Ford Ranchero problems

Common Ford Ranchero problems

Ford Ranchero owners have reported several common problems with their vehicles, including issues with the starter and idling, rust, and faulty gear indicators.

One of the most frequently reported problems is difficulty with the starter and idling. Mechanics have struggled to diagnose and fix this issue, with some reporting that they have tried multiple starters without success. This problem can affect the overall drivability of the vehicle, making it difficult to start and maintain a consistent idle.

Another common issue is rust, particularly in the bed floor pan and spare tire well. This is due to the fact that the Ranchero's bed floor pan is made from the same sheet metal as the station wagon floor pan, which contains the second row seat foot wells and the spare tire well. There are no drain holes in this area, which can lead to water accumulation and subsequent rust damage. This can cause a range of problems, from a wind whistle to the gas tank falling out or the second row footwells rusting through.

A third problem reported by Ranchero owners is a faulty gear indicator that does not accurately display the gear the vehicle is in. This can lead to confusion and potentially dangerous situations, such as accidentally shifting into reverse at highway speed.

In addition to these issues, Ranchero owners have reported problems with the defroster and dash lights not working. These issues can affect the overall functionality and safety of the vehicle, making it difficult to drive in certain conditions.

While the Ranchero is often mechanically sound, these common problems can affect the overall ownership experience. It is important for potential buyers to be aware of these issues and to thoroughly inspect any Ranchero they are considering purchasing.

What is the best year of the Ford Ranchero?

Ranchero production was modest, with 508,355 sold in 22 years. The best years were 40,334 in 1972 and 45,741 in '73, but sales were usually half that. The rarest model is 1958, when only 9950 left the factory—fewer than half the 21,696 sold in the launch year.

How much is a Ranchero car worth?

A: The average price of a Ford Ranchero is $22,495.

What engines came in the Ford Rancheros?

Engine choices began with the 250 cubic inch I6 and ran to several V8 choices, including the standard 289 with two-barrel carburetor, and the FE-based 390. The powerful 428 cu in (7.0 L) Cobra Jet, another FE derivative and the largest engine offered in the Ranchero to date, was a mid-1968 option.

How many miles per gallon does a 1973 Ford Ranchero get?

Based on data from 1 vehicles, 3 fuel-ups and 535 miles of driving, the 1973 Ford Ranchero gets a combined Avg MPG of 8.84 with a 0.78 MPG margin of error. Below you can see a distribution of the fuel-ups with 0 outliers (0.00%) removed.