Hey everyone,
This is my first time posting here so bear with me.

I recently "inherited" a 1994 Ford Ranger, and I was hoping to use this as an opportunity to learn a little something about car maintenance/repair. I have done minimal work on previous cars (oil change, air/oil/fuel filter changes) but I had a friend who helped to steer me in the right direction.

I'm not sure what type of Ranger(XL, XLT, STX, or Splash) because the logos are missing, and I'm not sure if it's important, thought I would like to know. It is a 4x4, automatic, with a 3.0L V6 Vulcan Engine, with 83,528 miles.

It is making a squeaking(or constant chirping sound). I posted a video to youtube which may or may not be helpful. It idles around 600 RPMs, but it has yet to stall. It also has difficulty accelerating (especially up hills), but it shifts gears just above 3,000 RPMs, so I'm assuming it isn't transmission related.

I realize that I probably shouldn't list 3 problems in one thread, but I have no idea if they are related. If anyone could point me in the right direction I would appreciate it.

Thanks,
Cory

 

looks like it would be the xlt if its a 4x4. dont think the splash came in 4x4
the chirp could be the belt and idle of 600 seems normal. does it seem jumpy or is it smooth at 600rpms
and as for the hill climb problem-welcome to the world of the 3.0

id say if acceleration is really bad-assuming youve performed those things you listed above on this truck already-to check out the plugs (while your in there, get some carb cleaner and some Mass air flow cleaner and clean the MAF sensor and the throttle body and IAC and throw some seafoam in there thru the vacuum hose to clean out your injectors)

 

I thought belt too, but I was under the impression that the Vulcan meant I have a timing chain.

Idling is somewhat jumpy, which is the only reason I mention it. As I said, it hasn't stalled, but it has come darn close.

Also, to clarify, I haven't changed the air or fuel filters on the truck. I was just giving people an idea of what little experience I have.

 

You have both. the belt you should be able to see right when you open the hood. it runs all your accessories and pumps. inspect it for cracks and wear-just replace it.

ya check out the air filter and fuel filter-if there clogged-it may be why your truck is jumpy and not good on accelerating. replace and clean all those things we talked about and see if that helps-the IAC may be bad-with the car running-disconnect it and see if theres a change in the engine. if no change then its bad.

Advice: do not attempt to fix the idle but adjusting the idle screw. that will not fix your problem, only mask it. it is set in that position from the factory and it should be left there.


some IAC info:

PURPOSE
The Idle Air Control (IAC ) solenoid allows the Powertrain Control Module (PCM ) to accurately control engine idle speed under a variety of conditions. The IAC solenoid is driven by an output signal from the PCM and allows intake airflow to bypass the throttle plates.

In addition to normal idle speed control the IAC solenoid also functions as a deceleration dashpot and allows for idle speed changes during periods of increased engine load (A/C, electrical).

The IAC solenoid also plays an integral role in Adaptive Strategy correction. The PCM monitors the engine condition and adjusts the IAC calibration to correct for wear and aging of components.

NOTE : Whenever an IAC component is replaced or cleaned it is recommended that the Keep Alive Memory (KAM ) be be cleared. The vehicle may exhibit idle concerns until new adaptive values are learned.

CONSTRUCTION
A duty cycle driven solenoid is directly linked to a reverse seated pintle valve.

Hitachi Idle Air Control (IAC) Valve And Solenoid

Hitachi With Vent/Filter
This type of IAC solenoid is not serviceable and cannot be cleaned.

Idle Air Control Solenoid

OPERATION
The IAC solenoid receives a 12 volt signal from circuit VPWR. The ground supply to the IAC solenoid is controlled by the PCM. The PCM controls the amount of IAC operation by varying the duty cycle of the ground signal.

The IAC solenoid is linked directly to a pintle valve which controls the amount of intake airflow allowed to bypass the throttle plates.

RELATED DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES

DTC 412 Indicates that during the Key On Engine Running (KOER ) self-test, engine rpm could not be controlled within the self-test limit band.

DTC 415 Indicates the IAC adaptive learning has reached the minimum learning limit (the valve is reducing air flow as much as possible).

DTC 416 Indicates the IAC adaptive learning has reached the maximum learning limit (the valve is admitting as much air flow as possible).

NOTE : Idle speed surging commonly results when the IAC solenoid reaches the limits of its operation. The IAC solenoid cannot compensate for the required change in idle speed which results in the engine surging between the upper and lower limits of the IAC system.

 

Thanks. I'll change the air and fuel filters and the serpentine belt and see what happens.