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I bought my first Ford ever about a week ago, a 98' 3.0 Ranger with a manual transmission, 4x4 and only 115k on it.
The day after i bought it, it started but when i started driving the rpm's surged violently for a few seconds before dying all together. I dug around a little bit and found that the fuel pump wasn't working 100% of the time so i replaced it, test drove it, everything seemed fine. I go to drive it home today, get about 4 blocks away and..... dead... it turns over strong but nothing is happening. i let it sit for about a minute and it starts again... UNTIL I put it in gear and hit the go button... dead... put that on repeat and you have my situation..
Check gage light came on this time aswell. there is atleast 5 gallons in the tank.
A '98 ranger with only 115k means it sat for much of its life for long periods of time. All fluids have crystalized, broken down, and should be replaced, including fuel. You should conclude that your tranny fluid and engine oil are all bad and should be replaced before you put any more miles on her. But, until you get a code reader, you are just throwing parts at your truck and doing guesswork. Get a ODBII bluetooth reader from Amazon. They are like $20. Use the Car Scanner ap as it is free.Then report back the DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code).
I am no mechanic but am willing to bet it is fuel system related given the truck has sat for much of its life. Might behoove you to change your air filter and clean your MAF as you await delivery of the ODBII reader. Make sure there is no obstructions in the air hose systems. Also, change your fuel filter. That is easy stuff and doesn't cost much and is what you should do anyway. This alone might get you up and running. Anyways, all of that is must a stab in the dark until you get the DTC.
