My mother has a 97 Ranger with a 3.0l v6. It runs pretty good but the check engine light came on a couple of weeks ago.

I said it was probably an o2 sensor or something like that and if she took it to a shop they could check the computer for codes. I figured it would cost her at most $200.

Nope. Try $800 at our local Ford garage.

As well as the correctly guessed o2 sensor they want to change the MAF sensor, do an injector flush and something called an E-kit which they tried to explain to me was some kind of treatment that injects a liquid into the manifold to clean the valves and catalytic convertor. Huh?

It sounds to me like they seen her coming. I told her to just fix the o2 sensor for now. I can change the MAF sensor myself if it really needs one.

Is any of this stuff really necessary or are they trying to rip off my elderly mom?

 

It all depends on what the code(s) were/are. I'd steer clear of their E treatment and injector flush. Also, your dealer is grossly overcharging for the work they did (from what I read anyway).

*Why not go to autozone, have them pull the code(s) (for free) and post them here .

 

We just picked it up and Mom says it does seem to run better. I guess she was hearing some slight clattering which I considered normal.

Anyway for $330 they replaced the o2 sensor and fuel & air filters.

What he was calling the e-kit was called the "JB emmisions service" on the invoice. Of course we declined on that one until I learn more about it. Sounds a lot like this stuff Bardahl makes/made to clean your valves. You pour it down the carb, let it sit overnite and burn it out in the morning, making a huge cloud of smoke.

It seems like I'd heard injector flushing is pretty much a waste of money and can even harm your fuel system. They both just seem like gimics to me.

If we had the MAF sensor replaced, would there have to be some kind of calibration, making it less of a DIY repair? I've heard often it's just a matter of cleaning it(not w/ carb cleaner).

The reason we took it to the dealer is because our little community has few reputable garages including the dealership. At least we figured they have the right equipement. Mom trusts them more than I do and that's not much. She took it there a lot while it was still under warrenty. She didn't buy it there.

They were pretty friendly though FWIW. $330 worth.