Ford Ranger 1996 - Service brakes - car safety information, failing parts, recalls, bulletins, complaints

Ford Ranger 1996

Technical Service Bulletins
Consumer Complaints

Bulletins

Bulletin	Bulletin date	Item no.	Summary	Added
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR - DISC - ROTOR
9845	03/02/1998	601264	Availability of hub-mount brake rotor machining equipment. *yc	07/15/1998
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - ANTILOCK
12230	12/01/1998	615491	All vehicles with antilock brake module concerns that require a module replacement, the technician must call for approval before removing and / or replacing the module. *tt	01/17/2001
980319	04/01/1998	603512	Concerns with false abs activation while light braking at low speeds. *yc	02/23/1999
95212	10/01/1995	46478	The use of petroleum-based grease as a lubricant in servicing disc brakes is no longer acceptable because it may be incompatible with the rubber material used in the disc brake system. if petroleum-based grease is used to lubricate any par	04/25/1996
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - ANTILOCK - ABS WARNING LIGHT
980319	04/01/1998	603512	Concerns with false abs activation while light braking at low speeds. *yc	02/23/1999
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
99194	09/20/1999	6090082	Information for servicing and diagnosing brake vibration, brake inspection, and brake friction material replacement. *tt	03/06/2000
985A36	03/18/1998	601043	A grabbing and/or sticking condition during the first few brake applications when the brakes are cold or in the morning after an overnight rain may occur on some vehicles. *yc	06/23/1998
96222	10/21/1996	50941	Brakes - elimination of sanding rotors and drums - service tip. *tw	06/17/1997
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DISC
985A13	03/18/1998	601012	The use of petroleum-based grease as a lubricant in servicing disc brakes is no longer acceptable. *yc	06/17/1998
97615	03/17/1997	51997	Brakes- squealing noise and/or sticking during first few brake applications after a rainfall and/or when brakes are cold. *jd	07/17/1997
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DISC - ROTOR
9814	01/19/1998	605562	Subject regarding the availability of hub-mount brake rotor machining equipment. *tt	07/09/1999
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DRUM - SHOES/LININGS
BC0324972301	01/23/1997	51434	Rear brakes grab when cold or damp. *jd	06/27/1997
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - SWITCHES - BRAKE LIGHT
02176	09/02/2002	10008580	Lamp-brake-invadvertent disabling of brake shift interlock. *mj	08/05/2004

Consumer Complaints

Fail date	miles	occurences	Purchase date
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR - DISC - ROTOR
07/21/1999		6	05/01/1996
	In may of 1996 i purchased a new 1996 ford ranger 4 wheel drive xlt model. in the spring of 1997 (approx. may) i changed the mud flaps and disccovered that i had 2 each cracked rotors. i took the truck back to port city ford--route 104 east, oswego n.y. 13126--where i bought the vehicle. in 1998 this dealership was closed so i took my business to fred raynor ford in fulton n.y. port city ford replaced both front rotors in may 1997 under warantee. in jan. 1998 took vehicle to port city ford for routine maintenance. discovered that both front rotors were again cracked. port city ford again replaced both front rotors under warantee. approx. mileage was 33,000 miles. in march of 1999 i discovered that the right front rotor was cracked. port city ford had gone out of business so i took my truck to fred raynor ford in fulton,ny. they said that they couldn't retrieve my records from port city ford and that my 12000mile/12 month warantee on ford parts had expired. i paid them for a new right rotor, turned down right rotor, new brake pads and back brake inspection. in june, 1999, i replaced my rear brake shoes myself and had the truck inspected. the first week in july il noticed my brake peddal pulsating and discovered that my left front rotor had cracked. i went to fred raynor ford and talked with the service manager--brad stevens-- and set up an appt. for today-7/23/99- at 8am. they couldn't find anything wrong, so they called the ford tech hot line and talked to someone who specialized in ford rangers. that person said that they had not received any complaints nor did they have any knowlege of any ford rangers having rotor problems. i paid for another ford rotor today but i received a 10% discount and free labor. these people are treatling me as good as can be expected, but it looks like their hands are tied. where do go from here? this problem has been inherent to this vehicle from day one.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
09/01/2011	161200
	Tl* the contact owns a 1996 ford ranger. while depressing the brake pedal, the brakes would make a loud grinding noise. neither the dealer nor the manufacturer were notified of the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 161,200 and the current mileage was 162,000.
09/01/2011	161200
	Tl- the contact owns a 1996 ford ranger. while depressing the brake pedal, the brakes would make a loud grinding noise. neither the dealer nor the manufacturer were notified of the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 161,200 and the current mileage was 162,000. kmj
11/25/2008	90000
	1. underbody corrosion leading to perforation of metal brake lines 2. partial up to complete loss of braking function. five times in three years. catastrophic loss of braking 3. replacement of brake lines - old corroded lines available
02/04/2010	188000	1
	My 1996 ford ranger has a recurring problem of the front brakes sticking. this occurs most often in wet weather but isn't strictly limited to that. i noticed a ford ranger that had slid into another car on a sanded corner and recalled the same thing happened to me a few years ago as my brakes locked up on the gravel causing the truck to slide sideways and i only missed running into the car in the other lane by letting off the brake and twisting the steering wheel. that poor man probably got a ticket for going too fast but it is a design flaw, not a matter of speed. i believe the truck is supposed to have antilock brakes, but that is not how antilock brakes are supposed to perform. mechanics have verified to me this behavior problem for ranger's so it seems that it is a common occurrence. had my brakes reworked a couple years ago with no change. yesterday they locked up again and seeing an article in the newspaper about toyota i finally out who to report this to. *tr
06/21/2008		1
	1996 ford ranger truck had equipment failure and was unable to slow down. the driver swerved to the right berm and got wedged between another vehicle and the bridge wall. nj the consumer stated his brakes failed. when he attempted to slow down, the brake pedal went to the floor. (ohio traffic crash report # 10-0535-91)jb letter updated 03/17/10*bf

	Accident--brakes locked up and driver was injured.
12/01/1996		1	02/01/1996
	Brake cable to right front tire bolt came loose/preventing driver from backing up, causing right wheel to crack.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - ANTILOCK
06/15/2000		1	07/01/1999
	Intermittent problem with the courtesy lights and trunk cargo lights staying on while driving or parking. blower motor would come on and go off while the switch are in the off mode or in the on mode. dealer and manufactrer were not notified at this time. ak the abs brakes lock up on wet pavement. yh
		25	08/01/1996
	Abs failed when pedal held down in rapid stop. pulses and then drops for several seconds before reengaging. has almost caused accidents many times during entire time i have owned truck. technicians can find no information on why this might occur. *ak
09/15/1996		3
	Brakes lock up only during wet road conditions. vehicle been to dealer's repair shop on three occasions, and problem still occurring. please provide any further details on this matter . *ak
04/20/2000			04/01/1999
	No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak
03/05/2000		1	10/01/1999
	While driving on a narrow two-lane road, i proceeded to pass another vehicle. i accelerated and kicked the truck into passing gear. the throttle went to the wide open position and would not release. i used the brakes to fight the out of control engine and vehicle. i proceeded down the curvy for 3 to four miles until i got to a pullout place where i applied the brakes so hard that it killed the engine. the brakes were down to no pads, were very hot, and cooked out grease that caught on fire. i restarted the engine at which time the throttle was no longer stuck in the wide open position. *ak
06/17/1999
	Passenger's front wheel locks up which causes brake lock up, and may result in a crash. been to dealer several times. first time it was the rear brakes. currently, dealer cannot determine the problem. please provide further information. *ak
03/01/1999
	Abs light comes on, and the abs brakes are locking up when applying the brakes at any speed. *ak
		12	08/01/1996
	At least 12 sets of brakes put on vehicle4 in uder 9000 miles, resulting in 2 accidents 3 times at turning rotors/engine rebuilt at 52000 miles still with loss of porwer. 2 egr valves/2 wiper switches/syncronizers/2 slave cylinders on transmission and oil leak. all problems still exist. engine idles high enough that the use of the gas pedal is not needed for intown driving. speeds of 45mph can be obtained before hitting pedal.

	When applying the abs brakes they freeze/lock up, and the vehicle veers to the right, also extended stopping distance occurs cause unknown. *ak
11/18/1997
	When driving down on the highway if the brake pedal is pressed softly the rear brakes lock up and don't want to release. dealer has been contacted. *ak
10/02/1998		1	12/16/1995
	Consumer was driving on the street, approx. 30-35 mph, needed to apply brakes when vehicle braking system locked up without warning, causing vehicle to vibrate/shake/ and out of control. dealer notified and informed consumer that the brakes was defective and repair at the cost to consumer. *ak

	When it's raining outside the rear wheels lock up when the brakes are applied. dealer can't find solution. *ak
09/11/1996		3	01/20/1996
	Anti lock brakes continually lock up causing loss of control, vehicle went into ditch on one occasion, brakes can not be repaired to the lack of replacement parts.
		1	03/20/1996
	Fron tand rear abs brakes failed. also replaced front brake pads and shoes.
07/09/1996			05/01/1996
	Vehicle pulls left when braking and steering wheel must be gripped tightly to control. replaced pads/machined rotors and sanded shoes. *ak
07/09/1996
	Vehicle pulls to the left when braking and steering wheel must be gripped tightly to control. also, replaced pads/machined rotors and sanded shoes. *ak
05/03/1997		1	12/14/1996
	Anit-lock brakes failed, accident occurred due to failure.
05/25/1997		1	08/01/1996
	Antilock brakes failed.
		2
	When brakes are applied, the rear brakes lock up, causing the vehicle to go into a slide. the dealer has been notified. ak slc
04/23/1997		1	07/01/1996
	Driving, started applying brakes, rear brakes grabbed and locked up, lost control of vehicle, happens only when humidity is high or weather is rainy. waiting for parts from dealer since july. not under recall. ak jb
		1
	While driving in wet road conditions the abs braking system has front wheel lock-up, a loud growling noise is heard when this happens. ak jb
		1
	Anti lock brakes failed, resulting in an accident/injuries.

	Vehicle's abs braking system has front wheels lock up when driving in wet/raining road conditions. *ak
		1
	Anti lock brakes vibrate when applied.
04/11/1995		20	05/11/1995
	Antilock brakes locked up 20 times.

	When applying the brakes, the vehicle pulls to the left. cause unknown. *ak
		2	03/31/1996
	In wet and cold weather the abs brakes stick and drag (lock up), vehicle also experiences intermittent high idle after coming to a stop. *ak
09/01/1996
	Upon applying force to the brake pedal in wet weather conditions the front brakes grab, causing the brake pedal to go to the floor. *ak
10/02/1996		1
	Braking ability is reduced by approximately 60% in wet weather. (1st vehicle on 601633)
07/08/1996		1	05/25/1996
	Antilock brakes failed, causing accident, also seat belt failed in accident, causing injury.

	When applying the abs brakes, the vehicle brakes failed, causing consumer to lose braking power. please describe.*ak
04/16/1996
	Traveling at moderate speeds on any rough surface and making a panic stop, there appears to be loss of brake effectiveness and a response from rear abs.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - ANTILOCK - CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
02/03/1999		1
	Abs light on due to failure of the sensor unit. *mjs
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
10/10/2001		1
	Front brakes were low,replaced front brake pads and resurface rotors. *yh
09/24/2001		1	11/13/2000
	There was loose gravel on road and pavement was wet at the intersection, when attempting a right turn brakes locked up, vehicle lost control and involved in an accident.
10/10/2001		1
	Front brakes were low,replaced front brake pads and resurface rotors. *yh
09/24/2001		1	11/13/2000
	There was loose gravel on road and pavement was wet at the intersection, when attempting a right turn brakes locked up, vehicle lost control and involved in an accident.
		1
	Brakes failed.
09/06/1998		2	09/23/1996
	Hydraulic brake system completely failed.
		1	10/03/1996
	Brakes grab constantly, worse in damp weather.
		2
	When brakes are applied, the rear brakes lock up, causing the vehicle to go into a slide. the dealer has been notified. ak slc
06/12/1996		1	06/01/1996
	While driving and applied the brakes in the rain and they locked up, also if it is damp and applying the brakes, they will grab and lock up, after the pads dry up they will function normally, but when they are damp they do not perform correctly. ak consumer stated when on damp or humid mornings when vehicle is first driven the brakes tend to grab upon the first or second stopping attemp, if vehicle has been parked for 15 or 20 minutes on a rainy day the brake tens to grab until drums and rotors are warmed up and dry from use.jb

	Consumer was driving and the brake didn't stop truck, please describe . *ak
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DISC
06/01/1996		20	05/01/1996
	Brakes grab in damp and humid weather.
07/09/1996			05/01/1996
	Vehicle pulls left when braking and steering wheel must be gripped tightly to control. replaced pads/machined rotors and sanded shoes. *ak
07/09/1996
	Vehicle pulls to the left when braking and steering wheel must be gripped tightly to control. also, replaced pads/machined rotors and sanded shoes. *ak
04/18/1996
	The front brakes pull to the left when the brakes are applied. there are power disc brakes in the front and abs in the rear. please describe. *ak
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DISC - CALIPER
07/21/1999		1	12/28/1995
	Transmission shifter cable has fallen on top of crossover pipe which is connected to the exhaust pipe ,burning through cable. the 1998 model was equipped with an added heat shield to prevent burning. brake pads, shoes and calipers replaced on (7-22-99). *ak
10/02/1997		1	06/01/1996
	Calipers stick which caused the brake pads to wear out & rotor failure. *yc
01/16/1997		1	05/24/1996
	Calipers needed rebuilt.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DISC - PADS
03/05/2000		1	10/01/1999
	While driving on a narrow two-lane road, i proceeded to pass another vehicle. i accelerated and kicked the truck into passing gear. the throttle went to the wide open position and would not release. i used the brakes to fight the out of control engine and vehicle. i proceeded down the curvy for 3 to four miles until i got to a pullout place where i applied the brakes so hard that it killed the engine. the brakes were down to no pads, were very hot, and cooked out grease that caught on fire. i restarted the engine at which time the throttle was no longer stuck in the wide open position. *ak
07/21/1999		1	12/28/1995
	Transmission shifter cable has fallen on top of crossover pipe which is connected to the exhaust pipe ,burning through cable. the 1998 model was equipped with an added heat shield to prevent burning. brake pads, shoes and calipers replaced on (7-22-99). *ak
		1	03/20/1996
	Fron tand rear abs brakes failed. also replaced front brake pads and shoes.
08/19/1997		1	12/14/1996
	Brake shoes failed.
07/09/1996		1	05/24/1996
	Brake pads failed.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DISC - ROTOR
		12	08/01/1996
	At least 12 sets of brakes put on vehicle4 in uder 9000 miles, resulting in 2 accidents 3 times at turning rotors/engine rebuilt at 52000 miles still with loss of porwer. 2 egr valves/2 wiper switches/syncronizers/2 slave cylinders on transmission and oil leak. all problems still exist. engine idles high enough that the use of the gas pedal is not needed for intown driving. speeds of 45mph can be obtained before hitting pedal.
12/01/1996		1	06/01/1996
	Brake rotors failed.
07/09/1996		1	05/24/1996
	Rotors failed.
11/15/1996
	While driving experienced sudden severe brake pedal vibration due to cracked front brake rotors. *ak
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DRUM
02/03/1999		1
	The rear brake system was replaced due to rust and corrosion, they were falling apart. *mjs
		50	05/01/1996
	No summary
12/02/1996		4	03/18/1996
	Left rear brakes bind/drag. *ak
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DRUM - SHOES/LININGS
		1
	When truck is driven in the morning, no matter at what speed, rear brakes lock up. truck is fine for the rest of day. owner phoned two dealerships about problem. owner was told by one of dealerships that there was a new material on the brake lining that would prevent this problem. problem has not been corrected.*ak
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - MASTER CYLINDER
07/22/1998
	While consumer was driving on dry pavement ready to make a turn she put on brakes, the brake pedal went all the way down to the floor. consumer managed to turn into a parking lot after pumping the brakes. vehicle began to smoke and fluids leaking from the left side of the car. then car caught on fire. *ak
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - PEDALS AND LINKAGES
05/24/2005		1	01/01/1996
	Dt: the contact owned a 1996 ford ranger. the vehicle was involved in an accident due to brakes because the brake pedal mounting bracket broke. this occurred on may 24, 2005. the accident was reported to the police. the vehicle was towed to a mechanic and they saw the brake pedal hanging down. upon inspection, they noticed that the mounting bracket broke when brake pressure was applied. there was no problems with the brake pedal before this accident. the mounting this was made of pot metal, and it held the clutch pedal and the brake pedal together. the whole thing broke. the estimated speed was about 30-35 mph.*ak
04/30/1998
	While driving the bracket the holds the gas pedal in place broke away from the firewall, leaving no acceleration. when applying the brakes, the pedal would not go all the way down because the accelerator pedal was dangling behind the brake pedal. driver was able to coast safely to a stop. the prolbem has not been corrected.