1996 Mazda B3000 3.0
I've diagnosed that I have a bad purge valve solenoid, but I can only find parts for for a 1996 Ford Ranger 3.0. My understanding is that these trucks are identical except for trim, badges, etc. I've seen more than one parts store that has the ranger parts but not the Mazda parts. They look identical.
Are they really different? Are they interchangeable?
These two Ford parts work fine in my 1996 B3000 and cleared my P01443 DTC. SMOG good for 2 more years!
I cannot tell you definitively that they are the same part, but I do know the Mazda B trucks and the Ford Rangers of the era both rolled off the same assembly line. You can look on your core support and see both a Mazda and a Ford logo stamped there. (I worked for a Mazda dealership in 97-98 selling the B trucks.) Because of this I believe the parts are the same.
That said, I'd buy the part under the assumption they are the same. Before you do, though, check the return policy of where ever you are purchasing it from and see if you can return it. If you take the old one out and find it's different, return the new one for a refund, that way you're not out any money.
After looking at my favorite online parts seller ... well, 2nd after the Jungle site ... I think I may have a work around for you if the Ranger solenoid isn't exactly the same. Looking at the part, it seems that it acts as a pass through which has a "T" piece of tubing on one end and an electrical connector on the other. IF the Ranger solenoid isn't an exact match, you can most likely make it work. It just sits in line with the hoses, which can easily be adapted. The other end is just a two wire connector. Replacement electrical connectors are offered as well, so grafting one in wouldn't be too big of an issue. Just a thought incase the new doesn't match the original.
