Tune Up

[bmonee5]

Just Got a 2000 Ford Ranger XLT 4.0 4x4. Going to change oil, filter, plugs and if someone were to change the plugs would you go ahead and change the wires at the same time? Was reading around about maybe cleaning the intake but i'm not 100% sure about how to do this but is it easy enough? I'm also going to change the o2 sensor seeing as its probably the original one and the truck is at 106,500 miles. My main question was where are the fuel filters located at on these trucks? Its a extended cab pickup, but i assume its underneath the truck on the frame somewhere? And is their anything else i should do to basically tune it up?

 

[Epixstar]

you dont have to change the plugs and wires at the same time would not hurt. I would not worry about your o2 sensor "if it aint broke dont fix it" un less its got a code for it. You could always try seafoam for your intake just search youtube for how to vids or search the site there was a tread about it not that long ago.

 

[bmonee5]

you dont have to change the plugs and wires at the same time would not hurt. I would not worry about your o2 sensor "if it aint broke dont fix it" un less its got a code for it. You could always try seafoam for your intake just search youtube for how to vids or search the site there was a tread about it not that long ago.

wow that never even crossed my mind about seafoam. I told myself that i would try it when i got a chance...ok cool yeah i've def heard the " if it ain't broke don't fix it " so i'll probably keep my wires but i think the plugs are the original ones from the factory probably...

 

[daniel3507]

The fuel filter is on the inside frame rail on the drivers side.

 

[bmonee5]

The fuel filter is on the inside frame rail on the drivers side.

I'm sure if a buy a new one and go under i can't miss it....??? Haha btw i was on youtube looking for seafoam instructions....and i'm sure the can explains it well enough but this one guy was trying to explain it and it starts out with his girlfriend not knowing how to work the camera and her hand is in front of the lense right at first and then its recording and they didnt know...haha then it starts out..." i'm gonna try this seafoam thing in my mustang " haha the immediatley reminded me of that thread of the top fails of 2009 of the guy who put NOS energy drink into his motorcycle thinking it was fuel additive. Thanks for the imput guys!!!

 

[daniel3507]

pretty much. there is a guard that goes around it but its pretty obvious

 

[rangerdanger.]

fuel filter

The fuel filter is on the inside of the frame rail on the driver side.

 

[adsm08]

Pull your plug wires and look at the top of the plug. If there is a green dot on them they are original. If there isn't they have been replaced already. Your plugs have a rated service life of 50-100K miles.

I like to do plugs and wires at the same time because a good plug is nothing without a good wire. Your O2s are something that I wouldn't replace unless they are giving you trouble though.

 

[LearjetMinako]

At 106k miles and its a new vehicle to you. I say change everything. Start off with all the oil fluids (engine, transmission, transfer case, and both axles). Then move to changing filters (oil, transmission, air filter and fuel filter). And then move onwards to the tune-up (spark plugs, spark plug wires, O2 sensors, and anything else that might need fixing).

O2 sensors don't need to throw codes to be bad. One indication would be poor gas mileage.

And if you are like me. You have worked on the engine so much, you can replace a timing belt in under 2 hours. Or that pesky leaking oil seal on the oil pump in 3 hours.

 

[bmonee5]

i wasn't going to do the transfer case or either axle oils cause money is tight..... it is a manual transmission is their even oil or filter to replace...i didnt think their was? i am changing the fuel filter and it has a cone K&N knock off that just needs to be cleaned so thats all good, and for money wise i'm leaving the o2 sensors for now but will change them soon. I thought that the fuel filter would have threaded ends but they do not..... is this a wrong fuel filter? the auto shop told me this is the right one it also has 2 inputs and 1 output? i'm gonna look tomorrow and figure it out.

 

[JohnnyO]

i wasn't going to do the transfer case or either axle oils cause money is tight..... it is a manual transmission is their even oil or filter to replace...i didnt think their was?

The manual transmission and transfer case both use Mercon ATF. It is very easy to change the lube yourself if you buy a $9 suction gun to fill them. They both have drain and fill plugs, the t-case on the back side and the tranny's on the side. The t-case may have a small round vibration damper on the back that covers the drain plug, remove 3 small bolts and it comes right off. Take the fill plugs out first (a 3/8 ratchet or extension). I'd advise a sheet of cardboard on the ground too, you will spill a little bit filling them. T-case takes about 1.5 quarts, the tranny a little more but just pump the ATF in there until it runs out. Don't overtighten the plugs reinstalling them, just snug is fine. The owner's manual says to change the t-case lube every 60k and the tranny every 100k but the lube will look like tar long before then and hardly anyone thinks to do it.

The Valvoline Qwicky-Lube near me will drain and fill axles for $39.99 per with a suction machine ($59.99 for synthetic) and at that price it's not worth the hassle of doing it myself. That's really the only way to do the front axle anyway. As I recall, they charged about $26 to change manual trannys and t-cases if you don't want to do it yourself. I'd advise doing all that sometime soon when you can afford it. Ounce of prevention and a pound of cure and all that. I'd advise doing all that sometime soon when you can afford it.

 

[adsm08]

The manual transmission and transfer case both use Mercon ATF.

In 2005 Ford changed fluid spec on ALL transfer cases going back into the early 80s. You transfer case can use ATF, but Ford Transfercase fluid is preferred. Its mostly the same stuff with a few additives to help the t-case parts move easier.

 

[bmonee5]

hmmmm yeah i've never really worked with tranny's or front or rear ends or even the transfer case. I may have to talk to my mechanic and see how much he would want to do this stuff or i could look into it i just am not sure what i would be doing, i'm somewhat limited to what i can do but wish i could to save some money.

 

[brock71]

I have a 2002 4.0 L in need of plugs and wires. Are there any tips for getting at the two rear plugs/wires on the passanger side? Can barely see them from the top.

Also, what controls spark an where is it located? I see a connector on the back of the coil pack going to some controller somewhere.

Thanks,
John

 

[daniel3507]

Try going through the fender wells to get to the plugs.