Hey guys, just bought my first Ranger today. It's a nice 1999 3.0 5 speed.

The previous owner cut off the muffler, I haven't had the chance to look at it yet so I'm not sure if it's before or after the catalytic converter.

I scanned the truck since a check engine light was on and code P1309 appeared. It states "Chassis Acceleration Sensor Signal High".

I thought it could be a camshaft position sensor or something cause in the description of the code it also states "Code P1309 indicated the PCM has disabled the Misfire Monitor due to camshaft position sensor misalignment or an erratic signal from the camshaft and/or crankshaft position sensors.

Keep in mind It's my first manual vehicle, I'm learning to drive manual with it.

Whenever I am driving the engine shakes a ton and it feels like it's running rough like a misfire but I'm not sure. Could this all be caused by the exhaust?

I am doing the spark plugs tomorrow and an oil/filter change on it.

Any suggestions?

 

Welcome to the forum

P0xxx codes are generic, all car makers have to use the same codes with the same definitions, so P0171 means Lean on Bank 1, in a Chevy, BMW, Honda, Ford, Kia, ect......................

P1xxx are maker specific codes, in your case a Ford code, every car maker can set their P1xxx code meaning

So in a Ford vehicle:P1309 Misfire Detection Monitor not enabled

If you have had the battery disconnected for awhile or if you have RESET the computer, not clear codes, a full reset, then computer has some Learning it needs to do

Ford Drive cycle leaning seen here: Ford Motor Company Driving Cycle

If you change CAM sensor it will have P1309 until it re-learns the new sensor, this code will clear itself if computer can re-learn

Cats are all in front of a muffler, on any vehicle

No muffler makes it loud but can't effect operation one way or another


I would imagine the previous owner may not have changed the spark plugs in awhile so I would check them, maybe plan on changing them.

Also I put a can of Seafoam in the gas tank once a year to keep fuel system and injectors clean, also helps clean some carbon out of the cylinders, a problem on the 3.0l Vulcan engines

1999 Ranger
3.0l Vulcan engine, good reliable engine, a bit under powered, its a HIGH RPM engine, so keep RPMs above 3,000 to get best power, you aren't hurting it was design to get best power at 3,500rpms, so drive it like a rented mule, lol
M5OD-R1(M5R1) manual 5 speed transmission
It runs 55psi fuel pressure
Has a 2 wire Cam sensor, 1998 and earlier had 3 wire, not interchangeable