Ford Problems

Pop the top cover above the screen up, then remove the two fasteners holding the screen to the dashboard. Using a trim removal tool lever out the trim panel holding the vents beside the screen, working down around the base of the touchscreen unit. Unplug the wiring from this piece and set it aside. Remove the four fasteners holding the unit to the dash structure. The screen can then be lifted forward, out and unplugged.

Like any modern diesel vehicle, T6 Rangers need to be taken on regular long drives of a few hundred kms to clean out the DPF filter. The DPF tends to clog up with soot in metro driving or on short trips, but can be blown clear by loading up the Ranger and taking it miles out of town for a good long trip. There have been a raft of problems with Rangers recently brought to light, including engines needing replacement, leaking engine oil from the rear main seal, split intercooler pipes, and even harsh transmission shifts. These aren't unique problems, however, as the Toyota HiLux, Nissan Navara, Mitsubishi Triton and others have all had reported problems of their own. The solution is to buy a Ranger with a comprehensive service history, with low mileage and get it professionally inspected before spending your hard earned. It should last years then.

Open the driver's door and look on the side of the dashboard near the door hinges. There should be a bonnet release lever. Pull that and then walk to the front of the car. Stand in front of the middle of the bonnet and lift the bonnet panel while pulling the secondary catch lever, which is near the middle of the Escape, mounted on the radiator top panel to the left of the middle. Hold that lever while lifting the bonnet and it will open up.

Starters from equivalent Mazda models, like the Bravo will be the same. You could also buy a reconditioned starter.

Rear-drive PX II-series Rangers are rated to tow up to 750kg of unbraked trailer, or 2500kg if the trailer has brakes. Four-wheel-drive Rangers, however, are rated to tow up to 3500kg (if the trailer has brakes). I have personally used a 3.2-litre diesel 4x4 Ranger XLT to tow almost 3500kg from Melbourne to Brisbane, and it was a breeze. That particular vehicle was used primarily to tow a large boat, as well as a race car in an enclosed trailer, and it did it very well though the owner had it serviced more often than recommended, and he had the suspension regularly checked for wear.

Take it to a Ford dealer or qualified mechanic. Some Ford models need to have the oil drained and refilled within 10 minutes or they will suffer low oil pressure when trying to restart. It isn't worth risking your engine to save a few dollars by servicing it yourself.

The standard scissor jack lives under a lift-up panel in the cargo area flooring. If using this to lift the Ford Escape you should lock it in the factory jacking point, located approximately 30cm behind the front wheels or approximately 30cm in front of the rear wheels, as marked in the owner's manual. Laying on the ground you should be able to see a small arrow marked on the vehicle's sills pointing inwards, which is the factory jacking point. Locate the scissor jack on the vehicle's pinch weld (the thin metal strip running along the car under the sill) at the jacking point, ensuring the jack is positioned on flat, stable ground, and the handbrake is on. For floor jacks, otherwise known as trolley jacks, you should position the jack under the centre of the front or rear suspension cradles, lifting from the approved factory lift point as listed in the owner's manual. Ford Escape models weigh between 1670kg (two-wheel drive) and 1750kg (all-wheel drive) depending of the model and trim.

Two-door T6 Rangers are 5110mm long in total, while four-door (dual cab) Rangers are 5351mm from nose to tail. The extra length comes from the extended cab length between the single cab, crew cab, and dual cab variants.

Yes, no and maybe, all at once.

Ford's T6-generation Rangers are generally a reliable machine so long as they're treated with mechanical sympathy, and are serviced by the book. There have been a few issues reported by some owners, with engines and transmissions replaced under warranty.

However, compared to other vehicles in this class the Ranger is highly reliable and the best pick.

They are an excellent vehicle in the market they're competing, but are terrible at being a supercar or hot hatch.

Honestly, they're well-built, well-finished and the only downside is they're a bit pricey in my opinion.