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Ford Ranger 2008 Problems

Are you having problems with your 2008 Ford Ranger? Let our team of motoring experts keep you up to date with all of the latest 2008 Ford Ranger issues & faults. We have gathered all of the most frequently asked questions and problems relating to the 2008 Ford Ranger in one spot to help you decide if it's a smart buy.

Used Ford Ranger review: 2006-2009
By Graham Smith · 28 Feb 2018
The humble utility has always been a sentimental favourite of Australians, but nobody could have guessed it would become the nation’s most popular car. Along the way to market leadership the ute has gone from humble workhorse to fully-loaded all-purpose vehicle for townies as much as bushies. Ford’s Ranger has
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Ford, Audi, Tesla confirm affected Takata recall models
By Spencer Leech · 09 Mar 2018
Hot on the heels of the Australian government's mandatory Takata airbag recall, Ford, Audi and Tesla have joined the list of carmakers to detail which of it's models are affected.
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Ford Ranger cracked chassis
Answered by Graham Smith · 09 Nov 2012

It is unacceptable for a chassis to crack under normal driving use, you might accept some cracking if the vehicle was being used in extreme conditions. We haven't had any other reports of Rangers having this problem; the only other vehicle that has been reported to us with chassis cracking is a Nissan Navara. Likewise we haven't had other reports of cylinder head problems with the Ranger diesel. I would expect Ford to come to the party with some of the cost of repairs, but being the second owner and having already had the repairs done you claim has been weakened.

Ask Smithy Xtra Rusty Ford Ranger
Answered by Graham Smith · 09 Nov 2010

Before he does anything else he should read the warranty and understand what it includes, and from that what it doesn’t. Body warranties often only provide cover against actual perforation, and not the surface rust you say your son’s car has. Once he understands the provisions of the warranty he can then talk to his dealer, and Ford if that might advance his case.

Ford Ranger gear change
Answered by CarsGuide team · 23 Feb 2011

We haven’t had other reports of a problem with fifth gear in the Ranger, but we have had reports of clutch problems with the Ranger and the Mazda BT-50, as we have with a number of one-tonne utes. No one has yet to admit to a fault unfortunately, so you’re on your own should your clutch fail.

Acceleration problems with a 2008 Ford Ranger
Answered by David Morley · 27 Mar 2023

This sounds very much like a fuelling problem. Since a diesel engine has no ignition system (beyond its own compression) any fall off in performance can often be traced back to the fuel system.

The best bet is to take the vehicle to a diesel specialist that knows this make and model and will have either seen this exact set of symptoms before or will be able to make a logical diagnosis rather than just changing random parts that may or may not be the cause of the problem. Things that are likely causes, however, are the fuel filtering system, fuel pump and injectors. But don’t rule out something simple like a bad batch of fuel that is playing havoc with the entire system.

Ford Ranger 2008: How do I reset the LFW lock
Answered by Graham Smith · 30 Nov 2018

 While the front hubs lock automatically when you engage four-wheel drive, they don’t automatically unlock when you disengage four-wheel drive. To do that you must press the button in the dash. It should all be explained in your owner’s manual.

PJ Ford Ranger engine failure
Answered by Graham Smith · 20 Jun 2014

A lack of oil is the most likely explanation, although it could also have been caused by a manufacturing defect. At this point all you can do is what you have done, and that's to write it off to experience.

The indicator lights in my 2008 Ford Ranger PJ are stuck on
Answered by David Morley · 06 Jun 2025

The symptoms here point to a stuck flasher relay. This is the electrical component that not only powers the indicator lights, but makes them flash (and produces the steady clicking sound you hear when the indicators are on). The contacts in these units can become stuck at which point the lights can become stuck on.

Why does it still happen when the ignition is off? Because the flasher relay is powered up even when the ignition is not. That’s so you can have the emergency hazard-warning lights flashing even though the vehicle is locked and the keys in your pocket. A new flasher relay unit should fix it.

Ford Ranger service charges
Answered by Carsguide.com.au · 02 Dec 2010

We were told that the valve clearances are no longer done at 20,000 km, as the dealer told you. We understand it is now done at 80,000 km. As for the charge you need to discuss that with the dealer, and bear in mind that dealers are charging upwards of $140 per hour for work done in their shops.

Disclaimer: You acknowledge and agree that all answers are provided as a general guide only and should not be relied upon as bespoke advice. Carsguide is not liable for the accuracy of any information provided in the answers.
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