Older model vehicles don’t always give you direct clues to what’s wrong through codes. Follow this Real Fix to see how this rough running Ford Ranger was diagnosed to solve the issue.
Vehicle
1996 Ford Ranger Base 2.3L
Title
Engine Runs Rough, Repaired Camshaft Position Sensor Wiring Harness
Complaint
The customer states the engine runs rough.
Cause
Confirmed the customer’s complaint and found the engine ran rough. Performed a visual inspection of the ignition system and found no obvious faults. Connected a smoke machine to the engine intake manifold and induced smoke into the air intake system to check for leaks, but found none. Connected a fuel pressure gauge to the fuel pressure test port and found the measured fuel pressure was within the specified range of 30 to 45 PSI. At idle, used a scan tool to monitor live data and found the camshaft position sensor (B1) signal parameter was erratic. Performed a visual inspection of the camshaft position sensor (B1) wiring harness and found the harness was damaged. Wiggled the camshaft position sensor (B1) wiring harness and observed idle quality was affected as the camshaft position sensor (B1) wiring harness was wiggled, which indicated a circuit fault was present.
Correction
Repaired the camshaft position sensor (B1) wiring harness and verified the vehicle operated properly. The customer’s concern did not return.