Hi Guys,
My 2004 Ranger 4.0 has been running good. However, yesterday I went to move it and the engine turned over once then abruptly stopped and smoke poured out of the left side of the engine compartment. I immediately opened the hood but could not find the problem. Nothing felt hot or looked fried. Now the truck will start right up but runs real rough and has trouble staying running.
Anyone have an ides where I should start. I am thinking maybe the ignition module . Any help is appreciated

 

You don't have a separate "ignition module" it is inside the computer(PCM)

The smoke is troublesome, left side is Drivers side, right?
Thats where battery and engine fuse box is located
Open fuse box and have a look.

Ignition coil is also on that side of the engine, although never heard of a coil pack smoking, just wiring, have a look at it's 4 wire connector

What color was the smoke, white, bluish, blackish?
Was there a smell?

Do you have a Volt Meter?
If so test battery voltage key OFF
12.3v to 12.8v is expected

Start engine
Test battery voltage again
13.5v to 14.8v is expected
If voltage is not at least 1.5v higher with engine running then alternator is OFF, could be fuse, fusible link or wiring, this will cause rough running

 

Yea magic smoke is bad and has a distinctive smell. can you describe the smell?

 

Thanks for your reply. The problem was a vacuum leak. The rubber elbow on the back of the left valve cover came loose from the plastic tube that goes to the Mass Air Flow sensor.
Not sure why it smoked but I am guessing it is fumes from the crank case.

 

Good work

Thanks for the update an FIX