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Ford Ranger III

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Comments

  • jdr944turbojdr944turbo Member Posts: 15
    user wilcox - you're welcome.

    BTW, if anybody has any experience burning E-85 in their Ranger, I'd like to know how it does. It was one of the things about the Rangers that got me interested in them. I've always wondered how cars really ran on ethanol and what the long term effects were. Ethanol seems to have a lot of pluses as a motor fuel. From what I can gather, the problems people had in the 80's with gasohol (90% gasoline, 10% ethanol) were carbeurator materials and contamination problems, not a inherent fuel problem. I the fuel system is designed to burn it, you should have no problems.

    Sad to see the manufacturers drop standard flex fuel support. Hopefully, when we get a new president(who ever it is), we'll get a *real* energy policy in this country.

    Historical Tidbit - When Henry Ford first started building Model T's, the infrastructure of motor fuel supply was not yet in place. Ford sided with ethanol as the perfect motor fuel since it aided the farmers. All Model T's had a switch on the carbeurator to allow the owner to change the jets to burn ethanol or gasoline. Of course, the Gettys and Rockefellors soon sealed the fate of ethanol and we're all still burning gasoline. (A mixture of different weight hydrocarbons with octane as the chief component, with various chemicals added to improve emissions, fuel system cleaning, and anti-knock properties. Ethanol is a single chemical and has all these properties with no additives needed.)
  • zigster38zigster38 Member Posts: 117
    I believe a jacobs ignition has been known to cure the ping....anyone test drive the new 135 hp fours yet?
  • whackowhacko Member Posts: 96
    Somebody please help me! The squeaking is driving me crazy! I have a 00 Ranger 4x4 x-cab 4.0 and there's this annoying squeaking sound coming from the passenger's side door around where the mirror is and the dealer can't seem to make it go away. It only happens on rough roads and it's enough to drive you bonkers. I've taken it to the dealer three times, and tomorrow will be the fourth. Can anyone out there tell me if they're experiencing the same thing and if there's anything that can be recommended to make the squeaking go away...
  • scape2scape2 Member Posts: 4,123
    Are you sure its the mirror? Maybe its the door or somthing in the door? or door panel? Best of luck..
  • whackowhacko Member Posts: 96
    What I said was that the noise is coming from somewhere in the mirror area of the passenger door. And you're right - it could be something in the door or door panel but the dealer has yet to figure it out.
  • willard54willard54 Member Posts: 1
    Dome light will not shut off. Door Ajar light stays on keep shouting door and light will not go off.Had to take light bulbs out. thought that button on door was stuck but there is no button on door like most car. how does,it work. Willard54
  • davidb72davidb72 Member Posts: 174
    Spray WD40 into the door latch area. There is a microswitch inside the latch and it gets gummed up now and again. Some WD40 or electrical contact cleaner should clean it right up and solve the problem. A really good website for Ranger related info (like this) is
    http://www.therangerstation.cjb.net/
    check it out, I have found tons of useful info there!
  • lmtodd1lmtodd1 Member Posts: 6
    Is it possible with the 2001 Ranger XLT to get a 3.55 rear axle ratio with the 3.0 liter engine and automatic transmission? Also, I'd like to hear from Zigster 38 and get some more information on the jacobs ignition as a fix for the 3.0 liter ping problems.
  • jeffrandoljeffrandol Member Posts: 7
    Well, this is my second Ranger and frankly compared to my very trustworthy 94 4.0l I am very dissapointed in my similiar 2000 model. I have a 2000 4 wheel drive 4 door 4.0 liter Ranger with the really cool 5 speed automatic tranny. I must say I really am a Ford enthusiast and I liked my last Ranger but this one is a different story. I bought the truck brand new and it now has 16k miles on it. At 12k miles the truck had a new engine installed by ford because of a clatter in the engine on the left bank. The dealership had no clue what was making the noise as it was not a rod knock or anything common. I am grateful they were quick to recolve this problem and with no hassle at all on my part. But now the truck truly is a lemon. Gas mileage is literally worse than a V10 and no power at all. after 18 visits to the dealer for similiar repairs it sounds as if I will have the vehicle replaced by Ford. Guess I'll have to see how it goes with the new truck!
  • scape2scape2 Member Posts: 4,123
    and am on my second Ranger. My first went 96K with no problems. I bought my second in 1998 witha 4.0 5spd manual and so far at about 35K not one problem. I am reading blurbs around the net that there is a bad "batch" of older 4.0 engines that were the last off the assembly line so the folks putting them together didn't care much. Sorry to hear about your problems. Stick to your guns and make Ford pay you for a new truck. Get the new SOHC 4.0 if you can.. Good luck.
  • caliranger1caliranger1 Member Posts: 1
    Has anyone else had any problems with the rear differential? I've got a 98 2wd Ranger with 44,000 miles on it and my mechanics telling me I've got a blown out rear differential. Is this common on the Ranger? I don't tow or haul anything super heavy nor do I off-road, it would appear that the part failed after less then 3 years on the road. Has anybody else experienced this or have any ideas what would have caused it?
  • probst1probst1 Member Posts: 1
    I just got a '01 Ranger 2000 miles ago, and have experienced nothing more than 9 miles per gallon. After having the truck in the shop twice with the tech's saying, "it will get better with time", is there anything else I could do to boost the mileage.

    Anyone else experience poor gas mileage like this?
  • tacoma_trdtacoma_trd Member Posts: 135
    It happened to me although my mpg wasnt that low. I just waited it out and I currently have 26k miles on my 98, I am consistently getting 21 mpg or better. Don't give up too quick, good luck.
  • jeffrandoljeffrandol Member Posts: 7
    For those who read my last message posted a week or so ago you may remember the trouble I am having with my 2000 Ranger 4wd 4 door with the 4.0l and five speed auto cranny. To refresh your memory, the truck has just shy of 17,000 miles and at 12,000 miles the engine was replaced by Ford do to an abnormal clatter that made it sound like a diesel only at idle. After over a week and a half of testing at the dealership they have concluded now the transmission is bad and this is why the truck gets 8 miles per gallon, no power, and poor shifts. They dot know for sure as the service manager put it but this is what they "guess is wrong now." Does anyone else but me think this is ridiculous for a new truck to have this much trouble? The service manager ordered a new torque converter for the truck and plans to install it in a "few days." In my opinion this truck should be replaced by Ford because of the troubles I have endured and the lack of support from Ford. Does anyone know the best way to get this done? I have called Ford service twice already and I am awaiting a call from a General Manager of this department. The Service manager is aware of my position but seems hesitant to take the necessary steps to resolve this problem. Any advice would be greatly appreciated as I my patience are REALLY running thin with Ford!
  • jeffrandoljeffrandol Member Posts: 7
    I saw your posting about the final runs of 4.0l having problems, where did you find this on the net or elsewhere? Any additional info I can get to battle with Ford would be really helpful!
  • scape2scape2 Member Posts: 4,123
    steps on the net. I am constantly searching for information but don't write it down where I have been. Search the net, the informatin is out here.
    I would however document and keep all paperwork or letters to this matter. Ford will try everthing in their power to disuade you or forget you. Keep calling the service manager along with the area manager. Most states have lemon laws, try your state or local government. Keep the ball rolling, keep the pressure on.
  • jeffrandoljeffrandol Member Posts: 7
    Well I picked up my defunct truck last night from the dealership and was told "all the problems have been repaired completely." The rattling noise coming from either the tranny or the transfer case was assesed as a torque converter problem. The Converter was replaced in record time (part was overnighted to the dealer and finished installation by 2 pm. Should I be nervous about a spotty job or what?!)The service manager himself drove the truck (so he says) and the rattling noise had disappeared. The truck drove fine on the way home but today I noticed the exact same noise again!! I called the service manager and let him know it was still messed up and he said he would let the area manager "Sean" know. THe service manager says he is there to help me and if the vehicle is replaced it wouldnt be any skin of their nose. Is this true? Does the original selling dealer take any hits from a returned vehicle or does Ford take the only hit? It kind of seems like maybe their is a vested interests with the dealership but I dont know for sure. TIA for any info!
  • wilcoxwilcox Member Posts: 582
    There are no instructions or directions on how to change oil in my Owners Manual. It gives capacity, oil weight and filter number.

    The 3.0 liter motor has the oil filter right next to a motor mount and directly above the starter! The clearence between the end of the filter and the shielded brake lines is about 2". After the big socket is slipped over the filter, there is no room to insert the 3/8 wrench into the hole of the socket.

    Some one from the factory has put that mother on so tight, that I can't get it off. I change oil in our other vehicles so I'm no newcomer to this stuff.

    I've also found some things around the motor mounts that were just laying there...not connected to anything but look somewhat important. One of them turned out to be the battery terminal cover! The other looks like a (pvc?) valve/diaphram of some kind. I am really disappointed...

    What in the world was Ford thinking of when they put this together? Force you to go to their place everytime you want the oil changed?
  • scape2scape2 Member Posts: 4,123
    don't get mad at Ford so fast. I have had the same thing happen with a couple of new cars over the years. At the factory they move so fast they sometimes don't get enough oil on the filter seal. This causes the filter to become extremely hard to get off. For your first oil change just take it to a shop. The next one won't be as tough to get off. Another tip is to wait until things have cooled off a bit before attempting to get the filter off.
    Also, on my 1998 Ranger Ford put in a very nice feature. I have a small funnel just under my oil filter. Attached to the funnel is a tube leading right to the ground. This has proved to be quite nice and cause a heck of a lot less mess. What year is your Ranger?
  • jdr944turbojdr944turbo Member Posts: 15
    My 2000 Ranger with 3.0 V6 also has the funnel. Doesn't work though. The funnel is too far back from the block and most of the oil misses it completely and drips down all over the starter.

    On all oil changes since the first, I just stuff rags up under the funnel and around the starter to avoid the mess. The funnel is a nice idea, but mine doesn't work. Still, some of the oil runs down the filter housing and makes it down the drip filter tube. Better than my previous truck, a 93 F-150, where it all runs down the cross member, most of it in an inaccessable area to wipe off. And better yet than a Porsche 944 Turbo where the oil filter is mounted *upside down*, so you use *lots* of rags sopping up that mess!

    My factory original oil filter was tight too and I also like the ratchet style oil filter wrenches that mount as a cap over the end of oil filter, but as you say, there isn't enough room for the ratchet. I just used the old reliable strap wrench and lots of grunting. As a last resort, you can drive a large, long screwdriver through the filter and use it to turn the filter. Messy, but always works on the stubborn ones.

    Oily in GA.
  • wilcoxwilcox Member Posts: 582
    My 3.0, 2000 does not have the hose attached to the funnel. But I'll get one for the future.

    And, I'll take it to the shop and have them change the filter. I hope they don't charge me for their time...seeing how the factory put the first one on so tight!

    They can also tell me what the little valve thingie is that I found loose under there is. They can also replace the battery terminal cover that fell off.

    I still think, for a best selling truck like Ranger, that the person who allowed the filter to get situated in such an awful location should be hung up by their toes! I wonder how many persons have almost been shocked while farting around near that starter. I guess I may need to disconnect the power before changing the oil on that beast.
  • allknowingallknowing Member Posts: 866
    Where's all the happy Ranger owners praising the high quality of their trucks? I don't see anyone happy with the "value" they have received.
  • bluesky6bluesky6 Member Posts: 4
    Ford is coming out with a new 4-cyl engine for the Ranger. I can't seem to find any info on it. Does anyone know its specs (power/torque)?

    Ben
  • davidb72davidb72 Member Posts: 174
    Ben, check out
    http://www.blueovalnews.com/
    they have great up to the minute news about what is happening in the Ford community.
  • manoogmanoog Member Posts: 1
    Thank God I leased this truck. Floored, it does a whopping 80 mph and what with the pinging, I can pretend I'm a WWI fighter ace. After 11k miles,and 5 oil changes, my mpg hovers around 18.(all highway @ 55mph) Needless to say,"Pickup" doesn't apply to this truck. However, the looks are killer and nothing has broken yet.
  • bluesky6bluesky6 Member Posts: 4
    blueovalnews was the first place I checked. They had an entry from 1999 regarding the engine change. I think somewhere else they mentioned an I5 for the Ranger. But no other info.

    Ben
  • dannygdannyg Member Posts: 131
    More info on new 4cyl at:

    http://media.ford.com/products/presskit_display.cfm?vehicle_id=238&press_section_id=398 (bottom of page, towing capacity)

    http://www.mazdausa.com (click on B-Series truck, twin of Ranger)

    The Specs/Features pages lists the following specs for the new 2.3L:

    140hp at 5050rpm
    155ftlb at 4050rpm

    This is vs. 119hp and 146ftlb for the current 2.5L. No EPA MPG figures yet.

    I'm looking forward to test-driving a 2.3L 5sp in the spring.
  • wilcoxwilcox Member Posts: 582
    Instead, had the hots for a new truck. I like my Ranger overall. But the mileage does suck a tad. The smaller displacement 140 hp motor would have probably served my needs better. But, who knows, a new motor like that may have to have a few years to get some bugs worked out..? Almost a new things take a few adjustments to get it right.
  • jeffrandoljeffrandol Member Posts: 7
    Hi folks! I am guessing many of you have read my posts in the past concerning my very poorly built 2000 Ranger supercab but for those who havent I will recap some of the situation. Bought my truck new last May (2000) from Formby Ford In Colorado. Great buying experience but the truck is junk! 11k miles on the truck had the engine replaced. 12k miles the doors began falling open while driving! Ever since the engine was replaced have zero power, gas mileage is worse than a supped up V10 and the truck idles rougher than a diesel. 16k miles had the tranny overhauled, new torque converter installed. 16.5k miles (currently) the tranny is scheduled to be overhauled again this coming Monday! Also, the transfer case is working improperly and only works half the time! So all in all the truck has 17k miles on it and nearly all major components in the truck have been replaced, overhauled, or repaired. Go fiquire! Edmunds loves this truck and I have to say my equivelent 94 Ranger was a great truck but this is the biggest peice of crap I have ever heard of or owned. If you do buy one and have problems good luck. After multiple conversations with high up people in Ford here is what I was told, and I quote, "these things just happen with our trucks, its not that serious really, just learn to deal with them." This truck is now covered under Colorado Lemon Law and yet they are still refusing to replace it. I was offered and extended warranty instead, yet the warranty comes from some aftermarket company and has a deductible I must pay in order to use it. Great deal isnt it? I have owned Ford products all my life and unless something miraculous happens very soon from Ford I will never touch one of their products again. So folks, I know the ratings are great for the Ranger and consumer reports likes them but let me tell you from the horses mouth, there are better products out there from companies who stand behind their products. Spend your hard earned money wisely!!
  • scape2scape2 Member Posts: 4,123
    to "run away from the Ranger". I am on my second Ranger now. My first went to 96K with NOT ONE PROBLEM. It was a 4x4 Ranger 4.0 5spd. I live in the NW and used this Ranger for my fishing/camping and 4WD fun times with my friends. This Ranger was reliable and a good 4wd vehicle. My second Ranger now has 34K miles and has NOT HAD ONE PROBLEM. The Ford Ranger has been the number one selling compact truck for 14 years straight. A truck doesn't keeps its number one spot for 14 years for no reason at all. There are far more satisfied Ranger owners out here on the net than unsatisifed. I believe if every Ranger were junk it would have lost its number one standing long ago...
  • allknowingallknowing Member Posts: 866
    Ha!
  • smaskewsmaskew Member Posts: 2
    I have seen several mentions of the clunking when switching gears (D to R), but I don't know what a TSB is and where I would find it. My truck is making this noise along with some rattling which sounds like it is coming from the front passenger's side. Any Help would be greatly appreciated.
  • smaskewsmaskew Member Posts: 2
    Forgot to add in I have 99 4x4 3.0/auto with around 45k miles. Sometime 4x4 won't engage either. Also I am mechanically challenged so make any technical recommendations down to moron level.
  • jeffrandoljeffrandol Member Posts: 7
    Hi again Vince, your right, the Ranger can be a great truck and has been the best selling for many many years. I too am on my second Ranger, my first being a fully loaded 94 4x4 with a 5 speed. Loved the truck, literally ran it into the ground all the time and it always came back for more with near a repair. It was a great truck for sure, I should have never got rid of it! I agree, the new Rangers may be a good truck but after doing some real research I found there is a ton of trouble with the 4.0 ohv engine built in recent years. The 5 speed auto as mine has is also experencing some real reliability issues as well. What makes me madder than all get out how Ford refuses to stand behind their product. If I could have all these problems fixed for good I am sure I would like the little guy again. But after a week I am once again expereincing the same tranny problems I had before the last tranny job. One week and I am having a new one put in. Does this sound like quality to you? So until Ford stand behind their product and their slogans like "the customer is number one" and built "ford tough" dont ask me to say anything nice about the Ranger or Ford. Thanks and have a great day!
  • allknowingallknowing Member Posts: 866
    Keep trying Vince. You're bound to find someone with a Ranger that runs well eventually.
  • bartlindenbartlinden Member Posts: 11
    although you may have already seen my posts on the compact pickup forum. Mine is a 3.0L with 4-speed auto rather than the 4.0 with 5-speed auto though. It's a good one thus far... 'Nuf said.
  • scape2scape2 Member Posts: 4,123
    to say anything you don't want to jeff. I completly understand you are mad a Ford. Ford is out to make a buck like any other car company. I would keep pushing with the lemon law in your state and don't give up!
    As far as the 4x4 not engaging. The Ranger uses a pulse vacuum system to engage its front wheels. There is a solenoid involved in this circuit. I would be willing to bet either your vacuum system has a leak or the solenoid is sticky.
    Allknowing, I really did a job on you didn't I? I must have deflated the "Toyota is god" bubble down to zero. I have not posted once in the Tacoma troubles room, why are you in the Ranger room? I would be willing to bet you didn't know half the things I told you about your Tacoma, the bad crash test ratings, inferior interior ratings, open axle, how useless the TRD system is on the Tacoma, how you paid way too much for some Bilstein shocks and springs and that sticker..
  • jeffrandoljeffrandol Member Posts: 7
    Hey Folks, in the past I have posted many messages concerning my Lemon 2000 Ford Ranger. The battle still continues with Ford and I am looking for some outside assistance. I live in Greeley, CO and I purchased the truck from Formby Interstate Ford in Dacono, CO. I am trying to find some numbers or contacts within Ford that may be of help to me. I have called the 800-392-Ford number so many times they probably know me by my voice and they are of little help as they always recommend me back to the dealer. The dealer seems to be useless or of little help now so I need to take it to the next level. Anyone know how I can get a hold of some upper level management, Colorado Ford Reps (His name is Sean I think)the dealership refuses to let me talk to him, he is the decision maker from what they tell me. The dealer says only they are allowed to speak to him. Yeah right!! this sounds fair dont it!! TIA for any help or advice!! Have a super weekend!! You can also email me direct at jeffrandol@hotmail.com
  • allknowingallknowing Member Posts: 866
    I don't have a thing against the Rangers and I think they're good trucks. I own both a Ford and a Toyota, and though I see a definite quality advantage in the Toyota, the Ford is a nice truck also. I was just laughing at vince because to him anyone that drives a Toyota somehow thinks that their trucks are perfect and he has a hard time dealing with unhappy Ranger owners. When I came here from the Tacoma forums after his last "Rangers are the greatest" post, I was amused to find page after page of people having problems, thats all. I know that there are lots of happy Ranger owners too.
  • allknowingallknowing Member Posts: 866
    I knew all of those things and still found the Tacoma to be a better truck, bought one, and I'm more than happy with it. As to why I'm in the Ford Ranger forum, since I have the Ford too I guess I'm entitled. I occasionally check to see if others have had to replace the tie rod ends and the throttle body like I did after just two years or are annoyed at three recalls like me in the same time frame.
  • cpousnrcpousnr Member Posts: 1,611
    http://www.fordranger.com/4l.html

    or here:
    http://www.fordranger.com/offroad.html

    I have not had the problems you talk about with my 99 XLT 4X4. Living in Colo too I take it up in the mountians often. Got mine in Aurora at Naughton Ford and thus far have been pleased.
  • whackowhacko Member Posts: 96
    I've taken my 00 Ranger X-cab to the dealer three times now, and the same problem persists. It seems that my passenger side door is having a problem with the interior light. Sometimes when the door opens, the light works and sometimes it doesn't. The last time I took it to the dealer, they told me there was a TSB with bad switches and so they replaced both sides. But lo and behold, the dang passenger's side light is still having the same intermittent problem when you open the door. Anyone out there know what the problem could be? I'm going to take it back to the dealer a fourth time sometime next week.
  • tacoma_trdtacoma_trd Member Posts: 135
    This happend to my B-Series. When I would close the door, sometimes the light would stay on, and the door ajar light would stay on. All I had to do was spray WD-40 in the latch on the door itself and everything works fine now. If you problem is this, give it a try and see what happens.
  • danny25danny25 Member Posts: 119
    This situation just started with my Ranger too. When I shut my driver side door the light stays on for about 30 seconds to a minute. Thanks T_TRD, I'm going to try that WD-40 idea, hopefully that will solve it.
  • eharri3eharri3 Member Posts: 640
    this also happened on my Ranger... got tired of pulling the fuse on the interior light every time it acted up so I sprayed the door latches in the Pep boys parking lot. by the end of the five minute drive home the light was working perfectly.
  • jurp11jurp11 Member Posts: 8
    I was looking into buying a new vehicle but can not decide. I was looking at either a Ford Escape or the Ranger. The Escapes crashtests ratings have yet to come out and the performance hasnt either. I was wondering if anyone could tell me what would be the wiser of the two choices. It would be a big help to hear someone else opionion. Thanks
  • spkirkspkirk Member Posts: 10
    I have a 2000 Ranger with the 2.5 4 cylinder and the 5 speed tranny. When the truck is going 40 mph and in 4th or 5th gear, the gas pedal sticks just as you begin to press it. It only has the stuck feeling for the first 1/8 of an inch of pedal travel. Once it goes past that point, it goes down smooth and it causes the truck to jerk pretty bad. It sounds and feels like the tranny is going to fall out. Anyone else had this problem? Other than that, the truck is great. It has 3600 miles on it. It gets about 26-27 mpg on the highway, which is where it is used the most. I have owned 2 other rangers. #1 was a 1993 xlt 2.3 4 cyl 5 speed. It was a great truck. I put 56,000 miles on it and had not one problem with it. I traded it on a 1994 xlt 4.0 v-6 5 speed. It was a great truck that had no problems but the one where an 18 year old kid backed into the passenger door as I was driving through a parking lot. That was not cool. My father in law had a 1991 xlt ranger 3.0 v-6 automatic and put 105,000 miles on it with the only problem being a faulty freeze plug. I like rangers and I probably will keep buying them unless I step up to an f-150. Thanks for any info.
  • scape2scape2 Member Posts: 4,123
    In response to your question about whether to get an Escape or Ranger. I would say it really depends on what your going to use the vehicle for?
    The Ranger is a Truck, the Escape is a mini-SUV based on a car frame. If you offroad, tow, pull, haul, get the RAnger. If you just use light offroading, ski trips and so on the Escape will do just fine. If you have kids get the Escape..
  • ryans2ryans2 Member Posts: 2
    Realizing the cargo load limits on 4cyl Reg cab Ranger is about 1000 lbs, after passengers, etc., what is the realistic daily weight I can add for equipment like cargo box, tools, bed mat, rails, etc. for use on a regular, daily basis in all conditions? Seems like 150 lbs starts to compress the rear springs!
  • davidb72davidb72 Member Posts: 174
    I drive around with 600 lbs of sand in the back of mine all winter with no problems. I have a 1995 4cyl 5spd Supercab Ranger with about 106,000 miles on it.
This discussion has been closed.