Ford

Ranger PX MkI / MkII / MkIII (T6) inspection checklist

2011-2022 · 7 things to check before you buy, taken from this car's known problems.

All engines

high6-speed ZF 6R80 auto torque converter shudder

Look for: On 3.2 examples. Lockup clutch wears causing shudder at 60-80km/h. Trans fluid breaks down quickly when towing. Trans overheating without an external cooler.

If you find it: External trans cooler is mandatory for towing. Fresh trans fluid every 60k. Lockup clutch retrofit or full rebuild if shudder is established.

From 100k+ km, towing · ~$2500-5000

3.2L P5AT (5-cylinder Duratorq turbo diesel)

highEGR cooler internal coolant leak

Look for: EGR cooler develops internal cracks letting coolant into the intake. Coolant burns off causing white smoke, coolant loss with no visible leak, eventual engine damage. Close to inevitable on the 3.2.

If you find it: Replacement EGR cooler (uprated aftermarket available). Many fit a bypass/delete kit. Check coolant level religiously.

From 80-150k km · ~$1500-2800

mediumTurbo VGT vane sticking

Look for: Variable geometry vanes carbon up and stick - lack of boost, limp mode, surging.

If you find it: VGT clean or replacement.

From 120k+ km · ~$1500-3500

mediumInjector failure

Look for: Injectors fail individually or as a set. Hard cold start, white smoke, fuel in oil.

If you find it: Replace injectors as set. Use quality fuel.

From 150k+ km · ~$2000-3500 set

2.0L Bi-Turbo (twin-turbo diesel)

high2.0 Bi-Turbo timing chain wear

Look for: Timing chain stretch and tensioner failure on the 2.0. Eventually catastrophic.

If you find it: Full timing chain kit. Use Ford-spec oil, don't extend service intervals.

From 80-120k km · ~$3500-6000

medium2.0 oil dilution

Look for: Diesel dilutes oil during failed regens. Oil level rises, viscosity drops.

If you find it: Highway runs, halve oil change interval if short-trip.

Short trips · ~$0

medium10-speed auto harsh shifts

Look for: Calibration issues caused harsh shifts on early 10R80. Torque converter complaints under heavy tow (transmission overheating).

If you find it: TSB software flash. External trans cooler for towing.

Any · ~$0-3000

1 minor thing (low severity)

lowFront lower control arm bush wear

Look for: Standard ute pattern — bushes wear, vague steering.

If you find it: Polyurethane or OEM bush kit replacement.

From 120k+ km · ~$200-400 DIY

From FlamingCars' Ford Ranger guide. It's a checklist of known problems, not a replacement for a professional pre-purchase inspection. Your ticks are kept in this browser only.