My Ford Ranger 1998 got too hot and I heard a pop.

ANSWER : Hi there. The noise you heard could have been fuel left in the cylinder when the engine was hot and igniting the fuel as an explosion. That is why you saw smoke coming out of the pipe on the engine. The symptoms of being hot are either the thermostat is sticking closed or the head gasket is burned causing the coolant to drain into the cylinder(s). I recommend seeking out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you diagnose your overheating issue.

ANSWER : There could be an issue with the cylinder head gaskets. Antifreeze can break down and become acidic if not replaced as normal maintenance. The head gasket material erodes and can cause engine compression to build up in the coolant system. This will prevent the flow of coolant which can create an overheating condition.

There is a test that can be done to check whether there is carbon monoxide in the coolant system; it involves special equipment.

I recommend having your overheating condition inspected, and perhaps have a block test performed.

ANSWER : The torque converter clutch is not releasing as the transmission is shifting. Try pulling the fuse to the torque converter labeled as TCC and see if the symptoms change. If the vehicle stops acting up, then the torque converter clutch solenoid is active and not releasing. If the symptoms are the same, then the torque converter clutch is melted and needs replaced (torque converter replacement). If you need further assistance with your transmission shifting hash and stalling, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.

ANSWER : Hi there. I honestly hate hearing horror stories like this and am very sorry this has happened to you. There are several things that could have caused this issue, ranging from the oil service place forgetting to put the oil cap back on, tighten the oil pan bolt or the oil filter was improperly installed; causing the oil to spray, increase engine temperature and many other possible damage to internal engine components. The first thing I would do is contact the oil service location and inform them of the problems you have experienced. They should be given every opportunity to resolve and repair this issue; or at least, have an "accident claim" filled out by you; as it’s possible that major damage may have occurred. If they are unwilling to help, I would set up an oil leak inspection from one of our professional mechanics so they can determine where the oil is leaking from and any other damage that has occurred. In the best case scenario, the issue can be resolved easily.

ANSWER : Hi There,
If your heat blows warm and then cold in addition to the engine overheating, this may very well be a thermostat issue. This may also be an issue of air being trapped in the radiator or heater core. This causes this type of cycling effect with hot and then cold air being blown into the cab of the vehicle. I would recommend having a professional from YourMechanic come to your location to diagnose and inspect your vehicle.

ANSWER : It is possible that you have a leak in the AC system. There are pressure switches that will turn off the compressor if the pressure is too high or too low. The low refrigerant level could cause the AC compressor to cycle on and off. If you would like to have this done, a certified technician from YourMechanic can come to your car’s location to diagnose the AC system and make the correct repair.

ANSWER : I am not sure if the 1997 bumper will fit the 2000 even with brackets you need. You can go to a parts site and check the different brackets you can choose from. It would depend on the bumper you have now. There are many levels of different bumpers for vehicles between the years 1997 and 2000. There were changes in front lights and valances in the front. I would suggest getting a complete 2000 replacement bumper.

ANSWER : First, the coolant level should be checked to make sure the radiator is full. While the overflow tank may be full, the radiator cap must be taken off to check the level inside the radiator. If you find the level is very low, you have a coolant leak that must be fixed. If coolant levels are normal, an engine thermostat or heater control problem may be what you’re experiencing. Consider hiring an experienced technician like one from YourMechanic who can come out and take a closer look at your lack of heat concern to offer a more personal diagnosis.