I have a 1988 Ranger woth the 2.3L fuel injected engine. Whenever I first crank it up no matter if it sat over night or I just shut it off it will skip to were I have to hold the gas and kepp it revved up and then after a little it bit it will rev up a bit and then it will be fine. Any ideas?

what do you mean skip? Sounds like you have a fuel issue. Check your fuel pressure and start there.

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2002 XLT Extended Cab 4.0

The engine should idle 'fast' when cold, and then taper back to ~750 rpm. If you get NO cold fast idle, then I would check the coolant temp sensor that the computer uses, and also check the IAC - Idle Air Control - for freedom of motion and cleanliness.
If you have A/C and the IAC bumps the idle whenever the A/C is on, then it might be fine.
The computer uses the temp sensor to adjust idle and cold engine fuel mix, adding a bit extra until the engine warms up. Stumbling could be due to incorrect engine temperature reported to the computer.
tom

I'll try that thank you. And by skipping I mean that the motor seems like it's missing on a cylinder until it warms up for a minute then it idels down and rundls fine.

Ok cool that makes things a little more clear, from your first post it sounded like you need to stomp the gas pedal to keep it running/start. Tom made some good points to check, let us know how it goes.

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2002 XLT Extended Cab 4.0

I will thank you for letting me now what to check.

So even after checking over everything and replacing the sensor it still skips. I am at a complete lost.

I have a 93 same motor sounds like same issue I started with a new fuel filter, still ran the same swapped out plugs n wires, actually made it worse, next is coil packs, I'd also try there.

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93 2.3 L4 Mazda t2 5 speed no CATS flowmaster 40 series Custom air intake. Tach n radio installed dents n dings been painted like 4 times 240k!!! Still hot roddin!!!
2013 Chevy Cruze Lt 1.8L auto W/ Slapshift all stock

what was your fuel pressure?

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2002 XLT Extended Cab 4.0

Fuel pressue is a steady 45 pounds. And I have replaced the coil, plugs, wires and even the entire distributor.

Which sensor did you replace? I am pretty sure the coolant temp sensor is not the same as the sensor used to operate the gauge or "Hot" light.
There is also a temperature operated vacuum switch(valve) located in the airbox that will either direct intake air from the pre-heater near the exhaust manifold or ambient air from behind the grille be fed to the intake.
The engine seems to run poorly in 'open loop', when the mechanicals have control of the engine fuel flow and ignition timing. Once the engine warms up, the O2 sensor gives information as do all the other sensors, and the computer starts to control the timing and fuel injection more closely, and responds to changes in the engine operating conditions.
Open loop depends on 'base' timing and fuel settings. If the pressure is off, or the ignition components marginal, the open settings might not work so well. The temp sensor is used more in closed loop when the O2 starts working (heated O2 sensors make the 'open loop' time shorter) than in open loop.
tom

I replaced the coolant temp sensor. And the one in the air box I didn't now existed. But the pre heater coming from the exhaust manifold has been gone off the motor for almost 4 years and this started about a year ago.

Does your model have 2 sensors? O2 that is

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93 2.3 L4 Mazda t2 5 speed no CATS flowmaster 40 series Custom air intake. Tach n radio installed dents n dings been painted like 4 times 240k!!! Still hot roddin!!!
2013 Chevy Cruze Lt 1.8L auto W/ Slapshift all stock

I can't find my EVTM manual right now, and it is for an 85, but I am pretty sure there are two sensors that affect cold engine running. The ACTS and the CTS monitor and report 'air charge temperature' and 'coolant temperature'. If I remember correctly, there are TWO coolant sensors, one for the gauge, and one for the computer. The latter will can and does affect cold running as the computer adjusts idle speed and injector pulse based on the reading. The ACT sensor also indicates to the computer ambient air temperature, which is also used as a 'fudge' factor in figuring how much fuel to spritz, ignition timing, and who knows what else. Pretty sure the CTS is used to depress EGR functions until the engine is warmed up also.
The CTS referred to is NOT the one on the side of the block above the oil filter, but is located XYZ. (lost or missing manual, sorry) Chech with your library for access to repair information. Some subscribe to EBSCO, which has a pile of information, and you can login using your library ID and password for access.
tom

Ok thank you tom. I'll look into it and see what I can find out.