i recently purchased a 2004 ranger xlt with the 3.0 and 160,xxx miles. i have since changed the oil, spark plugs and put a new fuel filter in. filling up the tank, i'm able to make it ~200 miles before the low fuel light comes on. there is a CEL for the cats P0420 AND P0430 for catalyst system efficiency below threshold for both banks. granted most of the driving i do is city, but 200 still seems to be well below average. Any ideas? thanks in advance.

 

Welcome to the forum

The 3.0l Vulcan is a high RPM engine.
Most engines make best torque at 2,500rpm, Vulcan needs to be at 3,500 at least
If you have a manual trans then you can drive it accordingly, best MPG does NOT occur when lugging this 3.0l engine at 2,500
With an automatic you are kind of stuck with what you got, which is lugging the engine when driving in town
There may be a software upgrade for better(higher) shift points, check with local Ford Dealer, usually cost about $100 for that


The Cat code could mean you have a partially clogged exhaust, which effects MPG in a bad way, lol
You can test for blocked exhaust with a vacuum gauge

 

How many gallons does it take to fill it when the light comes on?

 

I am at about 200 miles per tank also in cold weather short distance driving. No check engine lights or other issues. We could drive V8's for mileage of our Rangers hahaha.