Truck problems, need mechanic advice

[91Foxtrot]

I bought a used vehicle when I was first arrived in Alaska, a 2001 Ford Ranger, and everything was fine for a couple months. Then the truck's "check engine" light came on, and the truck started to die after idling for a few minutes. It doesn't have any problems as long as I'm driving it, but it will die after 5-10 minutes of idling. I've changed the oil and oil filter, used additive to clean the fuel filter, and hooked it up to the machine at NAPA. All I'm told is that the "system is too lean", and the employee at NAPA wasn't quite sure what that meant. Any idea guys, all the mechanics at the motor pool are stumped.

 

[edman87k5]

What code is it setting with the light?
What engine? 2.5 4cyl?
Mileage? Long history of doing a lot of idling?
I am going to shoot at egr system if it had idled a lot, especially since the egr system on the 4 cyl is notorious for plugging itself up.
Really need to know the trouble code though.

 

[91Foxtrot]

Not sure of the code, its a 4.0l V6 engine. I'm sure the truck has idled quite a bit, you need to let the engine warm up for a long time when its -50 outside.

 

[Suburbazine]

IACV may be malfunctioning. At -50, that's a good deal more oxygen going into the engine than at +70. If it doesn't close far enough the engine may idle too high, or just run very lean. Also, check to see that the throttle body heater (if equipped) has not plugged up or frozen. Most newer trucks have a heater line coming right off the engine block and going straight to the throttle block.

 

[Magpie]

You can try unhooking the battery for a few min. Then re-connect battery, start it and let idle for 5-10 min. Can't hurt. also replace the fuel filter.

 

[shoalsfugro]

Where is the rpm set at idle? Maybe to low.

 

[dirk70301]

I would have to say IACV problem , but it could be a number of things .

 

[91Foxtrot]

Thanks guys, I'll start looking into the IACV to see if that helps.

 

[W1nds0rF0x]

Thanks guys, I'll start looking into the IACV to see if that helps.

BTW, don't bother trying to clean it nor bother with a triple cheap "lifetime warranty" replacement. Look at the name an know that I've been there done that. Get a Ford or OEM replacement.

 

[Golden-Eagle]

Agree completely with WindsorFox. Also been there done that only to tear it down again.

 

[BigNick73]

I used to own a F150 with 4.2 that threw a too lean code at me, was a vacuum leak letting too much air in, so check the hoses and give the mass air flow sensor a cleaning while you're at it.