🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Ford

Model:

Ranger

Year:

2006

Region Applicability:

North America

Product Code Indication:

Service Repair Manual

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Class:

Compact Pickup Truck

Target Audience:

Individuals and businesses seeking a reliable, versatile, and affordable compact truck for work, recreation, and daily use.

Key Competitors 2006:

Toyota Tacoma, Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon, Nissan Frontier, Mazda B-Series

Powertrain Options:

Range of efficient 4-cylinder and capable V6 engines, manual and automatic transmissions.

Body Configurations:

Available in various cab and bed configurations to suit different utility needs.

Drivetrain Availability:

Rear-wheel drive and available four-wheel drive for enhanced traction.

Durability Reputation:

Known for its robust chassis and durable powertrain components, a hallmark of Ford trucks.

📋 Manual Details

Engines Covered:

2.3L Duratec I4, 3.0L Vulcan V6, 4.0L Cologne V6

Transmission Types Covered:

5-Speed Manual (M5OD-R1/R1HD), 4-Speed Automatic (4R44E/4R55E/5R55E)

Body Styles Covered:

Regular Cab, SuperCab (Extended Cab), Styleside, Flareside

Drivetrains Covered:

2WD (RWD), 4WD (4x4)

Estimated Page Count:

Approximately 1500-2000 (typical for comprehensive factory-style manuals)

Manual Type:

Factory Service Manual (FSM) / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (PDF) or Printed

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain Systems:

Engine mechanical, fuel, ignition, exhaust, cooling, lubrication, engine control (PCM/ECM), emissions

Transmission Drivetrain Systems:

Manual transmission (clutch, gearbox, shifter), Automatic transmission (hydraulic control, valve body, torque converter), transfer case (4x4 systems), driveshafts, differentials, axles

Chassis Suspension Steering Systems:

Front suspension (twin I-beam or independent), rear suspension (leaf springs), steering gear, power steering system, wheel bearings, steering linkage

Brake Systems:

Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes (or disc on some models), parking brake, ABS (if equipped)

Electrical Electronic Systems:

Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, wipers, horn, instrument cluster, power accessories (windows, locks), body control module (BCM), audio system, trailer towing harness

HVAC Systems:

Air conditioning, heating, ventilation, blower motor, refrigerant system

Body Interior Exterior Systems:

Body panels, doors, hood, tailgate, bumpers, interior trim, seats, glass, mirrors, frame/unibody construction

Maintenance Procedures:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, tire rotation, brake pad inspection, belt and hose inspection, battery maintenance

Repair Procedures:

Engine component removal and installation (alternator, starter, water pump, etc.), transmission repair and replacement, brake component replacement, suspension component replacement, exhaust system repair, electrical component diagnosis and replacement

Troubleshooting Diagnostics:

Fault code interpretation (OBD-II), symptom-based diagnostics, electrical circuit testing, mechanical component diagnosis

Specifications And Tolerances:

Torque specifications for fasteners, engine clearances, diagnostic values, alignment specifications

Wiring Diagrams:

Comprehensive electrical schematics for all vehicle systems

Depth Of Coverage:

Comprehensive; covers routine maintenance, diagnostics, repair, and overhaul procedures for all major vehicle systems. Suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital File Format:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Searchability:

Searchable text for quick information retrieval

Printable:

Printable pages for on-site use

Print Quality Description:

High-resolution images, diagrams, and text

Printed Binding Type:

Spiral-bound or perfect-bound for durability and lay-flat usability

Printed Paper Type:

Durable, high-quality paper suitable for workshop environments

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine 2 3L Duratec:

2.3L DOHC 16-valve I4 (Duratec)

Engine 2 3L Duratec Displacement:

2312 cc (141 cu in)

Engine 2 3L Duratec Horsepower:

143 hp @ 5250 rpm

Engine 2 3L Duratec Torque:

157 lb-ft @ 3750 rpm

Engine 3 0L Vulcan:

3.0L OHV 12-valve V6 (Vulcan)

Engine 3 0L Vulcan Displacement:

2986 cc (182 cu in)

Engine 3 0L Vulcan Horsepower:

154 hp @ 5000 rpm

Engine 3 0L Vulcan Torque:

180 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm

Engine 4 0L Cologne:

4.0L SOHC 24-valve V6 (Cologne)

Engine 4 0L Cologne Displacement:

3996 cc (244 cu in)

Engine 4 0L Cologne Horsepower:

207 hp @ 5000 rpm

Engine 4 0L Cologne Torque:

238 lb-ft @ 3700 rpm

Engine Control System:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with OBD-II diagnostics

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline

Fuel Tank Capacity:

Approximately 17.5 gallons (standard)

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

5-Speed Manual (M5OD-R1 for 2.3L, M5OD-R1HD for V6 models)

Optional Transmission:

4-Speed Automatic (4R44E for 2.3L/3.0L, 4R55E/5R55E for 4.0L)

Automatic Transmission Features:

Electronic controls, overdrive, Tow/Haul mode (on some models)

Manual Transmission Features:

Overdrive gear for highway fuel efficiency

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Regular Cab:

114.7 inches

Wheelbase Supercab:

126.0 inches

Bed Length Short:

71.8 inches (6 ft bed)

Bed Length Long:

85.8 inches (7 ft bed)

Curb Weight Range:

Approximately 3400 - 4200 lbs (depending on configuration and engine)

Max Payload Capacity:

Up to ~1500 lbs (depending on configuration)

Max Towing Capacity:

Up to ~6000 lbs (with proper equipment and engine, typically 4.0L V6)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Crash Test Rating:

Typically rated 4 stars (driver and passenger) for frontal impact (may vary slightly by year/configuration)

IIHS Front Offset Crash Test Rating:

Typically rated 'Acceptable' or 'Good' (may vary)

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System available (standard on some trims/later models)

Traction Control:

Optional on some models, particularly with 4WD

Airbags:

Driver and passenger front airbags, optional side airbags (less common on base models)

Seatbelts:

Three-point safety belts for all occupants

💡 Technology Features

Audio Systems:

Base AM/FM radio, optional CD player, optional premium audio systems with more speakers.

Display Technology:

Basic digital clock/radio display, no sophisticated touchscreens or navigation systems available for this model year.

Cruise Control:

Available on most models

Trailer Towing Features:

Optional trailer tow packages including wiring harness and potentially transmission cooler

Auxiliary Inputs:

Generally not available in the modern sense; some aftermarket head units may offer AUX inputs.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 5,000 miles or 6 months (whichever comes first) for conventional oil; 7,500 miles or 6 months for synthetic oil (refer to manual for specific engine recommendations)

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles, or as needed based on driving conditions (check visually)

Transmission Fluid Change:

Automatic: Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles; Manual: Check fluid level periodically, change if contaminated or at higher mileage intervals (e.g., 100,000 miles)

Coolant Replacement:

Initial change at 100,000 miles or 10 years, then every 50,000 miles or 5 years thereafter (using Ford Premium Gold Coolant or equivalent)

Engine Oil Specification 2 3L Duratec:

SAE 5W-20 (API Certified)

Engine Oil Specification 3 0L Vulcan:

SAE 5W-30 (API Certified)

Engine Oil Specification 4 0L Cologne:

SAE 5W-30 (API Certified)

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Mercon V (e.g., Motorcraft® XT-5QMC or equivalent)

Manual Transmission Fluid M5Od:

Mercon (or Mercon V for later updates), manual transmission fluid meeting specific Ford WSS-M2C200-C (consult manual for exact spec)

Coolant Type:

Ford Premium Gold Coolant (or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant with de-ionized water)

Common Wear Items:

Ball joints, tie rod ends, wheel bearings, leaf springs (due to load), clutch wear (manual transmissions), rear main seal leaks (V6 engines), catalytic converter failure

Electrical Quirks:

Window motor failures, blower motor resistor issues, sometimes instrument cluster problems

Powertrain Specific:

4.0L SOHC V6 timing chain tensioner wear (leading to rattle), 3.0L Vulcan V6 head gasket leaks (less common than earlier versions), automatic transmission solenoid issues

📚 Vehicle History

Ford Truck Legacy:

Ford has a long-standing reputation for producing durable and capable trucks, dating back to the early Ford Model TT.

Ford Ranger Generations:

The 2006 model falls within the second generation (1998-2012) of the Ford Ranger in North America. This generation saw significant updates in styling, powertrains, and features compared to its predecessors.

North American Assembly Locations:

Primarily assembled at the Ford Twin Cities Assembly Plant in St. Paul, Minnesota, and formerly at the Edison Assembly Plant in Edison, New Jersey.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Compact Truck Segment Awards:

The Ford Ranger consistently received accolades and was a strong performer in its segment for its ruggedness and utility throughout its production run.