1997 Ford Ranger Problems & Recalls

1997 Ford Ranger Problems & Recalls

Looking to buy a used 1997 Ford Ranger? There are several owner-reported problems worth knowing about, including cracked fuel filler hoses, automatic transmission failures, 4.0L engine concerns, high idle, and frame rust.

The 1997 Ranger also has an important safety recall involving the speed-control deactivation switch, which could overheat and cause an underhood fire. As with any older truck, condition and maintenance history matter, but there are some specific areas worth checking before buying one.

Reported Problems

4.0L Engine Problems

Owners have reported cracked cylinder heads on the 4.0L V6. Symptoms can include coolant loss, overheating, misfires, and poor engine performance.

Check the cooling system carefully for signs of coolant loss, overheating, or previous cylinder head repairs. Look for evidence of coolant contamination in the engine oil and oil contamination in the cooling system.

High Idle

A high idle condition has been reported on the 1997 Ranger. Ford Technical Service Bulletin 00-3-5 addresses high idle on 1998–2000 Rangers, including a condition that can occur when depressing the clutch or shifting between gears.

The bulletin identifies a poor electrical connection in the wiring harness at the Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) as a possible cause. The repair procedure uses a high-idle service kit and modifies the wiring connection.

Read Ford TSB 00-3-5

Cracked Fuel Filler Hose

A cracked fuel filler hose is one of the more frequently reported problems with the 1997 Ranger. The hose can develop cracks that allow fuel to leak, particularly when filling the tank.

Inspect the filler hose and connections for cracking, deterioration, and signs of fuel leakage. A fuel odor around the filler area should not be ignored.

Fuel Tank Strap and Mounting Corrosion

The fuel tank straps and their mounting points can rust and fail. Inspect the straps and the crossmember supporting the fuel tank for corrosion.

A tank that is no longer securely supported is a safety concern and should be repaired before the truck is driven.

Gas Pedal Bracket Failure

Several owners have reported the gas pedal bracket breaking. Inspect the pedal mounting bracket for cracks, looseness, or signs of previous repairs.

The accelerator pedal should move smoothly and return to its normal position without binding.

Automatic Transmission Problems

Automatic transmission complaints include:

• The transmission hanging up between shifts and acting as though it is in Neutral.
• Transmission failure.
• Difficulty shifting between gears.
• Transmission solenoid failure.

The symptoms can have different causes, so don’t assume every shifting problem means the transmission needs to be replaced. Have the transmission control system scanned for trouble codes and check its operation during a road test.

Pay attention to delayed engagement, slipping, harsh shifts, and any period where the transmission seems to lose drive between gears.

Rear Axle and Driveshaft Problems

Owners have reported rear axle failures and instances of the axle locking up.

Listen for unusual noises from the rear axle and inspect the driveshaft and joints for looseness or damage. Any binding, clunking, or abnormal vibration should be investigated.

Door Ajar Light and Dome Light Problems

The door-ajar warning light and interior dome light may stay on even when the doors are closed. The switch inside the door latch can stick.

Check that all doors register as closed and that the dome light shuts off. A light that remains on can drain the battery.

Turn Signal and Windshield Wiper Multifunction Switch

The multifunction switch in the steering column has been reported to fail. Symptoms include windshield wipers turning on by themselves or refusing to turn off.

Check the turn signals, hazard lights, and windshield wipers through all their operating positions.

Cruise Control Problems and Underhood Fires

A few owners have reported underhood fires associated with the cruise-control system. The speed-control deactivation switch was the subject of a major Ford recall because it could leak internally and overheat.

The 1997 Ranger was included in the 09V399 recall described below. Check the truck’s recall history and verify that the required fused wiring harness was installed.

Heater Blend Door Failure

The heater blend door can fail and become stuck in the full-heat position. This can prevent the temperature controls from adjusting the amount of heat entering the cabin.

Test the heater controls through their full range before purchasing the truck.

Rear Leaf Spring Hangers and Shackles

The rear leaf spring hangers and shackles can rust and eventually fail. This is particularly important on trucks that have spent years in areas where road salt is used.

Inspect the frame around the rear spring hangers, shackles, and mounting points. Look for corrosion that has weakened the metal or caused cracks and separation.

Frame Rust

Excessive frame rust has been reported on the 1997 Ranger, including rust holes in the frame.

Inspect the frame carefully, particularly around the rear suspension, crossmembers, and fuel tank mounting areas. Surface rust is different from structural corrosion. Pay attention to metal that has swollen, flaked away, or lost substantial thickness.

Airbag and Seat Belt Reports

Owners have reported airbags failing to deploy during front-end collisions and seat belts that would not fully buckle or became unbuckled.

These reports do not establish that every Ranger has a restraint-system defect. Check the airbag warning light and make sure every seat belt latches securely and remains latched when pulled.

Seat Back Failure

A few reports describe the seat back collapsing or falling backward. Check the seat frame, adjustment mechanism, and mounting points for looseness or damage.

Brake Problems

Reported brake concerns include rear brakes locking up and the brake pedal going all the way to the floor.

Inspect the brake system for leaks, worn components, and corroded brake lines. Any abnormal pedal feel or brake lockup should be diagnosed before driving the truck.

Firestone Wilderness Tire Failures

The 1997 Ranger was among the Ford vehicles that could have been equipped with Firestone Wilderness AT tires involved in tread-separation safety campaigns.

These campaigns involved tires, not a defect in the Ranger itself. Inspect any Firestone Wilderness AT or Radial ATX/ATX II tires for age, condition, and identification markings. Tires can become unsafe even when they still have usable tread.

1997 Ford Ranger Recalls

Recall applicability depends on the truck’s VIN, equipment, and production details. The following campaigns are important to check.

09V399 — Speed Control Deactivation Switch

NHTSA Campaign 09V399 / Ford Campaign 09S09

Certain 1995–1997 Rangers equipped with the Texas Instruments speed-control deactivation switch were included in this recall.

The switch could leak internally and overheat, smoke, or burn. This created a risk of an underhood fire, even when the engine was not running.

Ford’s remedy involved installing a fused wiring harness in line with the speed-control deactivation switch.

NHTSA Recall 09V399 Details

Aftermarket Replacement Lighting Campaigns

Several NHTSA campaigns involved aftermarket replacement lighting assemblies sold for use on the Ranger and other vehicles. These lamps did not contain required amber side reflectors and failed to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 108.

Campaigns included:

• 09E025 — Dope, Inc.
• 09E012 — Sabersport
• 08E050 — K2 Motor
• 06E026 — Pro-A Motors

These campaigns involved aftermarket replacement equipment, not original factory-installed Ranger lamps. If the truck has aftermarket lighting, check the part numbers and whether the assemblies meet applicable requirements.

Firestone Tire Safety Campaigns

The 1997 Ranger was included in tire-related safety improvement and replacement programs involving certain Firestone Wilderness AT and Radial ATX/ATX II tires.

Two campaigns worth knowing about are:

• 00T005 — Firestone Tire Tread Separation: Involved certain Firestone Wilderness AT and Radial ATX/ATX II tires in size P235/75R15.
• 01X001 — Ford/Firestone Wilderness AT Replacement Program: Ford offered replacement of certain Wilderness AT tires installed on its trucks and SUVs, including certain 1991–2001 Rangers.

These were tire campaigns rather than recalls of the Ranger itself. The original replacement and reimbursement programs have expired, but checking the tire brand, model, age, and DOT identification remains important when inspecting an older truck.

NHTSA Safety Investigation

The 1997 Ranger was included in NHTSA preliminary evaluation PE99045, which examined reports of steering knuckle separations involving certain Ford vehicles.

The investigation opened July 6, 1999, and closed October 29, 1999. No recall was issued as a result of this investigation. An investigation is not itself a finding that a defect exists, but it is worth knowing about when researching the truck’s history.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs)

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) for the 1997 Ranger are official communications between Ford & their dealerships that describe processes for troubleshooting or fixing certain common problems. All vehicle manufacturers are required by U.S. law to make their TSBs available to the public.

For a list of the TSBs for the 1997 Ford Ranger check out: 1997 Ford Ranger TSBs

What to Check When Buying a 1997 Ford Ranger

Before purchasing a 1997 Ranger, take the time to inspect the following:

• 4.0L engine: Check for coolant loss, overheating, and evidence of cracked cylinder head repairs.
• Engine idle: Watch for an unusually high idle, especially when shifting gears or depressing the clutch.
• Fuel filler hose: Inspect for cracks, deterioration, and fuel leaks.
• Fuel tank straps: Check the straps and mounting crossmember for corrosion.
• Gas pedal bracket: Inspect for cracks, looseness, and binding.
• Automatic transmission: Check for delayed engagement, slipping, harsh shifts, and periods where the transmission seems to lose drive.
• Rear axle: Listen for unusual noises and inspect the driveshaft and joints.
• Cruise control: Verify that the 09V399 speed-control deactivation switch recall was completed.
• Electrical system: Test the turn signals, multifunction switch, windshield wipers, and dome light.
• Heater: Verify that the blend door and temperature controls operate properly.
• Rear suspension: Inspect leaf spring hangers, shackles, and frame mounting points for structural corrosion.
• Frame: Check for rust holes, cracks, and weakened metal.
• Brakes: Check for rear brake lockup, fluid leaks, and abnormal pedal feel.
• Seat belts and airbags: Make sure belts latch securely and inspect the airbag warning light.
• Tires: Inspect tire age, condition, and DOT identification, particularly if Firestone Wilderness AT or Radial ATX/ATX II tires are installed.
• Recall history: Check the VIN and available service records for completed recall work.

Check for Open Recalls

Use the truck’s VIN to check for outstanding recalls:

• NHTSA Recall Lookup
• Ford Recall Lookup

A VIN search can identify unrepaired recalls, but it may not show recalls that have already been repaired or some older campaigns. Review available service records as well.

Related Ford Ranger Information

• 1983–2011 Ford Ranger Buyer’s Guide
• The Ranger Station Technical Library
• The Ranger Station Forums
• Ford Ranger Brochures