Hesitation on accellaration problem?

My son has a 86 Ranger with the 2.9 liter and it hesitates on accelaration. It will do it at any time, sometimes it doesn't do it when first started, but other times it will. Some one told me it could be the accellaration sensor, but I don't know anything about this engine. There is no check engine light on and was wondering if anyone has run into this before.

Thanks,
Bobg

there are so many things that could cause this. i would start with the cheapest and work my way to most expensive.

if it were my problem....
i would seafoam your truck. then put the rest in the gass.
then do an all around tune up and oil change and get the fuel filter also.Oil change because seafoam thins it and a tune up because alot of times one of these things will cause hesitation.
then if that did not help i would look at o2 sensors.

then i would check for vacuum leaks and throttle position sensor.

Does your engine idle correctly? While in Park or Neutral and you gun up your engine, does it accelerate correctly? What I'm suggesting is to eliminate fuel related problems such as fuel filter, fuel pump, etc. There are so many things that could cause the problem and most are emission and/or evaporative control related including the PCM. It would be worth your while to simply take it in for a diagnostic test (about $85.00) to do away with the guess factor.

I don't know why there are so many "not smart" responses on this forum, but

The accelaration sensor is located on the throttle block. It tells the engine computer that you are accelerating and to advance the timing - thus increased speed. It is suppose to read a paticular resistance and/or voltage when the key is on (but the engine off); I forget what the exact numbers are but if you look in a repair manual (which I recommend everyone has for their vehicle) it will tell you. You might be able to check with your local auto parts store too.

Hope this helped
What are you babling about there is no acceleration sensor. there is a throttle position sensor.Under hood, center, upper engine area, front of
intake manifold, mounted on passenger side of
throttle valve assembly


23$ at auto zone.

For those of use who are not so knowledgeable, please forgive us who called the throttle position sensor by another name. After all it is the only sensor associated with the throttle.