1999 Ford Ranger IDLE PROBLEM

Tiny
STEELERFAN1
  • MEMBER
  • 1999 FORD RANGER
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 120,856 MILES
At start up the engine will rev up around 2000 rpms then drops to 0 rpms then it repeats this for a time until it dies, but when I put it into gear it does not have this problem. This problem does not happen everytime at start up but when I drive it for awhile then put it into park this problem resumes. I am not a pro so any help would be appreciated. Thanks.
Wednesday, October 21st, 2009 AT 1:54 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,055 POSTS
It sounds like a bad throttle position sensor or idle air control valve. Has the check engine light ever come on?
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Tuesday, October 27th, 2009 AT 10:50 AM
Tiny
STEELERFAN1
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
The check engine light just came on yesterday Oct.26 and I took it in to have the code read. The code read that it was the idle control sensor and I was told to try cleaning it with mass air flow sensor cleaner first to see if that works before I buy the part. Do you think this will help? Thank you for responding.
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Tuesday, October 27th, 2009 AT 11:29 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,055 POSTS
My hat is off to the man who said try to clean it first. Yes, it may take care of the problem. Everyone is always too happy to replace parts that still could be good.

Let me know how it works for you.
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Tuesday, October 27th, 2009 AT 1:21 PM

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