Hello, I have a 97 ranger with 2.3. Problem is I can be driving and all of a sudden it gets a power surge like you just turned off the AC. The truck does not have AC on it. I never feel a decrease in power, just feel the surge. It happens randomly. Anyone have an ideal what's wrong? Thanks

 

Welcome to the forum

Not much to go on, but there some times isn't when a problem first starts

Air is Power
If you add more air to an engine RPMs will go up, thats the point of the throttle plate/"gas" pedal, it is actually an "air" pedal, always has been, lol.

If you add more gasoline without more air you just get a flooded engine.

So I would look at/for an air leak

After engine is warmed up and idling, unplug the 2 wires on the IAC(idle air control) Valve
It will close and RPMs should drop to 500 or so, engine may even stall, either is good it means no Vacuum(air) leaks, at idle
If idle stays at 700 or more then there is a leak

IAC Valve itself is a variable air leak, computer controls this valve to set idle RPMs, they can get dirty and stick, computer supplies voltage to IAC Valve to set its position, when you are driving the IAC Valve should remain in the same position, but if it sticks, and then opens to correct position RPMs would increase.
Not hard to clean an IAC Valve, and test it.

PCV valve or hose may need to be changed
PCV Valve should be changed every 2 or 3 oil changes, they do get dirty especially on older higher mile engines
PCV valve can stick and then slide open. this create a variable air leak

 

Thanks! I will check IAC out and go ahead and replace the PCV valve. I will let you know what I find out

 

Hello Ron D
I checked the IAC and it did idle down when I unplugged it (Doesn't mean its not sticking though) I'll clean it when I replace the PCV valve and see what happens. Thanks!