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2004 Ford Ranger

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By Research the Car 4 min read

2004 Ford Ranger

The 2004 Ford Ranger is a mid-size pickup truck that was available with a variety of engine and transmission options. The most popular engine option was the 4.0L V6, which produced 207 horsepower and 238 lb-ft of torque. Other engine options included the 2.3L I4 and the 3.0L V6. Transmission options included a 5-speed manual, a 4-speed automatic, and a 5-speed automatic.

The Ranger was a popular choice for buyers who needed a versatile and affordable truck. It was praised for its rugged construction, off-road capabilities, and towing capacity. However, the Ranger also had some drawbacks, including a cramped interior, outdated design, and poor fuel economy.

Engine

  • 2.3L I4
    • Intake Manifold Issues
      • Description/Symptoms: The intake manifold can develop cracks, causing coolant and oil leaks. Symptoms include low coolant levels, overheating, and a loss of power.
      • Solution: The intake manifold must be replaced.
      • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $1,500+
      • Recalls: None Found
  • 3.0L V6
    • Valve Seat Recession
      • Description/Symptoms: The valve seats can become recessed, causing a loss of compression. Symptoms include difficult starting, poor performance, and increased oil consumption.
      • Solution: The cylinder heads must be replaced.
      • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,500 - $3,000+
      • Recalls: None Found
  • 4.0L V6
    • Timing Chain Failure
      • Description/Symptoms: The timing chain can fail, causing the engine to lose power or stall. Symptoms include a rattling noise from the engine, loss of power, and a check engine light.
      • Solution: The timing chain and related components must be replaced.
      • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,000+
      • Recalls: None Found
    • Spark Plug Blowout
      • Description/Symptoms: The spark plugs can blow out of the cylinder head, causing a loss of compression. Symptoms include rough idling, poor performance, and a check engine light.
      • Solution: The spark plugs must be replaced and the cylinder head may need to be repaired.
      • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
      • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

  • 5-Speed Manual
    • Clutch Issues
      • Description/Symptoms: The clutch can wear out or fail, causing difficulty shifting or a loss of power. Symptoms include a slipping clutch, grinding noises when shifting, and difficulty engaging gears.
      • Solution: The clutch must be replaced.
      • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
      • Recalls: None Found
  • 4-Speed Automatic
    • Transmission Slipping
      • Description/Symptoms: The transmission can slip, causing a loss of power or difficulty shifting. Symptoms include a slipping transmission, delayed shifting, and a check engine light.
      • Solution: The transmission may need to be rebuilt or replaced.
      • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500+
      • Recalls: None Found
  • 5-Speed Automatic
    • No Issues Found

Suspension

  • Front Suspension
    • Ball Joint Failure
      • Description/Symptoms: The ball joints can fail, causing the front wheels to lose alignment. Symptoms include a clunking noise, uneven tire wear, and difficulty steering.
      • Solution: The ball joints must be replaced.
      • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
      • Recalls: None Found
  • Rear Suspension
    • Leaf Spring Failure
      • Description/Symptoms: The leaf springs can break or become weak, causing the rear of the truck to sag. Symptoms include a sagging rear end, uneven tire wear, and difficulty handling.
      • Solution: The leaf springs must be replaced.
      • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
      • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

  • Electrical System
    • Battery Drain
      • Description/Symptoms: The battery can drain quickly, even when the truck is not in use. Symptoms include a dead battery, a slow crank, and difficulty starting the truck.
      • Solution: The source of the drain must be identified and fixed.
      • Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies depending on the source of the drain
      • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

  • Body Panels
    • Rust
      • Description/Symptoms: The body panels can rust, especially in areas exposed to road salt or moisture. Symptoms include bubbles or peeling paint, rust spots, and deterioration of the body panels.
      • Solution: The affected body panels must be repaired or replaced.
      • Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies depending on the extent of the damage
      • Recalls: None Found

Interior

  • Climate Control
    • HVAC Blower Motor Failure
      • Description/Symptoms: The HVAC blower motor can fail, causing a loss of airflow from the vents. Symptoms include no airflow from the vents, a noisy blower motor, or a check engine light.
      • Solution: The blower motor must be replaced.
      • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
      • Recalls: None Found

Summary

Overall, the 2004 Ford Ranger is a reliable and capable truck. However, it is not without its problems. Some of the most common issues include engine timing chain failures, spark plug blowout, transmission slipping, suspension component failures, and electrical problems. The severity and cost of these issues can vary depending on the specific problem and the extent of the damage.

Ford, Ranger
Ford Ranger 2004
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