1996 Ford Ranger Won't pass smog. Please help.

MOTOCORPSE

MEMBER
1996 FORD RANGER
6 CYL
2WD
MANUAL
150,000 MILES

I have a 1996 Ford Ranger 3.0 that I have been trying to get smogged for over a month now. First problem was that the check engine light was on because the fuel purge valve and solenoid were bad. I replaced those and reset the computer and the light is off now. (I also replaced the O2 sensors about 2 years ago) The smog guy told me I needed to put around 50 miles on the truck to get the computer to run thru at least 4 of 7 tests to pass. I have put over 250 miles on it and still only 3 tests have tripped. The local ford dealer told me to just keep driving it but I nearing the end of my DMV registration extention. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

2 Replies

MASTERTECHTIM

MECHANIC
4,749 POSTS

Ive had this happen. When you turn off your truck your losing computer memory. Im sure if I spent enough time I could find out why, possibly bad computer, etc. What I do when I have this problem and ive had it on I think 4 different fords. Drive vehicle around town for about 10 miles then take a ride on the highway for about a half hour. Do not shut vehicle off. Let it sit in your driveway for an hour running, then bring it to your sticker guy and have him plug in and check readiness tests, but make sure he does not shut the vehicle off. You should be all set. The older vehicles pass readiness tests alot faster than newer cars. Let us know when it works