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I did some really scary stuff (for me anyway) today . When I bought the truck it only came with one set of keys . After reading through the forums , I decided I could buy a key off ebay and program one myself . So I got the key , took it to Ace hardware and they cut it and also said they could program it . (I assume they would only clone) Annnnnnyway , I got my computer with forscan hooked up and was able to erase the original keys and reprogram the original plus the new one successfully . I also programmed a new remote entry keyfob .
Well I was so pleased with myself that I went ahead and replaced the headlight switch (light didn't work) and replaced the tailgate handle and adjusted the gate so it opens easier .
Was leaking coolant on my 2011 Ranger 4.0 Sport, found out it was the thermostat housing. Got it on order from RockAuto and should be here early next week. Going to try and tackle it myself once it arrives, appears to be a fairly simple and straight forward job, any insight from anyone?
Replaced the EGR Valve and reset the P0401 code. I bought a 1 1/16 crows foot 1/2 drive and it made the job a LOT easier. I figure $18 well spent for the tool. Soaking for a few days with PB Blaster had to help too. I put anti seize on the tube nut for next time!
Jim
Replaced the right/front wheel hub assembly last Friday. The old bearing was on its way out... Like waaaay out! I drive up and down a mountain every day for work. Can't have that now! Super easy replacement. Also replaced my transfer case shift motor, but ran into a problem with the controls. It seems the relay is trying to work behind the dash, since I can hear it. But, I get no lights indicating 4H or 4L on the dash and the actuator key barely moves out of 2H, even when switched to 4L. So, it looks like I may need to get a new controller. If anyone knows anything about that, hit me up! I'll probably start a new thread about that... Cheers
While searching for a vacuum leak I discovered the riser tube from the exhaust manifold to the EGR Valve had a large portion of it rusted away. I removed the riser and it looks like the end of the EGR pipe that goes into the exhaust, threads onto a bushing (female thread on the EGR Pipe) then the bushing, (male thread) into the exhaust.
Question: Is the bushing a standard pipe bushing? It looks a lot like a 3/8 to 1/2 adapter.
Secondly, would the hole in the EGR Pipe throw the P0401 code? I also found the vac line from the valve cover to the throttle body was shot and replaced it. I assume this being a vacuum line leak after the MAF it would also throw the P0401 code too. Am I assuming correctly?
Yesterday I performed my first oil change on my "new" 2005 Ranger.
I installed a Fumoto drain valve (F106N).
It had had 16 oil changes during it's <48,000 mile life at quick lube places mostly; all using unspecified oils and filters.
This vehicle's low use resulted in OCIs lower than 3,000 miles and frequently annually.
1) The last "trucks" in the family (4.0l Jeep XJ's) were over 7 years ago so the filter seemed way up in the air compared to cars.
2) The Ranger's pan had 2 colors of leftover sealer on it so I went with the Fumoto using Permatex Ultra Black to completely avoid any drips.
I don't want to deal with any worn/abused drain plug threads after years of possibly careless quick lube gorillas' work.
3) I used 0W-30 synthetic and a Hastings LF110 filter. Nice quiet engine.
JOY
NEXT: Transmission pan drop & filter change.
Last edited by Georgeandkira; Oct 13, 2019 at 08:13 AM.
Reason: corrections
I learned about Bilstein shocks in the early 80's thru my dad with his BMWs, I was familiar with the brand and how well it makes a vehicle handle and ride. So I purchased a set of Bilstein shocks (fronts and rears) for my 2003 Ranger XL regular cab with extended bed. However, I managed to only install the rears for now. The fronts will install at a later date.
Last edited by HT08; Oct 13, 2019 at 01:25 PM.
Reason: add Photos
i changed out my cluster bulbs put in bright green LEDS also the dome light and license plate lights are now green will have to take cluster out again to fix one bulb i didnt see was off till that evening
Over the weekend I changed oil and filter, replaced burned out side marker lights, installed 2006+ side mirrors, installed nice large blind spot mirrors and gave her a wash job.
The mirror upgrades have made a stark difference. I highly recommend it for anyone doing a lot of multi-lane driving.
Can I install 2006+ mirrors on my 2005 and reap the benefit as described above?
I finally removed the broken dampener bolt from my transfer case. It was bugging me to tears.
As a personality mark I cleaned, primed and painted my dampener as I do with every frame member I remove and painted it black.
Stainless steel bolts and brass washers will entertain the next jack who goes under the car.
NOW I do the transmission pan drop and filter change.
Installed a bull bar for 07-15 Tacoma on my 98 Mazda B3000. Made a custom mount. Bar is eight inches wider than frame. Turned out nice. Bought the bar from friend who had ordered, came in with couple small dents, and they sent him new one. I like the bulkier look this has. I know you folks have a love/hate relationship with them. I’m in the I like them crowd. Santa might bring me some classic KC’s for Christmas. My ‘06 mirrors came in today. Will tackle that later in the week.
Couldn’t wait. Had a little time. Total install was 45 minutes. That includes taking out one speaker because I dropped a nut. Best $45 I’ve spent on truck so far.
In the continuing saga of eliminating the P0401 code on my 1998 2.5L Ranger, I replaced the Idle Air Control Valve after it tested bad Saturday. On the way to work tonight it threw a code again. If it is the P0401 I'll recheck the replaced part, then continue to check for vacuum leaks. I believe the part is good because the truck idles much better now. As far as the vacuum leaks, I've made a smoke machine to test the vacuum system for leaks. So far I have corrected 7 different confirmed malfunctioning items that each individually would have caused the P0401 code.
Jim
I checked the code and yes indeed the P0401 returned. Hooked up my home made smoke machine and the only smoke I saw was coming from the newly installed Idle Air Control Valve. Spent quite a bit of time looking for leaks along each vac line and device and saw none with the exception of the IACV. I'm wondering where to go next??
Jim
Well after reviewing what I had done up to this point, I realized I replaced the EGR but did not check the throttle body opening to the EGR. I removed the EGR and the port was plugged tight. I cleaned it with carb cleaner and a 357 barrel brush. We'll see if the P0401 returns.
Jim
I learned about Bilstein shocks in the early 80's thru my dad with his BMWs, I was familiar with the brand and how well it makes a vehicle handle and ride. So I purchased a set of Bilstein shocks (fronts and rears) for my 2003 Ranger XL regular cab with extended bed. However, I managed to only install the rears for now. The fronts will install at a later date.
Could you tell a difference in the way it rode with just doing the rears?
Couldn’t wait. Had a little time. Total install was 45 minutes. That includes taking out one speaker because I dropped a nut. Best $45 I’ve spent on truck so far.
Before After
Looks nice, but what's the deal with the mirrors compared to the previous years, thanks in advance for clarifying.
Sounds good, I am in the process of upgrading my suspension so I would love to hear how it goes. Thanks and god luck!
I installed the front shocks last night and put over 250 miles on them today. YES, I can feel a big difference even though my old shocks were not shot, they were easy to compress and they did not rebound back right away but still rebound. Now having the fronts and backs on it made a big difference, I like the way the truck feels controlled, not harsh and not soft.
I finally had time to install my new Bilstein front shocks and now the ride is more complete as I only had time to install the rears and drove for a while with the old ones in the front and the new ones in the rear. The truck rides so much better and handles so much better despite the fact that the old shocks were not leaking nor blown out. They would compress easy and rebound very slow, but now it is a much better riding 2003 XL with 3.0 and an extended bed.
