The Ford Ranger is one of the most popular car models from the Ford family. It is well known for being one of the most capable compact pickups available in the market. But that doesn’t mean it is devoid of any problems. Today we’ll have a look at some of the most common problems with a Ford Ranger
History of Ford Ranger
Ford introduced the 1983 Ranger in 1982 to take on the small pickups coming in from Japan. It was designed to be a versatile vehicle with both on-road and off-road capabilities. The Ranger has seen various facelifts across time, and the current generation on sale is the fourth, which has been on the market since 2019, after making its unveil at the 2018 North American International Auto Show.
The current generation of the Ford Ranger is available across North America as four-door SuperCab and four-door SuperCrew versions. These are powered by a 2.3L EcoBoost engine producing 270hp and 420Nm of torque, mated to a 10R80 10-speed automatic transmission.
Now that you have got a brief idea regarding its history, let’s now deep dive into some of the common problems with a Ford Ranger and whether it is okay to drive with them.
Common Problems with a Ford Ranger
Transmission problems with a Ford Ranger: Gearbox Slippage
Some owners have reported the automatic gearbox of a Ford Ranger slipping between the 2nd and 3rd and the 3rd and 4th positions. Though there’s a misconception that the gearbox slippage is just a normal torque converter function, this may actually be due to a faulty valve assembly. Transmission fluid leaks can also arise due to leaks in transmission fluid.
A faulty transmission on a Ford Ranger can also cause problems like a dragging clutch and a burning smell arising while driving.
You might also find the same problems with an older Ford Ranger with a manual transmission. The root cause can be figured out only after opening the gearbox and performing a thorough inspection by a qualified mechanic.
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Leak in Crankshaft Seal
Many generations of the Ford Ranger have the problem of a seal in the leak that sits around the crankshaft, causing oil drips. This could be due to a damaged valve cover gasket or a faulty oil pan. Also, the crankshaft seal is one car part that is subject to immense stress, making it easily prone to wear and tear.
Engine Problems
Common engine problems on a Ford Ranger include a turbo failure and engine crank damage which causes excessive overheating, dark smoke from the exhaust, and a dip in fuel economy. Engine problems can land your car in serious trouble. Thus, it is always better to consult a mechanic right after you’ve spotted any faults.
You might also be interested in Wrench Light on a Ford: What It Means and What to Do?
Crankshaft Sensor Failure
The crankshaft sensor is responsible for reading the engine’s RPM and position, then feeding that data into the ECU to regulate the time of fuel injection. Intermittent crankshaft sensor failure is a common problem with a Ford Ranger. A dip in fuel efficiency, engine misfires, and sluggish acceleration are some of the aftermaths of a faulty crankshaft sensor. There is also a possibility that your Ranger won’t start due to a faulty crankshaft sensor.
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Problems with a Ford Ranger’s fuel injector
Another problem with a Ford Ranger is with its fuel injector. A clogged or dirty fuel injector of your Ford Ranger will lead to an imbalance in air and fuel supply. This, in turn, can cause problems like engine stalling, rough idling, engine misfires, a significant drop in fuel economy, etc. A faulty fuel injector can also result in the Tachometer needle (RPM needle) making unusual movements. A fuel injector problem with your Ford Ranger also takes a toll on the engine performance, making it difficult to drive, particularly when you are in off-road conditions.
An experienced mechanic can easily fix the issue for you. It’ll cost you around $350-$500 for a replacement fuel injector, with labor costs extra.
Too many problems with a Ford Ranger: Is it reliable?
Of course, a Ford, and especially a Ranger, won’t be as dependable as a Toyota. And the Ford Ranger is no exception. However, properly maintained Rangers can easily last up to 250k miles, making it a fairly reliable option for people looking for a good-looking ‘go-anywhere’ truck.
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