1979 Ford Ranchero problems
The Ford Ranchero is a coupe utility that was produced by Ford between 1957 and 1979. Unlike a standard pickup truck, the Ranchero was adapted from a two-door station wagon platform that integrated the cab and cargo bed into the body. A total of 508,355 units were produced during the model's production run. Over its lifespan it was variously derived from full-sized, compact, and intermediate automobiles sold by Ford for the North American market.
During the 1970s, the Ranchero name was used in the South African market for a rebadged Australian Ford Falcon utility. Shipped from Australia in complete knock down (CKD) form, these vehicles were assembled in South Africa at Ford's plant in Port Elizabeth. In Argentina, a utility version of the locally produced Ford Falcon was also called Ranchero.
The original Ranchero sold well enough to spawn a competitor from General Motors in 1959, the Chevrolet El Camino.
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Common 1979 Ford Ranchero problems
Common problems with the 1979 Ford Ranchero, based on complaints from owners, include electrical issues, particularly with the gas gauge, temperature gauge, and headlight switch.
In addition to these electrical issues, some owners have reported hesitation and near stalling, which could be related to the transmission or engine.
Another common issue with the 1979 Ford Ranchero is rust, particularly in the body and around the engine and firewall.
To address these issues, owners may need to inspect and clean the wiring and connections at the tank and dashboard, replace faulty switches or circuit boards, and address any rust or structural issues. Regular maintenance and inspection can help prevent these problems from occurring or becoming more severe.
What is the mpg on a 1979 Ford Ranchero?
Based on data from 2 vehicles, 12 fuel-ups and 1,828 miles of driving, the 1979 Ford Ranchero gets a combined Avg MPG of 10.20 with a 1.67 MPG margin of error.
How much horsepower does a 1979 Ranchero have?
Specifications for Ford Ranchero 500 5.8 V8 SelectShift, 158hp, 1979.
What transmission does a 1979 Ford Ranchero have?
A 302ci V8 2bbl occupies space in the mammoth engine bay. Ford blue valve covers top things off along with a chrome air cleaner. The hoses in this bay all are soft and supple. A C4 3-speed automatic transmission is on the back and at the tail end is a Ford 9" rear axle.
What was the most popular year for the 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.
How much horsepower does a 1979 Ford Ranchero have?
Specifications for Ford Ranchero 500 5.8 V8 SelectShift, 158hp, 1979.
What is the gas mileage on a 1979 Ford Ranchero GT?
Based on data from 2 vehicles, 12 fuel-ups and 1,828 miles of driving, the 1979 Ford Ranchero gets a combined Avg MPG of 10.20 with a 1.67 MPG margin of error.
How much can a 1979 Ford Ranchero tow?
There's full capacity to do a job too. Tailgate down, you can carry 4' x 8' plywood flat. And, with trailer option, it is rated to tow up to 3,500 pounds.
What transmission does a 1979 Ford Ranchero have?
A 302ci V8 2bbl occupies space in the mammoth engine bay. Ford blue valve covers top things off along with a chrome air cleaner. The hoses in this bay all are soft and supple. A C4 3-speed automatic transmission is on the back and at the tail end is a Ford 9" rear axle.
1979 Ford Ranchero car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Ford Ranchero problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Visibility problems
- Exterior lighting problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1979 Ford Ranchero vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1979 Ford Ranchero complaints
The NHTSA has received 2 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1979 Ford Ranchero.
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-03-22
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: WHEN PUSHING THE SWITCH TO ACTIVATE THE WINDSHIELD WIPWR/WASHER, THE BACK OF THE SWITCH FELL OFF, SHORTING OUT THE SYSTEM. *AK
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: PARKING LIGHT SWITCH DISCONNECTED AND LENSES FELL OFF WITH MINIMAL SHOCK. *AK
1979 Ford Ranchero recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 4 recalls for different components of the 1979 Ford Ranchero.
- Manufacturer: INTERCONTINENTAL AUTO PARTS
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
- Summary: INTERCONTINENTAL AUTO PARTS IS RECALLING 1,937 FUEL FILTERS, P/NOS ALG 44/1 AND PUROLATOR F10024, SHIPPED BETWEEN JANUARY 14 AND FEBRUARY 13, 2008, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE FILTER'S OUTLET CAP MAY NOT BE SECURELY CRIMPED TO THE HOUSING. THIS COULD RESULT IN A SEPARATION OF FILTER'S OUTLET CAP FROM THE HOUSING.
- Consequence: IF THIS CONDITION OCCURS WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, A NO START CONDITION MAY RESULT AND FUEL MAY BE PUMPED ONTO THE GROUND. IF THIS OCCURS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, THE ENGINE MAY STOP DUE TO INADEQUATE FUEL SUPPLY. IF AN IGNITION SOURCE WERE PRESENT, FUEL LEAKAGE MAY RESULT IN A FIRE.
- Remedy: INTERCONTINENTAL WILL REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING MARCH 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT INTERCONTINENTAL AT 800-451-2593.
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY
- Summary: THE INVOLVED VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH INCORRECT WELD NUTS THAT ATTACH THE REAR PORTION OF THE FRONT OUTBOARD SEAT TRACK TO THE FLOOR PAN. THE INCORRECT NUTS HAVE AN OVERSIZE DIAMETER AND THREAD, AND UPON FRONT SEAT TRACK ANCHOR BOLT INSTALLATION, THE THREADS MAY HAVE BEEN STRIPPED.
- Remedy: THE DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPAIR ANY STRIPPED WELD NUTS AND INSTALL LARGER SIZE BOLTS TO ANCHOR THE SEAT TRACK TO THE FLOOR AT NO COST TO OWNER.
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: STEERING:GEAR BOX:SHAFT SECTOR
- Summary: THE STEERING GEARS ON THE INVOLVED VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED SECTOR SHAFTS FROM WHICH THE THREADED PORTIONS OF THE SHAFTS MAY FRACTURE AND SEPARATE. SHOULD THE SECTOR SHAFT FRACTURE, THE PITMAN ARM MAY DISENGAGE FROM THE SPLINED PORTION OF THE SECTOR SHAFT.
- Remedy: THE DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE STEERING GEAR ASSEMBLY OR INSTALL A NEW SECTOR SHAFT IN THE STEERING GEAR ASSEMBLY.
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: DUE TO AN ERROR IN THE VEHICLE ASSEMBLY COMPUTER BROADCAST PROGRAM, THE INVOLVED VEHICLES WERE EQUIPPED WITH 14X5.5 INCH WHEEL RIMS WHICH WERE INTENDED FOR USE ON PASSENGER CARS. THE TIRES WERE NOT MARKED WITH THE INFORMATION SPECIFIED BY FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 120, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS FOR MOTOR VEHICLES OTHER THAN PASSENGER CARS". AS A RESULT, A NON-COMPLIANCE EXISTS TO THIS STANDARD.
- Remedy: THE EXISTING 14X5.5 INCH WHEELS WILL BE REPLACED WITH 14X6.0 INCH WHEELS.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1979 Ford Ranchero problems:
1979 Ford Ranchero REBULD. Problems. | ranchero.us
Aug 31, 2014 ... There were some problems. 1. The starter and the idling of the car. The mechanic threw six starters at the car, none of which fixed the problem.
What to look for in buying a Ranchero - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums
Feb 4, 2004 ... Are these common problems???? rebel8324's Avatar. rebel8324 , 02-05-2004 05:28 PM. New User. I own a 66 Ranchero and they are very nice. They ...
Before I forget, Driver's seat back doesn't latch | Ford Mustang Forum
Feb 13, 2016 ... ... common problem as I know on some other Ford's it has been in the past. Thanks, Russ. 1979 Pinto hatchback. Fully caged. 1972 Ranchero 351C ...
1976 Ford Ranchero GT 'Ignition Switch?' - Ford Truck Enthusiasts ...
Dec 4, 2004 ... Ranchero & 1961 - 1967 Econoline - 1976 Ford Ranchero ... One very common problem with the Rancheros ... Tags 1976, 1977, 1979, 67, 76, ford, gt ...
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Apr 12, 2010 ... Also surging is common when this type of problem is present. The possible problems ... 1979 Ford Ranchero with a 302 engine and a 3-speed ...
Other years of Ford Ranchero
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