My trusted mechanic says I need a replacement intake manifold. It's a Firestone franchise, and he doesn't rebuild parts.

It's a 2003 Ranger XLT with a 2.3 I4 DOHC engine. This forum wiki categorizes it as a made-by-Mazda Duractec engine. It hesitates really bad in first through third gears. I floor the gas and nothing happens for a few seconds. The vehicle is only decently driveable at freeway speeds.

I've discovered that a replacement intake manifold kit is unavailable. I have really looked. The parts desk at Ford dealership says I need part IL5G 9424 AN that is made after 10/15/2002.
Can't understand why it is acceptable to junk a perfectly good vehicle after 20 years just for the lack of a single part.

I really love this truck. Bought it new for 10 grand I don't have the experience or tools to do the repair myself, even if it is doable. The Ranger is due for its California smog test in a couple of months, and I dread going through the "parts" (more specifically no available parts) appeal process when it fails smog. Any suggestions?

 

Welcome to the forum

Yes, the mid-year 2001 to 2003 Rangers used the 2.3l DOHC Mazda L engine, Ford renamed it 2.3l Duratec
Ford also added IMRC(intake manifold runner control) to the intake manifold for those 3 years, and that's whats broken on your vehicle from the sound of it
Ford dropped IMRC in 2004 to 2011 2.3l Duratec, because of issue with it, but that doesn't help you
Yours also has a Heated Thermostat which was also dropped in 2004 2.3ls

I assume there is an issue with the "flappers" inside the intake

Google: ford ranger 2.3l IMRC
Look at what IMRC is, just so you know

Part number you want is 1L5Z-9424-A
Fits 2001-2003 Ranger 2.3l engines

1L5Z-9424-AN is specific to 2003 only, but as far as I can see there is no difference

Yes, they are out of production so hard to find

Go to: https://www.car-part.com/
Select
2003
Ford Ranger
Intake Manifold

YOUR ZipCode

Search
Then select 2.3l engine
Search

It will then show wrecking yards near you(Zipode) that have that part, used

 

Honestly I would remove your current manifold and just remove the internal flaps for the IMRC system. You wont really see any sort of negative results from this. I would keep the IMRC actuator on the back of the intake, as well as the IMRC solenoid in place, as they will throw codes if they are not left on the truck. They won't cause any real issues, you'll just get "IMRC bank 1 stuck open" or something like that if they are left unplugged/unused.

There are a few write ups on the various pages on how to remove the runner control flaps from the intake. Short of the intake itself being broken, the runner control is not important. The idea was that the flaps would open and close to variate the airflow in the intake to broaden the range of performance/power compared to a static runner design. I have one in my truck, and TBH, before I went through and refreshed the entire truck, the IMRC system was "dead" for close to 10 years. Never had an issue, though economy and idle smoothness may have been effected. Not ever having the opportunity to drive one brand new, I can't comment on how they should feel "from the factory"

 

Thanks to Turismolover22 and RonD for your very knowledgeable replies. It turns out my next smog test is December 2023. I have time to do a more research and digging to print out the further technical here on the runner control flaps for my specific engine for my mechanic to read. I was already saying, "Hmm, I wonder why is it's there in the first place if Ford removed it in later model years?" when I read RonD's reply.

 

Like the title says, 2001-2003 2.3l intake manifold for sale. Bought it off eBay, but ended up selling my truck before installing. It's in great shape. Email if interested.
Shipping from Owasso, OK.

 

Bluesteelcat, thank you for thinking of me. Sadly, I gave up on my Ranger about a month ago when the sticky intake manifold worsened with an air leak somewhere. Engine could no longer run at idle, and I did not want to use brake, clutch, and gas pedals at the same time with just my two feet. A darn shame, too, because I really miss that truck.

Also, I think it is important to put a close to the story even if it isn't a happy one. You guys are amazing, and the forum deserves to know.

 

hi...what is your emsil

 

I'm at rudown4this at hotmail dot com
I still have the manifold and it's in really good shape.
Nineoneeight500ninetwo48

 

First big shout out to bluesteelcat - honest dude. instead of looking for the complete manifold - the actuator valve part number is 1L5Z-9L492-AC . (Ford number) I am learning a i go on this little p/u - apparently there are plastic gears inside the valve that wear. Just did the manifold - so far so good, no @#$%#@ check engine light yet. Clean the manifold real good with Purple Power $7 @ Walmart, get the Dorman gasket set $42 @ AutoZone (probably cheaper on Amazon) actuator valve $72 on Ebay. I went thru the ringer on this......maybe somebody else won't have to.

 

do u still have the manifold

 

I still have it , want to hold onto it....

 

Just had mine crack and haven't been able to source one for a week. Is there anyway I could convince you to sell?

 

I have a 2003 2.3L I4 Ford Ranger XLT that has an issue with this intake manifold. It has a vacuum leak at the intake runner actuator that is throwing fuel trims off the chart. Is there some way to fix this? I've been considering deleting the intake runners and plugging the actuator but not sure what would throw more codes, since I am trying to get rid of a P0171 and p2195. I would prefer not to just throw away a perfectly fine vehicle otherwise from this issue to the scrap heap if possible. Also open to buying a manifold if anyone has one they no longer need.

 

Check the EGR tube....had almost identical situation replaced manifold....it was EGR tube

 

Do you still have this? I need one

 

Sorry not available

 

Dang okay. If you come across another one please keep me in mind :)