1990 ranger engine light rough idle

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1990 ranger engine light rough idle - 9/20/2006 4:00:38 PM    toddb   Posts: 6 Score: 0 Joined: 9/19/2006 Status: offline When I start up my truck, the truck will idle for about 2-3 seconds normal and then it will drop to a low 400-500 rpm rough idle and the check engine light will come on. Also, the battery gauge will swing to the right (drop to 9-10 volts). If I rev up the engine and hold above 1200 rpms, the battery gauge will go back to normal (12 volts). When it's warmed up, it's smooths out a bit, the idle will be at 600-700 rpm, engine light will stay on, and the battery gauge will go closer to 11 volts at idle but read normal 12 volts when I give it gas. I have just had the head gasket replace, and water pump replace (they need repair). The above issue start about a month after these repairs. After the issue started, I had the battery replaced (it was old anyway) but none of the symptoms changed. Any ideas?? 1990 2.3L V6 XLT Ranger w/ 154,000 miles Post #: 1

RE: 1990 ranger engine light rough idle - 9/20/2006 4:07:27 PM    94 4x4 ranger   Posts: 834 Score: 0 Joined: 7/7/2006 Status: offline To start with you should go to a place like autozone to get the codes read for free. This way it would give us a better idea what is going on. Also when was the last time it was tuned up? _____________________________ 94 4x4 ranger (in reply to toddb) Post #: 2

RE: 1990 ranger engine light rough idle - 9/20/2006 4:19:07 PM    toddb   Posts: 6 Score: 0 Joined: 9/19/2006 Status: offline Sorry, tune up was completed same time as the water pump and head gasket. Replaced rotor, wires and plugs. (in reply to 94 4x4 ranger) Post #: 3

RE: 1990 ranger engine light rough idle - 9/20/2006 4:46:03 PM    94 4x4 ranger   Posts: 834 Score: 0 Joined: 7/7/2006 Status: offline Well for now i would check the vacuum hose's for crack's or see if they are disconnected. Also check all wiring to make shure all plug's are on tight. I all else fail's get the codes read and post them here. _____________________________ 94 4x4 ranger (in reply to toddb) Post #: 4

RE: 1990 ranger engine light rough idle - 9/20/2006 5:00:23 PM    toddb   Posts: 6 Score: 0 Joined: 9/19/2006 Status: offline Will check codes and then post. thanks (in reply to 94 4x4 ranger) Post #: 5

RE: 1990 ranger engine light rough idle - 9/25/2006 9:04:50 AM    toddb   Posts: 6 Score: 0 Joined: 9/19/2006 Status: offline Well, Autozone in Chicago is no help if you have a truck older than 1996. Had to go to a couple auto shops to find one that would be able to read the error on my truck. Murphy's Auto Parts were really nice and had no problem running the test a couple times to make sure. The code is 54. According to the book, ACT (air current thermistor). Sound about right?? Sorry told wrong....ECT (Engine Coolant Thermistor) < Message edited by toddb -- 10/2/2006 2:39:09 PM > (in reply to toddb) Post #: 6

RE: 1990 ranger engine light rough idle - 10/2/2006 1:17:55 PM    toddb   Posts: 6 Score: 0 Joined: 9/19/2006 Status: offline I popped the hood and located the ECT up by the top radiator hose on the front top of the engine. The thermistor was the issue cause when I touched it, it completely fell apart. My question is does anyone know how to get at the old thermistor to replace it. The space is so tight I can't get a wrench or socket in there. < Message edited by toddb -- 10/2/2006 2:38:23 PM > (in reply to toddb) Post #: 7

RE: 1990 ranger engine light rough idle - 10/2/2006 6:41:57 PM    Leif   Posts: 5 Score: 0 Joined: 9/29/2006 Status: offline my 1992 ranger did the same thing. i replaced the o2 senser and it has been fine ever since (in reply to toddb) Post #: 8

RE: 1990 ranger engine light rough idle - 10/3/2006 4:54:57 PM    toddb   Posts: 6 Score: 0 Joined: 9/19/2006 Status: offline Were you able to change the sensor yourself or did you have to take it into a shop?? (in reply to Leif) Post #: 9

RE: 1990 ranger engine light rough idle - 10/5/2006 9:27:53 AM    Leif   Posts: 5 Score: 0 Joined: 9/29/2006 Status: offline i did it myself with just a deepwell socket. it takes about 15 min. to do, very simple (in reply to toddb) Post #: 10

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