Years Covered:
2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004
Generation Name:
Third Generation (2000-2003, facelifted for 2001)
Generation Code:
UN (North America)
Vin Model Year Decoder:
Third digit indicates generation, tenth digit indicates model year (e.g., X for 2000, 1 for 2001, 2 for 2002, 3 for 2003, 4 for 2004)
Market Position:
The Ford Ranger has historically been a dominant player in the compact and mid-size pickup truck segment, known for its ruggedness, reliability, and versatility. This manual caters to owners and technicians who value in-depth technical knowledge for maintaining and repairing these popular vehicles.
Competitive Analysis:
Competed directly with trucks like the Chevrolet S-10/GMC Sonoma, Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier, and Mazda B-Series. The Ranger's appeal often lay in its extensive powertrain options and strong aftermarket support.
Key Features:
Offers complete tear-down and rebuild procedures, detailed part diagrams, crucial torque specifications, comprehensive maintenance schedules, and extensive troubleshooting guides. The inclusion of numerous pictures and diagrams significantly aids in understanding complex procedures.
Systems Covered:
Engine mechanical (including diesel variants), engine performance, fuel system, ignition system, emission control, cooling system, lubrication system, exhaust system, transmission (manual & automatic), drivetrain, front suspension, rear suspension, steering, braking system (ABS included), electrical system (including wiring diagrams), body & frame, interior & exterior trim, HVAC system, power accessories, diagnostics & troubleshooting.
Procedures Included:
Scheduled maintenance, routine servicing, complete disassembly and reassembly of components, diagnostic procedures, troubleshooting guides, repair instructions for all major systems, replacement of parts, electrical system testing and repair, torque specifications, fluid capacities and types, wiring diagrams, special tool usage, specifications and data.
Technical Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures for all electronic control modules (ECMs) and sensor testing.
Engine 2 3L Duratec I4:
2.3L Duratec DOHC I4, ~143-147 hp, ~153-158 lb-ft torque. (Note: Some earlier models may have had the 2.5L Lima I4).
Engine 3 0L Vulcan V6:
3.0L OHV V6, ~150-154 hp, ~170-175 lb-ft torque.
Engine 4 0L Sohc V6:
4.0L SOHC V6, ~207-217 hp, ~238-245 lb-ft torque. (Available in Explorer Sport Trac and higher trim Rangers).
Engine 2 5L Diesel I4:
2.5L Mazda/Ford Turbo-Diesel (WL-T) I4 (less common in North America for this period, but possible), ~115-120 hp, ~215-225 lb-ft torque.
Engine Performance Notes:
Performance varied significantly based on engine choice, drivetrain (2WD/4WD), and transmission. The 4.0L SOHC V6 was the most potent option for towing and general performance.
Fuel System:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) for all gasoline engines. Diesel variants utilize direct injection with turbocharging.
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane recommended for most gasoline engines), Diesel Fuel for diesel variants.
Wheelbase Short Bed:
Approx. 111.5 inches
Wheelbase Long Bed:
Approx. 125.7 inches
Overall Length Short Bed:
Approx. 187.6 inches
Overall Length Long Bed:
Approx. 201.8 inches
Bed Length Standard:
Approx. 71.5 inches (Short Bed)
Bed Length Long:
Approx. 93.7 inches (Long Bed)
Curb Weight Range:
Approx. 3,400 - 4,200 lbs (depending on configuration)
Max Payload Capacity:
Approx. 1,000 - 1,600 lbs (depending on configuration)
Max Towing Capacity:
Approx. 1,500 - 5,700 lbs (depending on engine, axle ratio, and configuration)
NHTSA Rollover Rating 2Wd:
4/5 Stars (for 2WD models)
NHTSA Rollover Rating 4Wd:
4/5 Stars (for 4WD models)
Active Features:
Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available, typically on rear wheels for earlier models, and all four wheels for later models or higher trims.
Passive Features:
Driver and passenger airbags (front), three-point seat belts, crumple zones.
Oil Change Interval Gasoline:
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (or per manual recommendation based on driving conditions).
Oil Change Interval Diesel:
Every 3,000 miles or 3 months, whichever comes first (typically for older diesel engines).
Engine Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles or 2-3 years, depending on coolant type and conditions.
Transmission Fluid Change Automatic:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles, depending on usage and fluid type.
Transmission Fluid Change Manual:
Every 60,000 - 100,000 miles or as recommended.
Spark Plug Replacement Duratec:
Approx. 100,000 miles (uses long-life iridium plugs).
Spark Plug Replacement Vulcan/Sohc:
Approx. 30,000 - 60,000 miles (uses standard copper or platinum plugs).
Engine Oil 2 3L Duratec:
SAE 5W-20 API SG, SH, or SJ meeting Ford specification WSS-M2C153-H.
Engine Oil 3 0L Vulcan V6:
SAE 5W-30 API SG, SH, or SJ meeting Ford specification WSS-M2C153-H.
Engine Oil 4 0L Sohc V6:
SAE 5W-30 API SG, SH, or SJ meeting Ford specification WSS-M2C153-H. (Some manuals may recommend 5W-20 for specific applications).
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
MERCON V (e.g., Motorcraft XT-5QM) for 4R55E/W and 5R55E/W transmissions.
Manual Transmission Fluid:
Refer to manual for specific gear oil type, typically GL-4 or GL-5 rated. Manual MT75 typically uses a specific Mercon specification.
Coolant Type:
Ford Premium Engine Coolant (Green) or equivalent meeting Ford specification WSS-M97B44-D.
Known Issues 2 3L Duratec:
Occasional ignition coil failures, PCV system issues causing rough idle, some reports of oil consumption.
Known Issues 3 0L Vulcan V6:
Valve cover gasket leaks, intake manifold gasket leaks, rear main seal leaks.
Known Issues 4 0L Sohc V6:
Timing chain tensioner and guide wear (can lead to chain slap and potential failure), intake manifold gasket leaks, valve cover gasket leaks.
Common Drive Train Issues:
U-joint wear on driveshafts, differential seal leaks, transfer case actuator issues on some 4WD models.
Common Electrical Issues:
Corrosion on exterior connectors, ABS sensor failures, interior light failures, sometimes problematic body control modules (BCM).
Brand Heritage:
Ford has a long and storied history in the pickup truck market, dating back to the Model T Runabout. The Ranger nameplate itself has been synonymous with compact utility for decades.
Model Evolution:
The 2000-2004 Ranger represents the third generation, which received a significant facelift for the 2001 model year, introducing new front-end styling, updated interior components, and revised powertrains, including the introduction of the 2.3L Duratec engine.
Production Location:
Twin Cities Assembly Plant, St. Paul, Minnesota, USA; Edison Assembly Plant, Edison, New Jersey, USA (for some years/configurations).
Production Years:
1998-2012 (Third Generation in North America, though the 2006-2012 models were largely a carryover with minor updates).
