Two problems related to power train have been reported for the 1997 Ford Ranger. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
The engine occasionally races (runaway acceleration) on my 1997 Ford Ranger 4x4 with standard transmission and overdrive and 3. 0l engine. The acceleration tends to occur after I have driven the vehicle at highway speeds (70 mph) and then drive at slower speeds such as in an urban setting. At such times, the idle remains rather high and engine racing occurs when I engage the clutch to shift into second or third gear. The engine racing causes the gears to clash (grind) and resist shifting; I have almost been rear ended several times due to this slowing of forward motion since the brake lights do not come on to indicate it. Sometimes the acceleration runs away, and I have had to quickly pull over and turn off the ignition to prevent blowing the engine. I have taken the problem to several mechanics including Ford, but none have been able to identify the cause. There evidently was a recall for automatic transmissions with a similar problem but not for standard transmissions.
Consumer states that while driving at any speed and no warning the odometer will move back and forth causing the consumer to have the wrong odometer readings. Dealer notified. Mr.