If you have encountered your Ford Ranger smoking problem, you must have wondered what the possible reasons are. As you can guess, there can be several different causes, none of which should be ignored. Smoke coming out from your car is something you need to take seriously.
Smoking can appear in two possible places: the engine and the exhaust.
Internal engine problems highlights
- Level of importance:High
- Commonreasons:Mileage, poor maintenance, improper use, physical damage
- DIY inspection:Possible but may be complicated
- DIY repair:Possible, in some cases
- Price for repair:$250 - $1,500
- Can you drive?Depends on the issue
- Ways to fix:Locate the problem, outline possible fixes, replace or repair the worn-out parts
The most likely problem is overheating. If the engine overheats it will smoke as the temperature rises and the smoke coming from the engine will be white. In that case, you should check if the thermostat is working correctly or if the radiator is leaking.
Another reason for a smoking engine is leaking valve covers. When this problem appears, oil is leaking directly onto the exhaust. You will recognize this by the blueish color of the smoke coming from the engine. If such a problem occurs, you should check whether the valve cover gasket is bad.
Melting wiring harness is also a common cause, because of the complex wiring system. If some of the wiring harness rub against some other parts for long enough it can cause melting. If this is the cause of the smoking, you will notice a smell of melting plastic. It is important to take it seriously because melting wires can cause an engine fire.
If the smoke is coming from your Ford Rangers exhaust it is something you need to check. Different colors of smoke are caused by several different things. White smoke usually indicates that it is caused by one of the reasons listed above in the engine smoking part.
If you notice black exhaust don't panic, it doesn't always indicate serious malfunction. First, you should detect if the black smoke appears at start-up but clears up when the engine warms up. If that is the case there's nothing to worry about. That is normal for some cars.
In all the other cases, black smoke coming from your Ranger exhaust should not be ignored. The most common problem is a clogged air filter, and it is one of the easier and cheaper fixes. You should change your Ford Rangers filters regularly.
Another cause of black exhaust is clogged fuel injectors. For when injectors are clogged the fuel is not entering the combustion chamber in the right quantity. If that is not the case you should check the piston rings, because if the ring leaks, the oil will burn and black or blue smoke will appear. The same problem may come when the valve seals are ruined.
Malfunctioning EGR valve is another possible cause. If it's not doing its work properly the exhaust gasses are not being recycled in the combustion chamber. Instead, all of those bad gasses are coming out in a form of black smoke.
As you have read, most of the causes of Ford Ranger's smoking problems are not negligible. If you experience any of the above problems find a skilled auto technician to fix them timely.
About the authors
The CarAraC research team is composed of seasoned auto mechanics and automotive industry professionals, including individuals with advanced degrees and certifications in their field. Our team members boast prestigious credentials, reflecting their extensive knowledge and skills. These qualifications include: IMI: Institute of the Motor Industry, ASE-Certified Master Automobile Technicians; Coventry University, Graduate of MA in Automotive Journalism; Politecnico di Torino, Italy, MS Automotive Engineering; Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Mechanical University in Skopje; TOC Automotive College; DHA Suffa University, Department of Mechanical Engineering
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