What is wrong with my 2004 Ford Ranger?

weird. First problem is you have a Ford, as do I . BRAND NEW too and Ford can't figure out mine runs like a lawnmower with no power. Those rangers are notorious for a power steering pump, it it's going bad the bearings can slow down the rev of the motor thus causing the A/C to go warm and loss of power, too much drag against the motor.

First off its a Ford. Thats the first problem. Get rid of it as soon as possible. I'm not saying that because i hate ford. Anytime the same year model uses one of 3 differant starters or window motors or anything else just because it was made in the different month your asking for trouble. Survival Guide Magazine listed the old VW Beetle as the best survival vehicle. Meaning you can work on it with very few tools its air cooled so you don't have to worry about the cooling problems and many other factors. Now if you are not wanting to go that far to be self reliant and problem free. Let me suggest either the Chevy1500 manual 4.3 liter it gets about 27 mpg in the city s-10 with same engine is good but not as good on gas as the full size and a little harder to work on just because there is less room under the hood. Good luck with the ford

There is absolutely no answer for a situation like this. I don't know why the "experts" on this forum all have opinions when there is no clue. the only thing is if you have a check engine lite on that may give a clue. Other wise it is wait till the situation gets worse and can be identified or it goes away. I take it the a/c went back to normal. NEVER replace any part till you KNOW the problem.

The injector loop must be pressurized with fuel before they can squirt fuel. If you have run the tank dry, you may have trashed the fuel pump. The pump relies on the fuel to cool and lubricate it. Try cycling the key several times between off and on before cranking the starter. If it starts right up, this is probably the cause. There is also a check valve that holds pressure in the injector loop, but they rarely go bad.

It is possible that your maf or mas is malfunctioning this sensor controls air fuel ratio it is also expensive try cleaning it before replacement but i would take it to auto zone spot the guy that looks like he know what he is doing and ask him to do a free sensor scan for you. That may turn up the true gremlin.

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check the wheel that keeps the serpentine belt tight it might need to be re placed also check your vac um hoses

Wher did you get gas last, could be watter in the fuel

Could be that your a/c needs a look at..

check your fuel filter... if that's not it take it in to a real garage.