rangerdanger
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We Got It Wrong About the Ford Ranger’s Oil Change Procedure
By Steph Willems on January 7, 2019
If you’re holding off on purchasing a new Ford Ranger based on what you read here last Thursday, consider this a green light for your trip to the dealership. The new-for-2019 Ranger does not — repeat, does not — require the removal of the left front wheel in order to access the oil filter.
Drawing from a source with knowledge of Ford service procedures, our January 3rd story stated that the oil filter on the 2.3-liter Ecoboost four-cylinder found in all U.S.-market Rangers would be removed by technicians via the left front wheel well, necessitating the removal of the wheel. Not true, according to Dawn McKenzie, Ford’s North American product communications manager for trucks and commercial vehicles.
While the written process provided to us listed the removal of a LF wheel arch access panel, held in place by nine fasteners, Ford North American product communications manager Mike Levine states only three fasteners need to be removed in order to peel back the flap to access the oil filter. The wheel does not have to be removed to facilitate this. You’ll want the wheel hard over, though.
It’s a procedure similar to that of overseas models equipped with the 3.2-liter diesel.
So, with that said, apologies to Ford for the error and to our readers.
By Steph Willems on January 7, 2019
If you’re holding off on purchasing a new Ford Ranger based on what you read here last Thursday, consider this a green light for your trip to the dealership. The new-for-2019 Ranger does not — repeat, does not — require the removal of the left front wheel in order to access the oil filter.
Drawing from a source with knowledge of Ford service procedures, our January 3rd story stated that the oil filter on the 2.3-liter Ecoboost four-cylinder found in all U.S.-market Rangers would be removed by technicians via the left front wheel well, necessitating the removal of the wheel. Not true, according to Dawn McKenzie, Ford’s North American product communications manager for trucks and commercial vehicles.
While the written process provided to us listed the removal of a LF wheel arch access panel, held in place by nine fasteners, Ford North American product communications manager Mike Levine states only three fasteners need to be removed in order to peel back the flap to access the oil filter. The wheel does not have to be removed to facilitate this. You’ll want the wheel hard over, though.
It’s a procedure similar to that of overseas models equipped with the 3.2-liter diesel.
So, with that said, apologies to Ford for the error and to our readers.
DIYers Take Note – the 2019 Ford Ranger’s Oil Change Procedure Contains a Big Extra Step
Steph Willems on January 3, 2019
Ever swapped out the battery in a cloud-car Chrysler, or maybe an old Sebring or PT Cruiser? You’ll be reminded of that when the time comes to change your new-generation Ford Ranger’s oil, assuming you’re a proud member of the DIY crowd.
Job One for those looking to freshen the Ranger’s internal lubricant, besides heading to the store for a couple of jugs of synthetic and a filter, is to break out the jack. You’ll need to remove a wheel.
Because the 2.3-liter Ecoboost four-cylinder found in the 2019 Ranger isn’t exactly the same beast as that found in other Ford vehicles, the oil filter migrates to a slightly new location. A larger oil cooler means the filter no longer hangs towards the oil pan near the rear of the engine. Instead, the filter sticks out the left side, at right angles to the engine’s cylinders, making it less accessible for fumbling hands.
Sliding under there and going to town just isn’t in the cards, at least for the oil filter phase of the operation.
A service procedure obtained by TTAC states that, after removing the left front wheel, a technician or owner must then remove an access panel secured by nine push-pin retainers. From there, one removes the filter with an end cap tool. To actually drain the oil, which of course you’ll accomplish before attacking that filter, you’ll first need to unbolt the power steering control module underbody shield. Four bolts hold that on.
In all, there’s quite a few steps to take before replenishing the truck’s 6.2 quarts of 5W-30.
Tailoring the 2.3L for Ranger duty produced a setup that isn’t likely to annoy those who can’t be bothered to change their own oil — which, let’s face it, represents the vast majority of vehicle owners. They’ll just be happy to have 270 hp and 310 lb-ft to push their rig around. Maybe they’ll stop to boast to their friends about that 26 mpg highway rating, too. Ford would love it if they did.
For others, or perhaps the truck’s second or third owner, this oil change procedure sets the Ranger apart from domestic and foreign rivals, none of which require the removal of a wheel. At worst, there’ll be a skid plate or shield to get out of the way. The V6 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon twins make up for their lacklustre interior with an oil filter that’s accessible from under the hood. Less time spent on one’s back on cold pavement is a good thing, but there’s tradeoffs for everything.
[Image: Chad Kirchner/TTAC, Ford Motor Company]
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