Expert: Ken Surerus - 4/11/2005

Question
I own a 1988 Ranger XLT 4x4 with a 2.9 ltr. v6. I just added a 3" body lift. About 2 weeks after it started to lose power. It would sputter at start-up until it warmed up. I noticed that when trying to accelerrate it seemed to bog down, or flood out. I put it on a diagnostic & replaced what sensor codes it read. (Throttle position sensor, o2 sensor,MAP sensor, coolant temp. sensor,Air by-pass valve.) I've checked for vacuum leaks & nothing. I even had the Catalytic converters removed. After 2 more Diagnostics & 3 mechanics, still no progress. My truck is burning alot more gas & still losing power. The last test read that the TPS was bad,the o2 sensor was bad & it was running rich. I'm on a tight budget, what can I do to fix this?

Answer
Mr. Bullock,

If you have a bad O2 sensor, it will keep your truck in closed loop and it will burn alot more gas. The TPS is your throttle positioning sensor. I would try to clean it but you burning alot of gas is definitely a bad O2 sensor. You can get one for a reasonable price at your local Auto Zone or Advanced Auto. Hope that this helps and if you need further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me. Good luck.

Ken