pj ranger problems Page 21

The PJ Ranger (circa late-2000s) can be a tough old workmate, but age and hard yakka do leave their marks. Here are the issues most commonly reported by owners and mechanics in Australia:

• EGR soot build-up and intake gunk causing rough running or limp mode.
• Intercooler and turbo hoses cracking, leading to boost leaks and smoke.
• Injector wear and fuel-pressure sensor hiccups causing hard starts or misfires.
• Dual-mass flywheel and clutch wear; hydraulic master/slave leaks on manuals.
• Cooling system niggles (radiator, thermostat, viscous fan) and overheating when towing.
• Front suspension bushes/ball joints and leaf-spring shackle bushes wearing out.
• Electrical gremlins: alternator/earth issues, dodgy door-lock actuators.
• Driveline seals sweating and wheel bearings getting grumbly after off-road/beach work.

Regular servicing and early attention to warning signs keep costs civil; neglect turns it into a ute-shaped money pit. Always get a pre-purchase inspection, scan for codes and check for rust and service history before you shake hands.