I am pretty sure my heater core is failing and has been for a while (no drip, but coolant smell). Today when I turned on the A/C, I got a nasty, smokey mist from the vents along with the cold air. The fog/mist smells like coolant but with a burned, somewhat oily smell. Any ideas? Thanks
2004 ranger, 3.0, 2wd, ext cab, 193,000 mi --- also, what if any, special tools do I need to R&R heater core. The last heater core I did was an 83 GMC p/u and it was a breeze; handfull of sockets and I was done - I have heard the ranger will be quite a bit tougher. Thanks again

 

Welcome to FTE.

Here is a video of what one guy went through to replace his 03 heater core that you could use as a guide, but be sure to read the comments posted below, as one said he didn't have to drop the steering wheel like the video indicated.
2003 Ford Ranger Heater Core Replacement Complete - YouTube
Let us know how it goes.

 

Thanks for the info paw paw. I replaced the heater control valve and all appears to be OK, just a minor residual odor from the vents. Looks like I wont need to for now. Thank God, I was not looking forward to pulling the dash........ Thanks again

 

OK, good feedback & to hear replacing the heater control valve seems to have fixed the problem. Thank goodness you didn't have to replace the heater core!!!!