So, my dad's 1998 4 cyl Ranger with 185K took a dump on him on his drive into work this morning. He said it had been running rough occasionally for the past few weeks, but today while on the highway, it backfire, check engine light came on, and died. Won't even try to start now. Any ideas? I really don't want to be his carpool...

 

Give us some more symptoms if you can, i.e.:
Has gas mileage or performance noticeably diminished?
Has the truck overheated?
Was it burning oil?
Any funky engine smells?

Check the spark plugs as well for being broken or severe fouling.
Backfiring can be an emissions problem, clogged or deteriorated cats. It would not be unlikely given the mileage of the vehicle.

 

No over heating, no smoking, smelling, etc. I drove it a few days ago, and rode in it on the highway on Wednesday. Drove fine. The plugs have been changed since it was new (once, I think), but I'm not sure when. The thing is, he says that the entire truck is dead now. Won't even try to start.

 

you check his coil pack? my 91 gave me a rough time out of town once. popped the hood started checking random things, found the harness to the coil pack was loose, half broken. but mine still ran, ran like a total dog though, floored it and got to 1700 lol.

 

The newer 4 cylinder Rangers have 8 spark plugs and two coil packs... So I don't think it's those. He said its not even turning over...

 

ah, how about fuses since it isnt turning over? a while back there was a guy with a f150 blowing fuses left n right. would cut his ignition and starting. theres a possibility.

also, can you crank it over via removing starter and using a crowbar?

 

Sorry to say - bet the motors cooked - mains gone most likley .. Any oil leaking towards the rear of the motor?

4 bangers are known for this - he gotta allot of miles out of her tho - 185k good for a 4 cylinder.

 

It's being towed to a shop right now. And I don't know if that could be done... I'm at work right now, and so is he. All of this just happened this morning...

 

you guys abandon your vehicles!?!?! NO!!! i make mine drag me in to work lol.

 

I know!!! We just grab Stanberries Farmall and hog tie it if we have too..

 

Farmall? Come on boys, he broke down in St. Louis... Not many Farmalls down there. I would have called in sick and told them I'm staying with my truck, but he's not like me...

 

Is it a stick?

 

Yes.

 

i was thinking, but my brothers 2.3 has 280k or so on it and its still ticking and knocking along. he hasnt ever had it backfire or stall on him, just recently his flywheel gave him some trouble.

 

Hard tellin from here , I would stick a socket and breaker bar on the crank nut - if it's at the dealership you'll find out what's going on soon I hope.