four wheel drive FORD RANGER 1996 2.G Owners Manual

4
%*
[IN04000(ALL)01/95]
Buying a Ford Extended Service Plan
*
[IN04100(ALL)01/94]
If you bought your vehicle in the U.S., you can buy a Ford
Extended Service Plan for your vehicle. This optional contract
provides service protection for a longer period of time than the
basic warranty that comes with your vehicle.
*
[IN04200(ALL)01/95]
You do not have to buy this option when you buy your vehicle.
However, your option to purchase the Ford Extended Service
Plan runs out after 18 months or 18,000 miles. See your dealer
for more details about the Ford Extended Service Plan.
*
[IN04250(ALL)01/95]
If you purchased a Canadian vehicle and did not take
advantage of the Ford Extended Service Plan at the time of
purchase, you may still be eligible. See your dealer for the
details.
%*
[IN04650(ALL)06/92]
Special Notice
%*
[IN04750(R )11/89]
NOTICE TO OWNERS OF FOUR-WHEEL
DRIVE VEHICLES
%*
[IN04800(R )11/89]
As with other vehicles of this type, failure to operate this
vehicle correctly may result in loss of control or an accident. Be
sure to read theAdditional Special Driving Instructions for
Four-Wheel Drive Vehicle Operators, in this book and the special
supplement included with four-wheel drive vehicles entitled
4-Wheeling with Ford.
File:02uninr.ex
Update:Wed May 1 13:42:39 1996

Driving Your Ranger
167
%*
[DR16101(ALL)03/95]
Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) System
(If equipped)
[DR16130(ALL)10/94]
When you select the 4WD mode, your vehicle uses all four
wheels to power itself. This increases traction, enabling you to
drive your 4x4 over terrain and road conditions not travelled
normally by two-wheel drive vehicles.
*
[DR16160(ALL)10/94]
Power is supplied to all four wheels through a transfer case that
allows you to select four-wheel drive when necessary. Methods
for engaging and disengaging 4WD and low range will depend
on which system your vehicle has.
%*
[DR16190(R )01/95]
4x4 Systems Ð Lever Operated
*
[DR16220(R )06/94]
The lever operated transfer case can be placed into four
positions. The 2H position is the two-wheel drive position in
which power is delivered only to the rear axle. The 4H position
provides four-wheel drive with power delivered to the front
and rear axles for increased traction. The 4L position provides
four-wheel drive with power delivered to the front and rear
axles when the above average power is required at reduced
speeds. In the N (neutral) position, there is no power delivered
to either axle.
File:10undrr.ex
Update:Wed May 1 13:52:06 1996

168
[DR16280(R )05/95]
24 pica art:0090170-A
Transfer case selections
*
[DR16310(R )01/95]
Four-wheel drive operation (4H or 4L) on dry pavement is not
recommended. Operating the vehicle in four-wheel drive on dry
pavement will increase tire wear, decrease fuel economy, and
make four-wheel drive disengagement difficult for the transfer
case.
File:10undrr.ex
Update:Wed May 1 13:52:06 1996

Driving Your Ranger
171
*
[DR17500(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.
*
[DR17510(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.
*
[DR17540(R )01/95]
To shift from N (Neutral) to either 4H or 4L, stop the vehicle
and engage the parking brake. Place the automatic transmission
into N (Neutral) or depress the clutch on manual transmission
vehicles. Push the transfer case shift lever to the desired
position. If it is difficult to shift into either 4H or 4L, it may be
necessary to let the vehicle roll slightly and/or turn off the
engine (particularly on vehicles equipped with automatic
transmissions).
[DR17570(R )01/95]
4WD Systems Ð Select Drive Electric Shift
[DR17601(R )01/95]
The select drive electric shift system functions in three modes.
In two-wheel drive mode, power is delivered only to the rear
axle at normal road speed. The 4x4 HIGH position provides
four-wheel drive with power delivered to the front and rear
axles for increased traction. The 4x4 LOW position provides
four-wheel drive with power delivered to the front and rear
axles when above average power is required at reduced speeds.
[DR17630(R )01/95]
Four-wheel drive operation (4x4 HIGH or 4x4 LOW) on dry
pavement is not recommended. Operating the vehicle in
four-wheel drive on dry pavement will increase noise, vibration,
tire wear, decrease fuel economy, and make four-wheel drive
disengagement difficult for the transfer case.
File:10undrr.ex
Update:Wed May 1 13:52:06 1996

174
[DR18201(R )06/94]
During axle break-in or operation in extremely cold
temperatures, the automatic locking hubs may not release
completely. It may be necessary to drive the vehicle for 10 to 15
minutes before repeating the release procedure.
[DR18240(R )08/94]
To shift from 4x4 HIGH or 2WD to 4x4 LOW:
[DR18295(R )01/95]
Stop the vehicle, depress the brake and place the automatic
transmission in N (Neutral) or depress the clutch on vehicles
with a manual transmission. Rotate the 4WD switch on the
instrument panel to 4x4 LOW. Both the 4WD and 4WD LOW
lights are now lit.
[DR18350(R )08/94]
To shift from 4x4 LOW to 4x4 HIGH or 2WD:
[DR18380(R )01/95]
Stop the vehicle, depress the brake and place the automatic
transmission into N (Neutral) or depress the clutch on vehicles
with a manual transmission. Rotate the 4WD switch on the
instrument panel to 4x4 HIGH or 2WD.
[DR18500(ALL)03/95]
It is not recommended to operate the vehicle in the 4WD modes
with a temporary spare. If 4WD operation is necessary, do not
operate at speeds above 10 mph or for distances above 50 miles.
Extended operation in 4WD with a temporary spare may result
in damage to drivetrain components.
%*
[DR19200(ALL)01/89]
Driving Off Road with 4-Wheel Drive
*
[DR19300(ALL)11/89]
Most vehicles with four-wheel drive are especially equipped for
driving on sand, snow, mud, or rough terrain and have
operating characteristics that are somewhat different from
conventional vehicles, both off and on the road. The driving tips
below will help you learn to use four-wheel drive.
[DR19500(R )08/94]
n
Do not use four-wheel drive on dry, hard-surfaced roads,
especially with a temporary spare tire in use.
*
[DR19600(ALL)11/89]
n
Special maintenance procedures are necessary after operating
with drive components in water.
File:10undrr.ex
Update:Wed May 1 13:52:06 1996

Driving Your Ranger
175
*
[DR19700(R )08/94]
n
Manual locking hubs must be in LOCK position before
shifting into four-wheel drive.
*
[DR19800(ALL)11/89]
When using four-wheel drive, maintain steering wheel control at
all times, especially in rough terrain. Since sudden changes in
terrain can result in abrupt steering wheel motion, make sure
you grip the steering wheel rim from the outside. Do not grip
the spokes.
*
[DR19900(ALL)05/90]
Drive cautiously to avoid vehicle damage from concealed objects
such as rocks and stumps. Know the terrain or examine maps of
the area in question before driving. Map out your route
beforehand. To maintain steering and braking control of your
vehicle, you must have all four tires on the ground, and they
must be rolling, not sliding or spinning.
[DR19925(ALL)10/94]
Transmission upshift in 4WD with transfer case in 4WD LOW
may be quite firm due to large total gear reduction. This
condition is normal.
*
[DR20000(ALL)11/89]
Sand
*
[DR20100(ALL)11/89]
When driving over sand, try to keep all four wheels of the
vehicle on the most solid area of the trail. Do not reduce the
tire pressures but shift to a lower gear and drive steadily
through the terrain. Apply accelerator slowly and avoid
spinning the wheels.
*
[DR20200(ALL)11/89]
Mud and Water
*
[DR20300(ALL)12/89]
When driving through water, determine the depth; avoid water
higher than the bottom of the hubs (if possible) and proceed
slowly. If the ignition system gets wet, the vehicle may stall.
*
[DR20400(ALL)11/89]
Once through water, always try the brakes. Wet brakes do not
stop the vehicle as effectively as dry brakes. Drying can be
improved by moving your vehicle slowly, while applying light
pressure on the brake pedal.
File:10undrr.ex
Update:Wed May 1 13:52:06 1996

176
*
[DR20500(ALL)11/89]
After driving through mud, clean off residue stuck to rotating
driveshafts and tires. Excess mud stuck on tires and rotating
driveshafts causes an imbalance which could damage drive
components.
*
[DR20525(ALL)06/95]
NOTE: If the transmission and transfer case is submerged in
water, their fluids should be checked and changed, if
necessary.
%*
[DR20600(R )05/89]
Additional Special Driving Instructions for
4-Wheel Drive Vehicle Operators
*
[DR20701(ALL)11/89]
Driving on Hill or Slope Terrain
[DR20800(ALL)08/94]
When driving on a hill, avoid driving crosswise or turning on
steep slopes, you could lose traction and slip sideways. Drive
straight up, straight down or avoid the hill completely. Know
the conditions on the other side of a hill before driving over the
crest.
*
[DR20900(ALL)11/89]
When climbing a steep hill, start in a lower gear, rather than
finding it necessary to downshift from a higher gear after the
ascent has started. This reduces strain on the engine and the
possibility of stalling.
*
[DR21000(ALL)11/89]
When descending a steep hill avoid sudden braking. Rapid
pumping of the brake pedal will help slow the vehicle and still
maintain steering control.
*
[DR21101(ALL)11/89]
Driving on Snow or Ice
*
[DR21200(ALL)10/90]
A four-wheel drive vehicle has advantages over two-wheel drive
vehicles in snow and ice but can skid like any other vehicle. If
so equipped, keep the vehicle in four-wheel drive if icy or
slippery conditions exist.
*
[DR21300(ALL)11/89]
Avoid sudden applications of power and quick changes of
direction on snow or ice. Apply the accelerator slowly and
steadily when starting from a full stop.
File:10undrr.ex
Update:Wed May 1 13:52:06 1996

Driving Your Ranger
177
*
[DR21310(ALL)05/95]
All utility-type and Four-Wheel Drive vehicles have special
design and equipment features to make them capable of
performing in a wide variety of off-road applications. Specific
design characteristics give them higher centers of gravity than
ordinary passenger cars.
*
[DR21325(ALL)08/95]
RWARNING
Utility and four-wheel drive vehicles are NOT designed
for cornering at speeds as high as passenger cars any
more than low-slung sports cars are designed to perform
satisfactorily under off-road conditions. Avoid sharp
turns or abrupt maneuvers in these vehicles.
%*
[DR21400(ALL)03/95]
Brakes
*
[DR21500(ALL)01/93]
Front Disc Brakes
*
[DR21600(ALL)06/95]
The front disc brakes are self-adjusting. They do not require
service other than periodic inspection for pad wear.
*
[DR21900(R )10/94]
Rear Drum Brakes
*
[DR22000(R )08/95]
The rear drum brakes are self-adjusting. Automatic adjustment
occurs when the brakes are applied while ªbacking up.º If
normal operation does not include much backing, adjust the
brakes when they seem ªlow,º using the procedure underIf
Brakes Do Not Grip Well or Pedal is ªLowºin this chapter.
*
[DR22100(ALL)11/89]
Hydraulic Power Brakes
[DR22200(ALL)08/94]
The hydraulic brake system is made up of two independent
hydraulic circuits. One hydraulic circuit supplies fluid to the
front disc brakes and the other hydraulic circuit supplies fluid
to the rear drum or disc brakes. These two circuits are supplied
by a common hydraulic brake fluid reservoir, with a fluid level
sensor.
*
[DR22300(ALL)11/89]
The brake light in the instrument cluster will light for low brake
fluid in the common brake fluid reservoir.
File:10undrr.ex
Update:Wed May 1 13:52:06 1996

Driving Your Ranger
179
[DR22905(ALL)10/94]
Four Wheel Anti-lock Brake System
*
[DR22912(R )08/94]
Your vehicle may be equipped with a Four Wheel Anti-lock
Braking System (4WABS). The 4WABS helps the driver to
maintain vehicle control by preventing wheel lockup during
hard braking.
*
[DR22915(ALL)03/94]
The 4WABS operates with a computer that is able to optimize
vehicle control during braking on varying tire and road
conditions by modulating the brake pressure at each of the front
wheels and the rear axle. This ªpumping actionº is similar to
the driver ªpumpingº the brakes but happens at a much faster
rate.
*
[DR22920(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
The Anti-lock system does NOT assist the vehicle in
stopping quickly on wet or icy surfaces. Heavy braking
combined with poor road conditions could cause you to
lose steering control of your vehicle.
*
[DR22925(ALL)10/94]
Using anti-lock brakes
*
[DR22930(ALL)05/94]
The operation of a vehicle with 4WABS is not similar to the
operation of normal brakes. Some differences exist and are listed
below:
*
[DR22935(ALL)10/94]
n
Apply the brake steadily. In the event of a panic stop, do
NOT ªpumpº the brakes. ªPumpingº the brakes during an
Anti-lock stop will diminish braking effectiveness.
%*
[DR22940(ALL)10/94]
n
During an Anti-lock stop, the driver will notice a brake
pedal pulsation and hear some noise from the engine
compartment. This is an indication that the 4WABS system is
working correctly and is normal.
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