2003 Ford Ranger XLT 4.0L Tune Up

[mrslurp]

I just had to take my ranger to the dealership, as I was having problems with the check engine light, and from my research online, the problem codes I were getting could be a good number of things, so I let the pros figure it out. I guess a bad vac tube was the problem. They suggested a good tune up, as it has 115,000 miles, and they think it has been awhile since it got a tune up. I told them I would take care of it, so what all should I be replacing? They also changed the fuel filter, so that part is out of the way. I also had them do a inspection w/o sticker, and they said everything was good. Anyhow, back to the original question, what all should I be doing for this tune up?

 

[JetskiMark]

I have a '95 4.0 with (at the time) 100000 miles on it. It would cut out intermittantly (but not severely) while accelerating. It never threw a code though. New sparkplugs and wires cured the problem. That is the first thing I would do. It is somewhat difficult to do however.

I also cleaned the MAF on it. Get the specific cleaner made for MAFs.

I also changed the fluids in my diffs, manual trans, transfer case, brake and clutch systems, cooling system and the power steering. I also add a bottle of injector cleaner every 3000 miles when I change the oil.

 

[Tbars4]

...It is kind of hard to help without knowing the exact codes you had...

...Can you list them all here???

 

[rileyrs]

Replace the Air Filter
Do a Seafoam treatment on the motor.
Clean the Throttle Body with Carb/Throttle Body Cleaner
Change the Spark Plugs
Replace the Spark Plug Wires
Clean the Mass Air Flow Sensor
Change the oil

try to follow this order pretty much exactly, and that will complete a pretty good tune up of the engine.
also injector cleaner is a good idea, as stated earlier, some guys run it at every oil change, personally i do lucas oil cleaner every other fill up.

btw, next time you have codes, do a search for the code, or post the code, and usually you can find out alot of info on it, before going ahead and spendin money at ford.

 

[mrslurp]

I did everything on that tune up list. I did post the codes in another thread. p0171 & p0174. Once I got back from the dealership, within 10 miles, the light came back on. I still have the slight vibration in the pedal. It almost seems to me that the OD might be going. It seems to only do the vibration in OD. I turn it off and have no problems, but still that would not throw the codes. I tested the lower intakes w/ carb cleaner and seem to have no leaks. Replaced the fuel filter and PCV. Used the MAF Cleaner on the MAF Sensor. Seem to have to vacuum leaks. I am stumped and Ford garage was stumped after hearing the replacement of the pcv valve was not the cure, as it was their diagnosis. They looked at it for a good hour or so and could not find anything else wrong. Help please.

 

[JetskiMark]

This might be helpful. This is the page that I copied it from.

Ford p0171 AND p0174 lean codes can also be set by a bad EGR differential pressure sensor. These sensors have a very high failure rate once a vehicle has more than about 60,000 miles on the odometer or is more than five or six years old.

The DPFE sensor is mounted on the engine, and is attached with two rubber hoses to the tube that routes exhaust gas to the EGR valve. The original equipment sensor has an rectangular aluminum housing about three inches long. Corrosion inside the sensor reduces its sensitivity to EGR flow, causing it to under-report EGR flow. The PCM responds by increasing EGR flow, which may keep the EGR valve open longer than usual creating a lean condition in the engine. Thus, a bad sensor may set a P0401 code (insufficient EGR flow), or it may not set an EGR code but a P0171 and/or P0174 lean code instead.

The cause of the P0401 code in most cases turns out to be a bad DPFE sensor, not an EGR valve problem or an EGR valve that is plugged up with carbon (though this can also set a P0401 code). An aftermarket replacement DPFE sensor costs less than $50 and usually gets rid of not only the P0401 code, but also the P0171 and P0174 codes, too.

 

[Tbars4]

...The EGR tubes are also supect...

...This might help for places to start looking...

...Reasons for a p0171/P0174...

A) Not the o2 sensors

1) Probably Vacuum leak
2) Clean the MAF
3) EGR tube leak
4) Plugs and wires

OR 5) Intake manifold gaskets..