Thoughts on a 96 ranger?
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Thoughts on a 96 ranger?
I was looking at a 96 Ranger this morning, 96 XLT w/ ext cab. 4.0 auto. After I started it the Eng light came on. I had my Snapon monitor with me so I pluged it in, I may as well have plugged it into the flat spare tire. The monitor would not even power up, let alone give any codes. After I talked to the guy I got "oh ya it's been like that for a year or so".
My head is telling me to walk away, but there is no rust (some body damage from a snow bank) and in all honesty the engine did sound real good for 176k on it. I could see about $100 worth of repair parts other than the computer issue.
Any thoughts?? Thanks, Greg
My head is telling me to walk away, but there is no rust (some body damage from a snow bank) and in all honesty the engine did sound real good for 176k on it. I could see about $100 worth of repair parts other than the computer issue.
Any thoughts?? Thanks, Greg
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2005
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From: Durant, OK (SOSU)
My honest advice? Walk away.
There are plenty of Rangers of that era with lower mileage and no Check Engine light. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised if you hold out for something better.
There are plenty of Rangers of that era with lower mileage and no Check Engine light. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised if you hold out for something better.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2005
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From: Durant, OK (SOSU)
Oh wow...$600...that's not too horribly bad.
I would be concerned as to why the code reader won't even pick up the computer. But if you feel confident in that you can fix it, and it runs good, for $600, that wouldn't be bad for a beater.
I would be concerned as to why the code reader won't even pick up the computer. But if you feel confident in that you can fix it, and it runs good, for $600, that wouldn't be bad for a beater.
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From: on da beach
If you are not using the truck as a DD then pick it up. Of course you will need extra time and money to get it in to "better" condition. I buy cheap trucks too, but they are not my DDs. If you have time and money, go for it.
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It would (eventually) be a daily drive, the full size 4x4 is starting to get a little expensive doing 60 mi a day.
The lack of communication between the computer and scanner is what bothers me since here in NY it is a requirement for inspection. Greg
The lack of communication between the computer and scanner is what bothers me since here in NY it is a requirement for inspection. Greg
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2005
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From: Durant, OK (SOSU)
Will NY do just random inspections? I know in TX you can take a vehicle at any time and just have it inspected to see if it'll pass. I'd get the current owner to let you do that, and if the inspection station says it's a no-go, there's your answer.
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From: Lynchburg, VA
This may be way off track.....I don't own a scanner (wish I had one) but could the '96 truck be of the vintage that used OBDI and your scanner is trying to read OBDII? This could be an explanation for the problem reading the codes. Pat
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I really wasn't about to do much troubleshooting on it just looking at it in the rain. I wasn't sure if there was a fused circuit incorperated into the OBD or not and of corse I did not have any books with me either.
Thanks for your help. Greg
Thanks for your help. Greg
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From: Ishpeming Mi.
For $600 it may well be worth gambling on it, no rust is a big plus here in the rust belt. One of the wires going to the reader may be broken. Who knows?
Take it for a test spin, that will clue you in on other problems.
Your head is telling you to walk away but I suspect that your gut is saying 'go for it'. You do still have another set of wheels to buy time to fix most problems that may need to be done asap.
Good luck!
Take it for a test spin, that will clue you in on other problems.
Your head is telling you to walk away but I suspect that your gut is saying 'go for it'. You do still have another set of wheels to buy time to fix most problems that may need to be done asap.
Good luck!