throttle studder

[wendle]

its a 97 2.3 it has a slightly ruff idle but starts and runs every time. I cleaned the iac and the maf. you really don't notice it till you are up to speed and holding throttle steady. you really can feel it if you go from little throttle to the floor real quick. then it studders the worse. I checked the fuel pressure getting around 33 to 35 psi. oh yea its a 5 speed manual. I haven't changed the plugs could that be cause it. previous owner said he did it awhile back. I changed fuel filter as well and there is no codes checked that to

[wendle]

well I just pulled a couple plugs and they had the autolite copper core plugs. from what I have read anything but the platnum plugs wear out faster so im going to try those and clean throttle body. they were pretty white at the end and the electrode is half gone will post pic in a few

[wendle]

well I changed plugs wires and cleaned the throttle body still got issue when you hold throttle steady you hear it hesitate or you could call it a miss what else can I check. when I got this truck it had a exhaust leak and I got the pipe where I thought the leak was fixed. then I found out the catylic converter had a crack in it and was leaking exhaust. I got this stuff from autozone that seal it up its not leaking now could that be causeing it. I would think it would be throwing a code if that was plugged im out of ideas

[bigj0430]

If I'm not mistaken, your fuel pressure seems a little low. Shouldn't it be at 45+psi?

[wendle]

from what I read and the book that comes with my guage 30 to 40

[bigj0430]

You can try cleaning the IAC, MAF sensor, and MAP sensor. Also would not hurt to check the coil pack. If it is missing, that could be the issue.

[black 06 ranger]

I cleaned the map sensor and my idle has gone back to normal. It was easy process for once. Try the above post and clean thoes things!

[wendle]

I did allthose except the map sensor and how do I check the coil pack and where is the map sensor for a 97 2.3

[bigj0430]

I know my 02 is right on top of the intake almost dead center. Trying to research to see if I can give you a definite answer.

[black 06 ranger]

Not 100% sure but I dont think its in the same location as ours. I'm using google as well to figure out

Btw wendle put your truck stats in your sig. Helps everyone help you.

[wendle]

a list of everything I have tried nothing helped so far cleaned throttle body, iac, maf, new plugs, new wires , found one bad vacuum hose fixed, new pvc valve, any ideas of anything I am missing

[Mike In Bama]

Here's something to try. If none of your local parts stores has anything to check the coil packs, consult your phone book. You want someone that rewinds electrical motors.

They can use a "megger" (high voltage ohmmeter) to check it out in a couple of seconds. Take a box of doughnuts or something and they might do it for free.

A regular ohmmeter will check it to the extent of the battery inside. It can check fine that way but fail at higher voltage. It takes 90 volts to jump the smallest of gaps in a vacuum. A megger will go WAY beyond that.

2005 2.3L XL Electronics Tech since '70's

[donnaw913]

I am searching this site for answers to the same exact problem. We bought my son a 97 2.3L Ranger last week and it started sputtering last night to the point to where he can't even drive it up a hill. How do I join this thread to see the answers you get? My husband has replaced the fuel filter so far, but I googled this issue and it seems common in this year Ranger, even after much more work is done. I'd like to save some time and get to the heart of the matter. Please add me to this thread if needed.

Thanks.

[Mike In Bama]

Donna,


Could I suggest this link as an excellent place for you to start. What you want to look for in particular are:

Cleaning MAF

Cleaning MAP

Cleaning IAC

Cleaning Throttle Body

Checking Fuel Pressure

Once we know all of this is done, particularly on a truck this old, we will be much more be able to help you.

Otherwise you are going to make us guess. Guessing could get very expensive in a hurry.

2005 2.3L XL Electronics Tech since '70's

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And then I left off the link, duh...


List of Quick Mods For starters

2005 2.3L XL Electronics Tech since '70's

[black 06 ranger]

Fuel pressure should be 30 to 45 for your year and engine.not 100% sure, also read 20 to 30 as well. If u found one vac leak might be another u missed.