New to the forum and have a question. I was given a manual transmission, 2007 Ranger with 252k miles. I've had to replace the alternator, replaced the fuel pump, and I also changed the spark plugs and plug wires. The truck has been running like a champ for the past couple of months and now all of a sudden it is idling fast (2000-2500 rpm) and it is also sputtering when I accelerate. I replaced the Throttle Position Sensor yesterday and that didn't help at all. I don't want to sink a lot of money into the truck but I would like to keep it running. Any idea what is causing it to idle high and sputter when I accelerate? Thanks for any advice!

 

Welcome to the forum

Don't replace sensors, they rarely fail

You have a vacuum leak or long shot, stuck IAC Valve
To confirm, warm up engine, drive it for 5 min, or let it idle high for 8 minutes
open hood while its idling
Unplug the 2 wires on the IAC(idle air control) Valve, it will close
RPMs should drop to 500 or engine may even stall, either is GOOD, no vacuum leaks

If RPMs stay high then IAC Valve maybe stuck open, you will need to remove it and check, NOT replace it

If you post engine size, 2.3l, 3.0l, or 4.0l then more help can be given

 

Hey! Thanks for the tip and I will definitely give that a shot! 2.3l sorry for leaving out that important detail.

Thanks again!