Enging Sputters

Tiny
RICKY1Y
  • MEMBER
  • 1992 FORD RANGER
Engine Performance problem 6 cyl Two Wheel Drive Automatic 170000 miles

When I start up my truck it runs good for 5 to 10 minutes and then it starts to sputter and lose power and wants to die. I get it home and let it sit for a few hours and start it up again and it will run fine and start all over again with the same problem. What is the problem and what do I do?
Tuesday, September 7th, 2010 AT 11:43 AM

10 Replies

Tiny
BILLYMAC
  • MECHANIC
  • 2,204 POSTS
Have your ignition module checked
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Tuesday, April 16th, 2019 AT 11:57 AM
Tiny
LELAND'S RANGER
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  • 5 POSTS
Mine does the same.
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Tuesday, April 16th, 2019 AT 11:57 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
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It sounds like you have a vacuum leak which will cause the engine to run okay when cold but then when it heats up it will start to stall and idle rough.

Here is two guides that should help us get the problem fixed.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-an-engine-vacuum-gauge

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/stall-at-idle

Please run this test and get back to us so we can keep helping you.

Cheers, Ken

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Tuesday, April 16th, 2019 AT 11:57 AM
Tiny
LELAND'S RANGER
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Well it didn't work. No vacum leaks, new fuel filter didn't help either
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Tuesday, April 16th, 2019 AT 11:57 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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Can you make a quick video so I can see how the engine is running. You can upload it here in your reply. This way I wont have to guess.

Cheers, Ken
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-1
Tuesday, April 16th, 2019 AT 11:57 AM
Tiny
LELAND'S RANGER
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Here's the video. Hopefully this will help you :)
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Tuesday, April 16th, 2019 AT 11:57 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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O ya, a video is worth so much, you see how the check engine light flickers, this is a sign of a couple things first is the system can have a bad ground or the ECM is out and needs replacement. Here is a guide so you can check the ECM grounds.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-test-light-circuit-tester

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-wiring

Here is the ECU location and the main system ground location as well. If the grounds check out you should be able to get a used ECM and plug it in. There is also a ECC relay I would swap out as well. Also check the battery cables they need to be clean and tight

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/everything-goes-dead-when-engine-is-cranked

Diagrams (Below)

Please let us know what you find. I'm interested to see what it is.

Cheers, Ken
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Tuesday, April 16th, 2019 AT 11:57 AM
Tiny
LELAND'S RANGER
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Do you think it could be because of a bad battery? Mine is completely shot and just jump start it everyday. The ecm is kinda expensive so I was just wondering if the battery is a contributing factor? Also I thought about an Ignition control module. I will check grounds and so forth.
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Tuesday, April 16th, 2019 AT 11:57 AM
Tiny
LELAND'S RANGER
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I checked as many grounds for the ecm and other random grounds. It's 10:55 pm so I'm going to bed and will check other grounds put in a new battery, and all that stuff tomorrow. Also I want to thank you for your help! It's been very good and you have way better ideas than me! I don't know how you can just answer people's stupid questions all day! Anyway I think your a great help and it's much appreciated!
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Tuesday, April 16th, 2019 AT 11:57 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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A bad battery could cause the trouble I would replace the first.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-a-car-battery

Please let us know what happens so it will help others.

Cheers, Ken
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Tuesday, April 16th, 2019 AT 11:57 AM

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