truck runs bad

10

Asked by Rbagley70 Jul 16, 2013 at 09:42 AM about the 1997 Ford Ranger XLT Extended Cab Stepside SB

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

truck is running like crap. when i start it, it dies. when i drive
it it will idle for a minute then spit and sputter backfire and
die.
computer reads maf circuit high, system lean bank 1, tps
inconsistent with maf.
truck has:
brand new maf just replaced yesterday.
new plugs and wires
new sending unit.

the other day it was running fine. i shut it off and then it
wouldnt start.... i pop started it and it ran fine but no radio. i
got where i was going and played with the battery cables.
pos. was loose now the truck does start but the radio comes
and goes as it pleases.

3 Answers
57,955

Tracy answered 10 years ago

Sounds like your truck needs a lot of TLC. I would start with the battery - have it tested and charged. Not with the Alternator, with a charger off of the car. Clean up all the battery cables and ground connections you can find. Getting a MAF code is well and fine but it doesn't tell you what's going on - only that the MAF has readings outside the design limits. Just changing parts because of codes is a bad - and expensive idea. What engine is in the truck? A v- 6 I take it from the "Lean bank one". Clean up the battery and such and start over.

Mark helpful
85

Dylan answered 10 years ago

check wiring harness to and from fuse panel

1 people found this helpful.
Mark helpful
795

Sean answered 10 years ago

Cheapest first... check battery cables, clean them and look for any cracks/corrosion along the insulation (red/black wire cover). Basically, start at battery terminals, work your way back looking for any obvious signs of damage (wear/tear, looseness, maybe animal bite marks, maybe accident damage, so on...). Next, have a local parts house check the battery and alternator... Autozone or Orielly's usually does this for free, or if one near you (or your favorite) might, too. They can check these items without them being removed. Also check fuses.

Mark helpful

Your Answer:

Related Questions

  • truck runs bad 3 Answers

    truck is running like crap. when i start it, it dies. when i drive it it will idle for a minute then spit and sputter backfire and die. computer reads maf circuit high, system lean bank 1, tps inc...

    1997 Ford Ranger XLT Extended Cab Stepside SB

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

  • Truck missing bad 1 Answer

    Radio went off and on, then truck started missing real and turned around and quit

    2005 Ford Ranger 2 Dr XLT Extended Cab SB

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

  • at 2000 rpm ford ranger truck(2003) will hesitate at this setting but runs great otherwise 2 Answers

    have had every thing checked on this truck. we also have a battery lite which comes on and off but system is working fine.above 2000 rpm truck runs great, auto tech can not figure it out. can anyon...

    2002 Ford Ranger 2 Dr XL Standard Cab LB

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

  • i have a 1989 ford ranger 2.3L engine and manual 5 speed trans. my truck will not idle as long as the alternator is plugged in but idles and runs fine with it unplugged 2 Answers

    i have replaced the alternator, the voltage regulator connecter plug, the battery, the cylanoid,the crank sensor, put a new timing kit on it, and replaced the fuel pump and fuel filter but my truck st...

    1989 Ford Ranger

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

  • Truck problem 2 Answers

    I was driving my truck down the road and the engine shit off and oil light and engine light came on when i went to check oil i had oil started right back up and was knocking anyone know what this ...

    2008 Ford Ranger Sport SuperCab

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

Ranger

Looking for a Used Ranger in your area?

CarGurus has 712 nationwide Ranger listings starting at $8,999.

Postal Code:

Shortcuts

Search Ford Ranger Questions

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Gene Arnett
    Reputation
    4,390
  • #2
    Bob Beaman
    Reputation
    3,000
  • #3
    Jennifer Gorham
    Reputation
    2,560
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Toyota Tacoma
43 Great Deals out of 741 listings starting at $9,975
Used Ford F-150
311 Great Deals out of 13,802 listings starting at $4,500
Used Nissan Frontier
9 Great Deals out of 533 listings starting at $3,400
Used Ford Mustang
36 Great Deals out of 1,623 listings starting at $8,995
Used GMC Sierra 1500
116 Great Deals out of 8,187 listings starting at $3,000
Used Toyota 4Runner
27 Great Deals out of 553 listings starting at $7,700
Used Ford Bronco
16 Great Deals out of 2,026 listings starting at $38,000
Used Jeep Wrangler
133 Great Deals out of 5,957 listings starting at $8,990
Used Chevrolet S-10
2 listings

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.