1995 Ford Ranger limited power in 4th and 5th gear

RANGERMAN1995

MEMBER
1995 FORD RANGER
4 CYL
2WD
MANUAL
188,100 MILES

I know that the 2.3l 4cyl does not have a lot of power, but my ranger seems to not want to pick up at all in the top gears. I have replaced all of the spark wires and plugs, exhaust gas lines and the unit itself. Every time I scan the engine I get a code that reads insuficient exhaust/gas relay or something to that effect. I have had the fuel pump checked, which is still working fine, I have also had the timing belt and the cadalidic converter replaced. Also, every now and then I hear a distinct knocking noise that fades away when I step on the gas pedal. What is wrong with my truck?

2 Replies

AMRAAM35

MEMBER
39 POSTS

Your code is refering to insufficent EGR flow. You have a exhaust gas recirculator (EGR) what lets in exhaust air into your intake when you are driving, but shuts when you are idling. The code means the computer atleast thinks it is not letting in flow. If could be actually working, but the computer thinks it isnt, and correcting the fuel air ratio accordingly. You could then be running lean at high speeds, hence the lack of power. Pull the EGR and check its operation (with a vaccum pump) and for clogs. Other causes to the system could be the solenoid or the DFPE sensor. The DFPE sensor is a common part to fail on the ranger and is easy to find and replace. Check all three. A common cause of many problems, and ones like these, are vaccum lines. Check them to make sure they are in good shape.