Bad Idle despite new IACV 2002 Ford Ranger 2.3l
#1
04-30-2023
Bad Idle despite new IACV 2002 Ford Ranger 2.3l
My ranger has been a project for some time now and it recently started running as poorly as when I bought it. The symptoms remind me of a bad IACV, but that was replaced last month with a brand new one.
It idles low and fluctuates rapidly, starts at 2500-3000rpm then drops to 1500 before reaching temp, then idles anywhere between 500-1000. Sometimes it loses throttle response when cold and even with the pedal floored, it doesn't go. I generally have to put it in neutral and come to a stop and let the engine do its thing for a minute before trying to go again.
My brother and I did an oil change and replaced the crankshaft position sensor before this all started again, but I don't know if this sounds like a misaligned sensor or not. It does sound like a bad IACV, but I don't want to have to replace that every month. If I can get down to the source, I'd prefer that.
2002 Ford Ranger xlt 2wd
2.3L mated to 5-speed manual
189k miles
It idles low and fluctuates rapidly, starts at 2500-3000rpm then drops to 1500 before reaching temp, then idles anywhere between 500-1000. Sometimes it loses throttle response when cold and even with the pedal floored, it doesn't go. I generally have to put it in neutral and come to a stop and let the engine do its thing for a minute before trying to go again.
My brother and I did an oil change and replaced the crankshaft position sensor before this all started again, but I don't know if this sounds like a misaligned sensor or not. It does sound like a bad IACV, but I don't want to have to replace that every month. If I can get down to the source, I'd prefer that.
2002 Ford Ranger xlt 2wd
2.3L mated to 5-speed manual
189k miles
#2
05-01-2023
Member
I'd recommend checking for vacuum leaks. I have a 93' Ranger with the 2.3L Lima in it. Had surging idle, ran EXTREMELY rich, and hard starts. Redid the manifold gaskets, injectors (it had the original factory injectors), and cleaned the throttle body. It starts right up and doesn't really run rich, little bit of rough idle (Injector fuel pressure regulator vacuum tube is gone). But overall it fixed my issues. I'd do some testing for vacuum leaks. It'll throw off the O2 sensor if there's air getting in not being read by the MAF.
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GiveMeATransmission (05-01-2023)
#3
05-01-2023
I'd recommend checking for vacuum leaks. I have a 93' Ranger with the 2.3L Lima in it. Had surging idle, ran EXTREMELY rich, and hard starts. Redid the manifold gaskets, injectors (it had the original factory injectors), and cleaned the throttle body. It starts right up and doesn't really run rich, little bit of rough idle (Injector fuel pressure regulator vacuum tube is gone). But overall it fixed my issues. I'd do some testing for vacuum leaks. It'll throw off the O2 sensor if there's air getting in not being read by the MAF.
#4
05-02-2023
Member
My ranger has been a project for some time now and it recently started running as poorly as when I bought it. The symptoms remind me of a bad IACV, but that was replaced last month with a brand new one.
It idles low and fluctuates rapidly, starts at 2500-3000rpm then drops to 1500 before reaching temp, then idles anywhere between 500-1000. Sometimes it loses throttle response when cold and even with the pedal floored, it doesn't go. I generally have to put it in neutral and come to a stop and let the engine do its thing for a minute before trying to go again.
My brother and I did an oil change and replaced the crankshaft position sensor before this all started again, but I don't know if this sounds like a misaligned sensor or not. It does sound like a bad IACV, but I don't want to have to replace that every month. If I can get down to the source, I'd prefer that.
2002 Ford Ranger xlt 2wd
2.3L mated to 5-speed manual
189k miles
It idles low and fluctuates rapidly, starts at 2500-3000rpm then drops to 1500 before reaching temp, then idles anywhere between 500-1000. Sometimes it loses throttle response when cold and even with the pedal floored, it doesn't go. I generally have to put it in neutral and come to a stop and let the engine do its thing for a minute before trying to go again.
My brother and I did an oil change and replaced the crankshaft position sensor before this all started again, but I don't know if this sounds like a misaligned sensor or not. It does sound like a bad IACV, but I don't want to have to replace that every month. If I can get down to the source, I'd prefer that.
2002 Ford Ranger xlt 2wd
2.3L mated to 5-speed manual
189k miles
This reads like a vac issue.
There is also a black plastic plug on the "front" end of the intake, it'll be between the #1 cyl intake runner and the power steering pump. That plug covers the shaft bore for the IMRC system. Make sure it has not fallen off.
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