1996 Ford Ranger Consumer Discussions

Ford Ranger Lighting and Electrical Problems

• Re: 1996 Ford Ranger with check engine light on [andrewjay]

  Written by: cfowleron on Apr 16, 2010 4:28:09 AM

  Did the mechanic do a smoke test on the neck? A friend of mine had this issue and when the smoke test was performed they discovered a small fracture located just below the gas cap, ergo, the new gas cap wouldn't fix it. I'm not sure how he fixed his, some type of goop I believe but I know he didn't replace the neck.

• Re: 1996 Ford Ranger with check engine light on [bolivar]

  Written by: andrewjay on Apr 15, 2010 9:38:12 PM

  I replaced the gas cap and its still on. i also have had my mechanic look and he cant find anything else wrong.

• Re: 1996 Ford Ranger with check engine light on [andrewjay]

  Written by: bolivar on Apr 15, 2010 9:22:48 PM

  Gee, you think you might have a bad gas cap? Or a hole in the vacumn line that goes to the gas tank? Or maybe if you fix it, the check engine light will stop coming on?

• 1996 Ford Ranger with check engine light on

  Written by: andrewjay on Apr 15, 2010 8:37:24 PM

  I have a 96 ranger that i bought off a friend of my parents. He was driving it since roughly 2000 and the check engine light is always on on the dash. A friend of mine also has one from this year with the same issue. is this a flaw with rangers of this year or is it something that needs to be fixed. My mechanic looked at it and only ... Read More

Ford Ranger Fuel System

• slow filling fuel tank

  Written by: hunter1146 on Feb 26, 2010 12:08:28 PM

  1996 ford ranger will shut off fuel nozzel when filling tank can only fill real slow checked the main hose to tank seems ok what next help please

Ford Ranger Transmission Questions

• Ford Ranger Transmission

  Written by: cruse1 on Oct 16, 2009 2:22:20 PM

  I have a 1994 Ford Ranger. It has a V6 automatic transmission. (3.0). Can I replace the transmission with one out of a 1996?

Ford Ranger Seats and Interior

• want to pimp my ride

  Written by: sisaminah on Sep 14, 2008 3:42:49 PM

  I'm ready to spruce up the interior in my 1996 ford ranger splash. I want to replace upholstery and the seats. Anybody have experience with this? Where is a good place in the Mobile, AL area to have it done? How much will it cost?

Ford Ranger Maintenance and Repair

• Re: 1996 Ranger will not turn off [sb11469]

  Written by: frohrs on Apr 14, 2008 9:19:58 AM

  This is a great post. This just happened to my 95 Ranger the other day. I replaced the cylinder lock with a new cylinder lock & key but it still won't shut the ignition off. I replaced it because the old ignition core (cylinder) was broke and allowed the key to be turned all the way around but when lucky if caught just right it would shut the truck off! There ... Read More

• 1996 Ranger will not turn off

  Written by: sb11469 on Apr 13, 2008 7:08:26 PM

  I have a 1996 Ford Ranger which starts and runs fine..but will not turn off? Once the engine is started, turning the key back toward the off position, will not dis-engage the ignition. I replaced the key and ignition core, but that did not change the situation. Could there be a problem with the device that locks the steering wheel when the ignition is off and the key is removed ? ... Read More

• 1998 Ford Ranger XLT

  Written by: wnathan67 on Aug 9, 2006 7:53:09 PM

  Look I don't know If anyone can help but I sure hope so. I live in North Carolina and from 1996 and up they have an emissions test and if you dont pass no inspection and if it goes for 4 months dead 250.00 fine. I had 4 codes and they were PO171.po340.po440,po342.. So I went and tore truck apart replaced plugs, wires, coil packs, all vacuum hoses,throttle body,camshaft position sensor,fuel ... Read More

• Re: 1996 Ford Ranger Sluggish [jeromy1998]

  Written by: Mr_Shiftright on Apr 20, 2006 9:33:58 AM

  well all car systems are different and I don't know your car at all...so you'll need to consult a workshop manual on ways to deal with the EGR system...I was just recalling how on some of the cars I owned the tube that feels the exhaust gases back to the manifold got all "coked" up. I had to remove it and ream it out.

• Re: 1996 Ford Ranger Sluggish [Mr_Shiftright]

  Written by: jeromy1998 on Apr 19, 2006 6:08:05 PM

  I am kind of "dumb" when it comes to cars and working on them...so, how exactly would I clean the tube? Sorry, and thanks!

• Re: 1996 Ford Ranger Sluggish [jeromy1998]

  Written by: Mr_Shiftright on Apr 16, 2006 11:31:32 AM

  Did you clean the tube that feeds from the EGR into the manifold?

• 1996 Ford Ranger Sluggish

  Written by: jeromy1998 on Apr 15, 2006 6:51:26 PM

  I have a 1996 Ranger, 2.3L 4 cyl. when I take off, it feels real sluggish, and has little power. Once I am going, it is fine. I had it hooked up to a computer, and it showed It was a bad EGR valve, but I changed it just a couple months ago. could anyone help me with this problem?

What would the ideal redesigned Ranger be like?

• Re: What would the ideal redesigned Range be like? [carfax]

  Written by: raddog on Apr 11, 2006 12:01:24 AM

  I have a 2005 Ford Ranger and to tell you the truth the only difference between the 2005 and 2006 Ford Rangers is the front grille and the fender flares. Everything else is the same. To give you another perspective I have a friend that has a 1996 Ford Ranger he replaced the front grille, rims, tires, and put a lift kit on it. The truck looks exactly like mine. How ... Read More

Ford Ranger Maintenance and Repair

• Re: 1996 Ford Ranger 4WD. When to use it. [mrchris1]

  Written by: hciaffa on Aug 23, 2005 9:37:16 AM

  Rule number one...never drive it on a dry road and take corners, you damage the system. I have driven straight forward and reverse in my driveway in the summer months to engage the system to allow for lubrication of the system. the 4hi is the system you will use the most. In snow mud and such and for 4lo you use that to drive slow on old tank trails and rocky ... Read More

• Re: 1996 Ford Ranger 4WD. When to use it. [mrchris1]

  Written by: rangineer on Aug 21, 2005 10:30:56 AM

  low range is for going slow, usually when off road or on poorly maintained roads, like when crawling slowly up a mountain trail where you have to pick your path around ruts and rocks and logs and stumps high range is for higher speeds (but no more than 45 mph), when the road conditions are slick and require better traction

• 1996 Ford Ranger 4WD. When to use it.

  Written by: mrchris1 on Aug 20, 2005 1:56:57 PM

  I could use some advice. I'm looking for a pick up. I just looked at a few Rangers. The 96 has a 4WD High and a $WD Low. Since there is no manual I want to ask a stupid question. When do you use the High and when do you use the Low?

• Re: Tranny probs flashing OD light [mikeb2k5]

  Written by: gtgentis on Jul 11, 2005 6:36:38 PM

  My 1996 Ford Ranger 4 cylinder automatic w/overdrive has been flashing the O/D light on & off. The check engine light stays on also. The flashing O/D light only occurs after driving on highway for awhile. Also when the O/D lights starts flashing, and I stop, then go. The transmission shifts real hard and jerky. But once I get home, and turn the engine off, then start up again. The O/D ... Read More

• Throttle Sensor???

  Written by: pickles4 on Jun 26, 2005 7:36:49 PM

  I have a 1996 Ford Ranger; 4 cyl; manual trans. It seems as though it is not getting enough gas. It is idling very very low. Whenever I start my truck it idles very low and sometimes requires pumping the gas to get it started. It idles very low, when I try to rev up the engine it briefly acts as if it is going to die and then it revs ... Read More

• idler pulley replacement

  Written by: rereaves on Jun 26, 2005 4:01:44 PM

  I have a 1996 Ford Ranger, 4 cylinder, no a/c. The idler pulley assembly has pulled away from the engine. It appears that the bracket and spring assembly has separated exposing the spring. How difficult is it to obtain a new idler pulley assembly and install? What steps are required to replace? ls it necessary to remove the radiator?

Truck Comparisons: Colorado, Dakota, Ranger, Tacoma, Frontier

• Comparison

  Written by: nbtacoma on Mar 26, 2005 6:16:10 AM

  I wonder if the price differences reflect 4WD's only. I bought a 2WD Tacoma Thursday only after comparing costs,ride, etc of other vehicles and the Taco was no more expensive, and at times cheaper, than competitors (i.e. Chev, Nissan)pricing and online pricing. A Ford Ranger was cheaper but Rangers are like opinions up here (Canada), everyone has one. Anyway, I'm biased because I traded my 1996 Tacoma for this one.

Ford Ranger Maintenance and Repair

• ford ranger seats

  Written by: cbastos on Jan 22, 2005 4:53:43 PM

  can anyone tell me if seats from a 2004 ext.cab will fit in a 1996 ext. cab ranger?

• Steven 1953..a tranny TSB... it might help ??

  Written by: frey44 on Feb 3, 2003 8:40:52 PM

  A/T - Slipping Shifts/Delayed Engagements/DTC's Set Article No. 02-13-8 07/08/02 TRANSMISSION - 4R44E - 4R55E - 5R44E - 5R55E - LOW LINE PRESSURE READING AT WIDE OPEN THROTTLE (WOT) - SLIPPING SHIFTS AND/OR DELAYED ENGAGEMENTS - POSSIBLE DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P0732, P0733, P1762 SET - VEHICLES BUILT BEFORE 12/1/2001 FORD: 1995-2001 EXPLORER 1995-2002 RANGER 1996-1997 AEROSTAR 1999-2002 EXPLORER SPORT 2001-2002 EXPLORER SPORT TRAC MERCURY: 1997-2001 MOUNTAINEER Article 02-8-2 is being republished ... Read More

• 1996 Ranger theft system

  Written by: ranger96 on Dec 27, 2002 2:17:51 PM

  I Just bought a 1996 Ford Ranger XLT (base model no power locks etc). Once in a while the theft light comes on for about 10 sec while im driving and then goes off every now and then. Why is this light comming on? Is my truck equipted with a theft system? Because when the car is off the theft light never blinks. How do i fix it? Thanks

• USE THE CORRECT ANTIFREEZE !!!

  Written by: frey44 on Nov 12, 2002 3:38:01 PM

  OR....You could VOID YOUR WARRANTY !! Engine Coolant - Propylene Glycol Recommendations Article No. 01-23-6 11/26/01 ^ ENGINE COOLANT - PROPYLENE GLYCOL - FORD MOTOR COMPANY POSITION ON ENGINE COOLANTS MADE FROM PROPYLENE GLYCOL ^ ENGINE COOLANT - PROPYLENE GLYCOL-BASED - FORD MOTOR COMPANY POSITION ON PROPYLENE GLYCOL-BASED ENGINE COOLANTS FORD: 1989-1993 FESTIVA 1989-1994 TEMPO 1989-1997 PROBE, THUNDERBIRD 1989-2002 CROWN VICTORIA, ESCORT, MUSTANG, TAURUS 1994-1997 ASPIRE 1995-2000 CONTOUR 2000-2002 FOCUS 2002 ... Read More

• 96 FORD RANGER NOT GOIN INTO 4WD LOW

  Written by: mytidawg on Dec 11, 2002 10:48:28 AM

  Greetings all you proud Ford owners! Seems I'm having some problems with my 1996 Ford Ranger...it will not go into 4 wheel drive LOW.....i can click the dial on the dash over to low 4wd BUT the dash light only says 4wd high......then if and when it finally does go into low 4wd then it will not go out back into 2 wd wondering if anyone has had similar promlems and ... Read More

Ford Ranger III

• A more recent list of 5-20 oil recommendations...

  Written by: frey44 on Sep 29, 2002 10:14:35 AM

  This is a TSB published AFTER the one I just posted. Sorry for confusion: Engine Oil - Oil Recommendations/Applications Article No. 02-1-9 01/21/02 ENGINE - ENGINE OIL - RECOMMENDED APPLICATIONS FOR SAE 5W-20 AND SAE 5W-30 MOTOR OILS - GASOLINE AND FLEXIBLE FUEL VEHICLES ONLY FORD: 1992-2002 CROWN VICTORIA 1993-1994 TEMPO 1993-1997 THUNDERBIRD 1993-2002 ESCORT, MUSTANG, TAURUS 1995-2000 CONTOUR 1998-2002 ESCORT ZX2 2000-2002 FOCUS 1993-1996 BRONCO 1993-1997 AEROSTAR 1993-2002 E SERIES, ... Read More

• Vehicle Recommendations for 5-20 from FORD

  Written by: frey44 on Sep 29, 2002 9:54:05 AM

  TSB from FMC: Veh. App. Listing Approved For SAE 5W-20 Motor Oil ^ 1993-1996 1.9L Escort/Tracer ^ 1995-2000 2.0L Zetec Contour/Mystique ^ 1999-2002 2.0L Cougar ^ 1997-2002 2.0L Escort/Tracer ^ 1998-2002 2.0L Escort ZX2 ^ 2000-2002 2.0L Focus ^ 2001-2002 2.0L Escape ^ 1993-1997 2.3L Ranger ^ 1993-1994 2.3L Mustang ^ 1993-1994 2.3L Tempo/Topaz ^ 1998-2001 2.5L Ranger ^ 1995-2000 2.5L Contour/Mystique ^ 1999-2002 2.5L Cougar ^ 2001-2002 3.0L 4V Escape ... Read More

Ford Ranger Maintenance and Repair

• 1996 Ford Ranger 4cyl

  Written by: ranger96 on Jul 2, 2002 9:15:19 AM

  I just heard that you have to change the timing belt at 60,000 miles is this true?If I do need to change it how much is it going to cost. And if the timing belt breaks is it the type that will make the valves and stuff break? THANKS

• 1996 Ford Ranger XLT Extra Cab

  Written by: ranger96 on Jul 1, 2002 9:42:01 PM

  Im in the process of buying a 1996 Ranger. It has 67,000 miles. The check engine light(he said it is nothing to do with the engine) is on and so is the airbag light. The person that im buying it from said he was going to turn of the light but it cost 100.00 dollars. Is it commom for the lights to go on?Is it sapose to go on at 60,000 ... Read More

• ..MORE SAE 5-20W Oil specs from Ford TSB

  Written by: frey44 on May 4, 2002 8:52:21 AM

  Engine Oil - Oil Recommendations/Applications Article No. 02-1-9 01/21/02 ENGINE - ENGINE OIL - RECOMMENDED APPLICATIONS FOR SAE 5W-20 AND SAE 5W-30 MOTOR OILS - GASOLINE AND FLEXIBLE FUEL VEHICLES ONLY FORD: 1992-2002 CROWN VICTORIA 1993-1994 TEMPO 1993-1997 THUNDERBIRD 1993-2002 ESCORT, MUSTANG, TAURUS 1995-2000 CONTOUR 1998-2002 ESCORT ZX2 2000-2002 FOCUS 1993-1996 BRONCO 1993-1997 AEROSTAR 1993-2002 E SERIES, F-150, RANGER 1995-2002 WINDSTAR 1997-1999 F-250 LD 1997-2001 EXPLORER 1997-2002 EXPEDITION 1999-2002 SUPER DUTY ... Read More

Toyota Tacoma vs. Ford Ranger, Part XII

• kg11

  Written by: sc0rpi0 on Feb 9, 2002 3:54:35 PM

  I don't know about "good price when I sell it". Somehow I get a feeling to me that not many people want used Fords, GMs or Chevys, 4-5 year old ones. I have hard time finding a used Tacoma at the dealer lot, but there's always plenty of Fords sitting there, or somewhere on the side of a road with a "4 Sale" sign. Whats the resale value of a 1996 ... Read More

• heh

  Written by: midnight_stang on Jan 14, 2002 9:06:17 AM

  "Look ma! I watch it on the boob tube, reckon it must be true!" It's funny how JD Powers used car vehicle choices, which looks at 1996 model vehicles, choose Tacoma AND Ranger as 2 of the 3 for compact Pickup. Also a 4Runner and an Explorer for SUV. Everyone (who doesn't own a Ford) thinks they are quality-less junk. But how come the Truck and SUV fleet is #1? But ... Read More

Ford Ranger Maintenance and Repair

• bhold #36 3.0 Engine Ping

  Written by: woodge on Apr 25, 2001 11:18:17 AM

  Does your Ranger have the 3.0 FFV (Flexible Fuel Engine)? Have you complained to the dealership? Has it been seen more than three times at the dealership for this problem? If so you may have a "Lemon". Ford factory engineering know of the problem/complaint, and they have no fix! Our dealership's customer service manager confirmed this, and felt it would be best if the vehicle was returned as a "Lemon". Last ... Read More

Compact Pickup Comparison: Frontier, Ranger, Tacoma, S10, Dakota, B-Series, & Hombre

• MAZDA or Ford Ranger 1996 - 1998

  Written by: laststand on Jan 10, 2001 5:49:24 PM

  Hi I am new to the truck world. Actually I am interested in purchasing my first truck. It will be a used one. I need one as a second vehicle to pull a boat (1000 lbs weight total with trailer) and to due the usual light hauling when you live in the country. I am leaning towards a small six engine (3 litre). I have been told that FORD Rangers and ... Read More