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Ford Ranger Diesel Problems

Are you having problems with your Ford Ranger Diesel? Let our team of motoring experts keep you up to date with all of the latest Ford Ranger Diesel issues & faults. We have answered all of the most frequently asked questions relating to problems with the Ford Ranger Diesel.

Is the 2007 Nissan Navara a good choice?

For a few years from 2005, Nissan sold two types of Navaras in Australia - the all-new big D40 series and the old D22 that dated back from the latter 1990s. 

If you want an inexpensive, compact and hard-wearing truck that's reliable but not very refined nor comfortable, the old D22 is it. Its 3.0L turbo-diesel has proven strong and reliable in this application and the Nissan has a reputation for being as tough as nails.

The larger and newer D40, meanwhile, is the much better choice if space, safety and refinement are priorities, and remained a class-leading proposition right up until the current-generation Ford Ranger, Mazda BT-50 and Volkswagen Amarok all moved the pick-up truck game on in 2011. The Spanish-built ST-X is the choice grade, especially in turbo-diesel and 4x4 guise.

The Navara is considered a reliable and dependable truck, but many are also workhorses that lead tough lives and are often neglected or mistreated. If you're after one, please consider having it checked out first by an experienced mechanic.

Known issues include fuel-injection failure, roof rust, premature clutch wear in manual  models, electronics issues, turbo-charger failures and sagging rear springs.

Such problems can apply to any similar truck, so don't be too put off by the D40 Navara. It's a firm used-truck favourite for good reason.

Is the Ford Ranger, Isuzu D-Max or VW Amarok best for towing a 2.8 tonne caravan?

Every all-new MY21 Isuzu D-Max and select current versions of the Amarok and Ranger offer a 3500kg towing capacity maximum - namely all Amarok V6 autos and all Rangers EXCEPT the 4x2 XL Single Cab Chassis Low-Rider 2.2 Diesel at the bottom of the Ford range, and the 4x4 Raptor Double Cab Pick-Up 2.0L Diesel at the very top (they're both 2500kg).

Least torquey is the D-Max at 450Nm, followed by the Ranger (2.2L 4-cyl: 385Nm, 3.2L 5-cyl: 470Nm and 2.0L twin-turbo 4-cyl: 500Nm) and Amarok (550Nm to 580Nm), meaning the Amarok will probably be the least challenged towing a 2.8-tonne caravan. But all three should suffice.

Please note, however, that Gross Combined Mass (GCM) tallies means that there are other weight factors that need to be considered before safely towing a 2.8-tonne caravan, even with a 3500kg ute. These include things like the ute's payload, heavy bull bars, sports bars and side steps, canopies and even the number of people travelling inside. And of course, a fully-equipped and laden caravan can easily exceed the stated tare mass.

We hope this helps.   

How long do Ford Rangers last?

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.

How to make Ford Ranger more fuel efficient?

The easiest and cheapest way to improve the mileage from your Ford Ranger is to concentrate on driving with peak efficiency in mind. Avoiding stop/start traffic, maintaining a constant cruising speed on the freeway, and driving as smoothly as possible will all pay dividends to your fuel consumption. Diesel models also benefit from an improved intercooler, intake and exhaust package in conjunction with a retune of the factory ECU.

Best diesel ute for towing a horse float?

The Amarok is rated to tow 3000 kg, which would make it marginal for your needs given that you want to tow around three tonnes. The Ranger and BT-50 are rated at 3500 kg, which would make them more suitable for you. The Ranger and the BT-50 are the same vehicle, it's only the features that separate them. For me, of those you list the Mazda is the best value-for-money.

2015 PX Ford Ranger 4x4 dual-cab loud injector noise

From your description it does appear to be noisy injectors. Take it back to the dealership and have them assess the noise in your presence so you can make sure they are hearing what you hear. Once you've done that make a warranty claim to have it fixed.

Isuzu D-Max: Is it a good single-cab turbodiesel ute?

It's OK but the Ford Ranger and Mazda BT-50 are better. The Mazda gets The Tick based on lower prices for better value.

Towing with a dual-cab ute?

It's too early for a reliability read on classy utes such as the Ford Ranger/Mazda BT50 and VW Amarok, which with their lusty turbo diesels are great for heavy work.

PJ Ford Ranger engine failure

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.

2013 Ford Ranger rattle

It's likely to be a fuelling issue, so check the fuel pump and injectors. Common-rail diesels often have issues with the injectors as they wear. To get a better reading on it I would suggest taking it to an experienced diesel mechanic.

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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