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  #1  
Old 04-26-2016, 07:22 AM
1vannn 1vannn is offline
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Default 2.3L (05) Small Issues

Edit: Mileage is about 82,300

Hey everybody, so my 05' XL 2.3L Ranger has some goofy problems that I don't have an answer to..

About once a day - it starts horribly.. It doesn't want to crank over, only a handful of times it hasn't cranked over (starts on the 2nd try after I give the starter a 10-15sec rest) but it eventually cranks over otherwise. After it cranks over - rpm's die down to about 500-800 and it stutters and almost dies (no gas pedal movement, etc) and then immediately goes to high idle for a couple of seconds and runs perfectly fine.. No clue what's going on here.. Now - for the more worrisome problem..

A few nights ago I drive my friend home from work, I back down his steep-*** driveway (for Ohio) and my oil pressure light comes on.. At the time, I thought the engine wasn't getting enough oil at the time, and turn my truck sideways on the driveway to try to level it out somewhat. Light goes out, I go on my way without issue. Now fast forward to today, I'm turning into school, 15mph, and begin creeping in stop and go traffic.. Oil pressure light again. Engine sounds perfectly fine, I have all my power, and no indications that something isn't right. The light goes off 10-15seconds later..

I'm due for an oil change in ~200-300 miles, do i just do it now, or do I stick to the schedule? Is this a common issue? Or is my truck really broken? I dunno, thank you all in advance!

Last edited by 1vannn; 04-26-2016 at 07:28 AM.
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  #2  
Old 04-27-2016, 06:22 AM
tomw0 tomw0 is offline
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Default Re: 2.3L (05) Small Issues

If the engine turns over, as in the crankshaft is being turned by the starter, but the engine does not fire and run on its own, is that a description of the first problem?
If so, try cycling the key from OFF to ON and back to OFF a few times. That should run the fuel pump a bit on each cycle to ON, and prime the injection system. If that improves the startup, then you may have a leaky injector or check valve that allows the fuel to drain out into the intake manifold, or back to the tank.
The oil pressure indicator light is connected to a switch on the engine, that can open and close based on oil pressure. If the pressure falls below 5-6psi, it will close & turn on the light, by providing a ground to complete the circuit. I think there may be some cases of faulty sending units on this engine, so I would try replacing the sending unit and monitor for re-occurrence. You might also check the condition of the wire underhood for having bad insulation(critters seem to love them some plastic insulation) or chafed spots that provide a ground. With the key ON, you should be able to ground the connector that pushes onto the sending unit to the engine block and the light come on.
tom
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  #3  
Old 04-27-2016, 06:30 AM
1vannn 1vannn is offline
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Default Re: 2.3L (05) Small Issues

Quote:
Originally Posted by tomw0 View Post
If the engine turns over, as in the crankshaft is being turned by the starter, but the engine does not fire and run on its own, is that a description of the first problem?
If so, try cycling the key from OFF to ON and back to OFF a few times. That should run the fuel pump a bit on each cycle to ON, and prime the injection system. If that improves the startup, then you may have a leaky injector or check valve that allows the fuel to drain out into the intake manifold, or back to the tank.
The oil pressure indicator light is connected to a switch on the engine, that can open and close based on oil pressure. If the pressure falls below 5-6psi, it will close & turn on the light, by providing a ground to complete the circuit. I think there may be some cases of faulty sending units on this engine, so I would try replacing the sending unit and monitor for re-occurrence. You might also check the condition of the wire underhood for having bad insulation(critters seem to love them some plastic insulation) or chafed spots that provide a ground. With the key ON, you should be able to ground the connector that pushes onto the sending unit to the engine block and the light come on.
tom
So it turned out that my truck was 2 quarts low on oil, not leaking oil, but that's another story. I'll look into that. But if I was low on oil, wouldn't the light be on all the time? And now since topping off the oil, starts have gotten a lot better, but I've only done one today, I'll update as need be if the startup problem persists.

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  #4  
Old 04-28-2016, 10:34 PM
rangergambler rangergambler is offline
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Default

When the oil light comes on you are supposed to check oil level asap!!! You are abusing that poor ranger in purpose. Sell it.
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  #5  
Old 04-29-2016, 02:05 PM
riscorpian riscorpian is offline
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Default Re: 2.3L (05) Small Issues

Quote:
Originally Posted by 1vannn View Post
So it turned out that my truck was 2 quarts low on oil, not leaking oil, but that's another story. I'll look into that. But if I was low on oil, wouldn't the light be on all the time? And now since topping off the oil, starts have gotten a lot better, but I've only done one today, I'll update as need be if the startup problem persists.

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The oil light/gauge is not showing an issue with the oil level. It's reading the oil pressure. Just because you're low on oil doesn't mean you don't have adequate pressure. Of course, it's just the pressure at the sender, not the rest of the engine. You might have a clogged up oil filter or something. Change it ASAP and then cut it open to check. Low oil can also cause poor lubrication of bearing, making them wear down really fast. This would produce some metal shavings that would likely end up in the filter element. Check for any of those as well.

As for the lazy start, it's a not-too-uncommon issue with Duratec engines for some reason. Mine does that intermittently too. At least in my case, I have a confirmed vacuum leak of some sort somewhere in the HVAC system. I've had nasty problems with vacuum hoses rotting out in the past. Minor air leaks like that really shouldn't cause a starting problem, but it sure doesn't help. Fuel pressure is the more likely target. Try using a fuel pressure gauge to inspect it.
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Last edited by riscorpian; 04-29-2016 at 02:08 PM.
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  #6  
Old 05-04-2016, 07:12 AM
1vannn 1vannn is offline
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Default Re: 2.3L (05) Small Issues

Quote:
Originally Posted by riscorpian View Post
The oil light/gauge is not showing an issue with the oil level. It's reading the oil pressure. Just because you're low on oil doesn't mean you don't have adequate pressure. Of course, it's just the pressure at the sender, not the rest of the engine. You might have a clogged up oil filter or something. Change it ASAP and then cut it open to check. Low oil can also cause poor lubrication of bearing, making them wear down really fast. This would produce some metal shavings that would likely end up in the filter element. Check for any of those as well.

As for the lazy start, it's a not-too-uncommon issue with Duratec engines for some reason. Mine does that intermittently too. At least in my case, I have a confirmed vacuum leak of some sort somewhere in the HVAC system. I've had nasty problems with vacuum hoses rotting out in the past. Minor air leaks like that really shouldn't cause a starting problem, but it sure doesn't help. Fuel pressure is the more likely target. Try using a fuel pressure gauge to inspect it.
Don't I have dohc in an 05'? Or is it the same? By the way, I thought I sent it earlier.. Thanks so much for the advice!!!!

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  #7  
Old 05-04-2016, 11:03 AM
riscorpian riscorpian is offline
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Default Re: 2.3L (05) Small Issues

Yes, the '05 is a 2.3L Mazda L "Duratec" NS engine with DOHC. It was introduced in 2001, but the design evolved significantly over the years. For example, my '03 is technically the same engine, but your '05 doesn't have the intake manifold runner valve system that mine does. Or the electronic thermostat. And the list goes on.

Also, I'm referring to the oil pressure sending unit that's right next to the oil filter on the engine. That's actually a relatively common failure point on several engines, and this one is no different. A few years ago, mine actually physically broke and started leaking oil in that area. It caused the oil gauge in the cluster to go bonkers at idle, and that's really the only reason I caught it. There's no guarantee it will always do that if it starts failing, so it's absolutely worth it to preemptively check it out. Look around the filter area for any signs of oil leaking out. That's a sign that the sender is leaking. Or possibly that the filter isn't tight enough or double-gasketed.
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Sonic Blue Pearl with dark gray trim
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  #8  
Old 05-04-2016, 01:28 PM
1vannn 1vannn is offline
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Default Re: 2.3L (05) Small Issues

Quote:
Originally Posted by riscorpian View Post
Yes, the '05 is a 2.3L Mazda L "Duratec" NS engine with DOHC. It was introduced in 2001, but the design evolved significantly over the years. For example, my '03 is technically the same engine, but your '05 doesn't have the intake manifold runner valve system that mine does. Or the electronic thermostat. And the list goes on.

Also, I'm referring to the oil pressure sending unit that's right next to the oil filter on the engine. That's actually a relatively common failure point on several engines, and this one is no different. A few years ago, mine actually physically broke and started leaking oil in that area. It caused the oil gauge in the cluster to go bonkers at idle, and that's really the only reason I caught it. There's no guarantee it will always do that if it starts failing, so it's absolutely worth it to preemptively check it out. Look around the filter area for any signs of oil leaking out. That's a sign that the sender is leaking. Or possibly that the filter isn't tight enough or double-gasketed.
Alright thank you very much!

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  #9  
Old 05-18-2016, 07:24 AM
1vannn 1vannn is offline
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Default Re: 2.3L (05) Small Issues

Alright - little bit of an update, I've been on vacation for the last week or so.. I'll update in a bit more detail now that I've spoken to a bunch of people. So. It's turning the starter. Once, so maybe an equilvent of 1 second or so, Vrrrr.. Nothing. To get it home, dad thought it was a dead battery - so he tried to jump it. Firstly, off a car, followed by a medium duty semi.. He thought my battery was toast. So he bought a new battery (thank goodness he was in front of TSC), and it worked. He then went to Restore, and it wouldn't go. All power, just wouldn't start. So he got some help from a handful of people and wiggled the wire (he didn't tell me which one, he forgot) right before it went into the larger piece of insulation that splits it in a few different directions. That worked. He got it home.. It worked once or twice following that, but then stopped working completely. Jiggling the wire no longer helps and it does what I described above. My mom has a friend who is a technicain at Toyota, so hopefully he can diagnose the issue. But I'm updating you guys because chances are - someone out there is going through a similar issue and doesn't have access to the people I do, and I may be able to help once I am able to have someone fix it.
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  #10  
Old 05-19-2016, 04:03 AM
tomw0 tomw0 is offline
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Default Re: 2.3L (05) Small Issues

It's turning the starter. Once, so maybe an equilvent of 1 second or so, Vrrrr.. Nothing.

This appears to be a wiring problem, especially if moving the wires makes is semi-functional.
The only solution is to inspect & verify the conductors and connections. Using a VOM and/or a test light you can check that power is getting to where it is desired or not.
If your truck was in an area of salted roads, Cleveburg coming to mind more than Oxford, I would be checking the grounds as they can corrode easier, being exposed metal-to-metal connections. Wouldn't hurt, even w/o the salt.
I would also disconnect the battery, and flip the 'power distribution box', the box with all the fuses & relays under hood. Look for looseness and corrosion. Corrosion, disconnect, and use a baking soda & water solution to neutralize the acid, dry, and re-connect.
The test light would be used by connecting one end to ground, and then probing for voltage being present along the path you are inspecting, such as along the cable leading to the starter relay, starter solenoid, etc. You can also check the small connection on the starter relay( if you have one), probing the wire connector with someone holding the ignition switch in the START position. If all the safety interlocks are working, you should be able to make the light flicker in response to the key moving from START to ON to START, lighting in each poke to START.
tom
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  #11  
Old 05-19-2016, 09:15 AM
1vannn 1vannn is offline
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Default Re: 2.3L (05) Small Issues

Quote:
Originally Posted by tomw0 View Post
It's turning the starter. Once, so maybe an equilvent of 1 second or so, Vrrrr.. Nothing.

This appears to be a wiring problem, especially if moving the wires makes is semi-functional.
The only solution is to inspect & verify the conductors and connections. Using a VOM and/or a test light you can check that power is getting to where it is desired or not.
If your truck was in an area of salted roads, Cleveburg coming to mind more than Oxford, I would be checking the grounds as they can corrode easier, being exposed metal-to-metal connections. Wouldn't hurt, even w/o the salt.
I would also disconnect the battery, and flip the 'power distribution box', the box with all the fuses & relays under hood. Look for looseness and corrosion. Corrosion, disconnect, and use a baking soda & water solution to neutralize the acid, dry, and re-connect.
The test light would be used by connecting one end to ground, and then probing for voltage being present along the path you are inspecting, such as along the cable leading to the starter relay, starter solenoid, etc. You can also check the small connection on the starter relay( if you have one), probing the wire connector with someone holding the ignition switch in the START position. If all the safety interlocks are working, you should be able to make the light flicker in response to the key moving from START to ON to START, lighting in each poke to START.
tom
Thank you very much for the advise. It turned out to be a bad ground inside the starter. So, for safteys sake, since the starter is original, I went ahead and replaced the entire thing. $180, but I think I made a good decision. Thank you very much for the help.

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  #12  
Old 05-20-2016, 07:33 PM
1vannn 1vannn is offline
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Default Re: 2.3L (05) Small Issues

My luck. I got a check engine light, and someone decided that stealing my debit card info would be a wise idea on the same day. Code P0400, randomly came home driving normally from the Wally World. Something about either a EGR Sensor, or something inside the EGR system, and the internet seems to be dominated by other manufacters same code. For starters, where is this sensor, my first idea is unplug and replug. Then we'll go from there. It seems to run perfectly fine. Rpms seem higher than I like.. 2500 at 55 and 3000 at 75.. Maybe thats just the engine.



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