FordRanger2000Overview/ford/ranger/2000/base/

2000 Ford Ranger

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2000 Ranger.

Body TRUCKTransmission Automatic 4-spd

The 2000 Ford Ranger is a truck that pairs an automatic 4-speed transmission with an engine requiring 4.5 quarts of 5W-20 API oil, yielding EPA fuel economy of 15 city, 20 highway, and 17 combined mpg. The model logged 694 total owner complaints alongside 9 recalls, with tires representing the top complaint area. Within the Ranger's 1990-2020 history, 2000 sits just beneath the all-time high of 818 complaints set in 1999, meaning this year anchors a peak era of owner dissatisfaction where reliability was markedly worse than the model's later low of a single complaint in 2014.

Model year202620252024202320222021202020192000

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity4.5 qtOEM · verified
Engine oil type5W-20 APIOEM · verified
Lug nut torque100 ft-lbsOEM · verified
EPA fuel economy15/20/17 mpgEPA · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 59 · 540 CCA battery. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 59 · 540 CCAOEM · verified
Tire sizeP215-75R15SLOEM · verified
Wheel / rim6-J inOEM · verified

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Engine & drivetrain NHTSA vPIC

TransmissionAutomatic 4-spd

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length188.6 in
Overall width69.3 in
Overall height65 in
Wheelbase111.8 in
Curb weight3029 lb
Track (front / rear)58.7 / 57.5 in

Ratings & economy EPA / vPIC

EPA city / highway / combined15 / 20 / 17 mpg
DrivetrainRear-Wheel Drive
Recommended fuelRegular Gasoline

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the Ranger of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

8.1–10.0 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 8.10 sec — 2001 Edge Plus SuperCab
YearTrim / engine0–60¼ mileHPDrivetrain
2001Edge Plus SuperCab 4.0L V68.10 sec16.50 sec207 hp4x4
2001Edge SuperCab 4.0L V68.10 sec16.30 sec207 hp4x4
1998Splash Stepside SuperCab 4.0L V68.90 sec16.80 sec160 hpRWD
1998XLT Stepside SuperCab 4.0L V69.80 sec17.30 sec160 hp4x4
1998XLT Stepside SuperCab 4.0L V610.00 sec17.60 sec160 hp4x4

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 4.5 qt of 5W-20 API engine oil, SYNTHETIC · 75W-140 · GL-5 in the differential, DOT 3 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 100 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-4-2-5-3-6. Note the cylinder-head bolts finish on a torque angle (torque-to-yield) — they stretch permanently and should be replaced, not reused, during any head service.

Lubricants & capacities

Brake FluidDOT 3
Differential Gear OilSYNTHETIC · 75W-140 · GL-5
Differential Gear Oil Capacity5.1 Pints, rear
Engine Oil5W-20 · API
Engine Oil Capacity4.5 qt
Engine Oil5W-30 · API
Engine Oil Capacity5.0 qt
Power Steering FluidATF

Engine torques

Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs7.4 ft-lbs
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings23-28 ft-lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts93-121 ft-lbs
Engine Flywheel Bolts55-65 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine BoltsUpper: 14-
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts15-22 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts19-28 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine BoltsUpper: 15-

Chassis torques

Leaf Spring to Axle (U-bolts)76.0 ft-lbs
Leaf Spring to Chassis Bracket85.0 ft-lbs
Leaf Spring to Rear Shackle85.0 ft-lbs
Leaf Spring Rear Shackle to Chassis Bracket72.0-97.0 ft-lbs
Lug Nuts100 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Fill Plug18.0 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Drain Plug18.0 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order1-3-4-2
Cylinder Firing Order1-4-2-5-3-6
Curb Idle Speed (No Load)MT: 795, AT: 790 rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (No Load)MT: 35, AT: 30 rpm
Curb Idle Speed (No Load)780 rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (No Load)20 rpm
Curb Idle Speed (No Load)790 rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (No Load)40 rpm

Battery & A/C

RefrigerantR134a
Refrigerant Capacity1.88 lbs
Oil GroupPAG
Oil Type68
Oil Capacity9.00 oz
Standard BCI Group Number59
Standard BCI Cranking Performance540 cca
Standard BCI Group Number59

Service checks

Pressure Test13-18 psi
Radiator Cap Pressure Relief13-18 psi
Thermostat Opening Temperature183-190 °F
Key ON Engine OFF (KOEO)30-65
Key ON Engine OFF (KOEO)56-72
Injector Primary Resistance11-18 DOHC ohms
Injector Primary Resistance11.4-12.6 na Flex Fuel ohms
Engine Oil Pressure40-60 psi

Brakes

Brake ApplicationWITH 10 inch DRUM / WITH STANDARD
Torque Caliper to Bracket21-26 ft-lbs
Torque to Knuckle73-97 ft-lbs
Minimum Pad ThicknessFront: 0.060; Rear: 0.030 in
Brake ApplicationWITH 10 inch DRUM / WITH STANDARD
Drum Nominal Diameter10 in / 9 in
Drum Maximum Machining10.06 in / 9.06 in
Drum Discard at-or-over10.09 / 9.09

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
115 ft. lbs., Step 2: 9015 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 5 stages
137 ft. lbs.37 ft. lbs
2Loosen bolts 1 turn.
322 ft. lbs.22 ft. lbs
490 degrees.90 degrees
590 degrees.90 degrees
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 3 stages
151 ft. lbs.51 ft. lbs
251 ft. lbs.51 ft. lbs
3turn 90-100
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 4 stages
159 ft. lbs.59 ft. lbs
2mum of one full turn
333-41 ft. lbs.33–41 ft. lbs
463-73
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 3 stages
125 ft. lbs.25 ft. lbs
253 ft. lbs.53 ft. lbs
390
Engine Flywheel Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
111 ft. lbs., Step 2: 5211 ft. lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
119-28 ft. lbs., step 2: 44-5919–28 ft. lbs
Main Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
126 ft. lbs., Step 2: 67-7626 ft. lbs

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter every 5,000 mi; spark plugs every 100,000 mi; coolant every 30,000 mi. The big-interval services (every 30,000 mi for coolant, and the transmission fluid) are the ones owners most often skip — on a lower-mileage example, assume the original fluids are still in it and check them first.

Every 5,000 miEngine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace) · Tire & Wheel Assembly (rotate)
Every 15,000 miBrake System (inspect) · Cabin Air Filter (replace) · Engine Coolant System (leak inspection) · Steering Linkage (inspect) · Suspension Ball Joint (inspect) · Suspension System (inspect)
Every 30,000 miEngine Air Filter Element (replace) · Engine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill) · Exhaust System Heat Shield (inspect) · Fuel Filter (replace) · Parking Brake System (inspect)
At 45,000 miEngine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)
Every 60,000 miTransmission Assembly (drain & refill) · Wheel Bearing (inspect)
Every 100,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect) · PCV Valve (replace) · Spark Plugs (replace)
At 120,000 miTiming Belt (inspect)
At 150,000 miDrive Axle Assembly (drain & refill) · Transfer Case Assembly (drain & refill) · Transmission Fluid & Filter (replace)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 2000 Ford Ranger sits near the peak of a troubling complaint and recall arc for this generation. Complaints climbed sharply from 508 in 1994 to a generation-high of 818 in 1999, then dipped slightly to 694 in 2000—still the second-highest year on record. Recalls followed a similar pattern, with 11 in 1999 and 9 in 2000, while TSBs dropped from 329 to 197, suggesting some issues may have been addressed but not fully resolved. The top complaint areas for 2000—tires (139), structure (65), air bags (52), and service brakes (48)—along with 88 crash and 12 fire complaints, indicate multiple safety-related concerns. Compared to later years, complaints fell sharply after 2000 (e.g., 347 in 2002, 243 in 2003), so the 2000 model is among the most problematic of the generation. **Given the high complaint volume and multiple safety issues, the 2000 Ranger is not a recommended buy unless you can verify that all recalls and TSBs have been addressed.**

9
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
197
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
0
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
694
Owner complaints
88 involved a crash · 12 a fire
NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars
Rollover★★★★★

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 694 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Tires139
Structure65
Air Bags52
Service Brakes, Hydraulic48
Vehicle Speed Control46
Power Train46
Suspension33
Electrical System24

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 8 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

09E025000Exterior Lighting:HeadlightsReported 11/05/2009

DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE… Remedy: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT…

09E012000Exterior LightingReported 07/04/2009

SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE… Remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 197 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
TSB 20-22332020-07-13StructureThis article supersedes TSB 19-2026 to update the vehicle model years affected. Some 2000…
TSB 19-20262019-02-07StructureSome 2000 and newer Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels…
TSB 19-20262019-02-07StructureSome 2000 and newer Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels…
CSP-08B012008-05-16Engine And Engine CoolingFORD: CERTAIN 1999-2001 MODEL YEAR VEHICLES UP TO 6000 LB GVWR REGISTERED IN NEW YORK AND…
0522122005-11-14Engine And Engine CoolingBUCK/JERK AND MISS DURING DRIVE CYCLE ABOVE 3000 RPM - NO DTC - 3.0L 2V GAS AND FFV…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420
Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1
P0300
Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected
P0171
System too lean — Bank 1
P0455
Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak
P0128
Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature
P0442
Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN
Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific Ranger. OEM
Build data
Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.
Recalls
Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2000 Ranger take?

4.5 qt of 5W-20 API, per the factory manual.

Does the 2000 Ranger have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 9 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.

What gas mileage does the Ranger get?

EPA figures are 15 city / 20 highway / 17 combined mpg.