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3.0 Doggie When cold


87dangerranger989

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HI, I got a 94 ranger 3.0 auto 2wheel drive with 187000miles I just bought. It runs great and drives good when the engine is up to temp. but when its cold it wont go. I have to floor it and even then it just don't hardly go but if I let it warm up for 10mins before I leave drives fine...Any Ideas where to check? also no cat on truck so its not that


Not sure if this has anything to do with the truck running bad when cold but it does have egr on it and the to hoses going to the pressure sensor on the egr line are rusted off...I want to know if I can just weld the holes closed and run it like that autozone doesn't sell a replacement line...
 


bobbywalter

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no cat could be the reason why in itself.

the cold warm up strategy is programmed for certain conditions...surprised its not doggie all of the time.
 

adsm08

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It's a 3.0, it should be doggy all the time.
 

bucko

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It's a 3.0, it should be doggy all the time.
Aw come on now....they arn't that bad!

I have 217K on my 3.0. While I do not break any speed records, the truck runs great; no bogging issues when cold or warm. I even tow a 3200 lb Jayco featherlight camper with it (Florida is flat!).

Have you checked the throttle body for carbon build up? Has it had a basic tune-up done to it?

Don't want to suggest tossing parts at it, but a general clean if the throttle body, the MAF, and mayby toss some plugs into it would not hurt or be expensive (unless you pay to have this done).

I assume you have no CEL codes stored.

I'd also say that the rusted EGR line is not good. I'd head off to a local junkyard and see if you can find one in good shape, or try Ebay. If something is installed, then there's a reason for it; otherwise it would not be there.
 

ranger nation

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just a thought, you r saying it runs fine. but the truck wont go without full pedal, perhaps we are all looking at engine when your trans could be slipping and the mere fact you give 10 mins. or so to warm also gives tranny fluid time to warm,,,,, just my 2 cents
 

Rearanger

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Test your engine temp sensor, (not the temp gauge sender). Install a CAT and get EGR functioning - don't be a dick.
 

Charlie Cheap

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I had a similar problem with my 94 3.0 on cold mornings. It also was bought used with 227K on the clock and the radio not working. Disconnected the battery to fix radio and now it won't start at all. Pulled it in my shop and checking all vacuum lines, electrical connections and doing a tune-up. It will NOT set any code...I have an OBD-I reader. With well over 20K miles it does not use oil and when warm it ran fine. OKAY...it's a 3.0 so it is not a screamer but it worked. The A4LD shifted a little hard going to 2nd but not bad and once on the highway (I live in the country) it motored along with the big boys. I retired 11 years ago...I'm old...and built street rods before computers. My degree is in electronics so I am not totally lost but I am new to computer controlled injection systems. Any ideas are appreciated.
 

ranger nation

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does she crank at least ?
 

Charlie Cheap

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Won't start

Yes it turns over but acts like it has jumped time. It spins fast then stops with a jerk as if trying to fire. I can retry and the same happens. Sometime it just turns over but no hint of fire. I tried B12 in the intake to no luck. Will check spark and go through the basics. My problem is the computer testing is totally new to me. My work with computers was running a fleet with OBD-II and usually the code put me in the right area to change a part. If that did not fix...I took it to Ford! My 94 is OBD-I and I have a reader but it will not set a code...!? Before I removed the battery it was hard to start sometimes but always did. I suspected the TPS because I could push the pedal down and release it and then it might start. I intend to keep this Ranger as I always liked the size and look but it MUST run! I put on new tires and I'll paint it, install new interior, shocks, radio, etc. but I hope to complete a separate project first. A 1967 Sunbeam Alpine with a 2.3 Ford and A4LD trans. Any suggestions greatly appreciated.
 

01b3000ds

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0w20 synthetic oil in the cold helps my 3.0 with 250k start a wee bit easier. I forgot before it got REALLY cold, so I now have to use my block heater to make starts easier. (also warms up quicker)

There's 2 options for you.
 

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