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Ford Ranger 2011 Problems

Are you having problems with your 2011 Ford Ranger? Let our team of motoring experts keep you up to date with all of the latest 2011 Ford Ranger issues & faults. We have gathered all of the most frequently asked questions and problems relating to the 2011 Ford Ranger in one spot to help you decide if it's a smart buy.

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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Used Ford Ranger review: 2009-2011
By Graham Smith · 05 Mar 2018
Once just a workhorse the humble ute is now called upon to perform all sorts of duties, from traditional worker, to cool sportster, weekend escaper and even family hack.Where in the past Holden and Ford dominated the market with their locally designed and built Commodore and Falcon-based models, the needs of Australian ute buyers are now well served by a vast array of makes and models.One of the more popular ones is the Thailand-built Ford Ranger, which has assumed the mantle once worn by the Falcon, itself a descendent of the original Aussie ute.The PK Ranger was a face-lifted and updated remake of the previous PJ model. It boasted a new, more urbane look, the range of variants was expanded and included a new high-end 'Wildtrack' version, and there were more standard features.It was available in XL, XLT and Wildtrack forms, with a range of cab-chassis and pick-ups, there was a choice of single-cab, super-cab and dual-cab body styles, all were diesel powered, and there was a choice of rear-wheel drive of four-wheel drive.The XL was the entry model. It was available as a rear- or four-wheel drive cab-chassis with single, super or dual-cab bodies, or a pick-up, with the choice of rear or four-wheel drive, and single, super or dual-cab bodies.All were turbo-diesel powered, by either a 2.5-litre or 3.0-litre engine, and depending on the variant a choice of manual gearbox or automatic transmission.Standard features included dual front airbags, air conditioning, tilt adjustable steering column, MP3 connectivity, two-speaker sound, CD player, remote central locking, cupholders, power front windows and power mirrors, and cloth trim.Optional extras included ABS braking, bucket front seats, and a tray.Moving on up to the XLT saw the choices reduced. It was only available as a pick-up, which came as a rear-wheel drive with a dual-cab, or four-wheel drive with super- or dual-cab.XLT buyers were treated to the additional features of 16-inch alloy wheels, ABS braking, EBD electronic brakeforce distribution, air conditioning, side front airbags, CD stacker, front fog lamps, leather steering wheel and gear knob, flares, and chrome grille, mirrors, and door handles.Metallic paint was the only option offered.New to the range in PK was the Wildtrack. It was only available as a dual-cab four-wheel drive pick-up with the 3.0-litre turbo-diesel engine and the choice of manual gearbox of automatic transmission.Standard were 18-inch alloy wheels, six-speaker sound, CD stacker, air conditioning, fog lamps, illuminated side mirrors, leather steering wheel and gear knob, power front windows, power mirrors, roll bar, roof rails, side steps, sports dials, and suede-look trim. If that wasn’t enough you could also have metallic paint.While the PK Ranger was well equipped for the day it didn’t have features like Bluetooth to sync an iPhone or Android device, there was no sat nav to find your way about, it didn’t have a touch screen, the air conditioning wasn’t climate control, and there was no sunroof on offer.Likewise when parking or reversing you couldn’t call on the assistance of a reversing camera, parking sensors and a park assist system.The spare tyre was a full-sized one.The number of seats in the cabin was dependent on the body chosen.If you chose the single-cab you got a bench that could accommodate three, but there was also the option of bucket seats, which would limit the seating to two.The super-cab could accommodate four, two in the front buckets seats, and two in the rear seat.With bucket front seats and a rear bench for three, it was possible to accommodate five in the dual-cab.The cabin was neat and tidy, all controls were well within the driver’s reach, and the seats were comfortable and supportive.There was a footrest for the driver, the steering column could be adjusted for tilt, and there were cupholders in the front.The XL and XLT had cloth trim; the Wildtrack had suede lookalike inserts in the seats and the doors.It was too early for ISOFIX baby car seat mounting points.Like the previous model there were no petrol engines offered in the PK Ranger; both engines offered were four-cylinder common-rail turbo-diesels.The base engine was a 2.5-litre double-overhead camshaft, fuel-injected unit that pumped out 105kW and 330Nm when operating at its twin peaks of horsepower and torque.It was a willing worker, revving smoothly, and pulling readily from low speed.The 3.0-litre version, standard in the Wildtrack, offered more horsepower and torque, with 115kW at its power peak and 380Nm at maximum torque.With more torque it was even more willing from low speed and was more flexible than the smaller engine.The transmission options were a five-speed manual gearbox, or a five-speed automatic transmission, and final drive was either via the rear wheels or all four.Utes were once unrefined and uncomfortable, the sort of vehicle a boss would have his workers drive, but wouldn’t drive one himself.All that has changed, utes like the PK Ranger are much more refined and considerably more comfortable, while still able to get the job done when needed.With independent front suspension the PK handled well and was quite comfortable to ride in, while the semi-elliptic leaf spring rear suspension carried or towed a workmanlike load.On the road the performance was smooth and willing, and those inside were treated to a quiet and comfortable ride, with little wind or road noise to disturb the inner calm.The PK Ranger was rated at three stars by ANCAP.All models came with safety features including airbags for the driver and front seat passenger.The XT and Wildtrack had the most safety features; they too had dual front airbags, but also had side airbags for those in the front seats.ABS braking was optional on the XL, but standard across the rest of the range.Reliability of the PK Ranger is good; there are few problems of note.Owners of vehicles with the manual gearbox are sometimes surprised to find they have to replace the clutch at relatively low kilometres. The cost of replacing the clutch can be higher than expected because the dual-mass flywheel is often replaced at the same time.When checking a Ranger look for damage caused by unthinking and uncaring workers who couldn’t care less about the boss’s vehicle. Also check for signs of off-road abuse.The Ranger’s warranty was three years/100,000km, but that’s long been expired.Ford recommended the Ranger be serviced every 15,000km or 12 months, and capped price servicing didn’t apply.The cost of service isn’t expensive and any experienced mechanic can do it.A recall in 2010 alerted owners to the possibility of a fatigue crack developing around the bonnet striker when driven for extended periods in tough going. If it did crack the bonnet could come open while driving along.PK models fitted with cruise control as a genuine Ford accessory were affected by a recall in 2011. Owners could have found problems setting or cancelling the cruise.There was also a recall on 2012 relating to the potential of a crack developing around the towbar tongue.MORE: If anything crops up, you’ll probably find it on our Ford Ranger problems page.Len Batson: I’ve been to Cape York in my 2010 XL super-cab towing a 1.5-tonne camper. I can’t fault it; it’s comfortable, reliable and economical.Ralph Morton: My 2010 XLT dual-cab is the best car I’ve ever owned. I bought it new and have never had to do anything but the regular servicing. It happily tows a 2.6-tonne caravan.Travis French: I have a 2009 Wildtrack, which is a solid all-round ute. I’ve had one or two problems; I had to replace a rocker cover gasket, and had to replace a clutch at 90,000km. Other than those it’s been good.Alan Bairstow: My 2009 XL double-cab has done 220,000km, and it has been a joy to own and drive. It’s towed a boat without any problem, it’s been reliable and economical, and is as comfortable as any sedan I’ve been in.Toyota HiLuxTough, unbreakable, the class leader is hard to beat.Nissan NavaraLost in the new-age pack, but it’s a worthy contender.Mitsubishi TritonGood all-rounder, but can struggle when worked at the extreme.Reliable, comfortable and economical new-age worker that happily does double-duty at family time.
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Used Ford Ranger review: 2011-2013
By Graham Smith · 16 Jan 2015
Utes have always been popular with Aussies, but never more so than in recent years when there has been more to choose from than ever before. The humble ute is no longer a mere work wagon; it is now called upon to perform all sorts of duties, from traditional worker, to cool sportster, weekend escaper and family hack.
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Used Ford Ranger review: 2011-2015
By Graham Smith · 19 Mar 2018
Released in 2011, the all-new PX Ranger was Ford’s entry into the new-age ute market and the range of models verged on bewildering.
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Ask Smithy Xtra Ranger cruise control recall
Answered by Graham Smith · 15 Mar 2011

Never take anything for granted, it pays to check and check again if you’re not certain that the work being carried out on your car is what is supposed to be done. Never feel afraid to ask questions, and always remember that you are the customer, the one who has spent the dollars to buy the car.

My 2011 Ford Ranger has noisy engine tappets
Answered by David Morley · 05 Nov 2024

Noisy tappets (also known as hydraulic lifters) are relatively common on engines that have done their fair share of work. By using oil pressure generated from the engine’s oil pump, the hydraulic lifter can adjust to maintain the perfect gap between itself and the engine’s intake and exhaust valves. This improves efficiency and reduces engine wear, so it’s an important job.

Over time, the lifters may become a bit lazy (or weak) and may not be able to maintain that correct gap. At which point the extra clearance causes the tapping sound we associate with worn lifters. Replacement is the solution, and best practice says replace them all at once on the basis that if one lifter is already weak, the rest won’t be too clever either.

However, there’s one thing you can try before that, and that is to give the engine an oil change with a high-detergent (as most diesel engine oils are) content oil and a clean filter. Sometimes, fresh oil will clear out a small piece of grit or rubbish that is blocking the oil flow to a lifter and restore it to full health.

Fourth gear problems with 2011 Ford Ranger
Answered by Graham Smith · 20 Apr 2018

How did you determine the gearbox oil was low? An additive won’t do anything for you, except maybe fix a leaking seal, but you don’t say if there is a leak present. Take it to a mechanic.

Ford Ranger XL 2011: Difficult to start on a cold engine.
Answered by Iain Kelly · 13 Dec 2019

Normally this would be an issue with the glow plugs, but the 2.5 turbo-diesel Rangers seem to occasionally have an issue with the assembly around the fuel filter (which includes the water trap and primer pump) sucking in air. This can be fixed by replacing the unit as a whole. Similarly Ranger owners have reported trouble cold-starting their 2.5 TD when the valve stopping fuel flowing back into the tank from the pump fails. Try priming your fuel system a couple of times before starting and if it starts up fine then replace that valve near the fuel pump. 

Ford Ranger clutch issues
Answered by Graham Smith · 23 Feb 2012

The clutch issue is not confined to the Ranger, other brands suffer the same problems, which suggests that the clutches used are marginal for towing. Your experience is not unusual, and should be a warning to everyone else looking to buy a ute to tow with. The normal fix is to install a heavy-duty aftermarket clutch, as you have done. Unfortunately carmakers have an out, in that they state quite clearly that the clutch is not covered by the warranty, and it's difficult to say what kilometres you should expect to get from a clutch before it would need replacing.

My 2011 Ford Ranger has lost power after overheating
Answered by David Morley · 16 Jan 2024

By connecting the Ranger to a diagnostic computer, you should be able to work out what's constricting the engine power. Modern engines constantly monitor everything from boost pressure to fuel pressure, and transmission temperature to alternator output. Somewhere in those hundreds of parameters will be the problem and it should be fairly obvious to somebody who knows how to interpret the codes the car's computer will spit out.

Meantime, it could be that the engine's installation skipped hooking up a sensor or piece of wiring and that has caused the engine to go into limp-home mode which limits the power the car will produce in the interests of self preservation. On a really simple level, have you checked that all the turbocharger's plumbing is intact and the joints are tight post engine installation? Loose plumbing joints and cracked or split plastic tubing are a common way to lose turbo-boost pressure.

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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