Ford Ranger engine stumbles on cold startup

TORQUEELBOW

MEMBER
FORD RANGER

Hello and thank you for your help,

I have a 1996 Ford Ranger 4-cylinder (2.4L?), 191,000 miles.

My truck has had problems on a cold startup. The engine tries to die out on me and idles roughly. When it's warm, it runs fine. There has been a tenacious check engine light since I bought the truck. I replaced MAF and the Cat. After going to two mechanic shops for expensive misdiagnoses, I finally went to the Ford Dealership for a diagnosis. The Dealership did an EEC test and the following codes came up: p1443, p1131, p1132. They told me the o2 sensor is stuck, the evap purge flow sensor needs replacing, and the intake system needs decarbonizing. They quoted me a ridiculous $750 for that and said they may find more problems when they're done. I looked and the purge flow sensor is a 5 minute job. What am I missing here? Is the decarbonizing a monster job? What scared them? If I do the decarbonizing myself. How involved is the process? I can do mech work but the price they quoted makes me worry about what I'm not seeing. I just need to pass inspection.
Your guidance greatly appreciated.

1 Reply

SERVICE WRITER

MECHANIC
9,123 POSTS

2.5
I don't see the purge flow problem affecting the runnibility, just the evap system. It should stil be addressed.

Decarboning is not a monster project. The throttle plte should be cleaned for starters. Being a Ford, you have to be careful how you go about it as there is a special coating on the walls of the throttle bore. Remove the air snorkel to access the throttle bore.
https://www.2carpros.com/how_to/how_to_tune_up.htm

I would also remove the IAC motor and clean that.

For the intake valves, there are a couple of ways to do this. I prefer seafoam or castle products myself. The seafoam is more readily available to consumers. There is both a spray version and a container of it. The container works well, just follow the directions on the can. IF any questions, you can always post back.