Known for being a pretty robust engine, the Ford 3.2 engine has its share of problems. From recalls to issues with stalling, the 3.2 engine has quite a bit of document headaches for owners. Let’s examine a few, while offering some possible solutions.
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The 3.2L Diesel engine and Stalling Problems
For Ford owners who have vehicles that are manufactured with the 3.2L Diesel engine, you may experience stalling while driving your car. There may be while driving due to metallic chips and debris that are lodged in the fuel system- creating a restriction in the vehicle’s fuel supply. Ford dealers should replace the fuel injection pump and associated components. Additionally, dealers should also flush the fuel system and replace the fuel filter, free of charge. Vehicles that are outfitted with a 3.2L Diesel engine, the fuel system may experience some clogging, causing the engine to stall while the vehicle owner is driving. Vehicle owners could also be involved in a collision, due to this circumstance.
Back in 2016, Ford issued a recall and even contacted vehicle owners to remedy the issue. Affected vehicles with this issue included:
- Ford Transit 350 HD, 2015 and 2016
- Ford Transit 350, 2015 and 2016
- Ford Transit 250, 2015 and 2016
- Ford Transit 150, 2015 and 2016
Ford Ranger Five- Cylinder Diesel Engine Problems
After Ford developed the 3.2 five-banger engine, manufacturers wanted to incorporate more power than the previous four-banger engine. Given the desired power output, two options stood in front of Ford. There was the five-cylinder engine as well as the V6 engine. The V6 engine may have bene a bit large for an engine bay, while the five-popper model was more inexpensive to manufacturer. Consequently, Ford opted for the five-pot, 3.2 engine. While that 3.2 engine was a bit more robust and stronger, it was also seen to have more torque power, while offering beautiful towing capabilities. But some real Ford ranger 3.2 engine problems that stifled drivers. Let’s take a look at a few- as well as some solutions.
Crack in the Intake Pipe
The intake pipe of the Ford Ranger has a reputation to crack without any kind of warning to owners. Therefore, it may be to your benefit to inspect the pipe for tears and fine and thin cracks. One way to perform a complete inspection, is to allow your engine to idle, then run your hand throughout the intake pipe and check for a feel of any air that may be blowing out. Then, you can shut it down and check and listen for any “suction” noises that may be coming from the intake pipe. If you do hear those sucking noises, then you may have a leak. Consider replacing your pipe with a stronger metal pipe, or even a durable silicone pipe.
Some of the symptoms of a cracked intake pipe include:
- Error code P00BD
- Black smoke coming from the exhaust
- Ranger’s engine running hotter than normal
- Noticeable dip in performance
If you are venturing out with your own 3.2 Ford Ranger and you feel that your intake pipe is Ok, then, you can take some tape that is heat-resistant and made of silicon with you, as a precautionary measure. You may also want to add some steel pipe clamps too.
Oil Pump Fails To Prime, After Oil Change
The issue of the oil pump failing to prime after an oil change, is a complex issue. Although you don’t have consume yourself with doing lots of oil changes. But if you are performing an oil change by yourself, you want to make sure that you don’t exceed the ten-minute mark. The reason that you don’t want to exceed the ten-minute mark is due to a pressure oil pump that Ford has within the 3.2 diesel Ranger – which is not able to prime itself, and deliver oil after all of the oil has drained-after the ten-minute mark.
Crank Position Sensor Issues
The CPS or the Crank Position Sensor is known to give Ford Ranger owners problems. More commonly known issues are with the earlier versions of the Ford Rangers, with the 3.2 engines. The general issue with the CPS is that the component will work itself loose, resulting in the sensor failing to obtain a true and complete reading. Ford has offered a revised CPS that is mounted differently than previous CPS components. The new CPS car part also features a rubber tip that is ejected upon crank-up, ensuring the correct gap is achieved for a true reading. The crank position sensor fault may be caused by a dirty toothed gear that is located on the flywheel.
What’s the Ford Ranger Year That I Need to Avoid?
Although the Ford Ranger is known to be a solid and sturdy and all-around compact truck there are some very viable complaints that even include the 3.2 engine. The Ranger arrived on the scene back in
1983, as a competitor on the compact pickup truck market. The Ranger was the basis for the Ford Explorer SUV too. in 1998, the Ranger saw a redesign and was later discontinued in 2011. Then, Ford revised the model in 2019, as Ford saw the potential for the Ranger to grow. The 2020 Ford Ranger which is a midsize pickup truck comes in two cab configurations. The first is a “SuperCab”, or an extended cab featuring a 6-foot crew cab or bed. There are also 2020 Rangers with five-foot beds. The 2020 model also comes in three trim levels which include the Lariat, the XL and the XLT.
“So, what are the Ford Ranger years that I need to avoid?”
Check out the Ranger years that you may want to stay away from.
2001 Ford Ranger
This Ranger model has nine recalls as well as a slew of transmission issues.
2002 Ford Ranger
Similar to the 2001 mode, this Ranger also has transmission issues There are also seven calls on this model.
2004 Ford Ranger
This 2001 Ranger model has eight recalls. There are also documented engine as well as transmission issues.
2005 Ford Ranger
With seven recalls, this 2005 Ford Ranger was deemed more reliable than previous models. But one downside to this model, were issues with fuel efficiency, as well as engine issues.
2006 Ford Ranger
In 2006 Ford saw a difficult year with this model. There were eight recalls issued. Additionally, there were engine problems as well as fuel system issues documented.
“Well What Year Ranger Should I Buy?”
Despite its share of issues, the Ranger is seen as more of the most reliable trucks. Some years are standouts from the rest. They include model years, 2003, 2007, 2009 and 2011. Those Ranger model years were trucks that were highly regarded as durable trucks by truck industry experts. It’s important to note that ANY year Ranger can be an ideal year for you- if you perform the correct and proper maintenance when needed.
Additional Documented Ford Ranger Issues
Aside from its 3.2 engine problems, the Ford Ranger does have other issues that have been well-documented. Check out a few below!
Transmission Problems
Transmission issues are prevalent especially in Rangers that feature automatic transmissions. In fact, the engine will often outlast the transmission. Transmission problems usually arise once the Ranger owner hits the 200,000-mile mark.
Rusting
As with lots of vehicles, rust can be a real issue; the Ranger is no exception. Rust can cause the fame of the truck to crack- while dramatically decreasing the value of the truck.
Airbag Problems
Lots of Ranger models have historically had issues with airbag deployment during and after a collision or accident. A collision is indeed the worst-case scenario, but we all want a safe vehicle with an airbag that works, even with a worst-case scenario- correct?
“Gas-Guzzling V6 Engines”
Both the 4L and the 3L V6 engines have a tendency to have diminished fuel economy. As you very well know, this can add to lots of dollars spent filing up your Ford Ranger.
“What Should I Look For When Buying A Used Ford Ranger?”
One of the first things that you want to look for when buying your used Ford Ranger, is rust. Check to see if that used Ranger has any rust anywhere. Rust on the Ranger can cause significant issues in the years to come. With your Ranger and its rusty frame, you can be looking at huge repair bills. So, you want to take your time in checking the underbelly of your Ranger. Do you see significant or serious rust damage? Then you may want to steer clear of that used Ford Ranger.
Secondly, you want to take your desired used Ranger to a reputable and certified mechanic. You want your mechanic to alert you to any issues. Have your mechanic start the Ranger. How does it sound? What “red flags”- if any- are under the hood of the Ranger? Are there any fuel hoses that are leaking? Does your mechanic see any cracks or holes in the Ranger’s transfer case? Have a look at the driveshafts. Are they dented? While looking at your used Ranger, you want to be careful if the engine is warm. You want to exercise caution in viewing a Ranger that has already been started, once you arrive to look at it. You want to be sure that your used Ranger is easy to start.
Don’t forget to have your mechanic inspect that engine. Look for signs of trauma and issues. You certainly don’t want to buy a used Ranger with any engine problems.