Hello all, this is the first time I have posted here and I am hoping you fine folks can give me some insight into an ongoing issue I am having.

I will give a brief synopsis of the timeline of my issue. I was driving and my 2006 ford ranger lost power suddenly. The engine ran but as soon as I would give any throttle regardless of gear, is would start to die. I luckily had my oem computer and was able to reset the computer and get home. I forget the code numbers, but the code told me the engine was running lean in both banks P0171 and p0174 I think, but will double check. The mechanic suspected it was the MAF sensor. He cleaned it and I was fine for a little while. A couple of weeks later my truck just stalled while I was driving. I could start the engine but it would die immediately. Fortunately I was almost home and on a down hill so I shifted to neutral and gravity got me home. This time rather than cleaning, I put a brand new MAF sensor in, and was fine for awhile. A few days later my truck stalled again while driving. This time I thought I would have to get a tow, but at the last minute I thought to unplug, and plug back in the MAF sensor and my truck started right up and got me home. Right now it is working fine, but it is only a matter of time. I can hear the fuel pump working so I am pretty sure it is not that. My next thing to try would be the TPS and or the IAC valve. Does it sound like I am on the right track? The fix with unplugging and re-plugging also makes me wonder if it also could simply be a dirty connection or a short.

I am a little stumped and any insight would be helpful.

 

Welcome to the forum

No, not on the right track because you are replacing parts for no reason, but its your money

What are the current codes?
If there are none then it is NOT a sensor issue, PCM(engine computer) monitors all the sensors, MAF sensor was OK, not damaged, but they can get dirty which won't set a MAF code specifically, but can set lean codes for BOTH banks

I assume a V6 engine because of the two bank codes, which V6?
3.0l Vulcan
or
4.0l SOHC

Rangers don't have fuel pressure sensors, PCM just expects 55psi fuel pressure, so if pressure was dropping then PCM wouldn't know, no code for that EXCEPT Lean codes because less fuel is flowing out injectors
Fuel pump running is good but doesn't mean fuel fliter is OK, or Fuel pressure regulator(in the gas tank) is OK
I would rent a fuel pressure gauge, there is a test port on the engine, and test fuel pressure running at idle, then steady 2,500rpm, expected is 55psi, then engine OFF, pressure should hold for YEARS, above 30psi

 

Thanks for the advice RonD. I had a mechanic check my fuel pressure (ironically cheaper to do that at my local shop than rent the gauge) and my pressure is within spec. I am trying not to nickel and dime with repairs but looks like replacing the fuel filter may be my next step, at least those are cheap and fairly easy to replace.

I am doubtful that it is a bad fuel injector because both banks are having issues. The engine cutting out is so intermittent it is a hard thing to diagnose.