Why does my 98 Ford Ranger "putt putt" sometimes?

Question

It only does it occassionally, by that I mean irregularly. Also it only does it when I come to a stop and sometimes after I shut the engine off. It doesn't make any unusual noises when I start it or on take off, for that matter it doesn't do it when I slow down either. Only when I come to a complete stop or shut the engine off. It isn't a loud noise, just a hollow "putt putt." Any thoughts?

Answer 1

It sound like mini backfiring. You're getting too much gas and it's causing the engine to fire when it doesn't need to. It could be any number of sensors- oxygen, MAAP sensor maybe. The best and easiest fix would be a tune up (chances are you need one anyway- most people go too long.) Change your plugs and your wires and see if that helps. If that doesn't help you should try the oxygen sensor. If your check engine light is on you could take it to a mechanic or parts store because many of them will do a scan for you for free. Depending on their system they can narrow it right down.  

Answer 2

my 2000 mazda protege did this...

if your ranger is a 4 cyclinder.. check this out...

the ranger used some of the same parts on their 4 cyclinders for the mazda protege ES.... not the lx the 2.0 es model

it could be your EGR valve... it is a $50 (at the most) fix....

i could just be driving down the road come to stop and go and it was like my motor had water in it or something it just didnt wanna go :(

i thought it was the motor and it was just like when i started i had to floor it and it would take its own lil time... and even if you dont floor it. it seems like the motor tried to go up to redline almost before it shifted and it did it very slowly :(

but it is most likely your EGR valve...

here check this out

1998 ford ranger

http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/Reliab...

2000 mazda protege

http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/Reliab...