Questions. I have Questions!

[Weasel]

Good evening (where applicable).

Short term reader, first-time poster.

I was lazily bidding on a Ford Ranger with the assumption that there was no way I was going to win said auction. I was wrong. Now, I had been in the market for such a vehicle so it was a pleasant surprise.

(I'm getting to the questions)

This Ranger is a 2008 XL regular cab, 2.3L, and automatic. With 107K KMs (~66,000 Miles)

It was a government-owned vehicle, so it was regularly maintained about every 5K (3,100 Miles). It was 1 item short of passing its safety. The cab corner is rusted out, so I'll be ordering a corner and fixing that, probably better than trying to patch it.

Anyway, enough of my jibber-jabber.

I'm looking to upgrade, fix cosmetic items, etc.

- I'd like to add power locks. Any recommendations on what would be a good option here? What about a remote starter that includes a power lock kit? (do they exist?)
- I'm thinking of getting seat covers for it, the current seats are marked with some rips. What are some good seat covers to look at?
- In relation to the above. If I were to convert it from the 60/40 to bucket seats. What seat covers would I be looking for then?
- If I did convert the 60/40. What would be my options for a center console?
- The vinyl flooring is fair. It would be nice to replace it, but that's not a must (this isn't an actual question)
- It has a couple of rust spots (but overall, pretty good) and impressions left from decals, etc. I'm thinking of 'dipping' it. Anyone have any advice there? (It seems the most economical refresh)
- Recommendations for add on fog lights?
- I will add a 2 DIN head unit. Will I need a new fascia/surround?
- How do I reset the TPMS? Tires are fine now.
- Any other recommendations? (Outside of those which are anatomically impossible)

Thanks!

I really don't expect to have it long term. I'd like to replace it with a new version in a couple of years.

 

[racsan]

Thats a lot to do for something you plan on not keeping past 2 years. You may end up enjoying it more than you realize and have it for 10+ though.
First off, Welcome! L.M.C. truck most likely has a replacement carpet kit, Browse the tech library here for many great ideas and information. Better seats can often be found out of a low-milage junkyard donor. (my drivers seat was previously a passenger seat from another ranger, so I have 2 bucket seats now) I dont have much more to add, enjoy your “new” truck.

 

[RonD]

Welcome to TRS

Good page to bookmark here: https://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/index.shtml

Answers to alot of your questions are there, plus more that you haven't even asked yet

You have a 2.3l DOHC Duratec engine, Mazda L engine, Ford turbo'd it and used almost the same engine in the 2019/20 Rangers

You have a 5R44E automatic transmission

You have PATS(passive anti-theft system), this means the Key has a chip(RFID tag) in the handle, often called transponder keys.
When you turn on the ignition the key's tag number is read and PATS looks at the 3 or 4 key numbers it was programmed with at the factory to find a match, if match is found the "Theft light" on the dash will go off and fuel pump will start
If no match then "Theft light" will flash rapidly and engine will not start, no fuel pump and no fuel injectors, also no starter motor

So you NEED to have 2 working keys for this vehicle, because if you lose the only working key then it sits where ever it is until you can tow it or get a mobile locksmith out to cut a new PATS key and add to its memory

The Remote start is why I explained the PATS, because you need a PATS remote start, it uses an "electronic" PATS key number, so engine can be started without an actual PATS key in the ignition
There are some 3rd party Remote Starts that can "learn" your PATS key number, so they can simulate a key start, so PATS doesn't know the difference and allows start up
Remote starts all have one thing in common, when you open the door or touch the brake or shifter the engine shuts off, so Remote start is not a PATS work around, lol

A Factory power door lock with remote start can be added but will require alot of wiring
3rd party might be easier to do, but still some wiring

You need a TPMS "tool" to reset the system, the tool is a wireless broadcaster that you need to use when TPMS is in "learning mode"
You walk around the vehicle to each specific tire and press the button on the tool, horn will honk then you go to next tire, repeat for all 4 tires and system is reset
The basic tool is not expensive, but often a tire shop will do it for free or a few dollars

Look in the above link for your other answers

 

[snoranger]

Just to add a little tidbit to what Ron said:

Tpms... Some of the Ford systems can be put into relearn. Then you go around, let a few pounds of air out of each tire and it can learn them that way. If you have an owners manual, it will describe how to do it in detail.

 

[1990RangerinSK]

I just came here to ask how a weasel learned how to type. Let alone drive.

⬇ Sorry, I couldn't resist. I come with a warning label. ⬇

 

[stmitch]

97-01 Explorer center consoles fit very nicely if you switch to buckets. They all have damaged vinyl on the lids by now, so be prepared to repair or replace that

 

[ericbphoto]

I just came here to ask how a weasel learned how to type. Let alone drive.

⬇ Sorry, I couldn't resist. I come with a warning label. ⬇

We's'll be sending you to the corner now.

 

[Ranger850]

We's'll be sending you to the corner now.

You should join him for this attempt at word play

 

[1990RangerinSK]

We's'll be sending you to the corner now.

You should join him for this attempt at word play

Hmm. I don't think I want Eric with me. Then again, it would save me having to email him the pictures that I have for him. Bring a flash drive with you, Eric, and I'll give them to you in person.

As for sending us to the corner, what if the room is round?

 

[pjtoledo]

Hmm. I don't think I want Eric with me. Then again, it would save me having to email him the pictures that I have for him. Bring a flash drive with you, Eric, and I'll give them to you in person.

As for sending us to the corner, what if the room is round?

just keep looking for the corner, you'll be OK (eventually)

 

[1990RangerinSK]

just keep looking for the corner, you'll be OK (eventually)

But.... Round rooms don't HAVE corners! The ones where the wall (only one) meets the ceiling and floor don't count.

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

 

[ericbphoto]

Hmm. I don't think I want Eric with me. Then again, it would save me having to email him the pictures that I have for him. Bring a flash drive with you, Eric, and I'll give them to you in person.

As for sending us to the corner, what if the room is round?

I promise not to fart much.

 

[Ranger850]

The corners of a round room are where the walls meet the floor and ceiling. #duh

 

[Weasel]

Thanks for the feedback. It's appreciated.

It is a rather ambitious list. If I keep it for a longer term it will be nicer. If it's shorter term, it'll help the resale value. The regular cab doesn't allow me to move my seat back as far as I prefer. The recline helps a bit.

Hopefully, it'll be cooler here soon so that I can get out to the wreckers and see what is usable.

I may just stick with keyless entry and forgo the remote start.

I ordered a cab corner, but it seems that they didn't actually have it in stock like the website seemed to imply. Up to a month out.