I have a 2003 Ford Ranger XLT with the 3.0l Flex Fuel. I had a squeaking sound a few months ago and i eplaced the belt my self and a few other things but ultimately the mechanic replaced the tensioner. Well not even a year later im getting a nother squeking but it sounds like its coming from farther back in the engine compartment. Any ideas on what it may be? it also tends to squeal all the time and get faster with engine speed so maybe lifters or valves that are stuck? Im not get any lights or anything like that and it seems to run fine not sluggish or anything like that.

 

Camshaft synchronizer

 

if it's a automatic, front pump, or front pump seal. may b?

 

What up dude, I'm about 95% sure that it's the cam sensor. I got a '00 3.0 that had a notorious squeak. I replaced the belt, tensioner, and idler pulley to have no just be disappointed. It's got a shaft that runs down the cam sensor with a gear on it. it's to the left of the intake maniforld up against the firewall. I'd try there. It's only like 30 bucks. Good luck bro.

 

It's not the $30 sensor that makes noise , it's the $100+ syncronizer assembly that it mounts to.
The syncro runs off a cam gear and gets poor lubrication which wears the bushing inside of it causing a squeek. When the bushing wears enough , the syncro gear no longer meshes properly with the cam gear and shears a tooth or three.The syncro also drives the oil pump , so when it stops so does the pump.
I'll leave it to your imagination what happens when an engine is run with no oil pressure.

 

I've replaced the camshaft synchronizer (Mazda calls it a C-shaft transducer) previously when I had a squeak, or I had a trouble code, I can't remember which.

Recently I had a chirping noise, it could be described as a squeak at times. It would come and go but seemed to be getting worse, so I picked up another synchronizer at Napa, thinking it was time for another one. It had been several years, about 60-80k miles, probably. I had the new part ready but when I took off the camshaft position sensor I found the magnet had come off and was stuck to the vane (the semicircular part of the synchronizer) and all I had to do was replace the sensor. The first picture is the part in place on the rear of the engine. The second pic is the "made in mexico" bad part. The third pic is the magnet that is supposed to be in the "made in mexico" part, down in the synchronizer. Needless to say, I removed the magnet from in there. I replaced the CPS and the noise was gone. I got lucky this time. I thought I'd pass along in case someone else had a similar sound. you might want to peek under there before you panic.

 

 

Camshaft Position Sensor.

If you want to DIY: http://www.therangerstation.com/tech...on_sensor.html

However, I would recommend taking it to a mechanic.

 

I wonder why they thought it was a good idea to put nylon gears on such an important part... Ford Innovation?

 

Mine was factory and had a steel gear.
So was the Ford replacement.

 

hmm, I'm at 150k miles, maybe I'll luck out and not have to replace it. All the strange symptoms point to that thing though. Maybe it's just the sensor. Ford dealer wants $200 for both, NAPA wants $70 for both. I'm hoping it's just the sensor as the prices are only $10 apart.

 

Many have found the cheaper Dorman replacement only lasted 10-20K miles.
I wouldn't bet my engine on one.

 

yanked it (pun intended), metal gears, immaculate condition... added some more oil to it before plopping it back in. oddly enough, it seems to run a little better, but the jingle noise is still loud and clear... meh.

 

$62 for a brand new Dorman with a 3 mo. warranty.
$51 for a reman. unit with a metal gear and lifetime warranty.(Autozone)
I'll be using the reman unit and getting rid of the hampster on the squeaky wheel this weekend.