General Maintenance Interval Stuff

[Frenchy]

So if this could be made into a Sticky, that would be awesome.

In this thread we are to discuss the oh so lovely Maintenance Schedule for the Ranger and what recommendations I have that should change to help the Vehicle last. Some of these changes I'm recommending are from Nissan(silly I know) and have been proven to actually make a vehicle last assuming you follow the schedule and don't get into an accident of sorts.

To start most vehicles will have two recommendations for Service Schedules. One will claim for Normal Driving(if that actually exists). The other will be for Severe Service(Stop and Go Traffic, Dusty Conditions, Towing, Extreme Hot and Extreme Cold Weather, Ect). Most are going to want to follow the Severe Service Schedule. This is due to what most individuals are going to encounter.

For the Ranger specifically, here are the two Maintenance Schedules.

Now the first thing I want to point out is the Engine Oil Interval. As many understand from the beginning, Ford did state that the Ranger "Can go up to 10,000 Miles"on an Oil Change. If you look at the Maintenance Schedule above you will notice under the Severe Service Schedules it is heavily recommended to do it every 5,000 miles. Even if you hit the Trail or tow only a few times a year, I feel you should follow those recommendations anyways.

Next is the Engine Air Filter and the Cabin Filter. Notice how it says to replace the Cabin Filter every 20,000 miles and the Air Filter every 30,000 miles. In the Severe Service Schedule it mentioned to replace the Engine Air Filter as needed. If you stay in the City, then perhaps you can get away with this. If you are going OffRoad and/or dealing with Heavy Dusty Conditions, then I would recommend changing both every 15,000 Miles. Both will get more than enough Dirt Dust and Debris OffRoad and in Heavy Dusty Conditions. Get too much on the Air Filter and you will start to loose Engine Performance. Get too much in the Cabin Air Filter and you will have poor HVAC Performance.

Brake Fluid. Notice how there isn't a recommendation to change it?! Pretty silly to say the least. Now I don't remember the general recommendation on when to change it, but I can say that Nissan technically recommends it get changed every 30,000 miles under "Normal Operation". Personally I recommend doing it every 15,000 Miles. This will help ensure you have nice pliable Brake Fluid so you can stop.

Spark plugs!! Now the claim that Ford has for "Normal Operation" has been debunked..... DO NOT Change the Spark Plugs at 100,000 Miles!! Do it at 60,000 Miles!! Other Members have already reported huge problems at that interval!!

Transmission, Transfer Case, Rear Axle and Front Axle. According to Ford, they believe you should service these items at 150,000 Miles......... This is a great idea of you only want to replace the vehicle at that mileage....... My thoughts?! If you want to keep your Truck in optimal condition, then I highly recommend doing the service every 30,000 Miles. This is the same recommendation under "Severe Service" from Nissan. I have seen multiple Nissan Vehicles go past 300,000 Miles on the original Drivetrain following that service recommendation.

As for what fluid to use? Simply open the Owner's Manual and and find the Specifications recommend. That is the best I can offer on that side.

Hopefully this will help you with keeping your truck moving.

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[Msfitoy]

So if this could be made into a Sticky, that would be awesome.

In this thread we are to discuss the oh so lovely Maintenance Schedule for the Ranger and what recommendations I have that should change to help the Vehicle last. Some of these changes I'm recommending are from Nissan(silly I know) and have been proven to actually make a vehicle last assuming you follow the schedule and don't get into an accident of sorts.

To start most vehicles will have two recommendations for Service Schedules. One will claim for Normal Driving(if that actually exists). The other will be for Severe Service(Stop and Go Traffic, Dusty Conditions, Towing, Extreme Hot and Extreme Cold Weather, Ect). Most are going to want to follow the Severe Service Schedule. This is due to what most individuals are going to encounter.

For the Ranger specifically, here are the two Maintenance Schedules.

Now the first thing I want to point out is the Engine Oil Interval. As many understand from the beginning, Ford did state that the Ranger "Can go up to 10,000 Miles"on an Oil Change. If you look at the Maintenance Schedule above you will notice under the Severe Service Schedules it is heavily recommended to do it every 5,000 miles. Even if you hit the Trail or tow only a few times a year, I feel you should follow those recommendations anyways.

Next is the Engine Air Filter and the Cabin Filter. Notice how it says to replace the Cabin Filter every 20,000 miles and the Air Filter every 30,000 miles. In the Severe Service Schedule it mentioned to replace the Engine Air Filter as needed. If you stay in the City, then perhaps you can get away with this. If you are going OffRoad and/or dealing with Heavy Dusty Conditions, then I would recommend changing both every 15,000 Miles. Both will get more than enough Dirt Dust and Debris OffRoad and in Heavy Dusty Conditions. Get too much on the Air Filter and you will start to loose Engine Performance. Get too much in the Cabin Air Filter and you will have poor HVAC Performance.

Brake Fluid. Notice how there isn't a recommendation to change it?! Pretty silly to say the least. Now I don't remember the general recommendation on when to change it, but I can say that Nissan technically recommends it get changed every 30,000 miles under "Normal Operation". Personally I recommend doing it every 15,000 Miles. This will help ensure you have nice pliable Brake Fluid so you can stop.

Spark plugs!! Now the claim that Ford has for "Normal Operation" has been debunked..... DO NOT Change the Spark Plugs at 100,000 Miles!! Do it at 60,000 Miles!! Other Members have already reported huge problems at that interval!!

Transmission, Transfer Case, Rear Axle and Front Axle. According to Ford, they believe you should service these items at 150,000 Miles......... This is a great idea of you only want to replace the vehicle at that mileage....... My thoughts?! If you want to keep your Truck in optimal condition, then I highly recommend doing the service every 30,000 Miles. This is the same recommendation under "Severe Service" from Nissan. I have seen multiple Nissan Vehicles go past 300,000 Miles on the original Drivetrain following that service recommendation.

As for what fluid to use? Simply open the Owner's Manual and and find the Specifications recommend. That is the best I can offer on that side.

Hopefully this will help you with keeping your truck moving.

Did you buy another Ranger?

 

[Frenchy]

Did you buy another Ranger?

Nope, I'm having too much fun with this 2012 Frontier! I have had it for almost a year now and like it for some fair reasons.

That said this thread should stick to the subject at hand

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