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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.

My 2011 Ford Ranger has lost power after overheating

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.

Ford Ranger XL 2011: Difficult to start on a cold engine.

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. 

Fourth gear problems with 2011 Ford Ranger

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.

Used Ford Ranger review: 2011-2015

Released in 2011 the all-new PX Ranger was Ford’s entry into the new-age ute market, and like all new generation utes it came in a wide range of models to suit most needs.

While it was built in Thailand, the PX Ranger was the product of Ford’s Australian design team.

The range of models verged on bewildering. You could have almost any style you wanted, including single, dual and super-cab bodies, cab-chassis or ute, high riding rear-wheel drive, four-wheel drive, and petrol or diesel engines.

There was also a choice of models from basic entry-level to the XLT with every feature you could wish for.

Depending on the model you could carry up to 1271 kg and tow as much as 3350 kg.

The PX model range was made up of the XL, XLT and Wildtrack.

They were available in 4x2 (rear-wheel drive) and 4x4 (four-wheel drive) as a regular cab-chassis, a high-rider cab-chassis, and a pick-up, with the choice of single-cab, extended super-cab, and crew-cab bodies.

It also came with the choice of engines, including a 2.2-litre four-cylinder common-rail turbo-diesel, 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, and a 3.2-litre five-cylinder turbo-diesel.

There was also choice of a six-speed manual gearbox or a six-speed automatic transmission.

In XL form it boasted dual front airbags, ABS anti-lock braking, emergency brake assistance, digital stability control, traction control, hill holder, automatic headlights, air-conditioning, cruise control, remote keyless central locking, power mirrors, power windows, two-speaker audio, and alloy wheels.

Crew-cabs had the additional safety features of side airbags and head airbags.

The XLT was only available as a 3.2-litre pick-up, with the super-cab or crew-cab bodies, and either Hi-Rider 4x2 rear-wheel drive or 4x4 four-wheel drive.

It came with dual front airbags, side front airbags, head airbags, ABS anti-lock braking, electronic brakeforce distribution, emergency brake assistance, traction control, 17-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, climate control air-conditioning, automatic headlights, remote central locking, power mirrors and windows, six-speaker CD sound, fog lamps, limited slip differential, rain-sensing wipers, alarm, side steps and tow bar.

Sitting pretty atop the range was the Wildtrack, the Ranger with all the fruit.

It was a dual crew-cab 4x4 four-wheel drive pick-up with 3.2-litre common-rail turbo-diesel.

The list of standard features was lengthy. It included 18-inch alloy wheels, six-speaker CD sound, climate control air-conditioning, alarm, USB socket, Bluetooth to connect an Iphone or android device, reversing camera, floor carpets, rear parking sensors, cruise control, power driver’s seat, immobiliser, fog lamps, front cup holders, heated front seats, automatic headlamps, sat nav, rain-sensing wipers, power windows and mirrors, side steps, sports bar, and cloth trim.

For more you have prestige paint, but there was no option of a sunroof, and you couldn’t have park assist.

All models have a full-sized spare tyre.

An XLS model was added to the range in 2013, which slotted in between the XL and XLT. It was 4x4 four-wheel drive, had the 3.2-litre turbo-diesel engine, locking rear differential, and front fog lamps.

In 2014 an XL Plus came on the scene with 17-inch steel wheels, heavy-duty seat covers, a second battery and moulded black bumpers.

The number of seats you got depended on the choice of body.

You got three seats in the single-cab, four in the super-cab, and five in the crew-cab.

The cabin was nicely laid-out, comfortable and in most cases roomy.

Rear seat passengers in the super-cab would have found it cramped and uncomfortable; the rear seats were only meant for short trips from job site to job site.

For more comfort the crew-cab was the one to go for; rear seat passengers then found themselves in reasonably comfortable seats, with lap-sash seat belts for safety.

There were a range of storage options, and cupholders were fitted for the convenience of those in the front.

Lap/sash seat belts in the rear of dual-cab models allow the fitment of a baby car seat, and ISOFIX baby car seat mounting points (mandatory from 2014) are fitted.

All engines in the PX were new to the Ranger, and this time round Ford offered a petrol engine in addition to the turbo-diesels.

The new petrol engine was a 2.5-litre four-cylinder, which when pushed to its peaks produced 122 kW, or 165 horsepower, and 226 Nm.

It was only available in the rear-wheel drive XL cab-chassis, and only with a five-speed manual gearbox.

In addition to the petrol engine there were two turbo-diesels to choose from. Both were common-rail, one was a 2.2-litre four, the other a 3.2-litre with five cylinders.

The smaller diesel delivered 110 kW, or 147 horsepower, and 375 Nm at its performance peaks, the larger one 147 kW and 470 Nm.

While the 2.2-litre turbo-diesel was available in the XL, the XLT and Wildtrack came with the 3.2-litre engine standard.

The transmission options with the turbo-diesel engines were a six-speed manual gearbox or six-speed automatic.

The PX Ranger while being first and foremost a workhorse does a good job on its many and varied other duties.

With independent front suspension and semi-elliptic leaf spring rear suspension it rides firmly, but still comfortably.

It will carry a sizable load, tow a good-sized caravan, and do it in style.

The 3.2-litre turbo-diesel is the performance king and the best choice for towing.

Unlike oldtime utes which lacked anything resembling safety features the PX Ranger delivers on the safety front and most models got a five-star tick from ANCAP

It was only the lower level variants without side airbags that were hit with a four-star slap.

The five-star wonders have a full array of safety features, including dual front airbags, side font airbags, and head airbags, as well as ABS braking, traction control, stability control, emergency brake assistance, electronic brakeforce distribution, hill hold, rollover protection.

Reports from owners show a widely varying experience with reliability. Some love their cars, but others are less than impressed.

Worryingly, blown 3.2-litre diesel engines are often reported, and at quite low kilometres. Ford has replaced a number of engines under warranty, which makes buying one second hand risky.

With no warranty to fall back on, owners risk having to pay for the replacement engine out of their own pocket.

Those owners who have had an engine blow say they had no warning of the impending meltdown, the first thing they knew the engine was knocking badly, it was emitting white smoke from the exhaust, and it lacked power.

The message to anyone buying one now is to check the oil often, and change it regularly, possibly more frequently than Ford’s recommended 15,000km.

Ford recommends servicing the Ranger every 15,000km or 12 months, but it’s worth changing oil every 10,000km, particularly if the vehicle is working hard or towing.

With a rating to tow 3500kg, the Ranger is going to be a hard worker, so maintenance is crucial. When checking one prior to purchase, ask the vendor for the service book, which will hopefully show a pattern of regular servicing.

It is also essential to check for offroad use. There are plenty that have never seen an unsealed road, let alone a bush track and they are the ones to go for.

There have been a number of recalls with the PX that prospective owners should be aware of.

One related to the possible failure of the output shaft sensor on automatic vehicles causing a sudden downshift to first and possible loss of traction.

Another related to the possibility of the rear seat latch breaking preventing the seat back to be locked in the upright position.

Yet another referred to the possibility of the mounting bolts for the bulbar failing.

It is also essential to check for offroad use. There are plenty that have never seen an unsealed road, let alone a bush track and they are the ones to go for.

Ford introduced capped price servicing to put a lid on service costs in 2014; it applies to all vehicles built after 2007.

The new car warranty was for three-years/100,000km, which means it finally expires for the last examples in 2018.

MORE: If anything crops up, you’ll probably find it on our Ford Ranger problems page.

Sam Naismith: My 2012 dual-cab XLT has been very good. It has all the power and tech I want, it’s economical, handles well on the road and is great off it.

Ray Ellis: I was happy with my 2013 dual-cab XLT until the engine blew up at 42,000 km. Suddenly there was white smoke, the engine bay was covered with oil, and the engine was running roughly.

Alan Cross: My 2013 XL Hi-rider just died one day without warning. It needed a new engine.

Paul Johnstone: The engine in my 2012 XLT blew up with no warning. It was serviced regularly and everything appeared normal, but one day it started making a horrible knocking noise and vibrating badly. I’m very disappointed with it.

Barry Scott: The engine in my 2014 XLT was very sluggish. It lacked power and there was no torque, so Ford replaced the engine at 60,000 km. There have been other problems with the injectors, glow plugs, and the new engine has developed a worrying ticking noise. I’m not happy.

Toyota Hilux
The perennial favourite is under pressure from all sides, but is still hard to beat for reliability and value.

VW Amarok
A bit of an unknown quantity from a maker that hasn’t previously played in this market.

Nissan Navara
Solid, but uninspiring ute that urges caution on the part of buyers.

Tough looks and top tower, but engine problems a concern for used buyers.

Read the article
Ford, Audi, Tesla confirm affected Takata recall models
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

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 HiLux

Tough, unbreakable, the class leader is hard to beat.

Nissan Navara

Lost in the new-age pack, but it’s a worthy contender.

Mitsubishi Triton

Good 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.

Read the article
Used Ford Ranger review: 2011-2013

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.

They were once the realm of the traditional local car makers, Holden and Ford, who between them claimed the market. Now the market is dominated by Asian brands, in particular the Toyota HiLux.

Released in 2011 the PX Ranger is Ford's entry into this new ute market and like all new generation utes it comes in a wide range of models to suit most needs.

You could have almost any style you wanted including single, dual and super-cab bodies, cab-chassis or ute, 4x2, high riding 4x2, 4x4, petrol or diesel. There was also a choice of models from basic entry-level to the XLT with every feature you could wish for.

Depending on the model you could carry up to 1271kg and tow as much as 3350kg.

Unlike yesterday's utes, today's utes also deliver on the safety front. Most of the Ranger models get a five-star tick from ANCAP, it's only the lower level variants without curtain airbags that are hit with a four-star slap.

There was a choice of three engines, including a 2.5-litre petrol-slurping four-cylinder, a 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel and a 3.2-litre five-cylinder turbodiesel.

At the top of the tree the five-cylinder diesel delivers plenty of low-down grunt for comfortable cruising or hauling a hefty load.

On the road they exhibited decent drivability, the handling was safe and secure, the braking powerful.

Tucked away inside you rode in quiet comfort with every feature you could want. Indeed today's utes are all things to all owners.

Everyone agrees, the Ranger looks great, is comfortable and is a great towing vehicle.

Most owners say they are happy with their choice of ute, and few report any problems, but there are a couple of issues that keep cropping up.

One is the turbo. A number of owners have had turbos melt down, and the more experienced say the key is to let them idle to bring them the turbo temperature down before switching the engine off. Another thing they recommend is to use a good quality engine oil to keep the turbo bearing well lubed.

There are also reports of major engine issues after an oil change. It is claimed that the oil pump won't prime if the oil dump is longer than around 10 minutes, and if the pump won't prime it won't deliver oil to the engine and that means serious trouble. Some mechanics are aware of the issue, so talk to the guy doing your service and make sure he doesn't take a cuppa-break while the oil drains out of the engine.

Take a look at the lower radiator hose on your car and if it is close to rubbing on the engine, or has scuff marks that suggest it is rubbing on the engine, get a zip-tie to hold it away from the engine. Letting it rub through could lead to water leaks and a serious meltdown. There is a new hose available to avoid this issue, so talk to your dealer at the next service and get your car updated.

Anyone buying a used Ranger should be aware that it has a dual-mass flywheel and is affected by rapid clutch wear. A pulsation through the clutch pedal on manuals is a sign that all is not well in the clutch department. Replacing the clutch is not a cheap exercise.

If you are planning to operate the Ranger at or near its weight carrying capacity check it out with a suspension expert before doing so.

Check your chosen car for a creditable service record, and carefully go over it in search of evidence of off-road use. The Ranger is quite a capable off-roader, so anticipate that many will have been used off the black top. If you believe the car you're keen on had been off-road walk away.

Read the article
Ford Ranger clutch issues

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.

Ask Smithy Xtra Ranger cruise control recall

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.

Is premium diesel better?

Caltex make what they call Vortex Premium Diesel, which is claimed to remove deposits that build up over time in injectors and keep the engine running at its best. They claim that Vortex Premium will give you better performance and use less fuel, but I stress that’s the company’s claim.

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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Complete guide to Ford Ranger 2011
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