96 Ranger - Where do I start with fixing these codes

[CGordon]

Hey Everyone!

Just looking for some suggestions on where to start trying to fix the following codes.

I should point out that I'm pretty sure I'm experiencing a misfire as the truck shakes a lot and when I initially start up. Also (probably related to one of the codes) when I first start up the truck I give it gas but get no response from the engine (as if there are no gears) the first few times I give it gas, but then it goes back to normal... It's as if the vaccum or the fuel injection isn't working... I'll put my foot on the gas... nothing, then it will get some gas and go, then nothing then get some gas and go, repeat... Hopefully this makes sense.

And hopefully you all can suggest how I should attack these codes, as in what order, etc? Any details would be very helpful!

P1443 - Evaporative Emission System Control Valve (low/no flow)
--I wonder if this explains the fuel injection problem i get when first starting the truck. Could it by my after market gas cap?

P0136 - O2 circuit (Bank 1 sensor 2) (see P2270, P2271)
P0141 - O2 Heater Circuit (Bank 1 Sensor 2)
--after a visual inspection it looks like the top have popped off where the wire goes into the sensor, so I'm planning to replace. Question. The stock O2 sensor doesn't have a plug like 10 inches away from the sensor like the after market one does... how do I plug the new one into the wire that comes from the ECM to the sensor? do i need to put a plug on that wire somehow?

P0401 - Exhaust Gas Recirculation A Flow Insufficient Detected
--no idea about his one, maybe due to having that bad o2 sensor and now the cat isn't working properly? i'm guessing.

P1000 - OBD Systems Readiness Test Not Complete
-- i've read that this is because I unhooked the battery and will go away

P0741 - Torque Converter Clutch Solenoid Circuit Performance/Stuck Off
-- i wonder if this explains the flashing o/d light that comes on periodically and seems to come on i've been driving for a while and after I've accelerated then took my foot off the gas (coasting)


Wow another novel, sorry about that guys... As you can see it's an up hill battle with my 96 3.0L XLT 2wd 236,121miles

Please help. Thanks!

[CGordon]

Oh I should also mention that there's a hold in the muffler at the moment and the truck has failed it's emissions test.

I'm starting to think I should start with a compression test??

What do you all think?

[CGordon]

Performed a compression test and found couple bad cylinders. Took it to the machine shop and they sad that the exhaust value seats needed to be fixed/replaced/reseated.

So this might explain a few of the codes.

So I'm thinking once I get the engine back together, replace the muffler, and O2 sensor...

Then clear the codes and see if anything comes back? Good idea? What do you guys think?

Should I replace the TCC solenoid while I'm at it? Or could that and the other codes all be related to my engine problems?

Thanks in advance for all your help!

[rwenzing]

Originally Posted by CGordon

P1443 - Evaporative Emission System Control Valve (low/no flow)
--I wonder if this explains the fuel injection problem i get when first starting the truck. Could it by my after market gas cap?

Common on 95~97 Rangers. Check between the charcoal canister and the intake manifold area for split, cracked, pinched or disconnected vacuum hoses. If none are found, it is probably the Purge Flow Sensor that has failed. Ford sells the PFS as part of an assembly for well over $100 but you can buy it separately from RockAuto for about $20 - look for STANDARD MOTOR PRODUCTS Part # CP416.

Originally Posted by CGordon

P0136 - O2 circuit (Bank 1 sensor 2) (see P2270, P2271)
P0141 - O2 Heater Circuit (Bank 1 Sensor 2)
--after a visual inspection it looks like the top have popped off where the wire goes into the sensor, so I'm planning to replace. Question. The stock O2 sensor doesn't have a plug like 10 inches away from the sensor like the after market one does... how do I plug the new one into the wire that comes from the ECM to the sensor? do i need to put a plug on that wire somehow?

I would buy a Ford OE sensor because it will fit exactly as the original. Make sure you get the correct one because the front and rear sensors are a different configuration and each uses a different connector shape.

Originally Posted by CGordon

P0401 - Exhaust Gas Recirculation A Flow Insufficient Detected
--no idea about his one, maybe due to having that bad o2 sensor and now the cat isn't working properly? i'm guessing.

Could be several things but most likely one of two. Cracked or disconnected EGR sample hoses or (more likely) a failed DPFE (Differential Pressure Feedback EGR) Sensor. Less common is a rusted through EGR pipe.

Originally Posted by CGordon

P1000 - OBD Systems Readiness Test Not Complete
-- i've read that this is because I unhooked the battery and will go away

This is not a true trouble code. Just info on system status. It will go away when all monitors have completed since the last reset. The P1000 can take a long or short time to clear depending on conditions and drive cycle.

Originally Posted by CGordon

P0741 - Torque Converter Clutch Solenoid Circuit Performance/Stuck Off
-- i wonder if this explains the flashing o/d light that comes on periodically and seems to come on i've been driving for a while and after I've accelerated then took my foot off the gas (coasting)

Yes, O/D light will flash when a transmission problem occurs (similar to the Check Engine Light). This is most likely caused by a mechanical problem in the solenoid itself because an electrical fault should bring up a different code.

[CGordon]

thanks for the response rwnezing!

Very helpful response, in fact I've been able to fix all the codes with the exception of the transmission related codes.

Here's how I fixed these.

O2 codes = replace post cat O2 sensor = fixed
EVAP codes = replaced rubber cracked hoses with new ones = fixed
EGR = replaced DPFE sensor with one from wreckers = fixed

As for the transmission code... A new TCC solenoid is WAY too expensive, so I'm trying to find a cheaper alternative. I'm also getting another code to go along with it.

P0760 - shift solenoid c performance or stuck off

I've cleared the codes several times, but it keeps coming back... I have to drive it for 5-10miles before the o/d light starts flashing, which makes me think it's a heat issue.

Anyone have any ideas? TTC ? EPC?

Please help... Time to start searching this site for more info. Thanks in advance!