I know the Ranger from that era has the classic leaky caps that kills it's ECUs. You can easily buy a $20 soldering iron from harbor freight and $5 worth of caps and fix yours if it's the same problem.

[–] cm0002@lemmy.world 12 points 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago) (3 children)

This right here, there's not a whole lot on a PCB that can "explode" on their own, and caps is at the top of that short list. And early 2000s, 90s caps are notorious for this issue

Next ECU you get @Badabinski@kbin.social, check the caps or just replace them anyways. Even high quality ones are not very expensive

[–] anivia@lemmy.ml 2 points 2 months ago

Is replacing the caps even an option? All the cars I ever owned had the entire ECU potted for waterproofing

[–] Badabinski@kbin.earth 2 points 2 months ago

I've got a mechanic doing the sourcing and work for me, but I might buy one and replace the caps on it, then ask him to try it. Thanks to both of you for the suggestion!

[–] nilloc@discuss.tchncs.de 1 points 2 months ago

Unless it’s tin whiskers from the early lead free solder…

I fear that shit way more than I was ever worried about y2k bugs.