Hi Folks. I'm having a power issue with my 1994 Ranger 4.0L. Truck starts up fine and idles normally. Once I throw it in drive it will creep forward as expected, but there's very little power with the accelerator. I can floor the accelerator and barely hit 10mph. But, within a few seconds, the power will kick in and return to normal. Acceleration will remain normal until the next time I shut the engine off. Then the issue presents itself all over again. Anybody have any good ideas of what the problem might be? Oxygen sensor(s) perhaps?

 

First off, make sure your check engine light is working, it should come on when the key is first turned on, make sure it isn't burned out.
Also see if there any codes stored.

Clean the MAF sensor, that may even solve your problem.
When was the last time you changed you air cleaner ?
A faulty accelerator position sensor may also cause this, but you should get code for that.

 

Welcome to the forum

I assume an automatic transmission, and it reads like a transmission problem not engine problem

Change fluid and filter
All automatics run on fluid pressure, it reads like yours is not building up enough pressure at start up.
But it could be other issues as well, including failing torque converter
A transmission shop can test pressure, and diagnose further

 

JeffR1, I'll take a look at the check engine light and MAF sensor. Never changed the air filter after I bought the truck a year ago, but it looked pretty clean at the time. (Yes, I bought a 24 year old Ranger from a neighbor. Just need something to get lumber back from the store and a canoe into the river without scratching up my car.)

RonD, it is an automatic trans. Ugh. I hope I'm not looking at serious transmission issues on this beater truck - always gets expensive. Maybe I should have waited until I could find a manual :)