Torque specifications for fasteners, engine clearances, diagnostic values, alignment specifications
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive electrical schematics for all vehicle systems
Technical Depth
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive; covers routine maintenance, diagnostics, repair, and overhaul procedures for all major vehicle systems. Suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
Digital File Format:
PDF (Portable Document Format)
Searchability:
Searchable text for quick information retrieval
Printable:
Printable pages for on-site use
Print Quality
Print Quality Description:
High-resolution images, diagrams, and text
Binding Type
Printed Binding Type:
Spiral-bound or perfect-bound for durability and lay-flat usability
Paper Type
Printed Paper Type:
Durable, high-quality paper suitable for workshop environments
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine 2 3L Duratec:
2.3L DOHC 16-valve I4 (Duratec)
Engine 2 3L Duratec Displacement:
2312 cc (141 cu in)
Engine 2 3L Duratec Horsepower:
143 hp @ 5250 rpm
Engine 2 3L Duratec Torque:
157 lb-ft @ 3750 rpm
Engine 3 0L Vulcan:
3.0L OHV 12-valve V6 (Vulcan)
Engine 3 0L Vulcan Displacement:
2986 cc (182 cu in)
Engine 3 0L Vulcan Horsepower:
154 hp @ 5000 rpm
Engine 3 0L Vulcan Torque:
180 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm
Engine 4 0L Cologne:
4.0L SOHC 24-valve V6 (Cologne)
Engine 4 0L Cologne Displacement:
3996 cc (244 cu in)
Engine 4 0L Cologne Horsepower:
207 hp @ 5000 rpm
Engine 4 0L Cologne Torque:
238 lb-ft @ 3700 rpm
Performance
Engine Control System:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with OBD-II diagnostics
Fuel System
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Fuel Tank Capacity:
Approximately 17.5 gallons (standard)
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Standard Transmission:
5-Speed Manual (M5OD-R1 for 2.3L, M5OD-R1HD for V6 models)
Optional
Optional Transmission:
4-Speed Automatic (4R44E for 2.3L/3.0L, 4R55E/5R55E for 4.0L)
Features
Automatic Transmission Features:
Electronic controls, overdrive, Tow/Haul mode (on some models)
Manual Transmission Features:
Overdrive gear for highway fuel efficiency
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Wheelbase Regular Cab:
114.7 inches
Wheelbase Supercab:
126.0 inches
Bed Length Short:
71.8 inches (6 ft bed)
Bed Length Long:
85.8 inches (7 ft bed)
Weights
Curb Weight Range:
Approximately 3400 - 4200 lbs (depending on configuration and engine)
Max Payload Capacity:
Up to ~1500 lbs (depending on configuration)
Max Towing Capacity:
Up to ~6000 lbs (with proper equipment and engine, typically 4.0L V6)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Front Crash Test Rating:
Typically rated 4 stars (driver and passenger) for frontal impact (may vary slightly by year/configuration)
IIHS Front Offset Crash Test Rating:
Typically rated 'Acceptable' or 'Good' (may vary)
Active Features
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System available (standard on some trims/later models)
Traction Control:
Optional on some models, particularly with 4WD
Passive Features
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags, optional side airbags (less common on base models)
Seatbelts:
Three-point safety belts for all occupants
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio Systems:
Base AM/FM radio, optional CD player, optional premium audio systems with more speakers.
Display Technology:
Basic digital clock/radio display, no sophisticated touchscreens or navigation systems available for this model year.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Available on most models
Trailer Towing Features:
Optional trailer tow packages including wiring harness and potentially transmission cooler
Connectivity
Auxiliary Inputs:
Generally not available in the modern sense; some aftermarket head units may offer AUX inputs.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months (whichever comes first) for conventional oil; 7,500 miles or 6 months for synthetic oil (refer to manual for specific engine recommendations)
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles, or as needed based on driving conditions (check visually)
Transmission Fluid Change:
Automatic: Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles; Manual: Check fluid level periodically, change if contaminated or at higher mileage intervals (e.g., 100,000 miles)
Coolant Replacement:
Initial change at 100,000 miles or 10 years, then every 50,000 miles or 5 years thereafter (using Ford Premium Gold Coolant or equivalent)
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Specification 2 3L Duratec:
SAE 5W-20 (API Certified)
Engine Oil Specification 3 0L Vulcan:
SAE 5W-30 (API Certified)
Engine Oil Specification 4 0L Cologne:
SAE 5W-30 (API Certified)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Mercon V (e.g., Motorcraft® XT-5QMC or equivalent)
Manual Transmission Fluid M5Od:
Mercon (or Mercon V for later updates), manual transmission fluid meeting specific Ford WSS-M2C200-C (consult manual for exact spec)
Coolant Type:
Ford Premium Gold Coolant (or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant with de-ionized water)
Known Issues
Common Wear Items:
Ball joints, tie rod ends, wheel bearings, leaf springs (due to load), clutch wear (manual transmissions), rear main seal leaks (V6 engines), catalytic converter failure
Electrical Quirks:
Window motor failures, blower motor resistor issues, sometimes instrument cluster problems
Powertrain Specific:
4.0L SOHC V6 timing chain tensioner wear (leading to rattle), 3.0L Vulcan V6 head gasket leaks (less common than earlier versions), automatic transmission solenoid issues
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Ford Truck Legacy:
Ford has a long-standing reputation for producing durable and capable trucks, dating back to the early Ford Model TT.
Model Evolution
Ford Ranger Generations:
The 2006 model falls within the second generation (1998-2012) of the Ford Ranger in North America. This generation saw significant updates in styling, powertrains, and features compared to its predecessors.
Production
North American Assembly Locations:
Primarily assembled at the Ford Twin Cities Assembly Plant in St. Paul, Minnesota, and formerly at the Edison Assembly Plant in Edison, New Jersey.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Compact Truck Segment Awards:
The Ford Ranger consistently received accolades and was a strong performer in its segment for its ruggedness and utility throughout its production run.