Two problems related to engine belts and pulleys have been reported for the 2005 Ford Ranger. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2005 Ford Ranger based on all problems reported for the 2005 Ranger.
While driving down the highway, the harmonic balancer failed. The pulley separated from the rest of the balancer and slid back to destroy the crankshaft position sensor. Once the sensor failed, the engine stalled. I was able to pull over to the side of the highway, but this sudden failure is dangerous and if I was not able to get to the side of the highway could cause an accident. After a little research on the internet there are several occurrences of the same issues on the Ford 4. 0 engine on Ranger / explorer. Looking at the NHTSA complaints sites there are also several occurrences of the same issue (more then 1 year, more then 1 model): odi id number : 10356858, odi id number : 10356913. Odi id number : 10450902, odi id number : 10383429, odi id number : 10243439, odi id number : 10168915, odi id number : 10351279, odi id number : 10390200, odi id number : 10302026, odi id number : 10279040. There may be more, but I was tired of looking.
The contact owns a 2005 Ford Ranger. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for a routine oil change. The mechanic informed the contact that while attempting to perform the oil change, the engine blew. The mechanic stated that the cam-shaft pulley separated and cause the timing to jump and lock the engine. The failure was so severe that the engine was unable to be rebuilt. The dealer advised the contact that they were not liable for the failure. The manufacturer would not provide any assistance and the vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were 112,000. Updated 9/13/10 updated 09/15/10.