# 1997 Ford Ranger **URL:** \ **Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\ **Tags:** ford, ranger\ **Created:** [February 3, 2010, 12:52am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1997-ford-ranger/43748 "2010-02-03T00:52:59Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 3\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![tpe43tpe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/df705f/32.png) [@tpe43tpe](https://community.cartalk.com/u/tpe43tpe)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2010, 12:52am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1997-ford-ranger/43748/1 "2010-02-03T00:52:59Z")
If my Ranger starts it is slow to build up speed, it usually takes about 7 miles to get up to 55 mph. Going up hill I have to downshift to maintain speed. Also it does not want to idle, I have to keep my foot on the gas pedal at a stop sign or it will die. If it dies I have to let it set for about and hour so it will start again. If I get someone to give it a push I can pop the clutch and it will start. It has had new plugs and plug wires and that did not help. It has over 200,000 miles. ---
**Author:** ![waterboy](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/waterboy/32/764_2.png) [@waterboy](https://community.cartalk.com/u/waterboy)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2010, 1:03am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1997-ford-ranger/43748/2 "2010-02-03T01:03:33Z")
Gotta do a plug and paste like mc, what maintenance has been done in addition to spark plugs and plug wires, ie air and fuel filters. Also in failure mode a fuel pressure test is advised. ---
**Author:** ![tpe43tpe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/df705f/32.png) [@tpe43tpe](https://community.cartalk.com/u/tpe43tpe)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2010, 1:38am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1997-ford-ranger/43748/3 "2010-02-03T01:38:43Z")
A mechanic had this in the shop for 2 weeks and did every test he could think of. The only thing he could find wrong was it showed a vacuum leak but he could not find where it was. The truck has progressively gotten worse until it is now in its present condition.