Will not idle when truck is started it will stall out

1994 FORD RANGER
217,000 MILES • 3.0L • V6 • 4WD • MANUAL
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SHAWN MCGRAW
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
I'm having a problem with my truck listed above! And I was going to see if I can get you guys opinion on what you think.
Well, when I start the truck it was start bulging and stall out I traced it to the Mass air flow sensor , with the mass air flow sensor unplugged I can start the truck up a idle just fine just like it normally did once you plug the mass airflow sensor back in it starts bulging and the motor stalls. So I bought a brand new mass air flow assembly with the sensor on it hooked it all the way up got a plugged-in started the truck started doing the same thing what the sensor unplugged it would idle just fine once I plug the new mass air flow sensor in a cause the engine to start bulging and stall. So I borrowed 2 of my friends handheld Diagnostics machines the 1st machine after hooking it up and turn the key on it started scanning but about an eighth of the way through the scan the screen turned pure white so , I hooked up the 2nd machine turn the ignition on started scanning it once it completely did the scan at the end of the scan is said "error" or three-quarters of the way through the scan I would hear a click in the engine compartment and the whole Diagnostics screen would go dark and like reset itself.
I'm not really for sure but I'm thinking it might be the ECU that might be bad that's not communicating with a mass air flow sensor and a Diagnostics machine, but I was going to see if you could please give me some advice on what else to check for I would greatly appreciate it.
Sep 28, 2020 at 9:35 PM
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ASEMASTER6371
  • Experienced Mechanic
  • 52,796 POSTS
Good morning,

This does sound like the ECM is the issue as you cannot communicate with the system.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-a-car-computer-works-pcm-ecm-bcm

I would replace it and retest and see if it still does it and make sure you can communicate with the system.

Roy

NOTE: When the battery has been disconnected and reconnected, some abnormal drive symptoms may occur while the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) relearns its adaptive strategy. The vehicle may need to be driven 10 miles or more to relearn the adaptive strategy.

REMOVAL

1. Open hood and disconnect negative battery cable.

2. Loosen connector to module retaining bolt and unplug connector.

3. Remove two nuts and PCM cover.

4. Remove PCM from left hand inner fender.

INSTALLATION

To install PCM, reverse removal procedure.
Sep 28, 2020 at 10:39 PM
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