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1997 Ford Ranger electrical problems

28 complaints (7% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 78,000.

owner complaints
28
of this car's complaints
7%
typical mileage
78,000
crashes
0
recalls
0

Which part fails

  • Wiring: interior/under dash
    5
  • Wiring: fuses and circuit breakers
    2
  • Ignition: anti-theft: control module
    2
  • Wiring: front underhood
    1
  • Wiring
    1
  • Ignition: module
    1
  • Alternator/generator/regulator
    1
  • 12v/24v/48v battery
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Ford Ranger electrical problems in other years

1990199520002005201020202026

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

What 1997 Ford Ranger owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Sep 23, 2020 · Electrical, Engine · 35,990 miles · CA

Ford ranger 4x4 xlt 4.0l has had problems from the beginning front tires two out , fog lights, air conditioning, transmission shift points , check engine light when new and to this day gas mileage not as stated on window sticker ,also windows motor and controls

Filed Jul 28, 2015 · Electrical, Lights · MD

Guy next door knocked on my door late one night to tell me that my dome light was on. I looked & it wasn't. He said that was odd because he even walked by it & could see inside. A few days later it happened again. Then while driving at night the light came on by itself. From that point on it would randomly turn itself on. Naturally ford told me that was impossible. The only way I could stop it without paying a ton of money to a garage was to pull the fuse & I've had to use a flashlight if I need a light at night ever since. My truck also has a theft light because a factory alarm was an option for my truck. I do not have an alarm but the word alarm is still on the panel. That light will randomly turn on & say theft. I do not have an alarm! I told ford & that told me that was impossible since I don't have an alarm. I said that maybe a wire was crossed somewhere but ford told me," no! ". Talking to other ranger owners here & there I've found out that not only are there others doing the exact same things but it is also other years besides 1997. I like the truck just tired of ford & tired of the bs!!

Filed May 10, 2010 · Electrical, Engine · 70,000 miles · MD

Electrical problems: 1. Intermittent wipers will wipe 2, 3, 4, 5 times at random in a row always and not in that order. 2. Backup lights continue to blow fuse after replacing all lighting parts 3. Horn works 1% of the time, unable to find cause. 4. Ac blows hot air intermittently even after replacement of blower blend door. 5. Gas: when below 1/4 tank and making right turn truck will stall, even after work on tank.

Filed May 1, 2010 · Electrical, Visibility · 150,249 miles · NC

With all controls in off position, very hot air starts coming from floor vent (97 ford ranger) also when A/C is turned on,,hot air comes out. Replaced switch for heat/air control.

Filed Jan 23, 2010 · Electrical · 150,000 miles · IL · fire

I came outside to my 1997 ford ranger xlt and it was on fire under the hood an in the cab already. Then it exploded!

Filed Jul 7, 2005 · Electrical · 78,000 miles · WA · fire

Dt: caller had an engine fire. Caller's son was driving and smelled smoke, pulled over and called the fire department. The son said vehicle made a popping sound and he could not get away from it fast enough before it exploded. This happened without warning. Fire department came and there was a report filed. Dealer said she did not maintain the vehicle but the caller stated she maintained the vehicle. Dealer said this because she did not take it to a ford dealer to have it maintained. The manufacturer offered no help. The fire department did not know how the fire started.

Filed Jul 7, 2004 · Electrical · OH

Vehicle stalled while driving 20 MPH. Vehicle was towed to a repair shop and diagnosed as an electrical failure.

Filed Jun 2, 2004 · Electrical, Transmission · 147,869 miles · OR

Normal driving, failure of the electronic four wheel drive system, system not yet replaced becuase of low funds.

Filed Feb 19, 2004 · Electrical · 60,000 miles · IL

The dashboard lights and dome light burned out. The door ajar warning chime sounded for about five minutes while driving, although all the doors were closed. The wipers came on although they were not turned on. . *ak

Filed Jan 6, 2004 · Electrical · 60,000 miles · IL

Full instrument panel and interior light will not function. No lightsaccording to auto mechanic, potential severe internal wiring electrical problem.

Questions about the 1997 Ford Ranger electrical

Does the 1997 Ford Ranger have electrical problems?

Owners have filed 28 complaints about the electrical of the 1997 Ford Ranger, 7% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 1997 Ford Ranger electrical problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 78,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 1997 Ford Ranger electrical?

There is no recall for this problem on this model year.

What year does the Ford Ranger have the most electrical problems?

The Ford Ranger model years with the most electrical complaints are 1992 (41 complaints), 2019 (41 complaints) and 1999 (39 complaints).

Other 1997 Ford Ranger problems

Fuel system 67Tires 57Brakes 44Lights 44Transmission 42Visibility 36Body 25Suspension 25Acceleration 23Airbags 22Steering 22Engine 19Seats 12Seat belts 9Locks 4Wheels 3Driver assistance 1

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