First off I have searched relentlessly for anything resembling my issue and havent come up with much. What I have is my 98 ranger 3.0 auto that had the CEL light on pertaining to ECT sensor out of range and AC demand unable to test (no idea but didnt care cause AC works fine). So I swapped in a new ECT sensor and to do so had to unplug things like my IAC, Some thing with vacuum tubes on the upper intake plenum, and a few other plugs. Well I am still getting the ECT sensor out of range code (cleared it multiple times with my snap on scanner) as well as IAC sensor out of range now. The issue is the truck requires the starter to run hard to get it to start, It idles at anywhere between 1500 and 2000 yet once in a while will drop down to the normal 900-1000ish (its always idled high like that but it could just be the gauge?). The trick to it is if I unplug the IAC it idles perfectly and starts like a dream. I cleaned the IAC with no luck. Ive come to the conclusions that A) my ECT sensor is bad and is being wacky with the PCM B) I need a new IAC and unhooking it for a minute brought that issue to the surface. C) I have a vacuum leak. and lastly D) all of the above

Any info you guys have would be great, I can get more info as needed but even pointing me in a direction aught to help a lot. I am lost with this one. I normally wrench on diesels so silly spark plug motors make no sense lol

 

It would help if you post the actual code numbers you're getting.

 

I will recheck it today and get the codes. I am gonna put the old ECT sensor back in and my buddy is gonna let me try his IAC tonight. With any luck I can track this down cause its really annoying. Id leave the IAC unplugged but thats not right, its just a cover up of whats really wrong. Plus the truck doesnt warm up for crap with it unplugged