My 1996 ranger xlt 2.3 5 speed (8 plugs) has extreme power issues. She lacks power when im leaving a complete stop like a great hesitation to gain speed. Can almost hear like different levels of her gaining speed and through every shift (vroom vroom vroooom). the engine revs more than pulls. When I floor off the line, the pull she gives is nothing and the acceleration is slogish. to me the acceleration is slow which I don't think is right. shes a light truck and a 5 speed so the acceleration should be decent. atleast to pull away from cars. This is greatest when the temp outside is about 75 F and above. She drives much better when its below 75 F. So I have no idea what could be the problem.
OH WAIT! the accelereation and hesitation and loss of power is much much grater when the A/C is on sometimes it feels like its misfiring.
Things done to it, is a tune up (plugs, wires, air filter, oil change)
Changed both O2 sensors. Still gives o2 sensor code (bank 1 sensor 1)
sometimes Coil A pops up on the CEL and an evap code pops up everytime along with the O2 sensor 1

ANY IDEAS OF WHAT IS UP. PLEASE LET ME KNOW!

 

i had a similar issue but i did the old zip ties around the throttle. I'm sure if you look it up theres probably tons of stuff it. honestly it felt like i just added 20hp. i think the problem with it was maybe the throttle cable was too long or maybe it was stretched out somehow but it does really work. You can do that or drop like a big block 460 hahaha

 

If it's throwing O2 issues, it might be adjusting the mixture and running rich, that would definitely give you a bog. Not sure what else would cause it if you replaced O2's, other than maybe a vac leak? Also maybe replace coil packs also? To be fair on the A/C, it bogs my truck down a ton compared to no A/C, and mine seems to be running as it should.

 

I assume this is a new truck to you?
On the back side of the drivers door is a sticker, edge of the door

Look for AXLE, under it will be a number like 84 or F4

This number tells you the differential gearing
2.3l Rangers often came with 3.45 gearing, this gives great MPG when above 40mph, but really sucks when starting off.

82 or F2 is 3.08
84 or F4 is 3.45
86 or F6 is 3.73
87/89 or F7 is 4.10 << this one is best for fast starts and hauling loads


"8X" is an open differential, one wheel has power
"FX" is Limited Slip(posi-traction), both wheels get power

 

BAZMAN what do you mean the old zip tie trick? what do you do? REDRIDER that makes much sense im going to look into whats going on. im pretty sure its the female part of the connector tht is throwing the code. its all broken and barely on the O2 connector. ROND it says 84. on a rainy day I did a burnout and when I looked at the aftermath only the right rear wheel left a burnout mark and the left rear wheel left nothing so is it an 8x?

 

Yes, 84 means 3.45 gearing and OPEN differential, so no limited slip, only the easiest wheel to turn will spin.

3.45 is a Freeway gear, so best MPG as higher speeds but limited off the line performance.

 

ok its pretty easy. its kinda hard to get down there but look at where the gas pedal attaches to the throttle cable. your going to want to pull the cable until theres just barely any slack left. all you do is put zip ties in between the extra slack and the gas pedal. the zip ties work as just a spacer.

this is good video on it:

 

Forsure! thank you i used this and it actually helped with the acceleration. unfortunately is still pretty slogish.

 

3.45 rear axle is the same is having no 1st gear, or at least no 1st gear that gets you going quickly.

The people that bought the Ranger 4cyl models did so for better MPG, which is why the 3.45 axle, this is for light loads and freeway driving.
People that wanted power got the V6 engine models, which usually had 3.73 or 4.10 rear axles, for hauling loads or pulling trailers.

 

well with these 2.3s anything helps haha