Hi!
94' 4cyl 2.3 manual trans-------
I just bought this Ranger two months ago and its wayyy more work than I expected. The guy I bought it from was a nice farm guy who appeared to take care of his possessions, but, geeze, did he neglect this poor truck.

This trucks got some problems, here's a laundry list of what we fixed so far:

So-- first thing we did was replace the coils, spark plugs, and wires ( this is the ranger with the 8 plugs)-- the ones that were in it were in really BAD shape.
put in a new battery and new starter.
replaced all four shocks, U joint, and had to replace the transmission cross member because it was completely rusted out and just waiting for one good bump in the road. ( YIKES)
the temp gauge wasn't working, so we replaced the sensor.

Now as far as existing problems:
It's reading two codes;
116---Engine Coolant (ECT) sensor out of range
224--- Failure in ignition coil primary circuit - Ignition Systems


the temp gauge seems to be working, however the truck never gets far above the cold level.

The ABS and Brake lights are on, but all brakes work.

Some symptoms that could be related to the codes;
the heat is not working--- it was working before we replaced the temp sensor, so, were hoping its just a bubble in the lines?

The engine losses power uphill-- most noticably on the highway when I'm in 4th or 5th gear going an upwards of 55+ mph
^^^ this is obviously the thing that most effects its drivability. nothing worse than having your foot all the way down on the pedal on the highway and loosing power. >_<

Also, this may seem stupid, but there's no tachometer in this truck and I'm not use to the gear range.... So I've been switching into 4th at 45mph and then into 5th gear at 65mph, which i'm not use to. All the other 4cyl manuals I've driven with 5 gears want to go into fifth earlier. I can't really find anything on the internet, but someone told me 4th gear with these can go to 70mph.
This might be affecting the loss of power-- early shifting, but even in 4th going 60 it's still lossing power uphill, So, there's definitely still a problem.


So, for the 224 code, since we've already replaced the coils, plugs, and wires, I guess we should have the ICM checked? though from reading these forums, it doesn't give me much confidence that replacing the ICM will ultimately fix this problem.
Any help or tips would be greatly appreciated!!

 

Welcome to the forum

You have a 2.3l SOHC Lima engine in 1994 Ranger, in mid-2001 Rangers got the 2.3l DOHC Duratec engine, letting you know because google searches can get you the wrong info if you just use Ranger 2.3l


2.3l Lima is a high RPM engine, best torque at 2,600RPM, best horse power at 4,600RPM
So you want/need to rev these engines

Look at drivers door tag to see what axle ratio you have: Ford 7.5 & 8.8 Inch Axle Tag & Door Codes

4.10 means quicker acceleration, but needs higher RPMs on highway so lower MPG
3.45 better MPG on highway but less power 0-30mph

There are two temperature units on all fuel injected engines
ECT sensor, has 2 wires and is used only by the computer, code 116
ECT SENDER, has 1 wire and is only used by dash board gauge

Temp gauge should be about 1/3 but below 1/2 when engine is warmed up.
You need to use a 192 to 195deg thermostat in these engine, NOT 180deg
Many get 180 thinking cooler engine is better, it isn't, warmer engine gets better MPG and has a longer life since it will have cleaner oil.

1994 was the last year of the EEC-IV computer in Rangers so the last year of the ICM(ignition control module) in Rangers.
On the 2.3l this module is on the front of the intake manifold facing the fan.
These could fail, but almost any auto parts store can test them.
Sometimes just checking the wires and ground on these would fix the problems, i.e. 224

You can often pick them up at wrecking yards cheap

Problem with this module would effect power