The 2001 Ford Ranger is a great compact truck for anyone that needs a little bit of everything—cargo room in the truck bed, some interior comforts, and a peppy engine. But keeping your Ford Ranger running requires some work, and knowing your engine oil capacity is the first step to completing a regular maintenance schedule
. Owning a truck (even an older 2001 model) can be pricey. Insurance premiums for trucks tend to be higher, as well as repair and maintenance costs. But just because you own a truck doesn’t mean your budget is in trouble. You can start saving money by skipping the garage and changing your oil
at home! At Jerry
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super app that’s all about saving money. That’s why we put together this guide to changing the oil on your 2001 Ford Ranger. We’ve included everything from how much oil you need, to what types to get, and even sprinkled in some tips to save money on your Ford Ranger insurance costs
. 2001 Ford Ranger engine oil capacity
First things first—you need to know how much engine oil your 2001 Ford Ranger needs.
The 2001 Ford Ranger’s 3.0L V6 engine oil capacity is 4.5 quarts or a little under 4.3 liters. Engine oil is usually sold in 1-quart or 5-quart bottles, so you’ll need to make sure you get enough to completely fill your oil reservoir. Underfilling the engine oil in your reservoir can lead to serious engine problems later on.
What kind of oil does a 2001 Ford Ranger need?
Before you go out and buy the first 5-quart bottle of oil you find, you’ll need to make sure it’s compatible with your engine. You’ll want to look for premium SAE 5W-20 engine oil, which is what Ford recommends for the 2001 Ranger.
The numbers in the oil grade tell you about the oil’s viscosity—or basically how thin it stays at certain temperatures. Engine oil is usually graded on a 0-50 scale, with 0 meaning the oil stays thin at extremely low temperatures and 50 indicating the oil doesn’t get thick at normal operating temperatures around 212 degrees Fahrenheit. A 5W-20 oil will perform pretty well in cold and normal conditions.
You can choose a conventional, synthetic, or synthetic blend oil as long as it meets the manufacturer’s requirements.
How often to change oil on a 2001 Ford Ranger
So how do you know when your 2001 Ford Ranger actually needs an oil change?
Ford recommends getting your oil changed every 3,000 to 5,000 miles if you decide on conventional oil
. However, synthetic or synthetic blend oils can last much longer—closer to 7,500 or 10,000 miles. The best way to know if you need an oil change is to regularly check your engine oil
—generally, once a month is enough. If the motor oil has changed from a light amber color to dark brown or black, or if your reservoir isn’t full enough, it’s time for a change. You might notice other signs that you’re due for an oil change. These can include:
Motor oil feels gritty or coarse if you rub it between your fingers
Unfamiliar noises start coming from the engine
You start smelling burning or smoky smells
Your vehicle’s performance changes
How to change your oil and oil filter
If your Ford Ranger needs an oil change, grab your 4.5 quarts of new engine oil, a new filter, and the right tools. You’ll want to have a socket wrench handy, plus a drain pan and filter wrench.
First, run your engine for a while. This warms up the oil so it will drain out faster. Let the engine run for about five minutes, shut it off, and lift the hood. Then, follow these steps:
Position your drain pan under the vehicle and remove the oil drain bolt
While the old oil is draining, remove the old filter
When the old oil has completely drained, replace the oil drain bolt
Refill the reservoir with new engine oil
After changing your oil, it’s a good idea to turn on your car and let your engine run for about 30 seconds before you check the oil level. This will give you a more accurate measurement, and you’ll be able to top it off if necessary.
Don’t forget to clean up the area where you change your oil, and make sure you dispose of the old oil properly. Don’t dump it out on the ground or throw it in the trash. Instead, pour it into a sealed container and take it to a designated recycling facility.
Don’t forget regular insurance policy maintenance
Changing your own oil in your 2001 Ford Ranger can save you time and money—and Jerry
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