This is not for a Ranger but an 05 Colorado. Since I have owned it I noticed that right around 50 mph there is a power drop. Not a chug or sputter just a drop off. I am fairly certain my timing chain is loose and I tacked it up to that being the issue. If I hit the accelerator hard at lower speeds it will perform as it should. But over 50 mph if I mash on it it revs like it is going to go then just goes to a low power acceleration. I have replaced the plugs. I have a code for a sensor. I replaced it and the code can be for a timing chain problem too. I thought it was a timing chain issue causing a drop in power at 50 mph but read it could be fuel filter, clogged cat, clogged air etc. I don't want to replace all of that right now. Any tips? 300 k on the truck. 3.5 L 5 cyl.

 

What is the exact code you got?

Are you also seeing a Reduce Power message display on the dash?

I did a general search via Indentifix and got a whole slew of possiblities. Without your code i cant suggest where to start. Dont replace stuff unless you diagnosis that its your problem.

 

Most likely its a loose timing chain. I do get a code. Its a sensor. I replaced all of the sensors. Still have the code. The timing chain can generate that code and cause a timing problem. So most likely thats it. But I read a clogged fuel filter or a clogged cat can cause the problem. I guess I won't know until I replace the timing chain or try to replace the fuel filter.

 

And the code is....?

 

P0017
Common trouble code on this truck. Doesn't go away after replacing the sensors. Probably because the chain is stretched and out of time. Was hoping the fuel filter might be clogged and the reason for the power drop at 50 mph. But the timing chain is a big job. Was hoping the fuel filter was the culprit.

 

Possible reasons Intentifix has listed by other mechanics:

• 54 - Exhaust Camshaft Actuator Solenoid
• 22 - Camshaft Phaser Actuator
• 10 - Timing Chain
• 7 - Engine
• 4 - Engine Oil
• 4 - Engine Oil and Engine Oil Filter
• 3 - Engine Oil Level
• 3 - Camshaft Phaser Actuator and Timing Chain
• 3 - Engine Oil and Exhaust Camshaft Actuator Solenoid
• 2 - Camshaft Position (CMP) Actuator Solenoid Valve
• 1 - Exhaust Camshaft Actuator Solenoid and Timing Chain and Timing Chain Guide(s) and Timing Chain Tensioner(s)
• 1 - Crankshaft

Check the actuator and solenoid first. i would imagine that chain is stretched though and those guides are wore out with those miles.