I'm old (76), and have always done all my own vehicle work except frame and major body repairs. Most of my experience is with normally-aspirated engines.

I've also repaired a few diesels and lots of small engines. Not afraid of the work, but I'm in relatively unfamiliar territory with port-injected gasoline engines.

I have an 02 Ranger Edge problem that just popped up yesterday, that I'll discuss in the 'problems' area.

Hi, all!
LS

 

so what’s the problem? I’m 76 also

 

Not for nothing, Doc, but this is the 'introductions' section. The admins asked us to tell everyone who we were. I did.
Would you now like to go read my problem about "02 ranger died at highway speed', and actually solve the problem?

LS

 

Sorry I came upon it on the first post. On the second post, I read the problem. That’s a tough one, but like I said, I think you’re onto it. It must be fuel? When most sensors stop working they’re gone so I doubt if it’s that because your truck will start up and run a bit later. Hope you get it going

 

Ok, Doc. Peace.

I think I've found the problem without any actual troubleshooting. It was hot as HE!! that day (hot even for here), and I was running the AC wide open, which I never use except to check it (old Florida cracker, used to the heat). When I checked everything, my coolant sump was empty and the radiator level was down to about 1/4" above the tubes.

'Turns out there are two temperature sensors in that thing -- one for the guage, and one for the PCM, located in a whole different area of the cooling system. I'm betting it sensed an overheat, regardless of what the gauge was reading, and shut down under PCM control.

I'm still going to go through everything, and even replace the fuel filter as part of the exercise. But this at least sounds like a rational solution, and makes me want to fix that tiny little leak (1qt/1000miles) I've had in the cooling system for almost two years. Coolant was cheap, but getting stranded isn't.

LS

 

I think you got it that sounds good. I also had a small coolant disappearance after I purchased a new radiator cap. Turned out to be the hose that ran from the radiator to the coolant reservoir. It was cracked at one in. I just snipped off about 3/8 of an inch and she’s been great ever since.