1998 Ford Ranger engine problems

Filed May 13, 2014 · Body, Engine · 250 miles · CA · fire

I was driving on the freeway and the truck started smoking and caught on fire, I pulled off the freeway and the whole front of the truck burst into flames.

Filed Oct 20, 2013 · Body, Engine · MS · fire

While in bed at 2:00 am truck caught fire.

Filed Apr 26, 2013 · Engine · 139,000 miles · CA · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 1998 ford ranger. The contact stated that the vehicle vibrated and the water reservoir was abnormally low. The vehicle was inspected by a private mechanic, who stated that the number four spark plug was burned. The hatch had cracked and leaked water to the number four spark plug. The failure recurred frequently and had to replace the spark plug every 3,000 miles. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 139,000. The current mileage was 146,329.

Filed Jul 8, 2010 · Engine · 151,663 miles · 00

I started the truck, all gauges read ok, backed it out onto the road and proceeded t drive to my destination. I shifted into 3rd and it felt sluggish, (like brake drag) I looked down at the instrument panel for information, and found no response from the oil pressure gauge. I proceeded to push in the clutch and shut off the motor, but by the time I pushed in the clutch the engine shut down and wouldn't proceed to run. I checked the oil dip stick to find the oil level is acceptable, but the motor refuses to turn over. Problem still occurs to this day.

Filed Mar 20, 2008 · Engine · OH

Every 4 months I have to change my spark plugs because the ceramic part keeps breaking.

Filed Dec 3, 2007 · Engine · 187,964 miles · GA · crash

Carbon monoxide leakage into cab of 1998 ford ranger caused severe sleepiness while driving to and from work and while at home. Each day for about a month I was experiencing dizziness, sleepiness and nausea. I had a small accident when I feel asleep while stopping for a red traffic light and ran into the back of another vehicle. I reported my dizziness and sleepiness to my supervisor who notified our medical department and they sent me home. I had a medical stress test performed; it was ok', a sleep study performed and the cardiologist increased my dosage of a beta blocker. I was finally released to return to work two months later. I had taken my vehicle to my local ford dealer shortly after I was sent home and they reported there was no co leaking into my cab. I tried discussing my problem with the ford motor company's customer service department a couple of times, but they said the service technician could find nothing wrong and that's all they could do for the carbon monoxide was entering into my cab from the exhaust of other vehicles on the road. I finally found and bought a digital carbon monoxide detector which would read any level of co detected. The first day I drove to work it indicated 18 ppm co poison and another 16 ppm co poison on the drive home after work which totaled around 34 ppm per day for over a month. I immediately went to my doctor and requested a blood gas test which indicated a high level of co in my blood. It was confirmed by the pulmonary doctor that the sleepiness was caused by co poisoning entering the cab of my truck. My truck is now parked in my drive way and has not been driven for over three months.

Filed Nov 30, 2007 · Engine · 60,300 miles · AZ

Tl*the contact owns a 1998 ford ranger. While driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle began to shutter rapidly and the check engine light illuminated on the instrument panel. He drove approximately eight minutes to a local dealer and they stated that the cam shaft sensor became loose. The dealer tightened the clapping screw on the shaft sensor as a temporary repair. They also stated that the intake manifold needed to be replaced. The vehicle has not yet been completely repaired. The contact was informed that there was a service bulletin for his vehicle (item number 10000592). He filed a complaint with the manufacturer. The current and failure mileages were 60,300. Updated 04-09-08 *bf the consumer stated there was a loose cam shaft sensor

Filed Sep 24, 2007 · Engine · 64,000 miles · MN

Tl*the contact owns a 1998 ford ranger. While driving 5 MPH, the contact heard a snapping sound coming from the engine and then the vehicle shut off without warning. As of september 24, 2007, the dealer had not inspected the vehicle. She stated that the crankshaft pulley snapped, which she believed was the cause of failure. The current and failure mileages were 64,000.

Filed Jul 10, 2007 · Acceleration, Engine · 85,000 miles · SC · fire

Pulled my 1998 ford ranger into a store parking lot. I was getting ready to park when I could smell something burning. Stopped the truck. Smoke was coming from under the hood. I popped the hood and saw an electrical plug burning with flames. I was able to blow the flames out before much else was damaged. I was able to drive it to a ford dealership. They told me that the cruise control plug is what caught fire. It also damaged my reservoir for the brake fluid. They are replacing the master cylinder and the cruise control plug. Of course, this is at my own expense, not fords.

Filed Dec 14, 2006 · Engine · 50,000 miles · WY

Dt*: the contact stated an antifreeze leak was noticed under the vehicle. It was driven to the dealer, who determined the antifreeze ate through the soft plugs of the engine block. The dealer replaced the soft plugs and hoses of the water passage.