Hi all,
I would appreciate some help in identifying a problem I'm having with my Ranger. I'm new to these forums so feel free to move this wherever it fits in best.

I have a 95 4 cylinder regular cab Ranger. It's been in the family for a long time and always ran great without any major issues.

Two days ago while running around town the check engine light started flashing and then turned on permanently. Shortly prior to that the car did some jerking when in low RPMs. I assume the check engine light has to do with the drive train getting messed up because of clutch issues. I'm not a mechanic so I'm just speculating at this point. It's a manual 5 speed transmission and it's been making some large popping sounds here and there when accelerating fast for a while, which I think is some gear slipping going on.

So my questions are...am I accurate with my assumptions? If so...would it be possible to fix the problem by a less than hobby car guy like myself (done some break/rotor, shocks, lights changes etc. but nothing major in the engine/transmission). If that might not be the issue what else might be wrong and what are some starting points to get the diagnoses going. I don't want to put too much money into this car anymore but I just did some minor fixes two month ago to get it through inspections and I'd like to take care of the year left on the registration.

Thanks and let me know if you need any additional info.
Oliver

Hey Freakazeud,

Start with getting the code read. sounds like a missfire.

Smokebug

Hi,
It was indeed. Thought I couldn't get the code read because of the age of the car but found out where the obd2 plug is. Code was p0301 cyl1 misfire. Changed spark plugs and that seemed to have done the trick. Engine light stillnot off but jerking disappeared...hoping it will reset soon.
Thanks for your reply!