Operating a Ford Ranger in colder climates can be challenging. Cold weather may put stress on vehicle components such as the battery or the accessory belt, and may reduce air pressure in the tires. Malfunctions of any of these components can decrease your vehicle's fuel mileage and make it difficult to start. Installing a Ford Ranger block or coolant heater will reduce the effects of the colder temperatures on your vehicle's components and insure that the vehicle will start consistently. Installation of a block heater can be performed with common tools and moderate automotive repair knowledge.
Disconnect the negative battery cable from the vehicle's battery.
Locate the radiator drain petcock on the lower-right side of the radiator, in the engine compartment.
Drain the coolant from the radiator by turning the radiator petcock counterclockwise, using pliers. Leave the petcock open until the coolant stops flowing from the radiator assembly. Close the petcock. Dispose of the used coolant at a proper fluid recycling center.
Locate the lower radiator hose that runs from the lower-left side of the radiator to the water pump assembly.
Measure and mark a cut line on the lower radiator hose, using a grease pencil. The mark should be six inches from the lower radiator hose connection at the radiator.
Cut and remove a two-inch section of the lower radiator hose. The block heater will be installed in-between the two sections of the lower radiator hose.
Install one radiator hose clamp onto each of the two sections of the lower radiator hose.
Insert the aluminum block heater into the open end of each lower radiator hose section. Make sure to push each hose section completely onto the block heater assembly.
Tighten both block heater hose clamps, using a Phillips screwdriver, until both sections of the lower radiator hose are securely attached to the block heater.
Route the electrical cord and plug from the block heater, along the lower radiator hose, to the lower front grille assembly on the truck. Apply wire ties every four inches to secure the cord and plug assembly.
Fill the radiator with the factory recommended mixture of coolant and water.
Connect the negative battery cable to the vehicle's battery.
Start the vehicle's engine and let it run until the engine reaches normal operating temperature. Shut the engine off.
Check the coolant level in the radiator and top off the radiator with coolant and water mixture, if necessary.
