towing FORD RANGER 1998 2.G User Guide

Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on the Safety
Compliance Certification Label.
Towing trailers beyond the maximum recommended gross trailer
weight could result in engine damage, transmission/axle damage,
structural damage, loss of control, and personal injury.
Preparing to tow
Use the proper equipment for towing a trailer, and make sure it is
properly attached to your vehicle. See your dealer or a reliable trailer
dealer if you require assistance.
Hitches
For towing trailers up to 907 kg (2 000 lb), use a weight carrying hitch
and ball which uniformly distributes the trailer tongue loads through the
underbody structure. Use a frame-mounted weight distrubuting hitch for
trailers over 907 kg (2 000 lb).
Do not install a single or multi-clamp type bumper hitch, or a hitch
which attaches to the axle. Underbody mounted hitches are acceptable if
they are installed properly. Follow the towing instructions of a reputable
rental agency.
Whenever a trailer hitch and hardware are removed, make sure all
mounting holes in the underbody are properly sealed to prevent noxious
gases or water from entering.
Safety chains
Always connect the trailer's safety chains to the vehicle. To connect the
trailer's safety chains, cross the chains under the trailer tongue and allow
slack for turning corners.
If you use a rental trailer, follow the instructions that the rental agency
gives to you.
Trailer brakes
Electric brakes and manual, automatic or surge-type brakes are safe if
installed properly and adjusted to the manufacturer's specifications. The
trailer brakes must meet local and Federal regulations.
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Do not connect a trailer's hydraulic brake system directly to your
vehicle's brake system. Your vehicle may not have enough
braking power and your chances of having a collision greatly increase.
The braking system of the tow vehicle is rated for operation at the
GVWR not GCWR.
Trailer lamps
Trailer lamps are required on most towed vehicles. Make sure your
trailer lamps conform to local and Federal regulations. See your dealer or
trailer rental agency for proper instructions and equipment for hooking
up trailer lamps.
Using a step bumper
The optional step bumper is equipped with an integral hitch and requires
only a ball with a 19 mm (3/4 inch) shank diameter. The bumper has a
907 kg (2 000 lb.) trailer weight and 91 kg (200 lb.) tongue weight
capability.
The rated capcities (as shown in this guide) for trailer towing with the
factory bumper are only valid when the trailer hitch ball is installed
directly into the ball hole in the bumper. Addition of bracketry to either
lower the ball hitch position or extend the ball hitch rearward will
significantly increase the loads on the bumper and its attachments. This
can result in the failure of the bumper or the bumper attachments. Use
of any type of hitch extensions should be considered abuse.
Driving while you tow
Do not drive faster than 88 km/h (55 mph) when towing a trailer.
Speed control may shut off if you are towing on long, steep grades.
When towing a trailer:
²Use a lower gear when towing up or down steep hills. This will
eliminate excessive downshifting and upshifting for optimum fuel
economy and transmission cooling.
²Anticipate stops and brake gradually.
Servicing after towing
If you tow a trailer for long distances, your vehicle will require more
frequent service intervals. Refer to the Severe Duty Schedule in your
ªService Guideº for more information.
Driving
88

Trailer towing tips
²Practice turning, stopping and backing up in an area before starting on
a trip to get the feel of the vehicle trailer combination. When turning,
make wider turns so the trailer wheels will clear curbs and other
obstacles.
²Allow more distance for stopping with a trailer attached.
²The trailer tongue weight should be 10±15% of the loaded trailer
weight.
²After you have traveled 80 km (50 miles), thoroughly check your
hitch, electrical connections and trailer wheel lug nuts.
²When stopped in traffic for long periods of time in hot weather, place
the gearshift in P (Park) (automatic transmissions) or 1 (First)
(manual transmissions) and increase idle speed. This aids engine
cooling and air conditioner efficiency.
²Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade. If you must
park on a grade, place wheel chocks under the trailer's wheels.
Launching or retrieving a boat
When backing down a ramp during boat launching or retrieval,
²Do not allow the static water level to rise above the bottom edge of
the rear bumper and
²Do not allow waves to break higher than 15 cm (six inches) above the
bottom edge of the rear bumper.
Exceeding these limits may allow water to enter critical vehicle
components, adversely affecting driveability, emissions and reliability.
If the rear axle is submerged in water, the rear axle lubricant should be
changed. Axle lubricant quantities are not to be checked unless a leak is
suspected.
Recreational towing (all wheels on the ground)
Follow these guidelines for your specific powertrain combination to tow
your vehicle with all four wheels on the ground (such as behind a
recreational vehicle).
These guidelines are designed to ensure that your transmission is not
damaged due to insufficient lubrication.
Driving
89

2WD (automatic transmissions)
²Release the parking brake and place the transmission in N (Neutral).
²Maximum speed is 56 km/h (35 mph).
²Maximum distance is 80 km (50 miles).
If a distance of 80 km (50 miles) or a speed of 56 km/h (35 mph) must
be exceeded, you must disconnect the driveshaft. Mark the driveshaft
and axle flanges to ensure proper position when reconnecting the
driveshaft. Refer to the ªWorkshop Manualº for proper fastener torque
specifications.
When disconnecting/installing the driveshaft, the parking brake
must be set and the wheels blocked to ensure the vehicle does
not roll.
With the driveshaft disconnected, the maximum speed is 88 km/h
(55 mph) and there are no mileage restrictions.
See your dealer for help with disconnecting the driveshaft.
2WD (manual transmissions)
²Release the parking brake and place the transmission in the neutral
position.
²Maximum speed is 56 km/h (35 mph).
²Maximum distance is limited by towing equipment manufacturer's
recommendation, unlimited distance.
4WD ± Electronic shift transfer case
²Release the parking brake and place transmission in the neutral
position.
²Shift the transfer case to 2H (2WD high).
Both the 4WD HIGH and 4WD LOW indicator lights in the instrument
cluster will be off when the 4WD control is in 2WD.
For automatic transmissions,maximum speed is 56 km/h (35 mph)
and maximum distance is 80 km (50 miles).
²If you must exceed the distance or 80 km (50 miles) and/or speed of
56 km/h (35 mph), you must remove the rear driveshaft. Mark the
Driving
90

driveshaft and axle flanges to ensure proper position when
reconnecting the driveshaft. Refer to the ªWorkshop Manualº for
proper fastener torque specifications.
When disconnecting/installing the driveshaft, the parking brake
must be set and the wheels blocked to ensure the vehicle does
not roll.
²When the driveshaft is disconnected, the maximum speed is 88 km/h
(55 mph) and the distance is unlimited.
²If you must exceed the distance or 80 km (50 miles) and/or speed of
56 km/h (35 mph), you must remove the rear driveshaft. Mark the
driveshaft and axle flanges to ensure proper position when
reconnecting the driveshaft. Refer to the ªWorkshop Manualº for
proper fastener torque specifications.
For manual transmissions,maximum speed is 88 km/h (55 mph) and
distance is unlimited.
Limited vehicle operation, such as driving the vehicle at a campsite, can
be accomplished with the rear driveshaft removed by using the front
drive to propel the vehicle. To operate the vehicle in this condition, you
mustfollow these guidelines:
²Place the transfer case in 4WD by rotating the 4WD control to 4WD
HIGH.
²Drive the vehicle only on good surface roads to avoid excessive loads
on the front-wheel drive system.
²Maximum speed is 56 km/h (35 mph).
²Maximum distance is 80 km (50 miles).
²Avoid quick acceleration and steep grades.
To return the vehicle to a towable condition, youmustplace the transfer
case in 2WD by rotating the 4WD control to 2WD. Both the 4WD HIGH
and 4WD LOW indicator lights in the instrument cluster will be off when
the 4WD control is in 2WD.
In addition, it is recommended that you follow the instruction provided
by the manufacturer of the towing apparatus.
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91

2. Insert the straight end of the jack
handle into the rear access hole
located just above the rear bumper
and below the tailgate.
Forward motion will stop and
resistance to turning will be felt
when properly engaged.
3. Turn the handle counterclockwise
until tire is lowered to the ground
and the cable is slightly slack.
4. Remove the retainer from the spare tire.
Stowing the spare
1. Lay the tire on the ground with the valve stem facing up.
2. Install the retainer through the
wheel center and slide the wheel
under the vehicle.
3. Turn the spare handle clockwise
until the tire is raised to its original
position underneath the vehicle. The
spare handle ratchets when the tire
is raised to the stowed position. It
will not allow you to overtighten.
4. If your vehicle is equipped with P265/75 R15 AT tires, do not stow a
flat or inflated full size spare tire in the spare tire carrier. The flat full
size tire should be stowed and tied down in the pickup box bed until it
can be repaired.
Tire change procedure
1. Park on a level surface, activate
hazard flashers and place gearshift
lever in P (Park) (automatic
transmission) or 1 (First) (manual
transmission).
2. Set the parking brake.
Roadside emergencies
103

²Rear
²Never use the differential as a
jacking point.
7. Remove the wheel lug nuts with
the lug wrench.
8. Replace the flat tire with the
spare tire, making sure the valve
stem is facing outward. Reinstall the
lug nuts until the wheel is snug
against the hub. Do not fully tighten
the lug nuts until the wheel has
been lowered.
9. Lower the wheel by turning the jack handle counterclockwise.
10. Remove the jack and fully
tighten the lug nuts in the order
shown.
11. Stow the flat tire. Refer to
Stowing the spare.
12. Stow the jack and lug wrench.
Make sure the jack is fastened so it
does not rattle when you drive.
13. Unblock the wheels.
1
4 3
52
Roadside emergencies
105

WRECKER TOWING
If you need to have your vehicle towed, contact a professional towing
service or, if you are a member, your roadside assistance center.
On 4x2 vehicles, it is acceptable to tow the vehicle with the front wheels
on the ground and the rear wheels off the ground.
On 4x4 vehicles, it is recommended that your vehicle be towed with a
wheel lift or flatbed equipment.
Do not tow with slingbelt equipment. Ford Motor Company has not
developed or approved a slingbelt towing procedure.
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 proper hook-up and towing procedures for your vehicle.
Roadside emergencies
109

IDENTIFYING YOUR VEHICLE
Safety compliance label
The National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration Regulations require
that a Safety Compliance
Certification Label be affixed to a
vehicle and prescribe where the
Safety Compliance Certification
Label may be located. The Safety
Compliance Certification Label is
located on the front door latch pillar
on the driver's side.
Vehicle identification number
The vehicle identification number is
attached to a metal tag and is
located on the driver side
instrument panel.
Engine number
The engine number (the last eight numbers of the vehicle identification
number) is stamped on the engine block, transmission, frame and
transfer case (if equipped).
MFD. BY FORD MOTOR CO. IN U.S.A.
EXT PNT: XXXXXX XXXXXX RC: XX DSO: XXXX F0000
BAR INT TR TP/PS R AXLE TR SPR T0000
X XX XXX X XX X XXXX
UTC
ÑFOHT-15294A10-GA
MAXIMUM LOAD=OCCUPANTS + LUGGAGE=XXXKG/XXXXLB
OCCUPANTS: X TOTAL X FR X 2ND X RR OCCUPANTS LUGGAGE
XX XXXKG/XXXXLB
TIRE: XXXX/XXXXX XXX X XXXKG/XXXXLB
PRESSURE (FR) XXX kPa/33 PSI COLD
PRESSURE (RR) XXX kPa/33 PSI COLD
TRAILER TOWING - SEE OWNER GUIDE
DATE: XXXXX GVWR:XXXXX LB/ XXXXX KG
VIN: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX TYPE: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX FGAWR: XXXXXX/XXXXXXX RGAWR: XXXXXXX/XXXXXXX
THIS VEHICLE CONFORMS TO ALL APPLICABLE FEDERAL
MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARDS IN EFFECT ON THE
DATE OF MANUFACTURE SHOWN ABOVE.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
AIR BAG
Capacities and specifications
154

Hazard flashers ...........................93
Headlamps ...................................16
daytime running lights .............16
flashing ......................................17
high beam .................................16
Heating ........................................17
High beams
indicator light .............................9
Hood ..........................................111
Instrument panel
lighting up panel and interior .17
Jump-starting your vehicle .....106,
107
attaching cables ......................107
disconnecting cables ..............108
Keys
key in ignition chime ...............11
Lamps
interior lamps .........................141
Lights, warning and indicator
air bag ..........................................8
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..............8
anti-theft .....................................9
brake ............................................8
charging system ..........................9
check engine ............................6,7
cruise indicator .........................10
door ajar ....................................10
fuel reset .....................................8
overdrive off ................................9
safety belt ...................................8
turn signal indicator ...................9
Load limits
trailer towing ............................81
Lubricant specifications ...........150
Manual transmission
driving .............................72,73,74
Mirrors
cleaning ...................................146
side view mirrors (power) .......31
Motorcraft parts ........................147
Odometer .....................................14Off road driving, 4-wheel drive .77
Overdrive .....................................28
Panic alarm feature, remote
entry system ................................33
Parking brake ..............................66
Power door locks ........................31
Power steering
fluid, checking and adding ....123
Radio ............................................24
Recreational towing, all wheels
on the ground .............................89
Refill capacities for fluids ........148
Relays ..........................................94
Remote entry system .................32
illuminated entry ......................34
locking/unlocking doors ...........32
replacement/additional
transmitters ...............................34
replacing the batteries .............33
Reporting safety defects ..........155
Safety restraints
extension assembly ..................45
lap and shoulder belts ...40,41,42
maintenance ..............................46
proper use .................................39
warning light and chime .........11,
45,46
Safety seats for children
attaching with tether straps ....57
tether anchorage hardware .....58
Seats ............................................37
adjusting the seat, manual .......37
jump seats ............................38,39
lumbar support .........................38
rear seat access ........................38
Servicing your vehicle ..............110
precautions when servicing ...110
Snowplowing .................................2
Special notice
diesel-powered vehicles .............3
utility-type vehicles ....................2
Speed control ..............................24
Index
157