Ford Ranger II

lizbetty

Can anyone out there tell me where we can find a list of Service Bulletins for the 2000 Rangers on the internet? And if the dealers when presented with them by the customer, are they required to look into and repair all items on the service bulletin? Thank you!

lizbetty

Does anyone know what a throttle position sensor is? If so, what is it's function and what will happen if it's adjusted to it's maximum position?
Thanks!

dannyg

Alldata lists Service Bulletins for 1999 Rangers (see http://www.alldata.com/pro/TSB/9920_mo.html) but doesn't seem to list anything for 2000 Rangers. http://www.alldata.com/pro/TSB/00_mk.html lists the 2000 models but currently doesn't mention 2000 Ford Trucks. Check it again later, it may be a temporary database glitch.

Sorry, I don't know if dealers are required to look into service bulletins. I assume so.

Hope this helps.

superjim2000

A tps is a sensor, I dont think that you can adjust it. It merely reads the position of the gas pedal and based on that and many other inputs it determines how long the injectors stay open.

dpbassett

Does anyone know how long the brakes (shoes/pads/drums) in a 98 Ranger last? I'm wondering when I'll need brake work done. Right now I have about 40K on my 3L extended cab 4x4.

xena1a

Need some advice. I recently ordered and received a Superchips Module for my '99 3.0L engine. With the packet was a separate card that states that the module will not work for some '98 and '99 3.0L engines because of a manufacturing modification to the computer circuit board. Well, I guess that my 3.0L has one of those modified boards. The truck will not start with the module installed. However, Superchips states that they will modify the board at no cost. It will require that I send the computer and the Superchips Module to them to do so. Turn-around time will be three days. One to ship the hardware out, one to make the necessary modifications, and one to ship it back. What to do? Should I just forget the whole thing and get a refund? Or should I have my circuit board modified to run the Superchips Module? I'm open for suggestions. Thanks...

cpousnr

I would send the unit back to superchip for the mods. I have heard on other forums of this being done and they do a good job. Something about cutting or soldering leads.

It looks like the best weekend for the Medano pass trip is the 8-9 of July. I will get some more input from people and declare a Rough Rangers Off-Road club event for that time, if that works for most. One guy wants to come from Kansas. There are 2-3 other Denver area Ranger owners interested.

For the Rangers in the Colo area, I am organizing a trip over Medano and Hayden passes in So. Colo. Will be a 4 and 3 rate of difficulty pass respectivly. Views are outstanding and the trip runs through the Sand Dunes Nationl Monument.

Interested Ranger/Mazda owners contact me at Cpousnr@aol.com. Will need food, camera and the will to take on a tough 4X4 trail.

cpousnr

On another board, I saw that 7 Ranger owners, common people like you and me, were contacted by Ford and flown out to Dearborn to discuss the future of the Ranger. It is very interesting reading:

http://www.fordranger.com/RangerProgram.html

cpousnr

You SURE you want the superchip?

Premium just went to around $1.80 a gal up here, maybe $2.00 in Westcliffe.

You have to run premium with the chip.

lizbetty

Hello everyone. Just an update on my situation. We met with the Dealer on 6/9/00 and we traded in my stalling Ranger for a brand new one. I am now happy and enjoying my new Ford Ranger XLT 4 door Supercab. Thanks for all your help.

xena1a

Cpousnr -

Well, I was already running 89 octane. So I figured that going up to 92 was not that big of a deal. I just wish that Superchips would have been up front with me about the possibility of the module not working on some 3.0L engines. I had no idea that this might happen. I will probably send the module back for a refund. I was not pleased with the way it plugged into the computer. It should have fit flush against the casing, but it did not. There was a good 1/4 or 3/8 inch gap between the casing and the module. This prevented the computer from sliding all the way back into its original installation position. Oh well, I thought it was worth a try...

ricktig

I can sympathize with several posts -- my 99 Ranger has problems with stalling/hesitating, clutch, and eletrical system. Three dealers say this is normal. The vehicle is a total gutless wonder. It can barely do 75 up any grade more than 5%. But the main problem has to do with it's clutch. It's a 5 speed that engages the transmission at the very top of the pedal arc. Three dealers have said this is normal. When the air temperature is above 80 degrees, the vehicle jumps into gear. I feel like I did when I was 16 and just learning to drive a manual tranny.

The vehicle also provides a large electrical 'shock' each time I touch it. It seems to have some sort of short, but the three dealers couldn't find any problems.

Any suggestions?

Rick Rose

fredfred3

Rick,

About the clutch, I experienced the same thing when I bought my 2.5L 5spd 2000 Ranger in April. I test drove two trucks and the first one did the same thing. The clutch wouldn't engage until I had almost let off the pedal and then the truck would jerk into gear. And this was a brand-new truck. The dealer told me that I was driving it wrong--that I didn't know how to drive a stick. I've always driven stick shifts so I asked to test drive another truck (the one I bought) and it didn't do it. So apparently some of them do it and some don't. I don't know if that helps you are not though. The only thing I have noticed on mine is a stammer at idle, especially on very hot days. Has anyone else experienced this?

tacoma_trd

I have a stammer on hot days. I have the 2.5L in a 98 Mazda B2500, it only happens when I run my air condition though, and I run it on hot days. I believe other people have experienced it also

fredfred3

My Ranger doesn't have air. The stammer seems to be there all the time, but the hotter the weather, the more noticable it seems to be. I used to have a 92 Crown Vic that did the same thing--only much worse. It had about 70,000 miles on it and I tried replacing all kinds of things but the stammer never went away. My new Ranger only has about 2,500 miles. I first noticed the stammer at about 600 miles.

rangerowner

Hi everybody. I just bought a 2000 Ford Ranger Trailhead model. I love it but was wondering what kind of aftermarket accesories I can install without voiding the warranty. I was thinking about a flowmaster or K&N filter, or maybe both. I live in Florida, and I have no idea what the law is for this, Thanks!

surfinguru1

Hi all! First post to the board. Looks like a ton of great information in here. Well, the time has come and I finally ordered a new '00 XLT Ranger 4x2 Reg. cab, 3.0l, sliding rear window, sport and power pkg. The order was placed on 5/31/00. Two questions: dealer estimated 6-8wks for delivery, should I expect to see it sooner or later? Also, I paid $14,505 - $300 over invoice. (Living near Silicon Valley, not too many dealers were willing to bargin.)Did I get a reasonable deal?

tacoma_trd

hmmm... My truck has stammered ever since I bought it, I never got it checked out, but I have seen other people say they have experienced stammering when coming to red lights or stops on hot days. When I turn my air condition off, my RPMs raise slightly at idle, and it doesnt stammer.

srw224

Service bulletins are mainly used to help identify common problems with a model that are not easily diagnosed. An example is the problem Ford was having with wipers randomly turning on and off in 2000 Rangers and Explorers. With such an intermittent problem, it's hard for techs to diagnose it on site. When the problem is finally found, Ford posts the repair solution as a TSB (technical service bulletin) so local technicians can try to remedy a problem they can't replicate or diagnose.

The dealer is not required to service a vehicle based on a TSB if there is no concern present on your particular vehicle. E.g. if you aren't having intermittent wiper problems, they don't have to replace your wiper switch and GEM just because there is a TSB. In fact, they don't have to follow a TSB at all. If the technician correctly diagnoses the problem, they won't even check for TSB's. Additionally, if your truck is no longer under warranty, you are responsible for the cost of any repairs.

A TSB is not a recall nor an owner notification program. It is basically a collective knowledge pool for technicians, based on some not-uncommon problems.

danny25

RangerOwner,
I'm pretty sure that a K&N filter will not void the warranty, but if the dealership says it does, just keep your old filter and make sure you switch them out if you go to your dealer for anything. Also I put a Flowmaster muffler on my Ranger and the guys I talked to at the dealership said it wouldn't void anything, but they obviously don't cover the new muffler under warranty. That shouldn't be a problem though because I believe flowmaster has a life time warranty.

surfinguru1

steveeast, thanks for the info on finding out my ship/delivery date. I could only hope for such quick delivery. I called the dealer, got the VIN, called the # you listed. Order date was 5/31. Build-out is 6/19-6/26. Arrival is 7/17-7/24. Much closer to the 8wks. :-( Oh well...... By the way, to all those waiting as I am, the gal I spoke with on the phone @ Ford (Lani)was VERY polite, professional and helpful. My only concern now is the current incentive program that ends 7/5. Looks like I'm going to have to really squeeze my dealer to ensure cash back + finance %. Wish me luck!

xena1a

How do you like that Flowmaster? I've got one on my '99 B-Series, and in all honesty, I've been disappointed with it. I did not get the increase in performance that I thought I would. In fact, it feels like I may have lost a bit of low-end torque. My other complaint is under certain conditions, the resonant frequency in the cabin can really be annoying to by ears. On the plus side, the engine does seem to rev a little more freely and it sure sounds nice when you start it up. I'll stick with it for a while. But I'm concerned about how it bothers my ears...

steveeast

Yeah, that 3 weeks or so for delivery is really hurting you. Mine actually arrived at the dealer's on the Wednesday of the build week. But, as I said, my dealer is only 10 miles from the Ford plant.

You'll have to hope that Ford have another incentive scheme in place, though I imagine the financing % will be higher. But maybe not if they want to push out some metal during the quiet months. Good luck.

mouldd

Just got back from the local dealer here in Ottawa. I wanted to find out when we can order a 2001. The sales rep was knowledgeable (rare breed) and helpful. They are now placing orders for 2001s, for delivery in September. The manual transmission 4.0SOHC probably won't be available until December - that's when the Sport Tracs will have it. They have tried to place orders for the manuals, but supposedly the Ford system is still rejecting them - I guess they haven't solved the design problems yet. The salesman went and got the 2001 order information book and showed it to me as well(offered to photocopy it!). The information I saw was pretty much the same as what is posted around here. No 4cyl here in Canada - 3.0L is the base engine, with 4.0 rated at 210hp and 240ft/lb as the option. Edge option package is highriding 2wd. XLT can be ordered with special discounted Premium package which pretty well loads it up; sport bucket seats, in dash 6 cd player, etc... Interesting tidbits - 4 wheel antilock standard. Also limited slip is standard (cool). He wrote down what I wanted - XLT SC 2wd, 4.0 5speed, loaded, black, dark graphite interior, sport pkg - and said he would put the order in the system to bring one in. No pricing available yet, but I assume it could be close to $1000 more than 2000 with the new engine, ABS, LSD standard.
Guess I'll have to be happy with my '89 Ranger until December. Hopefully I'll get a call before then to go see 'my' truck on the lot.
Side note - test drove a Dakota Club Cab V8 5spd - really liked that one. Probably hold off for the Ranger though, due to 10% lower price, more maneuverable size, and better fuel economy. Gas prices are crazy!
Take care all.

xena1a

Thanks for the info. Some good stuff there...

cpousnr

Calling the Trail ride in Westcliffe for the 8-9 of July. Over Medano and Hayden passes.

If this is ok let me know. Looks like 2-3 other Rangers from Denver area will go. If the earlier weekend is better, let me know. I MORE than likely will be there that weekend too as I have 5 days off (we went to a 9/80 schedule, nine days/80 hours with every other friday off.

Let me know.

mouldd

Forgot 1 thing - sliding rear window standard as well. Every truck should have 1 anyways.

danny25

I like the flomaster okay, but I feel almost exactly as you do about it. It didn't seem to do much to the performance, but it would probably take a lot to really improve performance since I have the 2.5L. It does seem to rev better and mine it very loud too. It's almost louder inside than outside, but my Pioneer stereo does a good job of drowning it out.

srw224

One thing to note regarding mouldd's 2001 Ranger post: The Edge (which should hit showrooms in late August) is not just a height-enhanced 2wd. Ranger Edge will be a unique trim package offered in both 2wd and 4wd. The 2wd will not ride as high as the 4wd, but will have an increased ride height. The primary aspects of the Edge package (as opposed to XL/XLT) will be an enhanced sound system (by Pioneer) with an optional 80-watt 6-disc in-dash system, a distinctive rail guard, optional bed extender, fog lights, 16" styled steel wheels, step bars as well as the across-the-board 2001 Ranger "refreshening." It will also be priced in the low- to mid-range of the Ranger model line.

srw224

One thing to note regarding mouldd's 2001 Ranger post: The Edge (which should hit showrooms in late August) is not just a height-enhanced 2wd. Ranger Edge will be a unique trim package offered in both 2wd and 4wd. The 2wd will not ride as high as the 4wd, but will have an increased ride height. The primary aspects of the Edge package (as opposed to XL/XLT) will be an enhanced sound system (by Pioneer) with an optional 80-watt 6-disc in-dash system, a distinctive rail guard, optional bed extender, fog lights, 16" styled steel wheels, step bars as well as the across-the-board 2001 Ranger "refreshening." It will also be priced in the low- to mid-range of the Ranger model line.

srw224

Hit the "refresh" button by mistake...

davidb72

My 1995 Ranger has 95,000 miles on it. I have the 2.3 L engine with a 5 speed transmission. Does anyone have any experience with the life of their timing belt? I know it is generally accepted to change at 60,000 miles, but I'd like to try and hold out until the 2001's are out. Probably another 10,000 miles or so. What do you think?

danny25

srw224,
Where did you hear that the 4x2 isn't going to be as high as a 4x4, because everywhere I read it says they will be the same. Even Ford's website says they will ride at the same height.

scape2

Dave at this point, I would wait. Your not going to get your money back with a trade in at the dealer.. They look at one thing only.. Low wholesale price. I would however call a Ford mechanic and ask what will happen if the belt breaks. I believe most engines beginning in the 1990's were made so the top end of the engine won't get torn apart if a timing belt should break.. Just baby it and milk it along...

xena1a

Well, I lived with it for a month, but I couldn't stand it anymore. I had the Flowmaster removed from my B3000. Just too noisy! There was NO WAY I could have driven the truck from AZ to CO on July 1. That constant interior resonance was driving me crazy! Nice and quiet now. Oh well, live and learn. My advice to those considering a muffler change: If you've got sensitive ears, don't do it! I never did realize the performance gains that I had hoped for with that thing...

danny25

What did you do? Did you keep your old original muffler and replace it yourself, or did you go somewhere and buy a new one and have them install it? I was just wondering in case I ever decide to do the same.
thanks-

xena1a

When I had the Flowmaster installed, the piping had to be replaced between the cat converter and the muffler (as well as the tailpipe coming out of the muffler). So, even if I would have saved the original muffler, it would not have fit with the new piping. I had the local muffler shop cut out the Flowmaster, then install a new OEM type muffler with the piping from the Flowmaster. The truck sounds exactly like it did when I first bought it. I'm much happier now, albeit a few dollars poorer. Oh well. Like I said before, live and learn...

mpruitt

...in case you were interested in selling your old Flowmaster...

Actually, what was your total out-of-pocket on the installation? I've put a K&N air filter in the air box of my 2000 3.0l 5-sp Mazda, but am reasonably sure I now have just a cleanable air filter...

Just curious.

steveeast

Can anyone tell me if a 2000 Ranger XLT (3.0, auto, 4wd, 4.10) has a transmission cooler as standard? The owner's guide has some weasel words that make it really unclear. And it's no good my looking at the truck, I wouldn't recognise a transmission cooler unless it had a "Yes, I am a transmission cooler" sticker on it.

xena1a

I guess I should have, but I didn't hold on to the Flowmaster. I think that I was just so relieved to have it off my B3000, that I just left it at the shop. It wouldn't surprise me if they eventually sell it to someone else. Man, what was I thinking with that darn thing?!?!

Installation of a quality muffler like Flowmaster, Borla, or Gibson are fairly pricey. In my case, it also required new pipe from the cat converter to the muffler as well as a new tail pipe. Parts and labor ended up being about $300. There are kits available (not sure about the 3.0L) that would get you down closer to the $200 dollar mark if you have the facilities and time to do it yourself. Yea, it was a dumb move on my part. Never again...

Noticed you mentioned you've got a K&N air filter on your 3.0L. Ever considered a KKM Tru Rev Induction Kit? It replaces your stock air box. It is easy to install and all sensors remain in place. It is a lifetime filter that you clean every 15K-30K miles. Really helps the engine breathe better. Sounds nice too. Costs about $100.
Check out this link: www.kustomz.com. Click on Ford trucks. I've got one on my B3000. I like it. It's an upgrade that I'm not ashamed of!!!

cpousnr

Heavy sucker!

Got the mounting plate, roller fairline and Ramsey 8000 winch. Get the hitch this afternoon, a Warn.

Well know what I will be doing this weekend.

xen1a, we will be ready for anything over Medano. However, read a trail report for memorial day. Dusty and dry, streams are very low. Will not be the challenge I was expecting. But with the winch, side trips will be less scary. . .

cpousnr

Have one, love it, cheaper than K&N.

A bit faster acceleration, nice sound, and easy to install/service. Just order a recharge kit or 2 when you order the filter.

onegranite

I have a 1999 ranger SC XLT 3.0 FFV manual and I am going thru arbitration for a lemon buyback. The engine has been pinging since 3500 miles and still does. I have been to the dealer 4 times, the last one with a technical service bulletin and still did not correct the problem. Tried 89 octane, still pings. 92 octane is an improvement but there is still pinging occasionally. Dealer said there is nothing more they can do until the next TSB. What a pile of scrap heap of metal.

Do you folks know that Ford has plans to discontinue (kill) the 3.0 vulcan? BlueOvalNews (source) The Ranger and Explorer uses plastic intake manifolds now instead of aluminum because they are lighter and cheaper but hardly better. It cause more engine noise and rough idle because of warpage. Is that what they mean by "Built Ford Tough"? The only thing tough about Ford trucks is getting it fixed. "Built Ford to Last", yes maybe for driving it 10 blocks from the dealer.
Not to mention the crappy service the dealer is capable of providing. Who in their right mind want this type of product and dealer experience?
People do not have plenty of time and money to be putting up with this. Ford - Built Tough to deal with. Ford Recall Lemon Motor Company.

srw224

Danny, you are correct. Got my product info mixed up. The 2wd and 4wd will have the same ride height.

xena1a

Congrats on the winch! It's nice to know it is available if needed. With my luck, I'll get stuck and we'll have to see how it works! I'm scrambling to get things ready to roll for my trip to CO. But I'll be ready to start driving early on July 1...

brewster3

My 1999 Ranger 4x4 with 3.0 and 5speed has about 30,000 miles on it now. I drive it about 100 miles round trip 5 days a week on the highway at about 75-80 miles an hour each day to work and back. I drive it a little on the weekends for hunting, fishing and other various purposes.

I have been using penzzoil 5-30 with change every 3,000 miles and am considering switching to synthetic at the 30,000 mile change.

What would be the best brand and viscosity of synthetic or synthetic blend for this engine with this driving scenario. I live in the Denver Colorado area climate.

scape2

Intake manifolds are plastic?? please give a link to this information...first I have heard of this?
Sorry for your bad experience with Ford. Its experiences like these that give most folks the belief all Fords are created equal, thus they will all fail. Sorry but not true, my first Ranger went to 96K with absolutely no problems, I'm on my second now a 1998 with about 30K with no problems... You can visit Ranger rooms around the net and will find many Ranger owners out there with 100K, 200K or more miles on them...
Best of luck with your Ranger, peace.

cpousnr

Too bad you have had problems.
My 99 runs great at 29,000 miles, had an F150 try to, on a short narrowing run, pass me on the right from a light from a dead stop. Well, one of the very few times I put the petal to the floor, but he did not pass me.

vince:
I think granite is talking about the top of the engine, the part that has the embossed 4.0? I want to change mine out as I think it is plastic.

cpousnr

Mobil 1, 5W30.

Been running it for maybe 15,000 mile in my 4.0. Runs quiet, cool and accelerates like it did on day one.

Well satisfied.

cpousnr

Well, the 1987 Ranger I was playing with last weekend had in excess of 180,000 miles, no rebuild.
It was a 2.9 V6, one of the first German 60degree slant v6's
And he was climbing real well, a few leaks here and there, but doing fine. The guy wants to put in a 4/0 to take advantage of the one belt drives all system. Think he has 4 belts on the 2.9 and the one that breaks the most?

The inner belt!