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Ford Ranger Maintenance and Repair

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Comments

  • swankerswanker Member Posts: 1
    I have a 1995 Ford Ranger that the engine light is always coming on. I have taken it to six different places to check and they all give me a different answer we have replaced everything they have told us and still it keeps coming on. Does anyone know what is going on with these trucks
  • brysuebrysue Member Posts: 35
    I have 97 Ranger that is chattering also. A Ford dealer told me that there is problem with the crankshaft belt and pulley. I guess the pulley gets oblong. This information was reluctantly given to me. And it was also "unsure". 300 dollar possible fix. Why can't dealers be honest? I understand the grey area, but huge corporations? I guess that is how they get so big. :mad:
  • bolivarbolivar Member Posts: 2,316
    6 places can't repair a 'check engine light'?

    You need to find better mechanics.
  • bolivarbolivar Member Posts: 2,316
    Never heard of 'oblong crankshaft belt and pulley'.

    'Chatter when accelerating' is ping. I bet you have the 3L motor. Many of these ping, and the only solution is to use higher octane gas. These 3L have pinged for the last 15 years and Ford seems to not want to re-design them to stop it.
  • jnealjneal Member Posts: 247
    Ok, Let me check.....nope, crystal ball isn't working today.
    What codes have shown up?
    What have the different places told you?
    What has been replaced?
    Did the different mechanics do the work or did you do it?
    Does the light stay on constantly or just flicker on and then off?
  • rocketfootballrocketfootball Member Posts: 6
    How big of a tire can i get on a 97 Ford Ranger 4X4 reg cab, without it rubbing. I have stock 15X7 rims. I have read i can go with a 265/75/15 and it will fit on the rim. Will it rub???

    Thanx!!!
  • 03rangersteve03rangersteve Member Posts: 3
    My 03 Ranger 4X4 has about 32k miles on it...today I had my truck inspected at the NJ Inspection Station...the truck failed inspection because the right rear brake operated with only 1/2 the stopping power of the left rear bake. Any ideas as to cause? Fix? thanks, Steve G.
  • mluckmluck Member Posts: 2
    my 94 3.0 ranger sometimes won't fire,no spark replaced the ignition module and coil..worked for a while,the again won't fire..removed the battery ground,put back on,and it started..got another module to see if i got a junk one first..what could it be if not the ignition module..it only seems to do this when engine has be running for a while and is warm..
  • classic65classic65 Member Posts: 4
    i have an 02 ranger that the cargo light does not work when i open either door. i changed bulbs . how hard is it to find the problem, any help is great. thanks ahead of time.
  • classic65classic65 Member Posts: 4
    i have an 02 ranger that does the same thing at about 92mph. i have a feeling it may be a factory installed govenor. the tires are only rated for 109mph. safety feature i think.
  • jake4379jake4379 Member Posts: 2
    I have a 1999 Ranger. Recently I started to get a rubbing sound from the right front tire (I think). I took the tire off and the sound went away, after I put it back on it came back. Does anyone have any ideas
  • leonardcleonardc Member Posts: 1
    my trans is starting to wind out. fluid doesn't look or smell burnt. i changed it anyway and it didn't help. any suggestions? thank you.
  • bolivarbolivar Member Posts: 2,316
    Not really want to nag at you, but you replied to a message from Nov 20, 2003, about 2 1/2 years ago....
  • bolivarbolivar Member Posts: 2,316
    Well, I grew up in the sticks (still live in the sticks), and I don't know what 'wind out' means in your question.

    'Wind out' in my youth meant to accelerate to high rpm's in a gear before shifting. Do you mean your automatic transmission will not upshift until it reaches high rpms?

    If this is so, this sometimes can be caused by the vacumn line to the vacumn modulator valve on the transmission is unplugged. Without vacumn to this valve, the tranny will not shift at the usual speed and must be over-reved before it shifts.

    This is something you can rather easily check. On my 95 4L, this valve is on the right side of the tranny, toward the front, rather high up and behind a shield or something. But you should be able to get to the line and check to see if it is still on the valve. Follow the line back to the motor to check that end also.

    If this valve has a hole in its diaphram, you will be sucking tranny fluid up the vacumn hose and into the intake, burning the fluid. Your truck should smoke, a white smoke, and your tranny fluid should be low. These valves seldom go bad.

    If this line is ok, I think it's time to take it to a tranny shop.
  • bolivarbolivar Member Posts: 2,316
    A badly out of balance tire, or front end out of alignment can cause a tire to 'cup', and/or wear excessively on one edge. This, especially cupping, can cause a rubbing sound as the vehicle is driven.

    Internal problems in a tire could also be the problem.

    Let a good alignment shop look at the tire. They should be able to tell quickly if there is balance or alignment problems.
  • bob110bob110 Member Posts: 3
    This on-going problem is frustrating. I have replaced the sensor, solenoid and hoses. Have good vacuum readings and have changed the gas cap. The code reappears each time. Has anyone run across this problem and have an answer?
  • queen0224queen0224 Member Posts: 1
    I have a 1998 Ford Ranger Extended Cab 4X4 and recently the anit theft alarm has been constantly going off and I have not found anyway to disable the system. I have spoken to the service department at the local dealership, and automotive electrical specialists and no one has been able to help me. Does anyone know what could/is causing this, and please tell me how to fix the problem. I appologize if this has been posted before and I have missed it. Any help is apreciated, please email me if you can help. :confuse: ncqueen@verizon.net
  • hodsh10hodsh10 Member Posts: 1
    I also have a 2000 Ranger, 3L motor, that mattering sound when accelerating or when parked. I have read what you had to say about the high Octane gas, but was told just today that this sound was caused by a spun bearing on the crankshaft. It was further explained that this particular year the crankshaft was aluminum and that there was a service bulletin saying that this motor was prone to have this issue. It was suggested that I have the engine replaced entirely, or rebuilt. Does anyone have an opinion on what I've been told, or can you confirm the validity of this information? A compression test was done and the engine is otherwise fine.
  • jnealjneal Member Posts: 247
    Yep, I have an opinion on what you were told.........
    Whoever told you that the crankshaft was aluminum:
    1. Is either ignorant beyond belief
    2. Is lying to you
    3. Or you misunderstood what they said.
  • classic65classic65 Member Posts: 4
    my mistake , i`m new here, did not bother to look at the date. will be more alert in the future. thanks
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    agreed, total nonsense. If you had a spun bearing your engine would probably be seized by now. Spun bearings are a catastophic event. Run away from that shop is my advice unless you misheard what they were saying (seems doubtful but let's give them the benefit of the doubt).
  • montyanger98montyanger98 Member Posts: 5
    hi i have a 98 ford ranger super ext. 255/55/r18 falken tires. I have a few questions, i what to lower the truck with either a 2/3 4/5slam or even air bag it not sure any ideas or tips on any of these. the center console is on a 60/40 bench seat i just need the latch to keep it closed tried the junk yards near me in mass they don't have it any body know where. The last question is the exhaust which exhaust sounds good on a 2.5l four banger gibson,flowmaster,borla or any other brands that you know of
    thanks montyanger98
  • blakeescapeblakeescape Member Posts: 8
    I have a 96 Ford Ranger 2.3L It has a 3" body lift and 32" tires. The truck has somewhere around 130-140K miles on it, don't know for sure cause the Odometer went out. I have had very few problems, all of them small and mostly just wear and tear. I love this truck and I know 2 other people that have had just as good of luck with their Rangers as me.

    However, recently I have experienced a few problems...hope they are still minor =P

    Recently I got a check engine light on #P0420. I looked it up and says its an effiecency issue and try resetting the computer and see if it comes back on. So I reset it by disconnecting the battery (just the negative terminal). Light has been off since a few days and the truck runs great. But my new issue is ever since I did that, when I am at idle, my AC Compressor cuts on and off about every 5 seconds. But, when I drive around or rev the engine slightly, the compressor will stay on.

    Seems to me the engine idle gets pretty low when the compressor kicks on so the computer shuts it off, and then it kicks it back on again and the cycle continues.

    I am not too mechanically inclined, so just wanted to know what you experienced guys and gals can offer me in the way of a fix for this issue :)
  • cwisemichaelcwisemichael Member Posts: 2
    I have a 2003ford ranger that vibrates at the speed of 6o mph and above. let the gas off and it stops,put the gas on and its back.This is in the back of the truck and it also hums at 60 and above. I put new tires and 4 wheel alinement on it. anybody have any suggestions?
  • jake4379jake4379 Member Posts: 2
    Thanks, will do
  • cwisemichaelcwisemichael Member Posts: 2
    I have a 2003 ford ranger that has a vibration at 35 and 60and above but if you let up off the gas it goes away till you press the gas again and run 35 or 60 plus mph. . replaced the tires and done alinement to. let me know what you found out or if you know what is causing this.
    thanks
    mike
  • 03rangersteve03rangersteve Member Posts: 3
    Mike...I did have the same problem in my 2003. In my case it turned out to be worn ball joints. This is a common problem with Ford front ends. Good luck, Steve G.
  • lvstud84lvstud84 Member Posts: 1
    Wow I'm having the same problem and my mechanic friend is putting in a thicker oil an he said that might help. I hope to god it does cuz I don't wanna fork out the dough for a new tranny. How long ago did he change it?
  • rocketfootballrocketfootball Member Posts: 6
    I have to replace both front wheel bearings on a 97 ranger 4X4 with manual hubs. How much is a reasonable estimate for a dealer to do it??? and also how hard would it be for me to do it my self?? Thanx
  • wvmitchwvmitch Member Posts: 1
    When I push the button for 4X4 or low range, nothing happens (either the light or the actual shift). Where can I find fuses or relays. Nothing in my manual.
  • gabulargabular Member Posts: 1
    i have a ford ranger 2003 4x4 edge trim im not to sure if im supposed to have the car off before i switch to 4x4 or is it ok to switch at a complete stop? also is it a good idea to keep the 4x4 on in the rain and if so should i use high or low please help!!
  • gregc1gregc1 Member Posts: 2
    Hi, I have a 98 Ranger with a 4.0 6-banger 5-speed that won't start. I have changed the plugs, wires, ECM, relays, and coil pack, tested the fuel pump, reset the fuel pressure (inertia) switch, and changed the fuel filter, and it still won't start. Here are the real symptoms:
    1. It runs great for weeks or months at a time, then one morning it just won't start.
    2. This usually occurs when it is chilly in the morning, but has happened during normal afternoons.
    3. Usually, it will start if I just leave it alone for a few hours, but on occasion it refuses to start for days or weeks.
    4. I have sent it to the dealer several times for evaluation but they can never find anything. Usually, by the time they get it to their shop (on a tow truck) it fires right up. Then I get to pay for their trouble while mine comes back a few weeks later.
    5. Whenever the problem occurs, all tests I can make show that it is not getting a spark.
    6. All fuses and relays appear in good condition.
    7. There is no indication of a problem (check engine) code; my reader says "0".
    What is going on here? I love my truck, and I don't want to get another one, but I have lived with this problem for over three years. Just when I think the problem is fixed, and I can relax, it does it all over again. Any suggestions? :(
  • jefferygjefferyg Member Posts: 418
    It's been a couple of months ago. David said he could put in a thicker oil but it would probably be harder to shift, so we stuck with the automatic transmission fluid (yes, that's what goes in the 5-speed manual - check your owner's manual).

    ANYWAY, the noise is still there but not all the time. Some days I don't hear it at all. I've talked with David again about this as well as some other friends. Right now our best guess is that it's either a rear wheel bearing, or it's in the rear-end itself, or it's the bearing on the crossmember that supports the driveshaft in the middle. This is a sealed bearing so there's no way to grease it.

    I'm just going to keep running it until it quits and try not to make any long trips. My dad did suggest that I could just put a pair of mud and snow tires and then I probably wouldn't notice it at all. :shades:
  • matty6665matty6665 Member Posts: 1
    I Have an 85 ford ranger and its a 4speed. its fine untill i put it into reverse. when i do its like the stick pops out of the joint in the transmission and it wont go back in. sometimes if im lucky, i can put it in the reverse postion and pop it back in. but now i cant and need to know what my problem is. thanks.
  • ldonldon Member Posts: 5
    Yep. That's what it is. I fixed mine by spraying inside the latch with spray silicone and operated it a few times, and it was fine.
  • jamearljamearl Member Posts: 1
    I have a similar problem with my 1999 Ford Ranger. It is also a 6 cyl. Currently it is in the shop and the mechanic says the problem is electrical short. They checked air/fuel/ignition systems and they all checked out ok. Currently, they are checking wiring harnesses for shorts. I hope this helps.
  • rose517rose517 Member Posts: 1
    I had my 1998 Ford Ranger tuned-up and a lot of things done to it because the mechanic said certain things needs to be done, etc. fuel injection. I'm a lady & I don't know much about truck problems. After this so-called tune-up, the truck is doing the same as yours, making a grinding, rattling noise when I'm accelerating.

    Has anyone answered your question yet?

    rosa-w@
    comcast.net
  • 2vv2vv Member Posts: 1
    Hello, I bought a ranger 4x2 and the speedometer and odometer are not working. I have replaced the ABS sensor on the rear axel and tried a used speed cluster today with the same results. Here is the symstems:

    Speedometer not working
    Odometer no working
    ABS light on
    Check Engine light on
    Everything else works on the speedo cluster

    Odly enoght the dome light does not work, but the wipers do, I'm told all three, light, wipers and speedo are on the same fuse (which is ok)

    Thanks
  • bolivarbolivar Member Posts: 2,316
    'grinding, rattling noise when accelerating'.

    This is probably 'ping'.

    If it was not doing this before the 'tuneup', I would take it back to the mechanic as tell him he did something to it.

    He 'might' have put incorrect spark plugs into it, if he changed these. His 'fuel injection' cleaning might have broken some carbon loose in the cylinders and this is causing pinging. He might have knocked a vacumn hose loose. He might have misrouted a spark plug wire and it is now arcing.

    On Rangers, 'pinging' is a usual occurance on 3Liter V6 engines, and little can be done about it except to use higher octane gasoline.
  • wildangelfordwildangelford Member Posts: 2
    I have a squeel in the front of the engine that is ear peircing. It only happens when it wants to and that is usually when it is hot or start on a steep incline.
    The oil pressure gage drop to o then right back up to normal while driving on the highway- no stopping, engine still ran, but the squeel stopped for about 5 seconds. I have a 2002 Edge- any suggestions?
  • steveb68steveb68 Member Posts: 2
    my 97 ford ranger 4.0 v6 seems to run great at highway speeds but as I slow to a stop it starts to buck and sometimes dies, but restarts like new. What sensors could be malfunctioning and leaning it out, or could this be a vacuum leak? The motor has always run strong and shifted well until this recent problem.
  • steveb68steveb68 Member Posts: 2
    I put the wrong codes on my previous post.
  • brysuebrysue Member Posts: 35
    My 97 2.3 litre will only produce warm air. The climate knob seems to turn easier now but will not cool when it is turned to the blue area. Any suggestions?
  • wildangelfordwildangelford Member Posts: 2
    If you have airconditioning get the r12 "freeon" checked if not you might be looking at blue but the gears inside the knob may not be catching and turning to the cool (blue) area
  • callerdalecallerdale Member Posts: 7
    I just replaced the clutch on my 93 Ranger.
    There is a black "Bladder" inside the clutch master cylinder fluid reservoir.
    What is the function of this and is it a crucial part of the system?
  • dan1dan1 Member Posts: 76
    When the tach on my Mustang went out I pulled the instrument cluster from a wrecked one and that took care of it. Not sure what a new instrument cluster would go for but you might want to try the local junk yard.
  • rjeran1rjeran1 Member Posts: 2
    I am having a brakelight problem. my left turn signal is blinking faster then usual so I figured the bulb was bad, happened it was the left brake light, I replaced it, it somewhat worked when I pushed hard on the brake, now a few days later both my brakelights do not work when I press them. I am wondering what I should do to fix this and if I should take it to a shop and how much that may cost as I am not the best at mecahnical or electrical things any solutions would be helpful.
  • brysuebrysue Member Posts: 35
    It will not even blow cool air through the vent setting. Only heat all the time. The climate knob does not have any gears. It is controlled by voltages. Internally it seems ok. I guess I should get a schmatic to see what the voltages should be. Thanks for the response.
  • blueranger85blueranger85 Member Posts: 2
    I just had a 1985 ranger rebuilt and noticed when it rains the floors are wet. It looks like it may be coming through the fire wall. Has anyone else had this problem or have any suggestions. Thanks
  • gregc1gregc1 Member Posts: 2
    This is a responce to my own request last week (#2083).
    I found out that the crankshart position sensor is the probable culprit. when it is cold, and the sensor is old, the magnet gets weak, the plastic shrinks, and it does not register motion on the crankshaft. it also does not give a trouble code. According to my source, the ignition coil is the only other component that can give the same symptoms, and since I already replaced that, the $14.00 sensor was my last choice. so far it is working just fine.
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