monitored the diaphragm vac driving and all seems well, it wiggles as expected.No idea what it's supposed to be. 30 PSI on the fuel rail at idle, 40 PSI driving. Injectors all ultrasonically cleaned in Wynns and work on a 9v battery.
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Old 05-30-2014, 02:33 PM
modelageek modelageek is offline
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So if you disconnect either coil pack the issue goes away? Are you sure? Crossed wires?
^^^^^^

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Quote:
Originally Posted by Wrench Twister View Post
Only code it's tossing is for the downstream O2 heater which isn't there (As I understand it, it's only used to monitor the performance of the catalytic converter and trips when the converter takes a dump. Isn't used for engine management at all unless the upstream fails) and complains about being unable to complete diagnostics. The upstream O2 is brand new. Nice strong spark from both coil packs, jumps over 2". Plugs, wires new gapped at 42. EGR valve is new and makes no difference if it's connected or not for the idle issue. I've monitored the diaphragm vac driving and all seems well, it wiggles as expected.No idea what it's supposed to be. 30 PSI on the fuel rail at idle, 40 PSI driving. Injectors all ultrasonically cleaned in Wynns and work on a 9v battery.
Please post the actual code #'s

Keep checking codes and post them. Even pending codes.

Are you saying your fuel pressure is 30/40?

The part about the scanner reading it as a 6 cyl is very strange.

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Quote:
Originally Posted by Wrench Twister View Post
Only code it's tossing is for the downstream O2 heater which isn't there.
Are you saying the downstream sensor is missing?
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2004 Ext Cab, 4WD, 4.0, Auto, 154k. (4.0 engine is out of a 2009 Ranger w/96k) ( as of 7/1/2017)

2004 Ranger, Ext Cab, 2WD, 3.0, 5 speed , 4WABS, crank windows, no cruise, Edge 116k.(6/5,2014) (SOLD).
1999 Ford Ranger, Reg Cab, 2.5, 5 speed, 2WD, no AC, 150k (SOLD).
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Old 05-30-2014, 07:53 PM
stateranger stateranger is offline
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Default Re: ery Strange Ignition Problem, 2.3

30-40 psi is way low for returnless fuel systems on 99 rangers (55-70 is within spec) recheck the fuel pressure, keep checking for codes, and replace the down stream O-2 sensor( I hope you didn't remove the converter ).

Check the harness connections to the coil pack's. I had this issue a few days ago but it was intermittent and found out it was a loose connection in the exhaust side coil pack plug. Symptoms I had were very rough idle and severe detonation while accelerating.
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Last edited by stateranger; 05-30-2014 at 07:56 PM.
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