1989 ford ranger full size automatic is vapor

Anything from a bad cable adjustment-cable to a bad transmission. Make sure the fluid level is correct.

The most common problem?!?!?!
FORD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Next time you have occasion to pull the instrument cluster. I suggest you remove that pesky bulb and be done with it! That "anti -lock" system was a joke anyway. Who puts "anti-lock" on the REAR??????????
They really didn't think this through did they!
Oh and just one more little pet peeve of mine.
ALL FULL SIZE BRONCOS ARE 4X4!!!!!!!!!!!!!
AND ALL FULL SIZE TOPS COME OFF TOO!!!!!!!

It's the clutch or gears in the transmission. Not a cheap fix but cheaper than an automatic transmission.

Check for a Thick Film Integrated (TFI) Module attached to the outside of the distrfibutor with about an 8 wire plug on it. That is Ford's ignition module. My recollection is the two screws attaching it to the distributor are odd-ball 7/32 in. size. If the module is taken off, use special ford di-electric grease on the base before re-attaching. For heat dissipation.

Does your truck have manual control or automatic control of choke? Did you check the throttle positioning sensor?

you need to look under the truck and see where about it is leaking could be your front seal or rear seal or even if automatic your transmission cooler or a line to the cooler but you really wont know till you look to see where about its leaking

Your truck has a A4LD transmission. The older ones had major problems. What i believe is happening with yours is the converter is locking up intermittently. 1st-4th are actual gears for 5th(overdrive) the converter locks. I had the same problem as well as did alot of people I spoke with. I solved it by getting a used A4LD out of a '92 ranger with a 3.0L motor (these transmissions had some upgrades to deal with a number of problems including the one you are talking about.) You will need to swap bell-housings (this requires the pump to be shimmed properly,I paid a shop $100 to install the pump ,with is attached to the back of the bell-housing) There are only 2 kinds of A4LD one for floor shift and 1 for column shift,make sure you get the right one.Good luck.

Click on the following direct Link. It has the Timing Belt Diagrams with Marks for the Camshaft and Crankshaft that you will need.

http://www.2carpros.com/car_repair_information/year/1989/make/ford/model/ranger/1989_ford_ranger_timing_belt_diagram_marks.htm

Let me know if this helped, or if you have additional information or questions. Feel Free to contact me at FixYa.com

Hi..my name is Keith..and the 2 things that i know of...that will not let power go to the fuel pump is 1..the fuel pump relay being bad..or 2..that something has tripped the Inertia Switch...and it needs resetting..i hope this will help

metal particles on the trigger wheel sensor of the rear differential case, this causes a loose of signal and the light to come on. also a broken tooth on the trigger wheel inside the diff can cause this or a dirty/corroded connection to the sensor from water intrusion.