Having issues with my 1999 Ranger. Don't have much experience dealing with auto problems

Recently the check engine light came on, and while idling and especially when cold the truck shakes pretty bad. When driving it occasionally feels like the transmission slips a bit, then when back at idle the truck shakes more. I've been told by friends it sounds like a timing issue or plug issue, and I can't really afford take it in right now. Anyone familiar with these symptoms? Or know of a place that runs diagnostics for check engine lights at a reasonable price? If it's a simple fix I can have some friends with more experience than myself help me out, but if not I don't want to drag it out and cause more damage.

Thanks

 

did you get the codes read?

 

Autozone will check the codes for free

 

Really? No I didn't get the codes read, was not aware autozone checked them for free =) Going to head over there soon and have them check for me. Thanks for the replies!

 

That soumds like a vaccum line leak to me.. Check all your hoses first before you start spending money on stuff you don't need...
Good luck!!!

 

I will check my hoses, no one has recommended that yet, thanks. As for auto zone, I called the one down the street and apparently "they don't do that anymore". Which sucks because all the other shops around here will do a full diagnostic and charge 100 bucks just to give me the code.

 

Try and find a local member with a scangauge or a programmer that'll save $$$

 

This thread might help also....


https://www.ranger-forums.com/forum2...des-p0401.html

 

ya check that hose turn the engine on and see if its getting sucked flat

 

That fix is for the 4.0 SOHC engine. The 99 Ranger 4.0 still had the OHV engine.

 

Yeah I checked for that elbow and couldn't find it under the radiator hose. Figured out my 99 did not have it. I actually solved the problem on accident looking for a busted hose though. Somehow I managed to miss a bad spark plug when I checked them out the first time. replaced it and could tell the difference immediately. Thanks for all the help though everyone =)