1992 Ford Ranger

Introduction

The 1992 Ford Ranger is a compact pickup truck known for its ruggedness and versatility. It offers various engine and transmission options, including a 2.3L 4-cylinder engine with a 5-speed manual transmission or a 4-speed automatic transmission and a 4.0L V6 engine with a 5-speed manual transmission or a 4-speed automatic transmission. Drivers appreciate the Ranger’s maneuverability and payload capacity, while common complaints include a lack of power from the 2.3L engine and limited interior space.

Engine 2.3L 4-Cylinder

• Intake Manifold Gasket Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Leaking coolant, overheating, loss of power
  • Solution: Replace intake manifold gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Pan Gasket Leak
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaking from around the oil pan
  • Solution: Replace oil pan gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Timing Chain Guide Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Rattling or ticking noise from engine
  • Solution: Replace timing chain guide
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $600 - $1,200+
  • Recalls: None Found

4.0L V6

• Head Gasket Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaking from around the head gasket, overheating, loss of power
  • Solution: Replace head gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Intake Plenum Leak
  • Description/Symptoms: Vacuum leak, rough idle, loss of power
  • Solution: Replace intake plenum gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Fuel Injector Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine misfiring, rough idle, poor fuel economy
  • Solution: Replace fuel injectors
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $250 - $500+ per injector
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

5-Speed Manual

• Clutch Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting gears, grinding or slipping clutch
  • Solution: Replace clutch
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Synchronizer Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficult or impossible to shift gears smoothly
  • Solution: Replace synchronizer
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

4-Speed Automatic

• Transmission Fluid Leak
  • Description/Symptoms: Leaking transmission fluid, slipping gears, rough shifting
  • Solution: Replace transmission fluid pan gasket or other leaking seal
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Torque Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Slipping gears, lack of acceleration, overheating transmission
  • Solution: Replace torque converter
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Leaf Spring Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Sagging or broken leaf springs
  • Solution: Replace leaf springs
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+ per leaf
  • Recalls: None Found
• Ball Joint Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Knocking or clunking sound when turning or hitting bumps
  • Solution: Replace ball joints
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $250 - $500+ per joint
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Battery discharging even after replacement
  • Solution: Diagnose and repair electrical system fault
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Starter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty starting the engine, clicking or grinding noise
  • Solution: Replace starter
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $250 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Alternator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Dimming headlights, battery warning light on, overheating engine
  • Solution: Replace alternator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust
  • Description/Symptoms: Rust forming on body panels, especially around fenders and rocker panels
  • Solution: Rust prevention or repair
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies widely depending on severity
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• HVAC System Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: No heat or air conditioning, blower motor not working
  • Solution: Repair or replace HVAC components
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Seat Belt Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Seat belts not retracting or locking properly
  • Solution: Replace seat belts
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300+ per seat belt
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 1992 Ford Ranger has several potential issues that range in severity and cost. The most common and expensive are engine-related, such as head gasket failure and timing chain guide failure. Transmission problems can also be costly, including clutch failure and torque converter failure. Suspension and electrical issues are generally less severe and less expensive to fix. While the Ranger is a rugged and reliable vehicle overall, prospective buyers should be aware of these potential issues before making a purchase.