What does the coolant light on my Ford dashboard mean?

Your engine might be about to overheat. If your low coolant light is on, pull over in a safe area and wait for your engine temperature to go down. Once it’s safe to do so, bring your car to your nearest Firestone Complete Auto Care to have the coolant system inspected.

Is an antifreeze leak dangerous?

Notice a leaking fluid that's green, bright orange, or pink and feels sticky? It might be antifreeze. Antifreeze is toxic but has a sweet smell and taste that's attractive to many cats and dogs. Do your pets a favor and have an antifreeze leak investigated ASAP. Then hose down the driveway or garage floor!

Do Ford Ranger radiators need to be cleaned?

It could be a good idea to have your Ford Ranger radiator cleaned out a couple of times a year, maybe at the same time as a tire rotation or oil change.

My Ranger overheated! What can cause that?

If your Ford Ranger engine overheats, it could be because of a clogged radiator, a damaged thermostat, a faulty cooling fan, a malfunctioning water pump, or low coolant levels.

Why does the radiator in my Ranger sound like it’s rumbling or boiling?

If your radiator sounds like it's boiling or rumbling, you could have air pockets in the cooling system of your Ranger. You might also have a damaged radiator cap (super easy to fix!) or a clogged radiator.

There’s rust in my Ranger radiator. Should I be worried?

Yes. If you have rust in your Ford Ranger radiator, it could cause leaks, negatively impact cooling efficiency, and eventually lead to radiator failure. Left unaddressed, radiator rust can erode the cooling passages, creating cracks or small holes. Properly maintaining your radiator system can help stop it from rusting.

1986 Ford Ranger Radiator Service

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Service Your Ford Ranger Radiator

Keeping your cool is easier when your engine is cool. Schedule your 1986 Ford Ranger radiator repair or service today.

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When Does My 1986 Ford Ranger Radiator Need Service?

It can be tough to know when to have your Ford Ranger radiator serviced if you don't know what it does, but it’s vital to know what to look for. As part of your car’s cooling system, your radiator helps keep engine temperature regulated. When the radiator isn't working properly, your engine can overheat and potentially break down.

Keeping up with regular radiator maintenance in your 1986 Ford Ranger is crucial to keep your engine in the best possible shape for years to come. In fact, Ford recommends replacing coolant/antifreeze at specific intervals, but it’s also wise to keep an eye out for signs of a failing radiator. You could be on the verge of a radiator-induced engine breakdown if you notice a low coolant light or higher-than-normal engine temperatures on your dashboard, or if you spot coolant leaks coming from your car. When you experience one or more of these issues, head to your local Firestone Complete Auto Care for a Courtesy Check.

Ford Ranger Coolant Fluid Exchange

What does radiator repair include? When you come to Firestone Complete Auto Care, we’ll begin your radiator repair with an in-depth inspection of the cooling system in your Ford Ranger. We then do a machine-powered radiator exchange, replenish flushed chemicals, sealants, and lubricants, and then pressure check for leaks.

Radiator problems often go hand in hand with water pump problems. Of all the parts in your 1986 Ford Ranger engine, the water pump is one that you'll want to have repaired or replaced as soon as you discover a problem with it. This pump ensures that coolant is always flowing through the radiator, hoses, and engine. If it isn’t functioning properly, your engine won’t be able to stay within its optimal temperature range. Our technicians can take a look at your radiator’s components to help make sure everything is in working order. If you’re about to lose your cool over a too-hot engine, rest assured that we’ll take excellent care of your 1986 Ford Ranger at Firestone Complete Auto Care. Every job we do is backed by our Triple Promise: Fixed Right, Priced Right, Right on Time.

Ford Ranger Radiator Q&A

With regular maintenance and service as needed, you could extend the life of your 1986 Ford Ranger radiator. Get answers to common radiator questions, and head to your nearest Firestone Complete Auto Care as soon as you suspect a radiator issue.

What does the coolant light on my Ford dashboard mean? Your engine might be about to overheat. If your low coolant light is on, pull over in a safe area and wait for your engine temperature to go down. Once it’s safe to do so, bring your car to your nearest Firestone Complete Auto Care to have the coolant system inspected.
Is an antifreeze leak dangerous? Notice a leaking fluid that's green, bright orange, or pink and feels sticky? It might be antifreeze. Antifreeze is toxic but has a sweet smell and taste that's attractive to many cats and dogs. Do your pets a favor and have an antifreeze leak investigated ASAP. Then hose down the driveway or garage floor!
Do Ford Ranger radiators need to be cleaned? It could be a good idea to have your Ford Ranger radiator cleaned out a couple of times a year, maybe at the same time as a tire rotation or oil change.
My Ranger overheated! What can cause that? If your Ford Ranger engine overheats, it could be because of a clogged radiator, a damaged thermostat, a faulty cooling fan, a malfunctioning water pump, or low coolant levels.
Why does the radiator in my Ranger sound like it’s rumbling or boiling? If your radiator sounds like it's boiling or rumbling, you could have air pockets in the cooling system of your Ranger. You might also have a damaged radiator cap (super easy to fix!) or a clogged radiator.
There’s rust in my Ranger radiator. Should I be worried? Yes. If you have rust in your Ford Ranger radiator, it could cause leaks, negatively impact cooling efficiency, and eventually lead to radiator failure. Left unaddressed, radiator rust can erode the cooling passages, creating cracks or small holes. Properly maintaining your radiator system can help stop it from rusting.