Recalls: Ford PJ Ranger cab chassis
Overview
Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the number of recalls should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.
Recalls: Ford PJ Ranger cab chassis
2007-08 Ford PJ Ranger cab chassis: unable to select gears
In September 2010, a recall was issued for Ford PJ Ranger vehicles fitted with automatic transmissions and manufactured from 15 May 2007 to 25 July 2008. In these vehicles, the automatic transmission shift cable bracket may crack or break such that high levels of effort may be required to select gears or gears may not be selected (PRA 2010/11957).
Ford PJ Ranger cab chassis: bonnet may open while driving
In September 2010, a recall was issued for Ford PJ Ranger cab chassis vehicles due to fatigue fractures potentially forming in the bonnet striker. Although a secondary safety hook was designed to retain the bonnet in the event that the striker fractured, continued use in rough conditions could cause the hook to fail and the bonnet may then open while driving (PRA 2010/11958).
Ford PJ Ranger: cruise control may not switch off
In February 2011, a recall was issued for PJ Ranger models sold after April 2009 which were fitted with cruise control as standard or as a Ford Genuine Accessory. For these vehicles, the driver may be unable to ‘cancel’ or ‘deactivate’ the cruise control system when it is engaged (PRA 2011/12307).
Ford PJ Ranger XLT and Wildtrak: tow bar assembly fracture
In August 2012, a recall was issued for Ford Ranger XLT and Wildtrak variants that were equipped with a factory-fitted tow bar that were built after 18 September 2006. In these vehicles, the tow bar assembly may develop weld fracturing around the towbar tongue – this could affect safe operation and handling when towing, presenting a potential hazard to the driver and/or other road users (PRA 2012/13271).
2006-09 Ford PJ Ranger: Takata airbag recall
In March 2018, a recall was issued for Ford PJ and PK Ranger vehicles that were manufactured from 8 September 2006 to 1 August 2011. Over time, propellant wafers in the front airbags of these vehicles could absorb moisture and this could cause overly aggressive deployment of the airbag in the event of a collision. This, in turn, could cause the airbag inflator housing to rupture and for metal fragments to be dispersed throughout the cabin – these fragments posed a risk of serious injury and fatality for vehicle occupants. For the VINs of the recalled Ford PJ and PK Ranger vehicles, please see PRA 2018/16645.
Problems and faults: Ford PJ Ranger cab chassis
Overview
This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.
To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.
Ford PJ Ranger: 2H, 4H and 4L not engaging
For Ford PJ Ranger vehicles, there have been reports of:
- Owners having difficulties engaging the various drive modes (i.e. 2H, 4H and 4L);
- The 4×4 and 4L lights staying on when 2H is actually engaged; and,
- When in 4L, the speedometer providing a reading that is around half of the vehicle’s actual speed.
These symptoms may be caused by:
- Failure of the shift actuator on the transfer case (i.e. the 4WD actuator motor) not working properly;
- Movement of the position sensor within the 4WD actuator motor. For this problem, loosening the three T-15 Torx screws on the actuator motor’s position sensor plate, swivelling/adjusting the plate and re-tightening it may fix the problem. Some owners, however, have found that this only provides a temporary fix and that the shift actuator eventually requires replacement (as above); and,
- In rare cases, corrosion of a relay attached to the transmission loom.
3.0-litre diesel engine: EGR cooler failure and overheating
For Ford PJ Ranger vehicles, the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) cooler is susceptible to failure and this causes the engine to overheat. If this occurs,
- This cylinder head is likely to crack and the head gasket is likely fail;
- Coolant may leak through the EGR pipe, EGR valve and into cylinder #4; and,
- Coolant can also drip down into the turbocharger and the exhaust.
As a result of this problem, some owners have fitted a coolant sensor in the system so that, if the coolant drops, an alarm sounds to provide a warning and the driver can shut down the engine to prevent serious damage.
Problems and faults: Ford PJ Ranger cab chassis
- If the automatic transmissions delays engaging drive or reverse gears when selected, the powertrain control module may require reprogramming.
- Unless the rear brake backing plates are sealed, the brakes will grab due to wet brake linings in wet or humid weather.
- The clutch slave cylinder/release bearing may make a squeaking noise due to a lack of lubrication on the bearing.
- Popping or clunking noises from the front of the vehicle may be due to defective inner tie-rod ends.
