2000 Ranger , 2wd , auto - 2.5L . This is my dads truck , I have been helping him get it ready for daily driving duties. He got a more than fair deal on it but we have replaced the engine , upper control arms , lower ball joints and sway bar link . The engine (99k miles ) seems to be doing well but had sat at the salvage yard for a while before we installed it. It acts like the IAC is sticking ( no cel ) as the idle is a bit low and surges somewhat when under load ( wheel turned , placed in gear , electrical load ect. ) . Does anyone know where I can find some info about cleaning it ?

 

I think I used MAF cleaner on mine, although I didn't have any luck lowering my idle or rpm's hanging between shifts (when running a/c). I ended up just unplugging mine and setting the idle screw manually, at least until I cut a restrictor plate or get a dummy connector to remove my CEL.

 

I found some info on cleaning the IAC , did it make a difference when you unplugged yours? One was gummed up pretty bad so I cleaned and used my spare IAC. If your IAC is working well you could have a vacuum leak allowing unmetered air to cause it to idle high.

 

Yeah when I just unplugged it, the truck would basically sputter and die (before I set the idle screw to compensate). I didn't look too much into a vacuum leak or something like that to be honest, but I seemed to only have the issue when running the a/c. It very well may be dirty though, since I didn't try really thoroughly to clean it.

 

I just clean mine out with Brake Clean. keep spraying it in there (and use a screwdriver to move the valve) until it runs clean.

 

you shouldnt use brake clean, its too abrasive for it IMO. The MAF or throttle body cleaner would be best.

Also note it may help to clean it but it is best to replace them if they are acting up. Cleaning helps but it is really just a bandaid

 

I read somewhere to use seafoam motor treatment.

 

After cleaning mine I realized there doesn't appear to be a wax/thermal coating to worry about so I'd say carb/TB cleaner would be best. I started by using MAF cleaner but it wasn't strong enough though it is the only safe thing to clean the MAF and IAT . Carb cleaner cleaned it right up. The way they are designed it wouldn't take much build up to stop it working right. Be aware of the gasket , not sure how hard it would be to find one but one could be made.


red_rider ; Sounds like the IAC is your problem as it bumps up the idle when a load ( AC , PS electrical ect. ) is placed on the engine . You can also clean your throttle body if you see build up near the throttle blade . You may have to readjust the main screw after you get it sorted / clean .