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The ford Ranger is a fantastic truck, no way around that. It does have problems like all cars but the issues that can easily be worked around. Sure, they are issues, but all vehicles have issues. Do not forget about that. Even the very reliable third gen Ford Ranger that lasted 14 years.
I am here to better prepare you for potential issues that may come up during the time you own one of these trucks or simply help educate you on your future purchase.
If you are having odd symptoms, hopefully this article will help you pinpoint your problem.
Let us get started!
(Camshaft Synchronizer)
3.0L and the 4L camshaft synchronizer acting up and squeaking or chirping while the engine is running. This usually happens around 60-100k miles. You can lubricate it by just lifting the sensor itself and squirt oil on it to ultimately lubricate all the working components within it, or simply replace it. Either way, both processes are easy.
(Leaf Spring Shackles)
If you have a loose rear end, then most likely your Shackles and hangers may be rusty and broken.
See this, basically the leaf spring is being supported by only the truck bed because it is completely detached. You will need to basically remove the old shackles that have been rusted to hell, press out the old bushing then finally install all new hardware. It may sound easy, but it can be a bit labor intensive.
(Timing Chain Tensioner)
On the 2001-2004 4.0L, you may experience timing chain rattle on cold startups. The timing Chain Tensioner usually fails around 70k miles, so replacing it is a necessity. There is one on top of the engine, which is decently easy to replace and another one on the passenger side of the engine. If you catch it early enough, you may not need to do anymore repairs. If you let it rattle for too long, you will end up cracking the plastic guides, which aren’t nearly as easy to replace.
Here is a video of the rattle – starts at 1:11
It also shows the replacement of timing chain tensioner on top of the engine:
https://youtu.be/j5fno9JdZaA?t=71
(Valve Body in the Auto Transmissions)
There are many reports of slipping automatic transmissions and hard shifts. If you are getting a Gear Ratio Error code and an electrical circuit code, then most likely the valve body on the 4r44e or the 5r55e transmission has excessive wear. You can get to the valve body by removing the trans oil pan and filter. You will almost always receive both these codes if you are experiencing these symptoms. A valve body repair or an update kit will fix these issues. The fluids and filter should be replaced about every 60k miles to keep things clean and tip top shape. There are videos on this process, and it is not the hardest thing to do, but it is time consuming. You will need some patients and a bit of know-how for this job.
(Stretched out Throttle Cable)
Throttle cable tends to stretch out over time. Basically, if you must press down the gas pedal further than normal to accelerate, it is stretched out. Now, there is a right way to do this and a way that will work just as good, but it is not the correct way. You can replace the throttle cable, or you can simply modify it and add some zip ties to act as a stopper of sorts where the cable attaches to the throttle linkage to help stop the slack.
(Door Ajar)
If your door is closed but the car thinks it is open, most likely the sensor is dirty. You can do a quick cleaning that would usually fix the issue. You may have to replace the sensor if that does not work.
(Intake Manifold Gasket)
Are you experiencing a coolant leak, engine stalling, overheating, bad fuel economy, loss of acceleration or white smoke coming from the tailpipe? Well, you may have a bad intake manifold gasket on your 4L V6. Its located-on top of the engine and you will need to basically remove the intake, clean the surfaces, and install new gaskets on both sides.
(Engine Heads)
If you are experiencing a rough running engine and misfires but you just cannot seem to figure out the issue since the car is getting spark, fuel, and air into all cylinders, you should probably check the compression on each cylinder with a spark plug compression tool. If one cylinder is lower than another, then most likely the valves are burnt up or, in rare cases, the head or block is cracked. You’ll need to replace the valves if it is burnt up. Not an easy job to do.
Burnt Valve:
(Flex Fuel Sensor)
Bad flex fuel sensor can also happen. Not super common but noteworthy. You will get no starts, or the engine will run rough with a p0176 engine code. The sensor is located right underneath the driver’s seat chassis and it is easy to locate and replace. If the sensor stops sending good signals to the computer, then you will start experiencing those issues.
(02 Sensor Wire)
02 sensor wiring can get scuffed up due to the brackets that secure the wiring breaking and causing a short. This usually blows the #13 fuse. If you are experiencing this, check your wires.
(Multifunction Switch)
The Multifunction Switch likes to fail. If you are having issues with the wipers and headlights, you will need a new switch. It is cheap, and I will have links to some of the products in the description down below.
(Leaking Thermostat Housing)
The Ford Ranger can have a Leaking Plastic Thermostat housing in the 4L V6. Replacing the OEM plastic one with an aluminum housing is definitely the best way to go. This will prevent you from having to do the job again. It is inexpensive as well. Link to the product in description down below! It is a straightforward and easy repair. It will require you to add more coolant because you will need to drain some out.
Conclusion
That is basically the bulk of main issues for this truck. The ford ranger, even with all its issues is still extremely reliable. Just because a car has issues, I am not saying do not get it. Just be a bit prepared. All vehicles have their own issues. It seems that the 4cylinder engine has very minimal issues with this model. If you are okay with lacking some hp but increasing the MPG, grab the 4cylinder.
Hopefully, this helped you out! If it did, share the article!
If I missed a main issue, comment down below!
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