2.3L Ranger no heat
 

I have a 2.3l auto 2001 ranger regular cab. and over 100k. Time to do some maintenance on it, like replace the plugs, change the air filter, etc.

However, my problemis with the "No Heat", or actually, little heat. The temp guage will rise a little, especially when stopped at a light. But it will drop below C after I get some speed. I have it narrowed down to a possible open thermostat. AZ does not have a part number for the thermostat. It looks like if this is one of the "new" ford" ideas where everything is in one case and only a dealer item which of course means $$$. The Hayes book is useless, since it still mentions replacing a thermostat. I have also heard that it might also be a tempature sensor that may possibly not working which may lead to the thermostat going into fail open mode.

I can't get a straight answer or where I can turn to tofind this info. It is starting to get cold down here in Sunny Florida. My blood is probably thinner than the oil.

Any help would be appreciated. I have looked through this forum and have not found the right keywords to use if there is an answer on this forum.

Thank you

Sounds like you're on the right path with thermostat. A quick search gives a Motorcraft sourced part #RT1157... for $120!!!!!
http://www.partsamerica.com/ProductD...tNumber=RT1157
Holy cow, what ever happened to a simple $4 part???!!! What a wallet-drainer, good luck with the replacement.
I'd go for a good system flush and fresh coolant while you're at it.

I had the same problem with my Ranger - not heating up. Replaced the thermostat and fixed the problem. If you can, check the temp sensor first so you don't waste time and money if the thermostat is OK.

If you have to replace the thermostat, just take the old thermostat out and take it down to your local auto-part store. They should be able to hook you up with one for a tad under $120!

Glenn

wowser I just looked it up on rockauto.com -- and they want $80+ --
not including gaskets.

Before you replace it, look it over carefully, to see if it seems to be stuck open. Then you can toss it into a pan of water and boil it -- should be able to see it open up.

AAny chance that you've got an air pocket It will prevent the coolant from circulating, and you'll get no heat. Engine temp usually shows as high, however.

Good luck,

ford2go

easiest thing to do is start it when it's cold and pinch the upper rad. hose to see if you feel coolant flowing through it, if you do it's stuck open and would explain why it never reaches proper temp on your gauge. Should not open until engine gets hot at operating temp

This must be a more common problem than I thought, check out my entry @ OVERCOOLING OR COINCIDINCE, maybe you'll get some ideas, but at least in my case, the stock answer of bad t-stat doesn't seem to hold water.(no pun intended)