1998 Ford Ranger Engine cooling Problems

“I started the truck, all gauges read ok, backed it out onto the road and proceeded t drive to my destination. I shifted into 3rd and it felt sluggish, (like brake drag) I looked down at the instrument panel for information, and found no response from the oil pressure gauge. I proceeded to push in the clutch and shut off the motor, but by the time I pushed in the clutch the engine shut down and wouldn't proceed to run. I checked the oil dip stick to find the oil level is acceptable, but the motor refuses to turn over. Problem still occurs to this day.”

“Pulled my 1998 Ford Ranger into a store parking lot. I was getting ready to park when I could smell something burning. Stopped the truck. Smoke was coming from under the hood. I popped the hood and saw an electrical plug burning with flames. I was able to blow the flames out before much else was damaged. I was able to drive it to a Ford dealership. They told me that the cruise control plug is what caught fire. It also damaged my reservoir for the brake fluid. They are replacing the master cylinder and the cruise control plug. Of course, this is at my own expense, not fords.”

“Carbon monoxide leakage into cab of 1998 Ford Ranger caused severe sleepiness while driving to and from work and while at home. Each day for about a month I was experiencing dizziness, sleepiness and nausea. I had a small accident when I feel asleep while stopping for a red traffic light and ran into the back of another vehicle. I reported my dizziness and sleepiness to my supervisor who notified our medical department and they sent me home. I had a medical stress test performed; it was ok', a sleep study performed and the cardiologist increased my dosage of a beta blocker. …”

“The harmonic balancer separated, which made contact with the transmission and front u-joint. The rear end of vehicle tore apart when the front portion of the drive shaft made contact with the road. Dealer was contacted and stated that there was no recalls so there was nothing they could do about it. Ph”

“Dt: the consumer stated that the 1998 Ford Ranger engine was making noise and the spark plug had blew out of the cylinder. This happened while driving 20 MPH. The vehicle had considerably less power after the loss of the spark plug. The consumer replaced the spark plug earlier today. When the consumer found that the spark plug failed it was hanging by its wires. The consumer had not contacted Ford at this time. The dealer had not been contacted at this point. (11/15/05)”