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1997 Ranger Clutch Problem
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Steve-O
New User
Dec 30, 2006, 2:34 PM
Post #1 of 8
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1997 Ranger Clutch Problem
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I have a 1997 Ford Ranger. 65,000 miles. Mostly around town. Manual transmission. Recently hard to put into reverse. Just starting to "lug" in higher gear as I reduce speed around corners (never had this problem before). After turning off engine a very distinctive smell appears (not really from the engine). When running the engine in nuetral (idle) there is no smell. Runs rough going up hills. Running at idle it seems to run a bit rougher than usual (maybe something loose?) Does this sound like clutch problem? Steve
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Dec 30, 2006, 5:43 PM
Post #2 of 8
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Re: 1997 Ranger Clutch Problem
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A worn out clutch is usually quiet and might make a smell moments before you become a pedestrian but shouldn't make the engine run rough?? Tough to get in reverse (non syncronized) might be a linkage problem. Hit back with any info as I think there's more than one thing going on here?? T
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Steve-O
New User
Dec 30, 2006, 9:25 PM
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Re: 1997 Ranger Clutch Problem
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The reverse problem is occasional. After driving it has a "burnt toast" smell coming from the back. I have heard that this indicates some kind of clutch problem. some kind of loose part and something is getting warm. Steve
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steve01832
Veteran
Dec 31, 2006, 4:51 AM
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Re: 1997 Ranger Clutch Problem
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Start with checking the fluid level of the clutch master cylinder. If it is low and there are no external leaks, either the clutch slave cylinder is leaking or there may be air in the system. My manual shows this slave cylinder to be internal. You can try bleeding the slave cylinder to see if the pedal gets better. Use a rubber line off of the bleeder screw when you do this. Do Not let brake fluid get inside the bell housing. As for the smell, drive the vehicle until the smell starts. Turn off vehicle and crawl under. If the smell is coming from the bell housing, and it smells like burning brakes, it is time for a clutch. The disc is made out of the same material as brake pad lining. If you end up doing the clutch, make sure you replace the slave cylinder also. These slaves are internal and to replace them you have to pull the transmission to get at them. This is one of Ford's worse designs as slave cylinders usually start leaking long before the clutch wears out. But, you are advised to service the whole clutch assembly while you are there because it is labor intensive. Good luck but I think you may be looking at a clutch from your description. Steve
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Steve-O
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Dec 31, 2006, 11:41 AM
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Re: 1997 Ranger Clutch Problem
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Where do I check the fluid at? Is there a reservoir? Steve
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
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Dec 31, 2006, 1:38 PM
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Re: 1997 Ranger Clutch Problem
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If hydraulic as other Steve knew better than I, the master cylinder should be like the regular master cylinder for brakes but smaller and close by. Read it's cover and it probably uses DOT 3 brake fluid and never!!!!!!!!!!!!! put the wrong stuff in those. Higher DOT #s would be ok but an oil will wreck the system without doubt, T
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steve01832
Veteran
Jan 1, 2007, 4:31 AM
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Re: 1997 Ranger Clutch Problem
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Like Tom said. The clutch master cylinder is under the hood and it looks like a tiny brake master. It has a small plastic reservoir with one line going to it. It will be mounted close to the brake master on the drivers side. My manual only shows a hydraulic clutch for this year Ranger. It is possible it has a mechanical linkage, but more than likely it is hydraulic. Steve
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Steve-O
New User
Jan 1, 2007, 8:57 AM
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Re: 1997 Ranger Clutch Problem
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The fluid was low. I put some in. Same problem exists. Smells like burnt toast after driving. It is a bit slower when accelerating from gear to gear. Steve Steve
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