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-   -   2000 Ranger 2.5 four cylinder RUNNING ROUGH need help! :( (http://www.fordrangerforum.com/4-cylinder-tech/46350-2000-ranger-2-5-cylinder-running-rough-help.html)

shoebox1950 11-07-2011 12:20 PM

2000 Ranger 2.5 four cylinder RUNNING ROUGH need help! :(
 
Hi guys, I have searched this forum and googled others in hopes of fixing my problem...I have a 2000 Ford Ranger with exactly 149,000 miles on it that I haven't had any problems with since I bought it last year. The previous owner bought it new and took unbelievably good care of it. This is the first problem I have had with it...

My problem:

Last week, I ran it very low on gas as I couldn't make it to a station in time (I know, stupid). I filled it up, drove a few miles, and the check engine light came on and it ran a little rough. I thought maybe I had sucked some crud from the bottom of the tank, so I put some injector cleaner/gunk stuff in it from Autozone (1 bottle)

Problem didn't go away, and I had the codes read the next day which showed 302 and 402- misfire in 2nd cylinder and EGR valve problem. I checked the EGR valve by hooking up a vacuum pump to it and blocking off the hose that was connected to it, and pumped pressure into the EGR valve, which made the truck idle rough. From what I have read, this means my EGR valve is okay. Next, I checked my PCV valve by shaking it and the ball bearing inside was not frozen. Next, I checked my IAC valve by removing it and cleaning it out with carb cleaner and it also had 34-35 volts going through it on my multimeter. Next, I replaced my plugs and wires, and it ran worse. I found no spark going to the #2 cyl. from the 2nd coil (one in back), so I replaced that coil with a brand new one. It ran A LOT better and my light went off after leaving the battery unhooked for about 3 hours.

Next morning: started up fine, very slight misfire but nothing like before. Once the truck warmed up, it ran well and I had no problems all day. I thought my problems were over.

Today: hard to start, very rough idle, by the time I went one block my check engine light was flashing and stayed on all the way to school (about 52 miles on the fwy). Truck ran rough and was hesitant until I hit about 45-50 mph, and was rough at every stoplight while idling. I unhooked the battery for about 2 hours while in class, light went off.

Just now: drove the truck about 10 miles after it started and idled very rough again, light hasn't come back on yet (but I'm sure it will), and after about 10 miles, it ran much smoother but still has a noticeable misfire and rough idle. Smooth while driving, though. (seemed like once it warmed up, the misfire was less apparent?)

Sorry for my novel here guys, but I'm at a loss as to what it could be. I can't afford a mechanic unless I absolutely have to take it to one, and I would like to pinpoint this myself anyway so I know how to fix my own truck.

I have a new fuel filter I plan to install, and I still need to check my O2 sensor, but I wanted to see if you guys could stear me in the right direction for now...

I appreciate any help, and thanks in advance!
Rob
chopt50@msn.com

Mossberg 11-07-2011 01:42 PM

It's most likely one of the o2 sensors. Might also be: fuel filter, plugs/wires or vacuum leak.

shoebox1950 11-07-2011 02:54 PM

Re: 2000 Ranger 2.5 four cylinder RUNNING ROUGH need help! :(
 
Plugs and wires are brand new, and I checked all the vacuum lines and found no leaks or cracks...

I'm going to check the o2 sensors...and replace the fuel filter...thanks!

If you guys don't mind, I will report back if those two don't fix it...

Mossberg 11-07-2011 02:58 PM

Re: 2000 Ranger 2.5 four cylinder RUNNING ROUGH need help! :(
 
Take it to autozone...They will run a test to find exactly which sensor is acting up..Oh and make sure you DON'T get the universal O2 sensor. You will also need a slotted socket (7/8) to remove/install the sensor.

ackyle12 11-07-2011 03:04 PM

Re: 2000 Ranger 2.5 four cylinder RUNNING ROUGH need help! :(
 
Back side of your engine on the drivers side, there is a vacuum piece that should be replaced every 60,000. people forget all the time, it might fix your issue...
If not then just go out, buy a 5.0L and ball out!!!

shoebox1950 11-07-2011 03:16 PM

Re: 2000 Ranger 2.5 four cylinder RUNNING ROUGH need help! :(
 
cool!

Lee_T413 11-07-2011 03:41 PM

Re: 2000 Ranger 2.5 four cylinder RUNNING ROUGH need help! :(
 
mass air flow sensor, check that aswell, i would clean it for the hell of it. get some Mass Air Flow sensor cleaner. i buy the stuff from CNC. Works, good luck.

gshockxc 11-07-2011 06:58 PM

Re: 2000 Ranger 2.5 four cylinder RUNNING ROUGH need help! :(
 
ackyle12: tell us more about this vacuum line of which you speak.

If it needs replacing, is there a name for this line? Or are vacuum lines generic and you just get a piece of it the length that you need?

shoebox1950 11-07-2011 11:13 PM

Re: 2000 Ranger 2.5 four cylinder RUNNING ROUGH need help! :(
 
Wow, thanks so much guys! Tomorrow morning, I am going to pull off my EGR valve and see if it is dirty...even though it passed the vacuum test, I think it might be clogged and have something to do with the secondary coil going out...talked to some people who said an 02 sensor being bad or going out will NOT make it idle roughly...is this true?

Anyway, thanks again!
Rob

Mossberg 11-07-2011 11:16 PM

Re: 2000 Ranger 2.5 four cylinder RUNNING ROUGH need help! :(
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by shoebox1950 (Post 616992)
Wow, thanks so much guys! Tomorrow morning, I am going to pull off my EGR valve and see if it is dirty...even though it passed the vacuum test, I think it might be clogged and have something to do with the secondary coil going out...talked to some people who said an 02 sensor being bad or going out will NOT make it idle roughly...is this true?

Anyway, thanks again!
Rob

The O2 sensor will surely change the way in which the engine runs..

gshockxc 11-08-2011 04:44 AM

Re: 2000 Ranger 2.5 four cylinder RUNNING ROUGH need help! :(
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by shoebox1950 (Post 616992)
Wow, thanks so much guys! Tomorrow morning, I am going to pull off my EGR valve and see if it is dirty...even though it passed the vacuum test, I think it might be clogged and have something to do with the secondary coil going out...talked to some people who said an 02 sensor being bad or going out will NOT make it idle roughly...

I had a bad EGR valve, and it caused a rough idle in my truck. I also had a rotted EGR tube. Check the vacuum lines to the EGR and the EGR pipe that runs from the exhaust manifold.


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