Hello Rangers- I really appreciate your input on this Truck I want to buy..
I've always wanted a Ranger. I m considering buying a 2003 Ranger. 2.5 l step side. Standard. A good friend owns it and selling it. 145k. Very clean AZ Truck. Well kept. The issue with it is the fuel injectors need to be replaced. When you start it , it runs like ****. Misfires . Sounds like its gonna blow. Hes got an estimate from his mechanic that's says it needs fuel injectors and both sensors replaced. I went over and compression tested it - All all 4 cylinders are above 185 psi. He says it's good to go otherwise. I'm 99% on buying it for 2k and fixing it.
I've done injectors on my 4.0 Jeep and that job sucked bad. Lots of work. My questions are:
1.I went over again and check the OBDII codes. Any red Flags here? Its a 2.3L Duratec. This is just what I came up with using a internet Search for the 4 codes..
P0316, - Misfire on Start up. Could this Thansk be anything else?
P2195, - o2 sensor Stuck Lean
P0300, Not Sure
P0301. Cylinder 1 Misfire Detected
Is this 2.3l difficult to replace the injectors on? Looks easier but ya never know.
2. Are these good trucks?
Thank you for you help! I'm going to buy this truck so I'll be on this forum alot moving forward.

 

Welcome to the forum

The 2001-2003 Ranger 2.3l DOHC Duratec(Mazda L) engine had IMRC(intake manifold runner control) and a heated thermostat, both were dropped in 2004-2011 Rangers as there were issues

P0300 is misfire code as well, just general misfires, similar to P0316

If the mechanic is familiar with IMRC and doesn't think its an issue then changing injectors may fix the misfires, BUT..........I would change the Upstream O2 sensor FIRST, at 145k if it hasn't been changed then its due

Lean code like that can also indicate a larger vacuum leak, PCV Valve hose leak maybe, or exhaust manifold leak
PCV Valve is on the lower drivers side of engine, hard to get to but Ford recommends changing it once a year, I think once every 2 years, so if it hasn't been changed that can cause running issues as well like misfires

Failing O2 and/or vacuum leak will cause all the misfire codes, injectors just don't fail that often, they do, just very very low on the list of the possible problem when there are misfires
Never swapped injectors on a 2.3l Duratec so can't say how much disassembly is required, there should be videos on doing that

And yes the Rangers do hold up well, 2003 was last year of analog dash which is a good thing, IMO, lol
So if the transmission is OK and engine issues can be sorted out its not a bad vehicle, the 2.3l Duratec did last, aside from current issues

 

Thank you Ron D. This really helps me. I appreciate it. I'll let you know how it works out.

 

Great trucks, I have one myself.

If it runs like dogshit and is running lean, I would check this, before you o anything else.

Look behind the power steering pump, at the intake manifold. There will be a spot near the head flange that accepts a small circular plastic plug. make sure that is is there, and is not broken.

The 01-03 models with IMRC have a shaft with butterfly valves that close off all 4 intake runners at low rpm to aide in torque. That shaft exits the intake runners on the "back" side near the firewall (cyl 4) and is capped on cyl 1 with a plastic cap. When these fall off (and they do) it will cause a major vacuum leak. I emplore you to explore this as a possibility before tossing parts at it. The intake has to come off for injectors anyway, so before you have a mechanic do anything, take a look.

Check HERE for more info and an example if you are unclear.

 

Thanks much Turismo! Great info. I researched and I plan to check that and the PVC first.
You guys are great. I'll post photos when I get the ranger.

 

Thanks for your help. That plug behind the PS pump was it. Runs like a champ now! You guys are great! Thank you!

here she is!

 

I love RED Rangers, nice looking truck

 

thanks RonD. I love these Rangers now.

 

That't a beautiful truck.

If you want, you can "delete" the IMRC by buying an 04+ non IMRC intake off RockAuto, and just leave the IMRC components connected to engine vac/harness and place them out of the way. Or just pull the flaps off your current unit. Many do this.

 

Interesting. Thanks. I'll probably do that.
Is there any benefit to doing this? Other than you wont have to replace the IMRC..