TCowner
Platinum Member
I am still having problems with my 2.3 ecoboost engine and its erratic transmission shifting at low speed, both issues more so when the engine is cold. The Ford dealer doesn't seem to think its a problem. When the engine is cold it surges to nearly 2500 rpm before it shifts out of first gear and then the upshift to second and then third gear is far from smooth. This sequence repeats itself for a few minutes but seems to improve once the engine warms. Even when warm I doesn't seem to shift up quickly enough.
Some Ranger owners have complained of the loud coolant fan noise that compounds the problem and I think that might be factor as well. There was a service bulletin that dealt with the engine surging and transmission issues shortly after the Ranger went in to production but my truck build date is much later than the trucks that are involved.
So, back the dealer ship again to have them try again. I am going to ask to drive a 2020, with a service tech with me, to see if they notice similar symptoms.
My previous truck with a 2017 GMC Canyon with the 3.6 L V6 which I thought was a very good engine. It doesn't have the low end torque of the Ecoboost and most of its power is in the higher rpm range but more than adequate for the mid-size truck. And I actually think it got a little better fuel mpg than the ecoboost. So for now at least, I am a little disappointed with the Ranger. I like the ride and quietness of the cab on the Ranger over the Canyon. Its taking me a little time to get used to the rear tailgate slamming open when I release the latch. The Canyon, and Chevrolet Colorado, have a spring loaded tailgate that gently lowers it. Not a huge issue mind you, but a little annoying. I think Ford could have addressed this with minimal cost.
So I still like my Ranger overall. But if the engine and transmission issues cannot be resolved I probably will work my way back to the Canyon or the Colorado.
Some Ranger owners have complained of the loud coolant fan noise that compounds the problem and I think that might be factor as well. There was a service bulletin that dealt with the engine surging and transmission issues shortly after the Ranger went in to production but my truck build date is much later than the trucks that are involved.
So, back the dealer ship again to have them try again. I am going to ask to drive a 2020, with a service tech with me, to see if they notice similar symptoms.
My previous truck with a 2017 GMC Canyon with the 3.6 L V6 which I thought was a very good engine. It doesn't have the low end torque of the Ecoboost and most of its power is in the higher rpm range but more than adequate for the mid-size truck. And I actually think it got a little better fuel mpg than the ecoboost. So for now at least, I am a little disappointed with the Ranger. I like the ride and quietness of the cab on the Ranger over the Canyon. Its taking me a little time to get used to the rear tailgate slamming open when I release the latch. The Canyon, and Chevrolet Colorado, have a spring loaded tailgate that gently lowers it. Not a huge issue mind you, but a little annoying. I think Ford could have addressed this with minimal cost.
So I still like my Ranger overall. But if the engine and transmission issues cannot be resolved I probably will work my way back to the Canyon or the Colorado.
