Attempting to use diag. tool on my '99 ford ranger. Not getting a reading with few different tools, one shut itself off. chk. engine lgt. came on previously and i fixed problem- chk.eng.lgt. went out on own without tool! Do i need to reset obd using tool.

It's possible that the 2004 Ford Ranger's engine or the tachometer itself is to blame for the difficulty you're describing with the tachometer reading. A crankshaft position sensor issue is one typical reason for a tachometer to read high. To determine the engine's RPM, this sensor transmits signals to the engine control module (ECM). The tachometer may show a reading higher than the real RPM if the sensor is broken.
There are several possible causes for this issue, including a problem with the tachometer itself, a problem with the sensor that sends information to the tachometer, or a problem with the vehicle's electrical system. It is also possible that the tachometer cable is loose, damaged, or disconnected.
It's recommendable to take your truck to a professional mechanic to diagnose and fix the problem. In some cases, the problem might be fixable by replacing the sensor or cable, but in other cases, it may require more extensive repairs or replacement of the tachometer itself.
It's also important to note that even though the tachometer is not working properly, it does not affect the performance of the engine, but it will give you a wrong idea of the RPM, which could lead you to over-rev the engine and cause damage.

2004 Ford Explorer Engine Stalls/Cuts Out While Driving: 31 ...

www.carcomplaints.com/Ford/Explorer/.../engine/engine_stalls_cuts_out...

... 2013 · 2012 · 2011 · 2010 · 2009 · 2008 · 2007 · 2006 · 2005 · 2003 · 2002 · 2001 · 2000 ... 2004 Ford Explorer engine problems: engine stalls/cuts out while driving ...to overheat and slide out of its socket, causing the engine to shut off. ..... Suddenlyat 30-35mph, my engine just died and i cannot control the steering wheel.

2005 Ford Escape Engine Shutdown While Driving: 24 ...

www.carcomplaints.com/Ford/.../engine/engine_shutdown_while_drivin...

The 2005 Ford Escape has 24 complaints for engine shutdown while driving. ...January 22: Ford Ranger Driver Killed by Takata Airbag in South Carolina news ' 2 days ago; Ford Focus Door Latch ..... I was 80 miles from home when the engine shut off. .... No one could seem to determine the true cause of the problems.

Ford Ranger Stalling/Dying Problems - Edmunds.com

forums.edmunds.com > Ford > Ford Ranger

Nov 2, 2007 - 31 posts - ‎21 authors
Learn more about Ford Ranger at the Edmunds.com Car Forums! ... cut off a couple of times then it started happening more frequent while driving. ..... the other day I was driving down the highway and it just shut off, no warning .... 2000. when it gets overheated the circuit shorts and causes the engine to die. Ford Expedition engine cutting off while driving
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Hook it up to a scan tool or code reader and pull up codes and trace them down. If you don't have access to reader most parts stores will read codes out for you and be more than happy to sell you parts to repair or steer you in witch direction to go to repair your vehicle.

what is the job?
is somehting busted.?
are you just doing routine service?
what is the question exactly.?
which engine. 2.5, 3.0 or 4.0L???????????????????

are you working BOOK free>? no FSM or alldata.com account?
the steps are all there, but do tell what your attempting?

One of the most common causes of this occurence is the fuel pump. Check if you can hear the fuel pump turn on right before you turn the key fully. There is a place to check fuel pressure on the back of the engine with a manual screw on gauge.
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a good diagnostic tools

yes you can buy at your local parts store for around $15

That could Be caused by the TFI module Located on the side of the distributor its grey module that requires a special tool to remove the two screws

ford has several different sizes for full size, not sure about rangers though. They are called fuel line tools though. Did you blow air through the connecters to remove all dirt? How about removing the metal clips that are there as a saftey measure? Those clips looke like a weird J shape that helps prevent accidental disconection.

the last time I had a flat the tire pressure monitor came on a little too late. once the tire was replaced and brought up to pressure it reset itself. check your spare tire. have the tire that was repaired still has the module on the rim. they may have given you a different rim

That is the hydraulic clutch line going to the internal slave cylinder.You will need to get a "clutch line removal tool" to take it out. You should be able to get one at a parts store.
Put the tool around the line and push it firmly into the bellhousing fitting and pull the line loose.