2012 ford ranger 3.2 problems Page 29

The 2012 Ford Ranger 3.2 is a tough Aussie workhorse, but it’s not bulletproof—more like high-vis armour with a few chinks. If it’s coughing, wheezing, or lighting up the dash like a pokies machine, start with the usual suspects. Here are the common issues owners and mechanics report:

• EGR valve/cooler clogging or failure, leading to rough idle, limp mode and excessive soot.
• Intercooler and boost hoses splitting or clamps working loose, causing loss of power and whistling.
• Injector copper washer leaks, diluting engine oil with diesel and making cold starts grumpy.
• Cooling system leaks (thermostat housing/plastic fittings); watch temps, especially when towing.
• Turbo actuator/boost control gremlins that throw over/under-boost fault codes.
• 6-speed auto shudder or harsh shifts if fluid and servicing are neglected.

A clean service history, quality fuel and timely maintenance tame most of these foibles; get a pre-purchase inspection and a scan for stored codes. Sort the niggles and plenty of these utes rack up heroic kilometres without further drama.