Vehicle Segment:
Compact Pickup Truck
Target Audience:
Work trucks, recreational users, light-duty commercial applications.
Key Competitors:
Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier, Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon, Dodge Dakota.
Competitive Advantage:
Known for its ruggedness, versatility, and often competitive pricing.
Manual Benefit:
Essential for owners looking to maintain, repair, or customize their vehicle, saving on labor costs.
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides comprehensive technical data, diagnostic procedures, and repair instructions mirroring official Ford documentation.
Global Coverage:
North America (primarily)
Specific Markets Covered:
USA, Canada, Mexico (vehicle specifications may vary)
Estimated Page Count:
Over 1500 pages (typical for comprehensive factory service manuals)
Manual Type:
Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual
Digital Format:
PDF (Adobe Acrobat)
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, lubrication, cooling, exhaust, ignition, emissions control
Transmission:
Manual and Automatic Transmission systems, clutch, driveline, transfer case (if applicable)
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, braking system (including ABS), wheels and tires
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instruments, interior/exterior electrical components, body control modules, power distribution
Body:
Body construction, doors, windows, interior trim, exterior panels, bumpers, paint, rust prevention
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems
Safety Restraint:
Airbag systems, seat belts
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication, inspections
Repair:
Complete tear down and rebuild procedures for all major mechanical and electrical components
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, symptom analysis, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), testing procedures
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, tolerances, fluid capacities, resistance values
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive electrical wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic maintenance to in-depth diagnostics and complete component overhaul.
Diagnostic Tools Reference:
May reference Ford's proprietary diagnostic tools (e.g., NGS, WDS, IDS) for advanced diagnostics.
Engine Options:
2.3L Duratec I4, 3.0L Vulcan V6, 4.0L SOHC V6
2.3L Duratec I4 Displacement:
2.3 Liters (2300 cc)
3.0L Vulcan V6 Displacement:
3.0 Liters (2986 cc)
4.0L Sohc V6 Displacement:
4.0 Liters (3996 cc)
2.3L Duratec I4 Horsepower:
Approx. 143-154 hp (depending on year and calibration)
2.3L Duratec I4 Torque:
Approx. 155-162 lb-ft (depending on year and calibration)
3.0L Vulcan V6 Horsepower:
Approx. 147-154 hp
3.0L Vulcan V6 Torque:
Approx. 180-180 lb-ft
4.0L Sohc V6 Horsepower:
Approx. 207-210 hp
4.0L Sohc V6 Torque:
Approx. 238-240 lb-ft
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Ignition System:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) or Coil-on-Plug (COP)
Standard Transmission Type:
5-speed Manual (various models)
Optional Transmission Type:
4-speed Automatic (4R55E/4R60A), 5-speed Automatic (5R55E/5R55W/5R55S) depending on engine
Drivetrain Options:
2WD (Rear-Wheel Drive), 4WD (Four-Wheel Drive) with available electronic shift-on-the-fly transfer case.
Manual Transmission Coverage:
Includes clutch assembly, gear changes, synchronizers, and shift linkages.
Automatic Transmission Coverage:
Includes torque converter, valve body, gear sets, solenoids, and transmission control module (TCM).
Body Styles:
Regular Cab, SuperCab (extended cab)
Bed Lengths:
Short Bed (approx. 6 feet), Long Bed (approx. 7 feet)
Curb Weight Range:
Approx. 3,500 - 4,500 lbs (depending on configuration)
Towing Capacity:
Varies significantly by engine, axle ratio, and configuration, up to approx. 6,000 lbs for properly equipped models.
NHTSA Ratings:
Varies by model year and configuration; generally performed well for its class but specific ratings should be verified.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on most models.
Traction Control:
Available Traction Control System (TCS) on some models.
Airbags:
Front airbags standard; available side-impact airbags on some trims.
Seatbelts:
3-point front seatbelts with pretensioners; 3-point rear seatbelts for extended cabs.
Audio System:
Factory Ford AM/FM/CD audio system with optional Sirius Satellite Radio. Base models may have basic AM/FM radio.
Connectivity:
Limited connectivity; typically includes analog auxiliary input for audio devices on some models. No integrated Bluetooth or USB for this generation.
Cruise Control:
Standard on most models, controlled via steering wheel or column stalks.
Trip Computer:
Available on higher trim levels, displaying fuel economy, trip distance, etc.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 5,000 - 7,500 miles or 6 months, depending on oil type and driving conditions (refer to manual for specific recommendation).
Air Filter Replacement:
Recommended every 15,000 - 30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Varies by engine; e.g., approximately 100,000 miles for Duratec and 4.0L SOHC engines (using long-life plugs).
Engine Oil Type:
5W-20 or 5W-30 synthetic blend/full synthetic recommended (refer to owner's manual for precise specification).
Transmission Fluid Type Auto:
Mercon V automatic transmission fluid (ATF) for most automatic transmissions.
Transmission Fluid Type Manual:
Manual Transmission Fluid (MTF) - specific type per manual (e.g., XYZ)
Coolant Type:
Ford Premium Gold Coolant or equivalent (organic acid technology - OAT).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 brake fluid.
Common Powertrain Issues:
Potential for spark plug blowouts on certain 4.0L SOHC engines (requiring inserts), occasional transmission shift solenoid issues, rear main seal leaks.
Common Chassis Issues:
Ball joint wear, leaf spring fatigue, brake component wear, rust on frame and body panels, particularly in northern climates.
Common Electrical Issues:
Intermittent interior light issues, sensor failures (e.g., ABS, speed sensors), battery drain issues if accessory circuits are faulty.
Ford Truck Legacy:
Builds on Ford's long-standing reputation in the pickup truck market, known for durability and capability.
Third Generation Introduction:
The 2006 Ranger represents a significant refresh of the third generation, with updated styling, powertrains, and interior.
Key Updates 06-09:
Introduction of the 2.3L Duratec engine, revised styling, updated interior features, and powertrain improvements.
Production Plant:
Typically manufactured at Ford's Twin Cities Assembly Plant (St. Paul, Minnesota) and Edison Assembly Plant (Edison, New Jersey) in the USA.
Previous Awards:
While the 2006-2009 Ranger didn't win major recent awards, the Ranger nameplate has a history of accolades for capability and value in previous generations.
Consumer Reports Ratings:
Generally received average to good ratings for reliability for its time, with specific strengths in powertrain durability for certain engines.
