Hey All, Let me first start by saying, I am what I call myself a GM (Google Mechanic), Anyways, my son just bought a 03 Ford Ranger Edge 3.0 and we needed to replace the intake manifold gasket because when you hit 3000rpms, the truck would spit and spudder. Well we did that and now it is misfiring (was fine before). I recommended he take pics before he started pulling off wires, but you know kids these days. Dads don't know anything.

My question is (and I have searched everywhere). Is there supposed to be a wire connected to where the arrow is in the image? I do not know what would cause a misfire from just replacing the intake gasket.

Any help or suggestions on next steps would be greatly appreciated. We are going to do a compression test today to make sure there is no head gasket leaks.

UPDATE: We found a hose that was not clamped good and so far it sounds a lot better. Still going to do the compression test to make sure it is hitting on all 6. Still curious if there is a connection where that "arrow" is pointing.



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That appears to be a vacuum operated temp control for the heater.and it should have a source of vacuum attached to the back of it.
The vacuum comes from the dash heater temp control.