1998 Ford Ranger: hesitation when accelerating

Filed Jul 27, 2003 · Transmission · 44,045 miles · GA

Our 1998 ford ranger xlt with the 4.0l v-6 and the 5-speed automatic transmission experienced intermittent problems with shifting. On occasion the vehicle would hesitate when being shifted into park and would on occasion attempt to surge forward when the vehicle was stopped while in drive. The problems recently became worse after only 44k miles and began to impact the driving performance of the vehicle. The shifting of the automatic transmission while in drive would sometimes hesitate and had become unpredictable. The vehicle was taken to an aamco dealer and upon inspection of the transmission found that the center support had stripped and that the broken teeth were being circulated throughout the transmission. When the broken pieces came in contact with the other gears it would cause them to hang and create a pressure loss. The service repair technician stated that this failure was most likely due to the part being improperly cast during manufacturing. The failure of this part and the collateral damage caused by the circulation of the broken teeth in the transmission required a partial rebuild of the transmission. Transmission type: 5r55e production date: 02-98.

Filed Feb 14, 2001 · Acceleration, Engine · FL

Vehicle idles very roughly. Then idle will go away for awhile. Vehicle turned off without prior notice. Dealership is aware of problem. *ak consumer states that after rough idle goes away, vehicle will hesitate or stall, mass air flow sensor was replaced, however problems still exists. Gas pedal gets stuck. Passenger side front windshield wiper arm was loose. Pwer steering pump was replaced due to when turning wheel it would make anoise.

Filed Aug 9, 2000 · Tires · HI

Please add my name to the list of people who have experienced trouble with their ford ranger factory installed tires. My bad experience occurred while driving a straightaway on the local highway (h3) at approx. 55-60 MPH. It was around 10:30 am and the temp was 80-85 with sunny skies. I had earlier noticed strange wear patterns, but my dealer informed me this was normal. The right rear tire completely came apart leaving only the sidewalls -- the tread detached completely. At the time I assumed it was merely a bad tire and purchased an identical replacement (at a local firestone dealer) to maintain a complete set. The dealer kept the faulty tire so I cannot provide it for inspection. Thankfully, no one was seriously injured although it was quite scary when the vehicle lost complete control. There didn't seem to be any danger of rollover, but my pickup bed was empty at the time so I'm unsure of the potential danger with a full load. I'm pretty sure I have no legal recourse against the manufacturor, but my experience is similar to the recent reports I've been hearing. I hope this info assists you in your investigation. The remaining tires on my truck are exhibiting strange wear patterns and an alignment doesn't seem to be the problem. If you need any further info please don't hesitate to contact me. The thought that these tires are responsible for deaths is very disturbing considering I drive on the highway daily and hawaii is typically hot and sunny. Thank you, jim delacy( dot number: tire size: p22570r14 )

Filed Sep 13, 1999 · Brakes, Electrical · OR

Engine continually stalling, hesitation and surging, unable to rectify since purchase. Mjs

Filed Jul 5, 1999 · Acceleration, Brakes · OR

On starting engine hesitated ,almost stalled then raced with high RPM,while huge amounts of white thick smoke and heavy gasoline smell present.truck stalled.restarted same problem with the addition of a large black cloud of smoke from tail pipe on pushing accelerator.throttle sticks causing surging.dealer replaced throttle valve.probelm persists. Brakes make grinding noise when applied,dealer could not replicate after 4 visits they finally ackowledge problem and had to do a complete brake job.brakes are hard now and it appears that the anti locks do not engage.rear slider leaks water into extra cab when it rains. Vibration heard from ex haust area,had to have the heat shield tightened. Noise has returned./

Filed Oct 19, 1998 · WA

Air condition condensor and compressor failed, causing hesitation of the engine.

Filed Apr 17, 1998 · Fuel system · FL

Fuel injection system malfunctioned, causing vehicle to surge/hesitate during cruise.