trailer 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

Driving Your Ranger
217
*
[DR39600(ALL)11/89]
When turning, drive slightly beyond the normal turning point
so the trailer wheels will clear curbs or other obstructions.
[DR39750(ALL)01/95]
When stopped in traffic for long periods of time in hot weather,
place the gearshift selector lever in P (Park) to increase the
engine idle speed. This aids in engine cooling and air
conditioner efficiency. If the engine overheats, rotate the
function selector control knob to panel position to stop the
compressor and increase the engine speed for a short time.
*
[DR39800(R )05/90]
RWARNING
Do not tow a trailer when using a temporary spare tire.
*
[DR39900(ALL)05/90]
Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade.
However, if you must park on a grade, place wheel chocks
under the trailer's wheels as follows:
*
[DR40000(ALL)05/95]
n
Apply the brake pedal and hold.
*
[DR40100(ALL)11/89]
n
Have another person place the wheel chocks under the
trailer wheels.
*
[DR40200(ALL)08/95]
n
With the chocks in place, release the brake pedal, making
sure the chocks are holding.
*
[DR40300(ALL)03/91]
n
For automatic transmissions Ð apply the parking brake by
pressing the service brake pedal down firmly with your right
foot while applying the parking brake pedal with your left
foot.
[DR40400(ALL)01/95]
n
For manual transmissions Ð apply the service brake and
shift into N (Neutral) while still maintaining pressure on the
service brake pedal. Set the parking brake fully.
*
[DR40500(ALL)12/91]
n
Shift an automatic transmission into Park (P). Put the
gearshift of a manual transmission in Reverse. If your vehicle
is equipped with four-wheel drive make sure the transfer
case is not in Neutral.
File:10undrr.ex
Update:Wed May 1 13:52:06 1996

224
[RE04150(ALL)01/95]
It is not recommended that the vehicle be operated in the 4WD
modes with a temporary spare. If 4WD operation is necessary,
do not operate at speeds above 10 mph (16 km/h) or for
distances above 50 miles (80 km). Extended operation in 4WD
with a temporary spare may result in damage to powertrain
components.
*
[RE04200(ALL)01/93]
RWARNING
If you use the temporary spare tire continuously or do
not follow these precautions, the tire could fail, causing
you to lose control of the vehicle, possibly injuring
yourself or others.
*
[RE04275(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
To avoid injury, never run the engine with one wheel off
the ground, such as when changing a tire.
*
[RE04280(ALL)10/94]
Extended use of other than matching size spare tires on a
Traction-Lok 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.
*
[RE04300(ALL)01/95]
When you drive with the temporary spare tire, DO NOT:
*
[RE04400(ALL)01/95]
n
exceed 50 mph (80 km/h) under any circumstances.
*
[RE04500(ALL)01/95]
n
load your vehicle so that it is heavier than the maximum
vehicle load rating listed on the tire decal.
*
[RE04600(ALL)01/95]
n
tow a trailer.
*
[RE04700(ALL)01/95]
n
use tire chains on this tire.
*
[RE04800(ALL)01/95]
n
try to repair the temporary spare tire or remove it from its
wheel.
*
[RE04900(ALL)01/95]
n
use the wheel for any other type of vehicle.
[RE04950(ALL)10/94]
n
engage four-wheel drive on dry, hard-surfaced roads.
File:12unrer.ex
Update:Wed May 1 13:53:18 1996

300
*
[SV33701(ALL)05/95]
It is preferable to check the transmission fluid level at normal
operating temperature, after approximately 20 miles (30 km) of
driving. However, if necessary, you can check the fluid level
without having to drive 20 miles to obtain a normal operating
temperature if outside temperatures are above50ÊF (10ÊC).
*
[SV33801(ALL)01/95]
NOTE: If the vehicle has been operated for an extended
period at high speeds or in city traffic during hot
weather, or pulling a trailer, the vehicle should be
turned off for about 30 minutes to allow the fluid to
cool before checking.
%*
[SV33901(ALL)02/95]
Checking the Automatic Transmission Fluid
*
[SV33910(ALL)06/95]
With the vehicle on a level surface, start the engine and move
the transmission shift selector through all of the gear ranges
allowing sufficient time for each position to engage. Securely
latch the transmission shift selector in the P (Park) position,
fully set the parking brake and leave the engine running.
[SV33920(R )09/95]
NOTE: Vehicles equipped with the 4x4 option must have the
4x4 shift selector in any position other than neutral. If
in neutral the vehicle may move.
*
[SV33930(ALL)10/89]
RWARNING
Your vehicle should not be driven if the fluid level is
below the bottom hole on the dipstick and outside
temperatures are above50ÊF (10ÊC).
*
[SV33940(ALL)08/95]
Wipe off the dipstick cap (located on the passenger's side of the
engine), pull the dipstick out and wipe the indicator end clean.
Put the dipstick back into the filler tube and make sure it is
fully seated. Pull the dipstick out and read the fluid level.
File:15unsvr.ex
Update:Wed May 1 13:56:18 1996

351
Index
Brakes (continued)
fluid, checking and adding.............. 304
fluid, refill capacities................ 304
fluid, specifications................. 331
front disc...................... 177
if brakes do not grip well.............. 181
master cylinder................... 304
new brake linings................... 5
noise......................177, 181
parking...................... 182
power braking................... 177
rear anti-lock.................... 178
servicing....................181, 304
stopping distances................182, 184
trailer....................... 214
when storing your vehicle.............. 336
Brake-shift interlock.................. 157
Break-in period..................... 5
Brights (high beams)................. 67,88
Bulbs, replacing.................... 317
halogen...................... 318
headlamps..................... 318
C
Canada, customer assistance.............. 248
Canada, warranty information.............. 3
Carbon monoxide in exhaust............... 50
Car seats for children (see Child safety seats)....... 36
Cassette tape player (see Electronic sound system) . . 133, 149
Catalytic converter................... 323
Chains, tires...................... 295
Changing a tire.................... 223
Charging system gauge................. 64
Charging system warning light.............. 62
Child safety restraints
child safety belts................... 39
child safety seats................... 36
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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
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Update:Wed May 1 13:58:05 1996

361
Index
L
Lamps
checking...................... 317
combination cargo and brakelamp........... 84
daytime running light system............. 82
flashing the lamps................... 88
fog lamps...................... 81
hazard flashers.................... 90
headlamps...................... 80
high beams...................... 88
illuminated entry system............... 106
instrument panel, dimming............... 83
interior lamps................... 80,83
replacing bulbs................... 317
trailer....................... 215
Lane change indicator (see Turn signal).......... 87
Lights, warning and indicator
airbag........................ 58
brake........................ 56
charging system.................... 62
check engine..................... 60
engine oil pressure.................. 65
hazard warning light................. 90
high beam...................... 67
oil pressure...................... 65
overdrive off..................... 62
safety belt...................... 57
service engine soon.................. 60
turn signal indicator.................. 87
Load limits
GAWR....................... 188
GVWR....................... 188
trailer towing.................... 192
Lubricant specifications................. 331
Lug nuts
standard...................... 229
tightening sequence................. 227
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Update:Wed May 1 13:58:05 1996

364
Regulations, National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration.............. 247
Relays........................ 315
Remote entry system
arming and disarming the anti-theft system...... 104
illuminated entry.................. 106
locking/unlocking doors............... 103
panic alarm.................... 104
replacement/additional transmitters.......... 106
replacing the batteries................ 105
Reporting safety defects................ 247
Restraints, safety (see Safety restraints)
adult......................... 9
child......................... 34
head........................ 112
infant...................... 34,36
Roadside assistance.................. 241
Roadside emergencies................. 219
Rotating the tires................... 289
S
Safe driving tips.................... 184
Safety belts (see Safety restraints)............. 9
Safety chains, when towing a trailer........... 214
Safety defects, reporting................ 247
Safety information relating to automotive fuels...... 271
Safety restraints
adjusting the safety belts............11,14,21
automatic locking mode (retractor)........... 13
cleaning the safety belts................ 25
extension assembly.................. 23
for adults...................... 9
for children...................... 34
for infants.................... 34,36
for pregnant women................. 9
head........................ 112
lap and shoulder belts................ 9,11
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Update:Wed May 1 13:58:05 1996

366
Spare tire (continued)
changing the tire................223, 227
conventional spare...............223, 225
finding the spare.................. 225
removing the spare tire............... 225
storing the flat tire...............225, 229
temporary spare.................. 223
Spark plugs, specifications............... 330
Special driving conditions............... 184
Special notice
E-4WD vehicles.................... 4
four wheel drive vehicles............... 4
Specification chart, lubricants.............. 331
Speed control
accelerating...................... 96
canceling a set speed................. 98
resetting....................... 96
resuming a set speed................. 98
tap up/tap down................... 96
when towing a trailer................ 215
Speedometer...................... 70
Starting your vehicle
preparing to start your vehicle............. 44
starting a cold engine................. 46
starting after a collision................ 48
starting a warm engine................ 46
starting your vehicle if the battery is disabled..... 219
Steering, power.................... 166
Steering wheel
horn......................... 92
locking........................ 41
speed controls.................... 93
tilting........................ 92
Storing your vehicle.................. 334
Supplemental air bag readiness light........... 58
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)........... 25
File:unixr.ex
Update:Wed May 1 13:58:05 1996