I'm planning to look at a 2005 extended cab 2wd Ranger with the 4.0 V6 and automatic transmission. It has 132K miles on it.

What are somethings I should be aware of in this model, engine and transmission combination? Anythings I should look closely at when checking it out other than the obvious things to look at during any used vehicle purchase?

I know all specific vehicles have their quirks and common problem areas so I'm here hoping to get a quick run down of things on the Ranger with this specific drive train around the 2005 model year.

 

4.0l SOHC engine had timing change issues from 1997 to 2004/5, Ford started using newer tensioner design around 2004 that solved the problem.
Earlier models would get a rattle as tensioners loosened up and chains started to break apart the guides.
Engine needed to be pulled out to fix the rear guides.

So listen for a rattle above 2,000rpms

All automatics are killed from overheating, Fords were no better or worse, the 5R55E is what 2005 4.0l would have.
Check trans fluid, nice light red, no burned smell
Darker red indicates overheating

Make sure Check Engine Light(CEL) comes on with the key, some sellers pull the bulb or cover it with tape if they can't fix the problem.

2005 Ranger will have PATS(passive anti-theft system)
The truck would have come with 3 PATS keys new, each key has unique ID number inside and each keys ID was programmed into the computer.
When you turn on the key that ID is sent to the computer if ID number matches one the computer has in memory then starter motor will work, and fuel pump and fuel injectors will also work, if no match then NO START.
So try to get ALL the keys, it will cost $25-$100 to add keys

 

RonD, I really appreciate that info on the timing chain tensioners and chain guides as I wasn't aware of that problem. I'll certainly listen carefully upon start up and through out the test drive. From what I've read since your post sounds like the earlier models were more prone to issues but all these engines should have the tensioners replaced every 70K miles. Maybe the chain guides were upgraded to a better material for the later models. I know this same issue was a problem with Harley Davidson's TC88 motors from 1999/2000 to 2006.

Thanks again.

 

2005 was the year they skipped.

 

Yeah listen to the timing chains.The guides are really bad on mine hopefully they last 10k more miles.

 

I didn't know this, is this the same for a 2004 ranger 4x4 4.0 ? so off question here but I take it if the COmputer gets swapped out that the truck won't start?

 

You're correct, the computer will not allow the truck to start.

 

FYI on the keys. You have to have two to add another like all other Fords... unless you have FACTORY remote start. The system will recognize the factory remote start as one key letting you add with just one other codded key.