Two problems related to check engine light on have been reported for the 1997 Ford Ranger. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Ford Ranger 4x4 XLT 4. 0l has had problems from the beginning front tires two out , fog lights, air conditioning, transmission shift points , check engine light when new and to this day gas mileage not as stated on window sticker ,also windows motor and controls.
The dome light started turning itself on while parked in front of my house. Sometimes it would turn itself back off. It would also turn on while I was driving at night. I couldn't get the light cover off so I pulled the fuse which leaves me with no windshield washer squirter. The check engine light is always on. No mater what is done or fixed, the light stays on which is a problem because cars will usually automatically fail inspection when the check engine light is on. How am I supposed to get it to pass inspection if its on 90% of the time? I never had a problem with my 93 Ranger but other people with Rangers have had the same issues & this site shows others with the same issues. Why won't Ford recall & fix it when its a known problem? these things are safety issues!! I can't add when these things happen because they are ongoing issues for the last tenish years!.