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2003 Ford Ranger Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs)

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TSB Date Problem Area TSB Text
08/03/06 NHTSA ID: 10020173
TSB ID: 06116

Possible engine damage - install special service tools prior to removing crankshaft pulley bolt - service tip.
01/13/06 NHTSA ID: 10018746
TSB ID: 052212

Buck/jerk and miss during drive cycle above 3000 rpm - no dtc - 3.0l 2v gas and ffv engine.
04/28/05 NHTSA ID: 10014096
TSB ID: 042419

Revised procedure for adjusting alignment on all suspensions - new right hand upper control arm design for torsion bar front suspensions.
04/14/05 NHTSA ID: 10013315
TSB ID: 18375

High idle at cold start.
04/07/05 NHTSA ID: 10013075
TSB ID: 16305

Engine timing service tools / service tip.
01/07/05 NHTSA ID: 10011169
TSB ID: 041610

Grabbing condition from rear drum brakes. *ar
NHTSA's feed only includes summaries. For the full text of TSBs:

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12/07/04 NHTSA ID: 10010719
TSB ID: 041910

Oil leak from oil filter adapter - 4.0l sohc engine built before 4/1/2004.
09/24/04 NHTSA ID: 10009338
TSB ID: 17928

Rough running, misfire and a lack of power due to a loss of compression.
08/05/04 NHTSA ID: 10008580
TSB ID: 02176

Lamp-brake-invadvertent disabling of brake shift interlock. *mj
08/04/04 NHTSA ID: 10008547
TSB ID: 0486

Boom/vibration at 1800-2200 rpm, rough idle.
08/04/04 NHTSA ID: 10008552
TSB ID: 17777

Rear leaf spring noise.
07/27/04 NHTSA ID: 10008304
TSB ID: 02221

Engine-gear driven synchronizers-incorrect installation-camshaft position synchronizer (cmp) installation tool correct application. *mj
07/22/04 NHTSA ID: 10008146
TSB ID: 16461

Tool kit contains the timing peg used to lock the crankshaft in place when performing crankshaft pulley or engine timing service.
07/22/04 NHTSA ID: 10008180
TSB ID: 17352

Malfunction indicator lamp (mil) on with diagnostic trouble code (dtc) p0442 (evaporative emission system leak detected).
06/17/04 NHTSA ID: 10007396
TSB ID: 17604

Cooling system fan noise when cold.
06/16/04 NHTSA ID: 10007358
TSB ID: 0415

Lower engine oil leaks 3.0l 2v vulcan engine. diagnostic service tips.
01/20/04 NHTSA ID: 10004909
TSB ID: 17255

Hard start/long crank when cold or stumbles/surges during drive-away. possible diagnostic trouble codes p0171, and p0174 or p0172 and p0175.
01/14/04 NHTSA ID: 10004908
TSB ID: 17254

Clicking/popping noise from upper steering column area when turning. 2004 e series and explorer sport trac also included.
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11/18/03 NHTSA ID: 10004083
TSB ID: 17227

Accessory drive belt noise on 3.0l vehicles built prior to 9/18/2003.
11/18/03 NHTSA ID: 10004089
TSB ID: 17234

Engine oil leaks from the filter area on vehicles with a 3.0l 2-valve engine.
11/18/03 NHTSA ID: 10004080
TSB ID: 17221

Spark knock, detonation, or ping condition on tip-in or during steady state operation at or near wide open throttle.
11/17/03 NHTSA ID: 10004069
TSB ID: 17198

Wear-through condition on the abrasion sleeve of the upper radiator hose near the air conditioning accumulator or transmission fluid dipstick.
11/04/03 NHTSA ID: 10003848
TSB ID: 16974

Engine oil leak near the oil pan or oil filter on vehicles equipped with a 3.0l 2-valve (vulcan) engine.
10/09/03 NHTSA ID: 10003154
TSB ID: 17025

Engine accessory drive belt noise.
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09/17/03 NHTSA ID: 10002780
TSB ID: 0398

Malfunction indicator lamp (mil) illumination with diagnostic trouble codes p0442, p0455, p0456, p0457, p1442 or check fuel cap lamp illuminated with diagnostic trouble code p0457.
09/09/03 NHTSA ID: 10002647
TSB ID: 16743

Coolant leak due to a broken radiator hose clamp(s).
09/04/03 NHTSA ID: 10002504
TSB ID: 16626

Hesitation or surge condition during cruise with the air conditioner on.
09/03/03 NHTSA ID: 10002495
TSB ID: 16610

No start, no communication with power train control module (pcm) using wds/ngs or a miss/buck/jerk while driving.
09/03/03 NHTSA ID: 10002482
TSB ID: 0335

Idle air control (iac) valve diagnostic service tips.
03/25/03 NHTSA ID: 10000592
TSB ID: 870197

Incorrectly installed gear driven camshaft position (cmp) sensor synchronizer assemblies causing surge, lost of power, malfunction indicator lamp on and diagnostic trouble codes p1336, p1309 and p0340.
NHTSA's feed only includes summaries. For the full text of TSBs:

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12/06/05 Transmission and Drivetrain NHTSA ID: 10017891
TSB ID: 030508

Front axle leaks fluid from vent tube - vehicles equipped with 4x4 or awd.
04/28/05 Transmission and Drivetrain NHTSA ID: 10014086
TSB ID: 042107

General (pcm) power train control module programming procedures.
04/18/05 Transmission and Drivetrain NHTSA ID: 10013414
TSB ID: 04237

Driveshaft thump clunk on light acceleration from stop or when braking and coming to a stop. *eh
04/15/05 Transmission and Drivetrain NHTSA ID: 10013369
TSB ID: 04217

General power train control module (pcm) programming procedures.
07/27/04 Transmission and Drivetrain NHTSA ID: 10008329
TSB ID: 16396

No start/no communication-contact request. *mj
07/27/04 Transmission and Drivetrain NHTSA ID: 10008305
TSB ID: 02222

Noise-gear whine noise in 1st and 2nd gear only-vehicles equipped with 5r55e transmission and 4.0l engine only. *mj
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07/26/04 Transmission and Drivetrain NHTSA ID: 10008280
TSB ID: 03048

Thump/clunk on light acceleration from stop or when braking and coming to a stop on certain 4x4 super cab equipped with automatic transmission and steel driveshaft.
11/17/03 Transmission and Drivetrain NHTSA ID: 10004048
TSB ID: 17127

Transmission whine in 5th gear.
10/29/03 Transmission and Drivetrain NHTSA ID: 10003748
TSB ID: 03148

New transmission cooler flusher - service tips. 2003 escort and super duty f series included.
09/17/03 Transmission and Drivetrain NHTSA ID: 10002776
TSB ID: 0393

Buzz/howl in the transfer case shift lever while driving, and/or shift lever boot detachment due to insufficient retention of the boot(s).
07/25/03 Transmission and Drivetrain NHTSA ID: 10001922
TSB ID: 0358

Fluid may leak out of the front axle vent tube. *jb
05/22/01 Transmission and Drivetrain NHTSA ID: 619276
TSB ID: 0186

On some vehicles, including sport and sport trac, the front axle leaks fluid from the vent tube.
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12/06/05 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10017889
TSB ID: 05619

Brake lamp concerns.
04/14/05 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10013300
TSB ID: 0513

Inside door pull handle loose - vehicles built before 11/15/2002 and equipped with power windows/door locks.
04/08/05 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10013116
TSB ID: 04174

Malfunction indicator lamp (mil) illuminated - system lean diagnostic trouble codes (dtc's) - service tips. various models including 2004 f-series.
04/07/05 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10013077
TSB ID: 16308

Various 2003 vehicles equipped with premium cd-6 radios - cd-6 shuffle feature between discs not available.
07/28/04 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10008359
TSB ID: 16437

Diagnostic trouble code (dtc) c1233 & c1234 - replace anti-lock brake system euc. *mj
07/28/04 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10008356
TSB ID: 16431

Passenger side power door lock inoperative or intermittent operation.
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07/23/04 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10008223
TSB ID: 17718

Malfunction indicator lamp (mil) on with diagnostic trouble code (dtc) p0171, p0172, p0174 or p0175.
06/16/04 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10007366
TSB ID: 0369

Safety belt pretensioner diagnostic trouble codes (dtc) b1877 and/or b1881.
01/14/04 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10004886
TSB ID: 03203

Malfunction indicator lamp illuminated with diagnostic trouble codes (dtcs) p0442, p0455, p0456, p0457 or p1442 or a check fuel cap lamp illuminated with dtc p0457 for the evaporative emission system.
11/14/03 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10004027
TSB ID: 03181

Remote keyless entry (rke) - service tips.
09/08/03 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10002605
TSB ID: 16889

An rcm diagnostic trouble code b1881, b1882, or b1883.
09/03/03 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 10002477
TSB ID: 0327

Diagnostic trouble codes (dtc) b1877 (driver pretensioner circuit resistance high) and/or b1881 (passenger pretensioner circuit resistance high), indicating a high resistance in the safety belt pretensioner circuit.
NHTSA's feed only includes summaries. For the full text of TSBs:

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11/06/02 Electrical and Air Conditioning NHTSA ID: 636206
TSB ID: 16017

Subject regarding accelerator pedal buzz.
04/28/05 Other NHTSA ID: 10014138
TSB ID: 042421

Safety belt retraction speed.
04/28/05 Other NHTSA ID: 10014165
TSB ID: 04251

Aluminum corrosion - service tip.
08/09/04 Other NHTSA ID: 10008608
TSB ID: 16253

Equipped with a hard tonneau cover. * mj
07/28/04 Other NHTSA ID: 10008351
TSB ID: 16424

New tonneau cover lock cylinder retainer clips released for service. *mj
07/27/04 Other NHTSA ID: 10008295
TSB ID: 17429

Uneven tire wear on 4x4s equipped with goodyear p245/75r15 tires.
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07/22/04 Other NHTSA ID: 10008154
TSB ID: 03235

Bed extender component replacement service tip.
07/22/04 Other NHTSA ID: 10008153
TSB ID: 03231

Inoperable latches, locks and/or lift struts on vehicles equipped with a hard tonneau cover.
06/10/04 Other NHTSA ID: 10007331
TSB ID: 17490

Excessive front tire heal and toe wear at low mileage. on goodyear p245/75r16 tires.
07/23/03 Other NHTSA ID: 10001860
TSB ID: 0369

Diagnostic trouble code b1877 and/or b1881 indicating a high resistance in the safety belt pretensioner circuit. *jb

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Ford Ranger TSBs (Technical Service Bulletins)

Some things are often misunderstood about recalls and technical service bulletins (TSBs). Plus a disclaimer.

  1. Recalls do not have to be issued only because something is prone to failure. NHTSA (a government agency) can only require a recall if a failure will affect safety, emissions, fuel economy, or compliance with some other regulation or law. Manufacturers can voluntarily recall cars for problems that do not affect these, though.
  2. Recalls often apply to only some cars of a specific model year, rather than all of them. You should receive a letter from the manufacturer if your car has been recalled. You can also check with the dealer, which will know which (if any) recalls pertain to your car.
  3. The primary purpose of TSBs is to inform dealers about known problems with a car and how to fix them. They are not the same as recalls. As with recalls, TSBs often only apply to some cars, not the entire model year.
  4. Dealers often will not provide a preventive repair just because a problem described in a TSB might happen to your car. They'll usually want to observe symptoms that the problem is already affecting your car.
  5. Even if there are symptoms, a manufacturer doesn't have to pick up the cost of a TSB repair if the car is out of warranty, though sometimes they do.

We provide the text of recalls and TSBs as provided by NHTSA. There can be errors in the text. If you sign up for notifications in My Garage, we will try to get these to do, but for various reasons (some beyond our control) cannot guarantee you will receive them. When in doubt about a recall or TSB, contact the dealer.