2006 Ford Ranger: engine stalls while driving

Filed Mar 31, 2020 · 145,000 miles · TX

As I was driving headed to my doctors appointment down the freeway and as I exited the off ramp my vehicle shut off with traffic be hide me and I coasted off to the side. I learned that it was my inertia switch that cause my vehicle to shut off. The vibration of the road reflector and small potholes which cause inertia switch to shut the vehicle off. My truck has stalled out after exiting the freeway and on small streets. I kept taking my vehicle to the ford dealer to see why my truck never starts and would always shut off while driving down the freeway. Finally one machinic at the ford dealer told me that the inertia had been engaged and that was the reason why my vehicle lost power and wouldn't start.

Filed May 25, 2015 · Fuel system · 114,500 miles · PA

Traveling on state rout 56 entered the off ramp to continue on state rt.366, after stopping and accelerating to 50 miles an hour the truck just stalled. Was able to coast to berm of road and waited to be towed, would not start.

Filed Oct 16, 2012 · Fuel system · 85,000 miles · TX

The first incident I was dropping my granddaughter off at school went over a speed bump and the truck stalled out had it towed home and it started once off the tow truck.thie second incident I was going through a parking lot and went over a speed bump and the truck stalled out, had to have it towed and they replaced the fuel pump. The next incident I was in rush hour traffic on a feeder road and it stalled was next to the service station where it was previously fixed and after apoliceman stopped traffic and had me pushed to the service station was told by a senior technician that this was a known issue on the ranger and to push this button whenever it happened. I have been doing this a lot since this time and have had some very close calls due to the stalling, with the latest almost causing a major accident due to occurring a high speed after hitting a road bump. The inertia switch on ford ranger?s 2003 through 2006 are defective in three manners one the connectors burn due to a high current draw, the switch activates without warning, and due to no kickplate passengers can activate the switch. This switch is used to cut the fuel off during a roll over crash scenario. There are numerous complaints on the internet in regard to the fire and safety issues this defective part has caused. To date ford has not issued a recall, or notified the consumer base of the potential hazards surrounding this issue, but has issued a redesigned switch that now comes with a cover and updated connector for purchase when replacing the old switch. Please investigate since people's lives are being impacted due to the multiple safety issues and also due to the cost associated with diagnosing this issue. My cost to date is in excess of $1300.00, and I am in the process of replacing it myself due to my concerns.

Filed Sep 24, 2012 · Engine · 160,000 miles · TN

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 ford ranger. The contact stated that while driving 45 MPH the engine misfired, causing the vehicle to rough idle and stall. The contact took the vehicle to a local mechanic for diagnostic testing. The test results concluded that the vehicle needed a tune-up. The tune-up was performed however, the failure was not corrected. The contact took the vehicle back to the local mechanic where a second diagnostic was performed, concluding that the vehicle was in need of a tune-up. The vehicle was not further serviced. The failure mileage was 160,000.

Filed Feb 22, 2012 · Electrical · 18,000 miles · GA

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 ford ranger. The contact stated that there was a defect with the safety switch, which caused the vehicle to stall without warning. The dealer diagnosed that there was a short in the safety switch, which cut fuel lines that allowed the vehicle to operate. The dealer replaced the safety switch. The manufacturer was notified, but denied any assistance with repairs to the failure. The failure mileage was 18,000 and the current mileage was 23,000.

Filed Apr 8, 2011 · Engine · 69,440 miles · CA

Vehicle stalled in middle of an intersection at 46,00 miles and was found to have lean codes p0171 and p0174-they replaced the intertia switch. Vehicle went in for service and a po306 cylinder misfire, but paperwork stated could not duplicate. After repair, vehicle kept giving me the check engine light if I filled the tank up with gas, but would clear itself before I would get to the dealer. One day I am makeing a left hand turn and the check engine light had come on about 5 minutes before. The ford ranger sputters across the intersection and then speed up very fast. Ii was lucky not to get smashed,as the light changed while my vehicle was sputtering. I immediatly took my truck to my trusted auto technician (not a ford dealership)who told me I had po codes po304 and po316.the tech provided me with tsb number: 05-26-3 date of issue 12/31/05-(they knew my vehicle would fail before I purchased it!) the tsb states 3.0l-2v vulcan engine. Mil on various misfire related dtc's p0300 - po306 and p0316 issue 12/31/05 my 2006 ranger with 69,000 mi displays all for the issues indicated on this tsb. This malfunction causes the mil lamp to continually display trouble codes p0302 and p0316. Because of this, my vehicle will not pass the ca state emissions inspection. The tsb states that if diagnostic tests indicate an engine exhaust valve seat recession, the cylinder heads will need to be replaced with the new service heads and is to be covered under emission warranty. I took the vehicle to the ford dealership. Pacfic ford redid the diagnosis and stated the issue was outlined in the tsb. They also stated that the parts were not covered by either the new vehicle or emissions warranty coverage. I called the ford crc and was told there was nothing they could do to assist with payment to correct their defective part. The failure is not being corrected at this time.

Filed Aug 2, 2010 · Fuel system · 45,000 miles · 00

Approximately eight months ago my vehicle stalled and would not restart. It was towed to a dealer and approximately $300 later I was told that the inertia switch had failed and had been replaced. Two days ago the same symptoms appeared and the vehicle was towed to the dealer again. I did some internet searching and found info and a youtube video that explained where to find the switch and how to reset it. Went to the dealer and attempted the reset in their parking lot before they completed any costly repairs. Vehicle started and has worked fine since. Possibility of stalling in traffic is a concern but I'll take my chances!! Noteworthy that a close friend who owns an older model mazda pickup recently had the exact same problem with the inertia switch replaced.

Filed Feb 15, 2010 · Electrical, Fuel system · 55,800 miles · NY

Inertia switch in 2006 ford ranger causes truck to stall randomly. Switch is located on passenger-side in compartment by the foot. This random stalling is especially dangerous while in three lane traffic, railroad crossings, intersections, bridges, etc.. This switch is designed to cut electric to fuel pump in crash but most often fails during normal driving operation. This is not a unique complaint to 2006, but by other years reported on the internet. This problem has existed for many years and is probably responsible for more deaths due to errant operation than it saved lives in a crash. Another example of what seems like a good idea gone bad.

Filed May 13, 2009 · Engine · 88,000 miles · CA

Tl*the contact owns a 2006 ford ranger. The contact stated that the engine stalled intermittently and the check engine light continuously illuminates on the instrument panel. The failures were caused by the head in the engine. The dealer is aware of the failure, but will not assist. The failure mileage was 88,000.