I have a 2001 Ford Ranger XLT 4.0 V6. I bought it used with almost 200,000 miles on it. The guy who sold it to me just bought it from someone else that lied to him, saying the truck was good and no issues. This guy was very honest with me. Right off the bat I was told it has a problem going past 30 and that it was throwing codes for a fuel pump. The car still started up, it is hard to turn over, but sometimes it starts the first time, other times I have to start it with starter fluid. I changed the fuel filter right away, and put 93 in it because the guy who sold it to me said the guy he bought it from lost title in fire and had to request new one, so to me that said truck has been sitting for a while, and it was full of gas when I bought it.. so I assumed bad gas. Once I got down low enough then I went and pumped 93 and it seemed to have somewhat fixed the problem with accelerating almost instantly. Just had a hard time turning over still. Accelerating didn’t give me trouble for 3/4 weeks. Now today after a red light turned green it was giving me trouble accelerating and then it made a POP sound and then it sped up like normal after the pop. Going up a big mountain I couldn’t get it going more then 30. I’ve tried spraying around with starter fluid to look for a vacuum leak, no luck. My check engine light is on (but it’s not lit the 2nd previous owner back undid the light bulb before selling to the guy who sold to me) ABS is on a well.. I get codes for lean bank 1 & 2 as well as other things.. I’ve changed the mass air flow.. Any ideas of what I should do/ look for/ change ? Would appreciate it

 

Welcome to the forum

There is no "fuel pump code", just FYI

Pops are when a cylinder misfires, so no fuel is burn, then that unburned fuel goes into the exhaust manifold and it is ignited by the next Firing cylinders HOT exhaust gases, so POP

Need the EXACT codes
Here's is a list of most Ford codes but not all: https://www.therangerstation.com/tec...II_codes.shtml

You will see there are several codes for one thing or sensor, each code means something a little different, computer CHOOSES a code for a reason, and doesn't choose other codes for a reason
So the code the computer does use is important but the OTHER codes it doesn't choose are just as important to eliminate what its NOT

Is it only hard to start cold?

Have you tried cycling the key on and off 3 times and then try to start it, that Primes the fuel system 3 times?

After engine is warm up and idling, unplug the 2 wire connector on IAC Valve, engine idle should drop to 500ropms or engine may even stall, either is GOOD, it means no vacuum leaks, easy peasy

If Idle doesn't drop then check PCV Valve and its hose, its a long one, and prone to leak at its elbows

You should find a way to test fuel pressure, 2001 4.0l SOHC Ranger may or may not have a test port on the engine
60psi running fuel pressure is expected
And pressure should hold above 30psi with key off.........................for a few MONTHS