Faults:
Wheel bearing on its way out when I bought it. Still haven't replaced.
Alternator bit it at 144,000.
Clutch replaced at 142k.
Rear drum brake self adjusters are starting to stick badly.
Rough idle sporadically.
Wipers will turn on sporadically.
Bearing in cooling fan bad.
General Comments:
Wow, coming from a 1993 Ford Ranger (which I loved and regret selling), this Ranger is a nightmare. I commute 100 miles a day, and let me tell you this is not a happy little truck when given that task.
It has left me stuck and stranded more than once in the Minnesota winter, which Ford obviously didn't consider when designing a heating system for this truck. The 2.3 has a hard timing getting to operating temperature in the summer, much less when it's 20 below. With the radiator blocked with cardboard, and the cooling fan removed, I can expect ADEQUATE heat about 40 minutes into my commute.
I love the looks, interior styling and design as well as the overall feel of how it goes down the road (which it does very well). I was getting about 26 mpg in the summer, which wasn't bad in my opinion, now in February it's never more than 20, which is pretty pathetic considering the 100hp engine makes freeway merging an adrenaline pumping experience.
Plagued by nickel and dime issues, I have to say the this Ranger has really turned me off the model that I once swore by.
Maybe it's just first year OBDII issues, but nonetheless, I'm very disappointed with this one.
16th Feb 2010, 09:14
The 2.3 has a hard timing getting to operating temperature in the summer...
First thing to look at: Thermostat.