Ford Ranger and a Buick Century
1997 Ford Ranger 4WD Problem and a 1996 Buick Century Check Engine Light
Today it's a 1997 Ford Ranger that has trouble going in and out of 4WD and a 1997 Buick Century with a Check Engine Light on and no acceleration.
Question: Ford Ranger 4WD Problem
Hi, This may come to late, but I have been experiencing a problem with my automatic 4X4 on my 1997 Ford Ranger. The last few times I had in in 4WD, there has been a zipper type of sound coming from my drive train and a knocking, like it's trying to get itself completely back into 2WD.
It has gotten worse, only today I discovered it when I put it in 4WD, last 2 times it corrected itself, now its not doing so. I may have to call the tow truck tomorrow. I imagine this may be an expensive correction. Do you have any comments or knowledge of this problem with other Ford Rangers in this year?
Thanks for your time,
Christina
Answer:
I have seen many problems like yours with 4WD engagement on all Ford 4WD drive vehicles. What happens quite often is the electric shift motor gets jammed up. I have found that by simply removing the electric shift motor and then reinstalling it fixes the problem.
Question: Buick Century Check Engine Light
I have a 1992 Buick Century that just recently the cruise control light along with the Check Engine Light will come on while driving and sometimes even while in Park. When this happens while driving or when I take off from Park when the lights are on the speedometer needle goes down to 0 and I lose acceleration power. The car still will go but very boggy. I can smell a little "hot" smell while driving.
This happens from about 15 seconds to a minute or 2 then the lights go off and the car goes back to working and smelling fine. I took the fuse out to cruise thinking it was the cruise control but it still did it and also the cruise light came on again even without the fuse in.
I took it to Advance Auto to have them hook it up and check for a code but they told me the light had to be on to check it and of course I couldn't get it to happen while I was there. Any thoughts or prayers will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Lauren
Answer:
I suspect it could be a bad Vehicle Speed Sensor or its connector. We would have to pull the codes from the PCM to know for sure. I think your best bet here would be your Buick Dealer since he can pull the codes and there are several Technical Service Bulletins (TSB's) that may cover this problem.
