Guys I have a strange problem in my 2001 Ford Ranger. Whenever I press the clutch down or whenever the car is coasting in neutral, the RPMS go up into the 3000-4000 range until I come to a stop. It happens while I'm driving and most of the time it goes away when I turn it off and on again. Additionally, this seems to happen more often on hot days but can sometimes happen on cooler days. Any ideas on where to look to solve this problem? Thanks.

 

Welcome to the forum

What engine in your 2001 Ranger?

Its not an uncommon issue in the early 2000's Rangers
Get your VIN and call local Ford Dealer to see if there is updated software for your vehicle computer
Its not warranty obviously, lol, so if there is an update ask how much to load it

In normal operation on a manual trans vehicle the idle should stay above 1,000 maybe 1,200 when moving and the clutch is pushed down or when coasting in Neutral
This is an emissions requirement
Once speedometer is below 5MPH then warm engine idle should drop down to the 700rpm range, depends on the engine size

But the 3,000rpm is a glitch in computer software most likely, which is why turning off the computer to reboot the software can correct the issue temporarily


You can get a Bluetooth OBD2 reader, under $20, it uses your smart phone or a tablet if you want, as the display
And then watch what the computer is getting from the sensors while driving, Live Data
Its possible its a sensor error, long shot, because you don't mention CEL(check engine light) being on

But in any case OBD2 reader works on ANY vehicle 1996 and newer, not just Fords, so just a good tool to have for under $20
APPs are free, or $5 for more detailed info if you ever needed it, which most don't

 

I have a 2.5L engine and when it is operating correctly the rpms stay in between 1000-1200 while coasting as you mentioned. I will check with my local dealership about the computer update and also see about the OBD2 reader

Thanks!

 

Yes, the 4cyl 2.5l seemed to have that glitch and the 3.0l in early 2000's

2001 Rangers had two different 4cyl engines, 2.5l SOHC(Lima) in the first half of year then 2.3l DOHC(Duratec) in last half, just FYI
2.3l DOHC seemed not to have this issue, or very rarely

Computer can set a code if RPMs are too low or too high, so absence of codes would indicate computer "thinks" the high RPMs are correct for "conditions", i.e. sensor feedback

You could test if throttle is sticking open
Engine off but warmed up
Open and close throttle manually to see if it seems sticky at all when closing, if so remove throttle cable from linkage and see if its still sticky, throttle cable may need to be lubed
Start engine
Same test
See if it can be held open a bit by Vacuum suction of engine, i.e. a weak throttle spring

These can occur without setting a code because computer "thinks" the driver is holding down gas pedal a bit to get higher RPMs


If it was say, an IAC Valve issue, or vacuum leak, or even MAF sensor issue then computer would set a code, because computer wants/expects RPMs to be 1,000 but its staying at 3,000