Been having this off and on for the last year. Choke/idle doesn't work when first starting when weather is warm, but will usually start working fine in later starts during the day. Starts working pretty consistently when temp is in 40-50's in morning, but the last few days with temps in low 40's and 30's it has stopped working at all. Could this be due to a faulty sensor? No dash lights are on. Could running some fuel cleaner help? Is this something that is a known problem, or do I need to take it to the shop? It's finally starting to bother me at the point where I would like to get it fixed. I have about 140,000 miles on this truck. Any info is appreciated. Thanks.
1997 Ford Ranger 4cyl choke problem
Dec 08, 2005
Last reply: 20 years ago
4 Replies
On Wed, 07 Dec 2005 20:44:13 -0800, JScott rearranged some electrons to form:
It doesn't have a choke.
That truck doesn't have a choke. Check the idle air control valve- that's possibly the culprit.
SC Tom
This is indeed a pretty common problem. Idle speed is controlled by the computer and a little "stepper motor" called an Idle Air Control Valve, or IAC. The IAC is prone to carbon coking. Usually you can take it off, clean it thoroughly, and it'll work ok. In some cases, you'll have to replace it.
CJB
Thanks everyone. I see what you mean by the "no choke". As everyone could see, I was trying to describe that when cold the idle wouldn't run right, so until the engine warmed up, it will just die. I'll check with someone I know who can point out the IAC to me and we'll take a look at it.
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