my ranger did the same thing you need to check the wires and the plugs or your o2 sensor behind your cat if ths wont fix the problem you have a serious problem!
Your check gauge light comes on if : your coolant temperature guage shows the temperature is high your oil pressure gauge shows the oil pressure is low or your fuel gauge shows the fuel tank is near empty
www.motorcraft.com shows ( .044 inch ) for a 1996 Ford Ranger 2.3 L engine ( check your VECI sticker in the engine compartment ahead of your radiator or on your fan shroud ) - Vehicle Emission Control Information
Defective computer these vans are known for this
10 degrees BTDC - unless engine compartment decal shows different
Check the vehicle emission control information sticker in the engine compartment It is located somewhere in front of the radiator , or perhaps on the fan shroud , but www.motorcraft.com shows it as ( .044 inch )
My Chilton repair manual shows .054 inch , but check the information sticker in the engine compartment located somewhere ahead of the radiator . (Helpfull)
Check the vehicle emission control information sticker in the engine compartment It is located somewhere in front of the radiator , or perhaps on the fan shroud , but www.motorcraft.com shows it as ( .044 inch )
The 1998 Ford Ranger Owner Guide shows Ford Extended Life Engine Coolant ( Dexcool )
fordparts.com shows that it uses the ( Motorcraft FL-1-A ) engine oil filter
The 2003 Ford Ranger Owner Guide only shows ( 1 ) type of engine coolant ( YELLOW color , meeting Ford specification WSS-M97B51-A1 ) * but it also shows to use the type of engine coolant your vehicle was originally equipped with
The 2003 Ford Ranger owners manual shows : ( 4.5 quarts with filter change ) for the 3.0 L - V6 engine
The 2009 Ford Ranger owners manual shows ( 3.8 liters with engine oil filter change ) for the 2.3 L - 4 cylinder engine