towing FORD RANGER 1996 2.G User Guide

Driving Your Ranger
215
%*
[DR38300(ALL)06/95]
Trailer Lamps
*
[DR38400(ALL)11/89]
Make sure your trailer lamps conform to Federal and local
regulations.
*
[DR38425(ALL)03/91]
Class I and Class II Trailer Tow electrical wiring provides two
circuits (right hand and left hand) to operate trailer stop/turn
tail lamps. Each stop/turn circuit will operate one combination
stop/turn light bulb (# 1157, 3157, 2357, or 3357) on the trailer.
Never add more than one trailer light bulb to one circuit.
*
[DR38450(ALL)08/95]
RWARNING
Always replace a fuse with one that has the specified
amperage rating. Using a fuse with a higher amperage
rating can cause severe wire damage and could start a
fire.
*
[DR38500(ALL)06/95]
Driving while you tow
*
[DR38520(ALL)05/95]
Be especially careful when driving while you tow a trailer.
Never drive faster than 45 mph (70 km/h) when you tow in
hilly country on hot days. Also, anticipate stops so that you can
brake gradually.
%*
[DR38540(ALL)01/95]
If you use the speed control while you are towing on very long,
steep grades, the speed control may shut off.
[DR38600(ALL)07/95]
When towing a trailer in hilly terrain, with a vehicle equipped
with a 4R44E/4R55E transmission, you may wish to operate in
O/D OFF (3rd gear) rather than
j(Overdrive). This will
eliminate excessive downshifting and upshifting to maintain
speed. Shift back to
j(Overdrive) whenever practical for
optimum powertrain cooling and fuel economy. This can be
accomplished by pushing in the transmission control switch
which is located on the end of the gearshift lever.
File:10undrr.ex
Update:Wed May 1 13:52:06 1996

216
*
[DR38800(ALL)06/95]
When descending a steep grade with a trailer, operate in Drive
rather than Overdrive. If additional braking is needed, shift the
automatic transmission gearshift into 2 (Second) gear or 1 (Low).
*
[DR38925(ALL)08/95]
Servicing Your Vehicle If You Tow
*
[DR38950(ALL)08/93]
If you tow a trailer for a long distance, your vehicle will need
to be serviced more frequently than usual. Refer to the
Maintenance Schedule and Recordbooklet for additional
information.
[DR39000(ALL)08/95]
Trailer towing tips
*
[DR39100(ALL)11/89]
Before starting on a trip, practice turning, stopping and backing
in an area away from heavy traffic. Get to know the ªfeelº of
the vehicle/trailer combination.
*
[DR39200(ALL)05/90]
Practice backing up. Back up very slowly, with someone outside
at the rear of your trailer to guide you. Place your hand at the
bottom of the steering wheel and move it in the direction you
want the rear of the trailer to swing. Slight movement of the
steering wheel results in a much larger movement of the rear of
the trailer.
*
[DR39300(ALL)11/89]
Allow more room for stopping with a trailer attached. Trailer
brakes should be applied first, whether manually or
automatically controlled, when approaching a stop.
*
[DR39400(ALL)11/89]
For a good handling truck-trailer combination, the trailer tongue
load should be approximately 10-15% of the loaded trailer
weight.
*
[DR39500(ALL)05/95]
Make a thorough check of your equipment before starting out
on the road. After you have traveled about 50 miles (80 km)
stop in a protected area and double-check your hitch and
electrical connections. Also check trailer wheel lug nuts for
tightness.
File:10undrr.ex
Update:Wed May 1 13:52:06 1996

234
%*
[RE24700(ALL)05/95]
Towing Your Vehicle
[RE24800(ALL)09/95]
If you need to have your vehicle towed, contact a professional
towing service or, if you are a member, your roadside assistance
center.
[RE24806(R )09/95]
Ranger 4x2/4x4
[RE24811(R )09/95]
The recommended method to tow your Ranger is with flatbed
or wheel lift equipment. However, slingbelt towing is
acceptable.
[RE24816(R )09/95]
Ranger without rear bumper
[RE24821(R )09/95]
The recommended method to tow your Ranger is with flatbed
or wheel lift equipment. However, slingbelt towing is
acceptable. Be sure to remove the undervehicle spare tire before
attaching slingbelt towing equipment.
File:12unrer.ex
Update:Wed May 1 13:53:18 1996

Roadside Emergencies
235
[RE24825(R )09/95]
three fourths page
art:0090196-A*
[RE24850(ALL)03/95]
When calling for a tow truck, tell the operator what kind of
vehicle you have. A towing manual is available from Ford
Motor Company for all authorized tow truck operators. Have
your tow truck driver refer to this manual for the proper
hook-up and towing procedures for your vehicle.
File:12unrer.ex
Update:Wed May 1 13:53:18 1996

236
[RE27600(ALL)12/91]
Recreational Towing Ð All wheels on the ground
[RE27700(ALL)05/91]
Towing your vehicle can be successfully performed by following
the appropriate guidelines for the type of powertrain on the
vehicle to be towed. The following guidelines, by powertrain
combination, are designed to ensure that the transmission is not
damaged due to insufficient lubrication.
[RE27800(ALL)12/91]
4x2ÐAutomatictransmission
*
[RE27900(ALL)03/95]
n
Release the parking brake.
[RE28000(ALL)01/95]
n
Place transmission gearshift in N (neutral).
[RE28100(ALL)10/94]
n
Maximum speed is 35 mph (56 km/h).
[RE28200(ALL)10/94]
n
Maximum distance is 50 miles (80 km).
[RE28300(ALL)06/94]
If a distance of 50 miles (80 km) or speed of 35 mph (56 km/h)
will be exceeded, youmust:
[RE28400(ALL)05/91]
n
Disconnect the driveshaft at the rear differential and properly
support it under the vehicle.
[RE28500(ALL)01/95]
n
Mark the driveshaft and axle flanges to ensure proper
position when reconnecting the driveshaft. Refer to service
manual for proper driveshaft fastener torque specification.
(See theAccessorieschapter for information on ordering
service manuals.)
[RE28600(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
When disconnecting/installing the driveshaft, the parking
brake must be set and the wheels blocked to ensure the
vehicle does not roll.
[RE28700(ALL)06/94]
n
Maximum speed is 55 mph (88 km/h), unlimited distance.
File:12unrer.ex
Update:Wed May 1 13:53:18 1996

Roadside Emergencies
237
[RE28720(ALL)12/91]
4x2ÐManualtransmission
*
[RE28740(ALL)03/95]
n
Release the parking brake.
[RE28750(ALL)01/95]
n
Place the transmission gearshift in the neutral position.
[RE28770(ALL)12/91]
n
Maximum speed is limited by towing equipment
manufacturer's recommendation, unlimited distance.
[RE28800(R )06/94]
4x4ÐManualshifttransfercase
*
[RE28900(R )03/95]
n
Release the parking brake.
[RE29000(R )01/95]
n
Place the transmission gearshift in the neutral position.
[RE29100(R )01/95]
n
Place the transfer case gearshift in the neutral position.
[RE29200(R )06/94]
n
Set the manual locking hubs in the FREE position.
[RE29300(R )06/94]
n
Maximum speed is 55 mph (88 km/h), unlimited distance.
[RE29400(R )06/94]
4 x 4 Electric shift transfer case
*
[RE29500(ALL)03/95]
n
Release the parking brake.
[RE29600(ALL)01/95]
n
Place the transmission gearshift in the neutral position.
[RE29700(R )06/94]
n
Ensure the transfer case is in 2H and the hubs are unlocked.
[RE29800(ALL)10/94]
NOTE: Both the 4WD and 4WD Low indicator lights in the
instrument panel will be off when the 4WD switch is
in 2WD.
[RE29850(ALL)10/92]
For automatic transmissions:
[RE29900(ALL)10/94]
n
Maximum speed is 35 mph (56 km/h).
[RE30000(ALL)10/94]
n
Maximum distance is 50 miles (80 km).
[RE30100(ALL)06/94]
If a distance of 50 miles (80 km) or speed of 35 mph (56 km/h)
will be exceeded, youmust:
[RE30200(R )06/94]
n
Remove the rear driveshaft.
File:12unrer.ex
Update:Wed May 1 13:53:18 1996

Roadside Emergencies
239
[RE31200(ALL)10/94]
To return the vehicle to a towable condition, youmust:
[RE31300(ALL)10/94]
n
Place the transfer case in 2WD by rotating the 4WD switch
to 2WD.
[RE31400(ALL)10/94]
NOTE: Both the 4WD and 4WD Low indicator lights in the
instrument cluster will be off when the transfer case
is in 2WD.
[RE31500(ALL)10/94]
n
After 2WD is selected, the front hubs must be ªunlockedº by
moving the vehicle in reverse direction for a minimum of ten
feet.
[RE31600(ALL)10/94]
n
Confirm the front hubs are unlocked by inspecting the front
drive shaft to verify it does not turn when the vehicle is
towed.
[RE31700(ALL)10/94]
In addition to the above guidelines, it is recommended that you
follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer of the
towing apparatus.
File:12unrer.ex
Update:Wed May 1 13:53:18 1996

241
Customer Assistance
%*
[HS00205(ALL)06/94]
Roadside Assistance
*
[HS00210(ALL)10/95]
Ford Motor Company has set up a 24-hour, seven-day-a-week
hotline with trained operators who put you in touch with the
help you need if you experience a problem with your vehicle.
This complimentary service is provided to you throughout your
warranty period of 3 years or 36,000 miles (60,000 km),
whichever comes first. To purchase Roadside Assistance
coverages beyond this period (available through Ford Auto Club
in the United States or Ford and Lincoln-Mercury dealers in
Canada), contact your Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer.
Additional Roadside Assistance coverage is unavailable in
Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.
*
[HS00215(ALL)06/94]
Roadside Assistance will cover the following:
*
[HS00220(ALL)06/94]
n
Mount your spare if you have a flat tire.
*
[HS00225(ALL)06/94]
n
Jump-start your battery if it is dead.
*
[HS00230(ALL)06/94]
n
Unlock your vehicle if you are locked out.
*
[HS00235(ALL)06/94]
n
Bring you fuel if you run out.
*
[HS00240(ALL)06/94]
n
Tow your vehicle if you are stranded. Even non-warranty
related tows, like accidents or getting stuck in mud or snow,
are covered (some exclusions apply, such as impound towing
and repossession).
*
[HS00245(ALL)06/94]
How to use Roadside Assistance
*
[HS00250(ALL)06/94]
Your Roadside Assistance identification card can be found in the
Owner Guide portfolio in your glove compartment. Complete
the card and place it in your wallet for quick reference.
*
[HS00255(ALL)04/95]
To receive roadside assistance in the United States call
1-800-241-FORD (in Canada call 1-800-665-2006).
*
[HS00260(ALL)04/95]
Should you need to arrange for roadside assistance yourself,
Ford Motor Company will reimburse the reasonable cost. To
obtain information about reimbursement call 1-800-241-FORD (in
Canada call 1-800-665-2006).
File:13unhsr.ex
Update:Wed May 1 13:53:43 1996

354
D
Dashboard (see Instrument panel)............. 73
Daytime running light system.............. 82
Defects, reporting................... 247
Defrost, windshield................. 77,80
Dipstick
automatic transmission fluid...........299, 301
engine oil..................... 276
power steering fluid................. 305
Disabled vehicle (see Towing)............. 234
Dispute Settlement Board............... 243
Doors......................... 99
lubricant specifications................ 331
Driveline universal joint and slip yoke......... 303
Driving under special conditions
bad weather.................... 185
heavy load..................... 188
high speed..................... 185
high water..................... 187
slippery roads................... 185
tips for safe driving................. 184
towing a trailer................... 191
E
Electrical system
fuses......................308, 314
operating when the engine is off............ 41
power point outlet................. 126
relays....................... 315
Electronic sound system
accessory delay.................... 41
radio reception................... 152
tuning the radio................130, 146
warranty and service information........... 154
Electronic stereo cassette radio (see Electronic
sound system)................. 129
Electronic stereo radio (see Electronic sound system) . . . 129
File:unixr.ex
Update:Wed May 1 13:58:05 1996

355
Index
Emergencies, roadside
assistance...................... 241
battery acid spills................219, 299
fuel........................ 271
jump-starting.................... 219
towing....................... 234
Emergency brake (parking brake)............ 181
Emission control system................ 323
catalytic converter.................. 323
emissions warranty................ 3,323
Engine
check engine warning light............... 60
does not start................... 46,48
fuel injected engine, starting.............. 44
fuel pump shut-off switch............... 48
preparing to start................... 44
service points.................... 262
starting...................... 41,45
starting after a collision................ 48
storing your vehicle................. 334
Engine block heater................... 47
Engine coolant
checking and adding................ 278
checking hoses................... 282
disposal..................258, 278, 301
drain and flush................... 282
preparing for storage................ 335
recovery reservoir.................. 262
refill procedure................... 283
specifications.................... 331
temperature gauge.................. 68
Engine coolant temperature gauge
description...................... 68
mechanical...................... 68
Engine fan...................... 258
File:unixr.ex
Update:Wed May 1 13:58:05 1996