Ranger Diesel Rough Cold Starts PTC Heater

I'm pulling my hair out. My 2014 Ford Ranger with a diesel engine is running rough on cold starts lately: sputtering, struggling to idle. The check engine light is on, and the error code points to a PTC heater issue. My fuel consumption has also increased. I'm thinking it's the electric auxiliary heater. Has anyone else experienced something like this? Any ideas before I start spending money?

4 comment(s)

Sounds familiar. I have a Ranger and had similar symptoms last winter: rough starts, error codes related to the heating system, and fuel economy tanked. Have you checked the electrical connections to the heater itself? Sometimes they corrode and cause problems.

Thanks for the reply! I haven't specifically checked the connections to the heater itself, just visually inspected the wiring harness in the engine bay for any obvious damage. Where exactly is the PTC heater located on the Ranger? Is it easy to access, or will I need to pull half the engine apart to get to it?

On mine it's tucked away pretty good; you'll need to get under the dash on the passenger side, near the blower motor. Honestly, unless you're really comfortable with auto electrics, you might be better off taking it to a workshop. Could save you a lot of headaches.

Okay, that's good advice. I was hoping it would be something simple, but it sounds like it's more involved than I initially thought. I'll take it to a trusted workshop and let them sort it out. Thanks for confirming my suspicions! It was the PTC heater. Cost me about 350€ to get it replaced, but the Ranger is running like a champ again. Appreciate the help!

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