Ford Ranger Power Steering Fluid
Is it time to change your Ford Ranger power steering fluid? We’ve got everything you need to know.
Written by Matthew Lynaugh
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
Power steering fluid is essential to keeping your Ford Ranger’s steering system operating smoothly. It needs to be changed every 75,000 miles to keep your pickup running at peak performance. Changing this fluid yourself is one of the easier maintenance tasks to learn and can save you a lot of time and money.
One of the most important components of any vehicle, your power steering fluid connects the steering wheel to your truck’s wheels, ensuring the steering system remains lubricated. If you don’t change your steering fluid often enough, you’ll experience difficulty turning the steering wheel—and you may even lock up your entire system.
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What type of power steering fluid does Ford Ranger use?
The type of power steering fluid your vehicle needs varies based on your car’s internal driving system. Rangers have been a part of Ford’s historic vehicle catalog for many years and have undergone changes and upgrades along the way.
Due to this, the model year of your Ranger will factor into the type of fluid you’ll need to buy:
- 1998-2007: MERCON ATF/XT-2-QM
If your Ford Ranger is model year 2019-2022, however, it is equipped with an electronic power steering system and does not use power steering fluid.
How to change Ford Ranger power steering fluid
Performing your own
power steering fluid service
is a manageable task that can save you serious time and money.To get started, gather the following items:
- The recommended power steering fluid
- A syringe or household pump device, like an empty shampoo bottle or turkey baster
- A container to catch the old fluid
- A funnel for the new fluid
- A rag or paper towels
Step 1: Position yourself under your Ranger and remove the low-pressure line, allowing the power steering fluid to bleed out into your catch pan or container.
Step 2: Pop your hood and locate the power steering fluid reservoir in front of the engine bay.
Step 3: Extract any excess fluid with your turkey baster or suction device.
Step 4: Using your funnel, slowly refill the reservoir with fresh fluid.
Step 5: Start the engine, and turn the steering wheel all the way in both directions to remove every drop of old fluid.
Step 6: Reconnect the low-pressure line and top off your reservoir until it is filled to the proper level.
After you have completed these steps, double-check that there are no leaks, and you’re ready to roll! The next time you take your Ranger for a spin, you’ll notice a much smoother turning steering wheel thanks to the replacement fluid.
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4.7/5 rating on the App Store | Trusted by 5+ million customers and 7 million cars4.7/5 app rating | Trusted by 5M+ driversWhat is the power steering fluid change interval for a Ford Ranger?
Ford recommends changing a Ranger’s power steering fluid every 75,000 miles or every two years—whichever comes first. Staying on top of this
maintenance schedule
will ensure your pickup will operate at optimal performance for many miles to come.In between those change intervals, pay attention for these signs that a power steering fluid change may be needed even sooner than you thought:
- Hard time turning the steering wheel
- Steering wheel feels loose
- Strange sounds occur when turning the steering wheel
- Power steering fluid has become black or dark brown
If you notice any of the above issues, don’t hesitate to take a peek inside your power steering fluid reservoir. In addition, periodically check the level and
color of your power steering fluid
—you’ll know your fluid is in good shape if it’s amber or pink.MORE: How to react when your car steering wheel shakes
How to save on Ford Ranger insurance
Replacing your power steering fluid is one way to make sure your Ford Ranger will be up for any job you throw its way. And whether you’re on side streets or a job site, you can keep your truck protected by using
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