2004 Ford Ranger running problems in freezing temperatures

Tiny
ROSGOOD14
  • MEMBER
  • 2004 FORD RANGER
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 65,000 MILES
I have 2004 Ford ranger 3.0L v6. It started running bad at first when it was cold. It has gotten worse over the last few months. It can be parked and idling or it can do it while driving or stopped at a light. If parked while idling or stopped at a light the engine will act and sound like it is bogged down and the rpm's drop to about 500 and it is idling so rough that the entire truck is shaking. When it act's up while driving it will bog down like I am trying to pull a tree that is still in the ground. I can either shut the truck off for a few sec. Then start it back up and it will run for about 5-10 min then mess up again. I can also continue to drive it while it is bogged down and after about 30-60 sec. It will break free as if someone cut the line I was trying to pull the tree with. 5-10 min later it starts over. It only does these things when the temperature outside is either close or below freezing. The colder it is the worst it does. I have replaced the coil, plugs, wires, idle control valve, and the mass air flow sensor. When I replaced the sensor there was an arch spot on the metal side of it. Dont know if that will help or not. Also when the truck goes to acting up the engine light comes on and the codes it throws say that numbers 1, 2, 3 cylinders are misfiring. I think that is just a side effect of whatever is happening because the light comes on about 30 sec after the truck goes to messing up. I have taken it to a ford dealership 3 times and they are lost. They cannot figure out what it is and just keep telling me to bring it back in and maybe one day they can tell me something. I appreciate anything you tell me to help with my problem.
Tuesday, February 10th, 2009 AT 4:35 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
RANGERDANGER17
  • MEMBER
  • 224 POSTS
Make sure the cylinder compression is good I think it is the something to do with the fuel maybe a bad fuel pump or clogged filter
make sure the ignition timing is correct

and check all the vacuum hoses
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Tuesday, February 10th, 2009 AT 8:42 PM
Tiny
ROSGOOD14
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
I have had the compression checked and it is fine. You think that a bad fuel pump, clogged filter, ignition timing, or vacume hoses would cause it to act up but only when it is freezing temperatures outside, because it runs like nothing is wrong when it warms up outside.
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Tuesday, February 10th, 2009 AT 8:45 PM
Tiny
RANGERDANGER17
  • MEMBER
  • 224 POSTS
Cold weather can cause water to get in the tank and damage the fuel pump

it is probably not the others it most likely the fuel pump drive it for a while if it is the pump it will quit completely if it the fuel filter it will go on for a while

when it does quit turn the key on with the door open you should hear the pump prime its self if you dont hear it the pump is bad
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Wednesday, February 11th, 2009 AT 6:42 PM
Tiny
ROSGOOD14
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
If it is the fuel pump could you give me a rough guestimate on how long it would take for it to go out completely. I appreciate all your help. 3 trips to ford shops and no answers 1 day with you and you give me a simple answer that makes sinse. Thank you again
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Thursday, February 12th, 2009 AT 6:09 PM
Tiny
RANGERDANGER17
  • MEMBER
  • 224 POSTS
I have 1991 ford ranger and it took about a half of a month maybe little more
your very welcome
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Friday, February 13th, 2009 AT 7:36 PM

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