Radiator Service & Repair for 1997 Ford Ranger

Service Your Ford Ranger Radiator

Don’t let the heat of the moment – or of your engine – get to your head. Schedule a radiator repair or service for your 1997 Ford Ranger today.

Is It Time for Service on My 1997 Ford Ranger Cooling System?

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. If your radiator isn’t functioning like it’s supposed to, the engine can overheat – or worse, break down.

Regular, proactive service on the radiator in your 1997 Ford Ranger is crucial to keep your engine in the best possible shape for years to come. To keep your radiator functioning, Ford recommends replacing your antifreeze or coolant at scheduled intervals but it’s a good idea to keep your eyes open for any indication that your radiator is failing. You might be driving around (or about to be stranded) with a failing radiator if you see coolant leaks under your car, high engine temperatures, or a dashboard light that indicates low coolant. When you experience one or more of these issues, head to your local Firestone Complete Auto Care for a Courtesy Check.

Radiator Repair Service for Your Ford Ranger

What’s included in a radiator repair service? At Firestone Complete Auto Care, we start by performing a thorough inspection of your Ford Ranger cooling system. We then do a machine-powered radiator exchange, replenish flushed chemicals, sealants, and lubricants, and then pressure check for leaks.

Issues with your radiator often coincide with a malfunctioning water pump. The water pump is one part on your 1997 Ford Ranger engine that needs to be addressed ASAP once an issue is identified. This vital part keeps coolant moving through the engine, hoses, and radiator. If it isn’t functioning properly, your engine won’t be able to stay within its optimal temperature range. Our trained technicians can inspect your car’s radiator hoses and pumps to help make sure everything is in working order. When it comes to radiator service and repair, your 1997 Ford Ranger is in good hands at Firestone Complete Auto Care. After all, we know it’s not just a car. It’s your car.

Common Ford Ranger Radiator Questions

Wondering how to make your 1997 Ford Ranger radiator last as long as possible? Read on for answers to common questions, and visit your local Firestone Complete Auto Care when your engine shows any signs of a faulty radiator.

  • What does the coolant light on my Ford dashboard mean? Pay attention to the temperature gauge and lights on your dashboard. If a low coolant warning light comes on or your dashboard temperature gauge keeps rising, it’s likely that your engine is about to overheat (and could leave you stranded on the road). Wait for the engine to cool down, then have your coolant system checked immediately at your nearest Firestone Complete Auto Care.
  • What are the puddles in my driveway or garage floor? 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? To keep your Ford Ranger radiator running well, it’s wise to get it cleaned out a few times a year.
  • What can cause my Ranger to overheat? One of the main reasons your Ford Ranger engine might overheat is because you don’t have enough coolant. Other causes include a clogged radiator, a damaged cooling fan, a malfunctioning thermostat, or a faulty water pump.
  • My Ranger radiator sounds like it's rumbling or boiling! What's up? 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. Rust in your Ford Ranger radiator could reduce cooling efficiency, cause leaks, and even lead to radiator failure. Left unchecked, rust can damage the radiator's cooling passages causing small holes or cracks in the radiator. Maintain your radiator system to help prevent rust.