FORD RANGER 1996 2.G Owners Manual

Driving Your Ranger
181
%*
[DR23000(ALL)12/89]
If Brakes Do Not Grip Well or Pedal is ªLowº
%*
[DR23200(R )07/95]
If brakes do not grip well, it may indicate the rear drum brakes
need adjustment. To do this, drive the vehicle in reverse at
5 mph (8 km/h) on level, dry pavement. Stop the vehicle by
firmly applying the brakes. Repeat this procedure four or five
times.
*
[DR23250(ALL)11/89]
If during normal operation the brake pedal seems ªlowº, it may
indicate the need for a brake system inspection and/or service.
You should have your brakes checked as soon as possible.
%*
[DR23300(ALL)10/95]
Occasional brake squeal during light to moderate stops does not
affect the function of the brake system and is normal. However,
if the squeal becomes louder or more frequent, have your
brakes inspected by your dealer or a qualified service technician.
*
[DR23400(ALL)11/89]
RWARNING
Modifications to the suspension spring rates and/or
vehicle ride height may adversely affect vehicle stopping
ability.
*
[DR23500(ALL)07/92]
If Brakes Pull
*
[DR23600(ALL)05/95]
n
Check tire pressure.
*
[DR23700(R )07/95]
n
Perform the self-adjustment procedure described underIf
Brakes Do Not Grip Well or Pedal is ªLow.º
*
[DR23800(ALL)05/95]
If pull occurs during the first 500 miles (800 km), make 10
moderately fast stops from 40 mph (65 km/h) and then
perform the self-adjustment procedure above. It may be
necessary to repeat this operation to properly seat new brake
linings and pads.
File:10undrr.ex
Update:Wed May 1 13:52:06 1996

182
%*
[DR24000(ALL)01/93]
Stopping Distances
*
[DR24100(ALL)11/89]
Stopping distances vary with different loads and driving
conditions. Use caution when encountering new conditions and
acquaint yourself with vehicle performance. Take full advantage
of engine braking power when slowing down.
%*
[DR24200(ALL)01/95]
Applying the Brakes
*
[DR24300(ALL)05/95]
Apply the brake pedal gradually. Use the ªsqueezeº technique
Ð push on the brake pedal with a steadily increasing force. This
allows the wheels to continue to roll while you are slowing
down, which lets you steer properly.
*
[DR24400(ALL)07/95]
Do not drive with your foot resting on the brake pedal. This
will increase your vehicle's stopping distance and may also
cause brake damage.
*
[DR24500(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
If you are driving down a long or steep hill, shift to a
lower gear. Do not apply your brakes continuously, as
they may overheat and become less effective.
%*
[DR24600(ALL)03/95]
Using the Parking Brake
*
[DR24650(ALL)01/95]
The parking brake should be used whenever you park your
vehicle.
*
[DR24800(ALL)12/91]
The parking brake pedal is suspended just below the bottom of
the instrument panel to the left of service brake and/or clutch
pedals. To set the parking brake while parking your vehicle,
press the brake pedal with your right foot and hold it while
you push the parking brake pedal down firmly and fully with
your left foot.
File:10undrr.ex
Update:Wed May 1 13:52:06 1996

Driving Your Ranger
183
[DR24930(ALL)05/95]
17-1/2 pica
art:0020568-D
Parking brake
*
[DR24950(ALL)03/95]
RWARNING
When parking, do not use the gearshift in place of the
parking brake. Turn the key to LOCK whenever you
leave your vehicle. Always set the parking brake fully
and make sure that the gearshift is securely latched in P
(Park) (automatic transmission) or in 1 (First) (manual
transmission). Never leave your vehicle unattended while
it is running. If you do not take these precautions, your
vehicle may move unexpectedly and injure someone.
*
[DR24970(R )05/95]
With the transfer case in N (Neutral), the vehicle is free to move
with either the automatic transmission in P (Park) or with the
manual transmission in any driving gear.
File:10undrr.ex
Update:Wed May 1 13:52:06 1996

184
*
[DR24975(R )05/95]
RWARNING
Do not leave the vehicle unattended with the transfer
case in the N (Neutral) position. Always set the parking
brake fully and turn off the ignition when leaving the
vehicle.
[DR25015(ALL)03/93]
To release the parking brake, press the service brake pedal with
your right foot and hold the parking brake pedal down with
your left foot while you pull the parking brake release lever.
Lift your foot from the parking brake pedal after it is released.
*
[DR25050(ALL)01/93]
RWARNING
If the parking brake is fully released, but the Brake
System light remains on, have the brakes checked
immediately. They may not be working properly.
*
[DR25100(ALL)06/95]
The parking brake is not designed to stop a moving vehicle, but
you can use the parking brake to stop your vehicle in an
emergency if the normal brakes fail. However, since the parking
brake applies only the rear brakes, the stopping distance will
increase greatly and the handling of your vehicle will be
adversely affected.
%*
[DR25200(ALL)01/95]
Driving Under Special Conditions
%*
[DR25250(ALL)01/95]
Tips for Safe Driving
*
[DR25301(ALL)07/95]
As with any new vehicle, yours may drive and handle
differently from your previous vehicle. Use care until you
become accustomed to its various features and driving
characteristics.
*
[DR25350(ALL)03/95]
Operate your vehicle within reasonable limits. Sudden
acceleration, deceleration, turning, or combinations of these
maneuvers can cause a vehicle to behave differently than
anticipated.
File:10undrr.ex
Update:Wed May 1 13:52:06 1996

Driving Your Ranger
185
*
[DR25501(ALL)02/95]
Wheel Spin
*
[DR25550(ALL)11/92]
n
Extreme acceleration can cause the rear wheels to spin,
perhaps resulting in reduced steering control.
[DR26350(ALL)12/92]
If the wheels spin, use 2 (Second gear) to gain traction. Move
forward slowly and evenly. If this does not work, try rocking
the vehicle.
*
[DR26401(ALL)05/91]
For 4x4 vehicles, engage 4WD, and try to drive away.
%*
[DR26550(ALL)05/90]
High Speed Driving
*
[DR26590(ALL)07/95]
Ford Motor Company recommends obeying posted speed limits.
*
[DR26601(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Driving too fast for conditions creates the possibility of
loss of vehicle control. Driving at very high speeds for
extended periods of time may result in damage to vehicle
components.
*
[DR26625(ALL)12/91]
Speed limiter
[DR26652(ALL)01/95]
All models are equipped with a Powertrain Control Module
(PCM) which limits the maximum engine speed and thus road
speed in top gear. Vehicle operation is normal since the
controlled maximum speed is above posted highway speeds in
North America.
%*
[DR26701(ALL)01/95]
Driving in Bad Weather
%*
[DR26750(ALL)01/95]
Slippery roads
*
[DR26801(ALL)03/95]
Drive cautiously on wet or snowy roads:
*
[DR26850(ALL)03/95]
n
Do not quickly move the steering wheel unless necessary.
*
[DR26901(ALL)01/95]
n
Drive slower than you normally would.
*
[DR26951(ALL)01/95]
n
Give your vehicle more distance to stop.
File:10undrr.ex
Update:Wed May 1 13:52:06 1996

186
[DR27001(ALL)01/95]
n
Pump the brake pedal steadily and evenly to avoid locking
your front wheels (except with 4WABS).
[DR27025(ALL)05/95]
n
To stop on ice, shift to N (Neutral) below 10 mph (15 km/h)
and gently pump brakes (except with 4WABS).
*
[DR27050(ALL)02/93]
n
Consider using one of the lower gears.
*
[DR27101(ALL)05/91]
n
For 4x4 vehicles, engage 4WD, and try to drive slowly away.
*
[DR27150(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
To avoid losing control on slippery roads, do not
downshift into Low with the automatic transmission
when moving faster than 20 mph (32 km/h). Do not
downshift into First with the manual transmission when
moving faster than 5 mph (8 km/h).
*
[DR27350(R )06/94]
RWARNING
The rear antilock brake system may not prevent brake
lock-up on extremely slippery surfaces. Rear brake
lock-up may also occur while driving in four-wheel drive
because the transfer case couples the front and rear axles
together.
%*
[DR27450(ALL)03/95]
Traction-Lok Rear Axle (If equipped)
*
[DR27501(ALL)03/95]
This axle provides added drive away traction on slippery
surfaces, particularly when one or more wheels are on a surface
with poor traction.
*
[DR27550(ALL)03/93]
Extended use of other than matching size tires on a
Traction-Lok rear axle could result in a permanent reduction in
effectiveness. This loss of effectiveness does not affect normal
driving and should not be noticeable to the driver.
File:10undrr.ex
Update:Wed May 1 13:52:06 1996

Driving Your Ranger
187
*
[DR27601(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
To avoid injury, never run the engine with one wheel off
the ground, such as when changing a tire.
%*
[DR27651(ALL)01/95]
High water
*
[DR27675(ALL)06/92]
Never attempt to cross water that is fast flowing or of unknown
depth.
*
[DR27701(ALL)05/90]
Do not drive through flooded areas unless you are sure that the
water is below the bottom of the wheel hubs.
*
[DR27750(ALL)04/94]
If you must drive through high water, drive slowly. You may
have limited traction or wet brakes, so allow extra stopping
distance because your vehicle will not stop as quickly as usual.
*
[DR27801(ALL)01/95]
After you drive through the standing water, apply your brakes
gently several times as your vehicle moves slowly. This helps to
dry the brakes.
*
[DR27820(ALL)06/95]
NOTE: If the transmission and transfer case is submerged in
water, their fluids should be checked and changed, if
necessary.
*
[DR27825(ALL)03/93]
NOTE: All rear axle lube quantities must be replaced every
100,000 miles (160,000 km) or if the axle has been
submerged in water. Otherwise, the lube should not
be checked or changed unless a leak is suspected or
repair required.
*
[DR27850(ALL)11/89]
Rocking the vehicle
*
[DR27901(ALL)05/90]
For 4x4 vehicles, engage 4WD LOW, when the vehicle gets
stuck and try to drive away.
*
[DR27950(ALL)05/95]
If your vehicle gets stuck (for example, in mud or snow), you
may rock it out of the spot. Shift in a steady rhythm between
forward and reverse gears. Allow the transmission to fully
engage, then press lightly on the accelerator. Do not rock the
vehicle for more than a few minutes. This may overheat the
File:10undrr.ex
Update:Wed May 1 13:52:06 1996

188engine and transmission, causing damage to both. In addition,
other vehicle systems and components may also be damaged.
*
[DR27975(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Do not spin the wheels at over 35 mph (55 km/h). The
tires may fail and injure a passenger or bystander.
%*
[DR28050(ALL)03/95]
Driving With a Heavy Load
*
[DR28101(ALL)01/95]
There are limits to the amount of weight your vehicle can carry
or tow. The total weight of your vehicle, plus the weight of the
passengers and cargo, should never be more than the Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). Also, the weight that your
vehicle carries over the front axle and rear axle should never be
more than the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for the
respective axle.
*
[DR28150(ALL)08/95]
The weight limits of your vehicle's tires affect the GVWR or
GAWR limitations. Usage of replacement tires with higher
weight limits than originals does not increase GVWR or GAWR.
Usage of lower capacity replacement tires may lower GVWR
and GAWR limitations.
*
[DR28201(ALL)02/95]
RWARNING
If the GVWR or the GAWR specified on the Safety
Compliance Certification Label is exceeded, your vehicle
may be damaged or you may lose control and injure
someone.
*
[DR28350(R )03/91]
Securing loads in cargo area
[DR28400(R )11/92]
To prevent damage to the pickup box and cab, secure any
movable cargo pieces using ropes or straps and the tie down
holes in the stake pockets of the steel pickup box or the tie
down hooks inside the Splash pickup box.
File:10undrr.ex
Update:Wed May 1 13:52:06 1996

Driving Your Ranger
189
[DR28450(R )06/94]
Secure all items in cargo area to prevent them from falling out
and creating a safety hazard on the roadway.
[DR28500(R )10/95]
17-1/2 pica
art:0090120-B
Cargo tie-down holes
File:10undrr.ex
Update:Wed May 1 13:52:06 1996

190
[DR28575(R )01/95]
10-1/2 pica
art:0020968-B
Cargo tie-down hooks Ð Splash pickup box
[DR28600(R )03/91]
Loading sheets of building material
[DR28650(R )01/95]
Four-foot (122 cm) wide sheets of building or other material will
not fit flat on the pickup box floor. However, support pockets
in the pickup walls permit up to 500 lb (227 kg) of this type
cargo to be carried on crossbody mounted 2ª x 6º (5 x 15 cm)
boards (styleside box only). See illustration.
[DR28675(R )01/95]
NOTE: Four-foot wide sheets will not fit flat on the Splash
pickup box floor.
File:10undrr.ex
Update:Wed May 1 13:52:06 1996