Five problems related to emission control have been reported for the 1998 Ford Ranger. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Mass airflow sensor has failed without warning at 9,000 and 31,000 miles. When it fails, the engine stalls, and is very difficult to restart and keep running. Without engine power, there is limited brake and power steering functioning. This is a safety hazard if it occurs in a moving traffic situation. Ford is unable (unwilling?) to provide any information as to whether this is an acceptable failure rate.
Vehicle idles very roughly. Then idle will go away for awhile. Vehicle turned off without prior notice. Dealership is aware of problem. 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.
Engine oxygen regulator completely failed.
Map sensor failed.
Mass airflow sensor.