Firing order for a 1997 ford ranger xlt 2.3 4 cylinder

I will read the SM service manual to you now.
firing order 1,3,4,2
most cars with old coil packs 4 cylinders is just one pack
not coils but yes 2 coils in 1 pack run 4 cylinders, using wasted spark tech.
oops this old dog run 8 spark plugs now that is different.
and here it is from the book
we do know 1 and 4 fire as one and 3 and 2 first as one pair too.
I sure hope the 2 coils fire, the same way.
no lag. coil 1 spark 1, to coil 2 spark 1. hummmmm
yes tricky see these sage words. from the SM

Dual Plug Inhibit (DPI) is a function of the powertrain control module that is used when the vehicle is being started. During engine cranking, the powertrain control module will only fire the spark plugs on the right-hand side of the engine.Whenthe engine has started, the powertrain control module will start normal twin-plug operation.

1-3-4-2 being 1 is at 1:30 or so. Mine works fine now

This is the firing diagram. I'm not sure why they show two coil rotation/positions?

The spark plug firing order is ( 1 - 4 - 2 - 5 - 3 - 6 ) The distributor rotor turns CLOCKWISE ( 1 - 4 - 2 - 5 - 3 - 6 ) The marked # 1 position on the distributor cap faces towards the firewall and slightly towards the passenger side The engine cylinders / spark plugs are numbered : passenger side of engine , front to rear , 1 , 2 , 3 and drivers side of engine , front to rear , 4 , 5 , 6

there are 2 V6's both diagrams are the same.

For the 1987 Ford Ranger:
I do not know if you have the 2.0L, 2.3L or the 2.9L; however I have included all below. They are the same for both the 2WD and 4WD.

For the 2.0L and 2.3L In-Line 4-Cvlinder:
Firing Order:
1-3-4-2
Cylinders:
(back)
|..4..|
|..3..|
|..2..|
|..1..|
(front)
Distributor:
................
[..........(+)] -long tab with screw
..4......2
..3......1
(+)- rounded tab screw

For the 2.9L V6:
Firing Order:
1-4-2-5-3-6
Cylinders:
........(back)........
|..3..|..........|..6..|
|..2..|..........|..5..|
|..1..|..........|..4..|
.......(front)
Distributor:
....1....4..(+)
6............2
(+)3....5

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

Posted by Asker for a 1997 Ford F250 under the 1985 Ford 250 Category.
I have included BOTH the 1985 and 1997 F250 351cid=5.8L Firing Orders below...

1985 Ford F250 351CI = 5.8L V8:
Firing Order:
1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8
Cylinders:
........(back)........
|..4..|........|..8..|
|..3..|........|..7..|
|..2..|........|..6..|
|..1..|........|..5..|
.......(front)
Distributor:
....(back)
[X].3...1
7............8
2............4
.....6...5.[X]-clip
....(front)

For the 1997 Ford F250 351CI = 5.8L V8:
Firing Order:
1-5-4-2-6-3-7-8
Cylinders:
........(back).......
|..4..|........|..8..|
|..3..|........|..7..|
|..2..|........|..6..|
|..1..|........|..5..|
.......(front)
Distributor:
.....(back)
[X].5...1
4............8
2............7
.....6...3.[X]-clip
.....(front)

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

what engine do u have?
U can go here and look it up for yourself.

http://autorepair.about.com/od/enginefiringorders1/Engine_Firing_Orders.htm

It does not have an ignition control module. The PCM (powertrain control module) fires the coil pack based on signal it recieves from the crankshaft position sensor and the camshaft position sensor.