'96 Ranger P/U goes off cold idle right after I

have you check for your back pressuire ,check the catalyst converter might be bad

If you need further help, reach me via phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/bryan_972744e20e2f7260

TRY REPLACING YOUR PCV VALVE

Try checking the fuel filter or the fuel pump.

One possibility is a buildup of dirt and sludge in and around the idle air control valve. The buildup causes the idle air valve to stick.

check the catalyc converter..when its clogged..vehicles run poorly especially at low speeds or idle

FORD: 1995-96 CONTOUR, CROWN VICTORIA, ESCORT, TAURUS, THUNDERBIRD
1996 MUSTANG LINCOLN-MERCURY: 1995-96 CONTINENTAL, COUGAR, GRAND MARQUIS, MARK VIII, MYSTIQUE, SABLE, TOWN CAR, TRACER LIGHT TRUCK: 1995-96 AEROSTAR, BRONCO, ECONOLINE, F-150-350 SERIES, RANGER, WINDSTAR
1996 EXPLORER This TSB article is being republished in its entirety to include the 1995 4.6L Thunderbird/Cougar. ISSUE: After a 1-4 hour engine soak time, long crank times and/or long crank to start followed by a stall may occur on some vehicles. No further stalling or rough idle will occur after the engine is running. The long crank and/or stall may be due to the Idle Air Control (IAC) Valve sticking.
ACTION: Replace the IAC Valve with a revised IAC Valve if no Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) are present. Refer to the following Service Procedure for details.
SERVICE PROCEDURE

1. Perform normal diagnostics and correct any DTCs as required by referring to the appropriate year Powertrain Control/Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) Service Manual.
2. If no codes are present, replace the IAC Valve by referring to the appropriate model/year Service Manual, Section 03-14. Refer to the following Idle Air Control Valve Application Chart for proper IAC usage.
   
   IDLE AIR CONTROL VALVE APPLICATION CHART Model Year Vehicle Engine Revised Part Number PASSENGER CARS 1995 Escort/Tracer 1.9L F5DZ-9F715-BA 1996 Escort/Tracer 1.9L F6CZ-9F715-BB 1995 Contour/Mystique 2.5L F5RZ-9F715-AB 1996 Contour/Mystique 2.5L F6RZ-9F715-AA 1996 Taurus/Sable 3.0L 4-Valve F5DZ-9F715-DA 1995 Taurus/Sable 3.0L 2-Valve F5DZ-9F715-EA 1996 Taurus/Sable 3.0L 2-Valve F6DZ-9F715-DA 1995 Taurus SHO 3.2L F6DZ-9F715-CA 1996 Taurus SHO 3.4L F6LZ-9F715-AC 1995 Taurus/Sable 3.8L F68Z-9F715-EA 1995 Crown Victoria/Grand Marquis/Town Car 4.6L 2-Valve F5PZ-9F715-AA 1996 Crown Victoria/Grand Marquis/Town Car/Mustang 4.6L 2-Valve F6AZ-9F715-EB 1996 Mustang 4.6L 4-Valve F65Z-9F715-BC 1995-96 Continental 4.6L 4-Valve F5OZ-9F715-AB 1995 Mark VIII 4.6L 4-Valve F3LZ-9F715-AA 1996 Mark VIII 4.6L 4-Valve F6LZ-9F715-AC 1995 Thunderbird/Cougar 4.6L 2-Valve F5PZ-9F715-AA 1996 Thunderbird/Cougar 4.6L 2-Valve F6AZ-9F715-EB LIGHT TRUCKS 1995-96 Ranger 2.3L F5OZ-9F715-AB 1995-96 Ranger 3.0L F67Z-9F715-AA 1995 Aerostar 3.0L F68Z-9F715-DA 1996 Aerostar 3.0L F69Z-9F715-AA 1995-96 Windstar 3.0L F68Z-9F715-DA 1995 Windstar 3.8L F68Z-9F715-EA 1996 Windstar 3.8L F68Z-9F715-CB 1995-96 Econoline/F-150-350 Series/Bronco 4.9L F68Z-9F715-EA 1996 Explorer 5.0L F67Z-9F715-BA

try replacing the coil, my 2.5 did the same thing, and after changing plugs,wires,distributor,rotor,rotor button . the last thing i repalced was the coil and i have not had an issue since. all work was done about 6 months ago.

low idle speed...or the need of a tune-up

I say air by o2 sensor or if you have done that already tried the vaccum hoses for tiny tiny holes
good luck

replace the idle air control valve