I have a 2001 ranger XLT with 4.0 SOHC 129,000 miles. It has a bad idle, sometimes it will die if rpms are not raised to 1000-1200. New to me vehicle, so I filled with gas and Seafoam. ( check engine light on ). Then I drove 300 miles to arrive home. Still same problem! I replaced PVC valve ( was no good ) I bought ford replacement spark plugs and a set of wires, also bought a new fuel filter. The local Autozone ran codes of PO300 ( random misfire detected ) and PO171 Fuel system too lean ( cylinder bank 1 ) also PO174 Fuel system too lean ( cylinder bank 2 ). Any suggestions on any problems I should concentrate on to resolve the problem. Note: Truck runs fine at speed in city and highway.

 

Welcome to the forum.

Most common issue on the 4.0l SOHC for your symptoms is the PCV hose elbows, they crack on the under side and look great from above but cause rough idle and Lean codes

Good read here on that: https://www.ranger-forums.com/4-0l-o...mon-cel-93776/


Also Clean the MAF sensor, should be done every year or so, you do need to use electronic or MAF cleaner which doesn't leave a residue, but it is a simple spray it on and let it dry, so not at all hard to do.


The 1997 to 2004/5 4.0l SOHC engines also had a timing chain tensioner issue, not related to your problem, just a heads up
There are 3 tensioners, 2 can be changed without too much work, and they are the ones that tend to fail
When these started to fail the chain would get loose and beat on the guides, the guides would break and you would start to get a rattle in the engine.
Engine needed to be pulled out to change rear timing chain guides and chain, so not an easy fix

 

Thanks RonD, I have cleaned the MAF sensor with electronic cleaner and replaced pcv and inspected hose elbow and all of attached hose to pcv. Idle did not improve. So I moved to spark plug and wires. I am replacing them a few at a time as my health will allow. The old plugs are worn out !!! They have a gap of 100+, no tips left. Bought replacement plugs from Ford dealer, same same as orginal. will up date thread when I finish plugs and wires. Thanks for the info about the MAF sensor cleaning, will do every spring check on the vehicle.

 

Update to bad idle: Found rubber tube from pvc to intake broken on the bottom. Replaced and idle return to normal. Also reprogrammed and changed spark plugs, wires and fuel filter. Runs and idles as it should. As this is a new to me Ranger I also replaced shocks, had tires balanced and check front end alignment. I am 70 years old, so this ford should last me till someone has to take away my keys.

 

Good work

Thanks for posting the idle fix