towing FORD RANGER 1998 2.G Owners Manual

TheCheck Engineindicator light illuminates when the ignition is first
turned to the ON position to check the bulb. If it comes on after the
engine is started, one of the engine's emission control systems may be
malfunctioning. The light may illuminate without a driveability concern
being noted. The vehicle will usually be drivable and will not require
towing.
What you should do if the check engine light illuminates
Light turns on solid:
This means that the OBD II system has detected a malfunction.
Temporary malfunctions may cause yourCheck Enginelight to
illuminate. Examples are:
1. The vehicle has run out of fuel.
(The engine may misfire or run poorly.)
2. Poor fuel quality or water in the fuel.
3. The fuel cap may not have been properly installed and securely
tightened.
These temporary malfunctions can be corrected by filling the fuel tank
with good quality fuel and/or properly installing and securely tightening
the gas cap. After three driving cycles without these or any other
temporary malfunctions present, theCheck Enginelight should turn off.
(A driving cycle consists of a cold engine startup followed by mixed
city/highway driving.) No additional vehicle service is required.
If theCheck Enginelight remains on, have your vehicle serviced at the
first available opportunity.
Light is blinking:
Engine misfire is occurring which could damage your catalytic converter.
You should drive in a moderate fashion (avoid heavy acceleration and
deceleration) and have your vehicle serviced at the first available
opportunity.
Under engine misfire conditions, excessive exhaust temperatures
could damage the catalytic converter, the fuel system, interior
floor coverings or other vehicle components, possibly causing a fire.
Instrumentation
7

N (Neutral)
With the gearshift in N (Neutral),
the vehicle can be started and is
free to roll. Hold the brake pedal
down while in this gear.
(Overdrive)
The normal driving position for the
best fuel economy. Transmission
operates in gears one through four.
(Overdrive) can be deactivated
by pressing the transmission control
switch on the end of the gearshift
lever.
The transmission control indicator
light (TCIL) will illuminate on the
instrument cluster.
Drive± Not shown on the display. Activate by pressing the transmission
control switch on the end of the gearshift lever with the gearshift in the
position. The TCIL will illuminate on the instrument cluster.
Transmission operates in gears one through three.
(Drive) provides
more engine braking than
(Overdrive) and is useful when:
²driving with a heavy load
²towing a trailer up or down steep hills
²additional engine braking is desired. If towing a trailer, refer to
Driving while you towin theTowing a trailerchapter.
To return to
(Overdrive) mode, press the transmission control switch.
The TCIL will no longer be illuminated.
Each time the vehicle is started, the transmission will automatically
return to normal overdrive mode.
Every time the vehicle is shut off and restarted, you must press the
transmission control switch to cancel overdrive operation if driving in
overdrive is not desired.
O/D
ON/OFF
O/ D
OFF
Driving
69

N (Neutral)
With the gearshift in N (Neutral),
the vehicle can be started and is
free to roll. Hold the brake pedal
down while in this gear.
(Overdrive)
The normal driving position for the
best fuel economy. Transmission
operates in gears one through five.
(Overdrive) can be deactivated
by pressing the transmission control
switch on the end of the gearshift
lever.
The transmission control indicator
light (TCIL) will illuminate on the
instrument cluster.
Drive± Not shown on the display. Activate by pressing the transmission
control switch on the end of the gearshift lever with the gearshift in the
position. The TCIL will illuminate on the instrument cluster.
Transmission operates in gears one through four.
(Drive) provides
more engine braking than
(Overdrive) and is useful whenever driving
conditions (i.e., city traffic, hilly terrain, etc.) cause the transmission to
excessively shift between
(Overdrive) and(Drive). Also deactivate
(Overdrive) when:
²driving with a heavy load
²towing a trailer up or down steep hills
²additional engine braking is desired.
To return to
(Overdrive) mode, press the transmission control switch.
The TCIL will no longer be illuminated.
Each time the vehicle is started, the transmission will automatically
return to normal overdrive mode.
O/D
ON/OFF
O/ D
OFF
Driving
71

²Payload: Combined maximum allowable weight of cargo, passengers
and optional equipment. The payload equals the gross vehicle weight
rating minus base curb weight.
²GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight): Base curb weight plus payload
weight. The GVW is not a limit or a specification.
²GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating): Maximum total weight of
the base vehicle, passengers, optional equipment and cargo. The
GVWR is specific to each vehicle and is listed on the Safety
Compliance Label on the driver's door pillar.
²GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating): Carrying capacity for each
axle system. The GAWR is specific to each vehicle and is listed on the
Safety Compliance Label on the driver's door pillar.
²GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating): Maximum combined
weight of towing vehicle (including passengers and cargo) and the
trailer. The GCWR indicates the maximum loaded weight that the
vehicle is allowed to tow.
²Maximum Trailer Weight Rating: Maximum weight of a trailer the
vehicle is permitted to tow. The maximum trailer weight rating is
determined by subtracting the vehicle curb weight for each
engine/transmission combination, any required option weight for trailer
towing and the weight of the driver from the GCWR for the towing
vehicle.
²Maximum Trailer Weight: maximum weight of a trailer the loaded
vehicle (including passengers and cargo) is permitted to tow. It is
determined by subtracting the weight of the loaded trailer towing
vehicle from the GCWR for the towing vehicle.
²Trailer Weight Range: Specified weight range that the trailer must
fall within that ranges from zero to the maximum trailer weight rating.
Remember to figure in the tongue load of your loaded trailer when
figuring the total weight.
Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on the Safety
Compliance Certification Label.
Do not use replacement tires with lower weight capacities than the
originals because they may lower the vehicle's GVWR and GAWR
limitations. Replacement tires with a higher weight limit than the
originals do not increase the GVWR and GAWR limitations.
Driving
80

Calculating the load your vehicle can carry/tow
1. Use the Safety Compliance Certification Label to find the axle code
number and engine type for your vehicle.
2. Use the appropriate maximum gross combined weight rating (GCWR)
chart to find the maximum GCWR for your type engine and rear axle
ratio.
3. Weigh your vehicle as you customarily operate the vehicle without
cargo. To obtain correct weights, try taking your vehicle to a shipping
company or an inspection station for trucks.
4. Subtract your loaded vehicle weight from the maximum GCWR on the
following charts. This is the maximum trailer weight your vehicle can tow
and must fall below the maximum shown under maximum trailer weight
on the chart.
DRIVING THROUGH WATER
Do not drive quickly through standing water, especially if the depth is
unknown. Traction or brake capability may be limited and if the ignition
system gets wet, your engine may stall. Water may also enter your
engine's air intake and severely damage your engine.
If driving through deep or standing water is unavoidable, proceed very
slowly. Never drive through water that is higher than the bottom of the
hubs (truck)/wheel rims (car).
Once through the 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.
TRAILER TOWING
Your vehicle may tow a class I, II or III trailer provided the maximum
trailer weight is less than or equal to the maximum trailer weight listed
for your engine and rear axle ratio on the following charts.
Your vehicle's load capacity is designated by weight, not by volume, so
you cannot necessarily use all available space when loading a vehicle.
Towing a trailer places an additional load on your vehicle's engine,
transmission, axle, brakes, tires and suspension. Inspect these
components carefully after any towing operation.
Driving
81

Trailer towing table (4x2 manual transmission)
Engine Rear
axle
ratioMaximum
GCWR-kg
(lbs.)Maximum
trailer
weight-kg (lbs.)
(0-maximum)Maximum frontal
area of trailer-m
2
(ft2)
Regular Cab 4x2
2.5L 3.45 Not recommended for trailer towing
2.5L 3.73 2 177
(4 800)0-717
(0-1 580)Equal to frontal
area of base vehicle
3.0L 3.45 2 267
(5 000)0-789
(0-1 740)Equal to frontal
area of base vehicle
3.0L 3.73 2 721
(6 000)0-1 225
(0-2 700)4.64 (50)
4.0L 3.08 2 267
(5 000)0-753
(0-1 660)Equal to frontal
area of base vehicle
4.0L 3.55 3 175 (7 000) 0-1 651 (0-3 640) 4.64 (50)
Regular Cab 4x2 (Splash or Special Suspension)
2.5L 3.73 2 177
(4 800)0-680
(0-1 500)Equal to frontal
area of base vehicle
3.0L 3.73 2 449
(5 400)0-907
(0-2 000)*Equal to frontal
area of base vehicle
4.0L 3.08 2 267
(5 000)0-717
(0-1 580)Equal to frontal
area of base vehicle
4.0L 3.55 2 495
(5 500)0-907
(0-2 000)*Equal to frontal
area of base vehicle
SuperCab 4x2
2.5L 3.73 2 177
(4 800)0-626
(0-1 380)Equal to frontal
area of base vehicle
3.0L 3.45 2 267
(5 000)0-698
(0-1 540)Equal to frontal
area of base vehicle
3.0L 3.73 2 271 (6 000) 0-1 133 (0-2 500) 4.64 (50)
4.0L 3.08 2 267
(5 000)0-635
(0-1 400)Equal to frontal
area of base vehicle
4.0L 3.55 3 175 (7 000) 0-1 542 (0-3 400) 4.64 (50)
Driving
82

Trailer towing table (4x2 manual transmission)
SuperCab 4x2 (Splash or Special Suspension)
3.0L 3.73 2 540
(5 600)0-907
(0-2 000)*Equal to frontal
area of base vehicle
4.0L 3.08 2 267
(5 000)0-635
(0-1 400)Equal to frontal
area of base vehicle
4.0L 3.55 2 540
(5 600)0-907
(0-2 000)*Equal to frontal
area of base vehicle
*Optional payload is not available on 4x2 Splash or Special Suspension,
therefore maximum trailer weight is 907 kg. (2 000 lbs.).
For high altitude operation, reduce GCW by 2% per 300 meters
(1 000 ft.) elevation.
For definition of terms used in this table seeVehicle Loadingearlier
in this chapter.
To determine maximum trailer weight designed for your particular
vehicle, seeCalculating the loadearlier in this chapter.
Maximum trailer weight is shown. The combined weight of the
completed towing vehicle (including hitch, passengers and cargo) and
the loaded trailer must not exceed the Gross Combined Weight Rating
(GCWR).
Trailer tow table (4x4 manual transmission)
Engine Rear
axle
ratioMaximum
GCWR-kg
(lbs.)Maximum
trailer
weight-kg (lbs.)Maximum
frontal area of
trailer-m
2(ft2)
Regular Cab
3.0L 3.73 2 721 (6 000) 0-1 080 (0-2 380) Equal to frontal
area of base
vehicle.
4.0L 3.27 2 721 (6 000) 0-907 (0-2 000) Equal to frontal
area of base
vehicle.
4.0L 3.73 3 175 (7 000) 0-1 515 (0-3 340) Equal to frontal
area of base
vehicle.
Driving
83

Trailer tow table (4x4 manual transmission)
Regular Cab (Splash)
3.0L 3.73 2 721 (6 000) 0-1 070 (0-2 360) 4.64 (50)
4.0L 3.27 2 721 (6 000) 0-907 (0-2 000) 4.64 (50)
4.0L 3.73 3 175 (7 000) 0-1 497 (0-3 300) 4.64 (50)
SuperCab
3.0L 3.73 2 721 (6 000) 0-1 007 (0-2 220) 4.64 (50)
4.0L 3.27 2 721 (6 000) 0-907 (0-2 000) 4.64 (50)
4.0L 3.73 3 175 (7 000) 0-1 442 (0-3 180) 4.64 (50)
SuperCab (Splash)
3.0L 3.73 2 721 (6 000) 0-998 (0-2 200) 4.64 (50)
4.0L 3.27 2 721 (6 000) 0-907 (0-2 000) 4.64 (50)
4.0L 3.73 3 175 (7 000) 0-1 424 (0-3 140) 4.64 (50)
For high altitude operation, reduce GCW by 2% per 300 meters
(1 000 ft.) of elevation.
For definition of terms used in this table, seeVehicle loadingearlier
in this chapter.
To determine maximum trailer weight designed for your vehicle, see
Calculating the loadearlier in this chapter.
Maximum trailer weight is shown. The combined weight of the
completed towing vehicle (including hitch, passengers and cargo) and
the loaded trailer must not exceed the Gross Combined Weight Rating
(GCWR).
Trailer towing table (4x2 automatic transmission)
Engine Rear
axle
ratioMaximum
GCWR-kg
(lbs.)Maximum trailer
weight-kg (lbs.)
(0-maximum)Maximum frontal
area of trailer-m
2
(ft2)
Regular Cab 4x2
2.5L 4.10 2 494 (5 500) 0-1 007 (2 220) Equal to frontal
area of base vehicle
3.0L 3.45 3 175 (7 000) 0-1 660 (0-3 660) 4.64 (50)
3.0L 3.73 3 401 (7 500) 0-1 814 (0-4 000) 4.64 (50)
4.0L 3.08 2 721 (6 000) 0-1 179 (0-2 600) 4.64 (50)
4.0L 3.55 4 309 (9 500) 0-2 721 (0-6 000) 4.64 (50)
Driving
84

Trailer towing table (4x2 automatic transmission)
Regular Cab 4x2 (Splash or Special Suspension)
2.5L 3.73 2 449 (5 400) 0-907 (0-2 000)* Equal to frontal
area of base vehicle
3.0L 3.73 2 449 (5 400) 0-907 (0-2 000)* Equal to frontal
area of base vehicle
4.0L 3.08 2 495 (5 500) 0-907 (0-2 000)* Equal to frontal
area of base vehicle
4.0L 3.55 2 495 (5 500) 0-907 (0-2 000)* Equal to frontal
area of base vehicle
SuperCab 4x2
3.0L 3.73 3 401 (7 500) 0-1 796 (0-3 960) 4.64 (50)
4.0L 3.08 2 721 (6 000) 0-1 080 (0-2 380) 4.64 (50)
4.0L 3.55 4 309 (9 500) 0-2 676 (0-5 900) 4.64 (50)
SuperCab 4x2 (Splash or Special Suspension)
3.0L 3.73 2 540 (5 600) 0-907 (0-2 000)* Equal to frontal
area of base vehicle
4.0L 3.08 2 586 (5 700) 0-907 (0-2 000)* Equal to frontal
area of base vehicle
4.0L 3.55 2 586 (5 700) 0-907 (0-2 000) Equal to frontal
area of base vehicle
*Optional payload is not available on 4x2 Splash or Special Suspension,
therefore maximum trailer weight is 907 kg. (2 000 lbs.).
For high altitude operation, reduce GCW by 2% per 300 meters
(1 000 ft.) elevation.
For definition of terms used in this table seeVehicle Loadingearlier
in this chapter.
To determine maximum trailer weight designed for your particular
vehicle, seeCalculating the loadearlier in this chapter.
Maximum trailer weight is shown. The combined weight of the
completed towing vehicle (including hitch, passengers and cargo) and
the loaded trailer must not exceed the Gross Combined Weight Rating
(GCWR).
Driving
85

Trailer tow table (4x4 automatic transmission)
Engine Rear
axle
ratioMaximum
GCWR-kg
(lbs.)Maximum
trailer
weight-kg (lbs.)Maximum
frontal area of
trailer-m
2(ft2)
Regular Cab
3.0L 3.73 3 401 (7 500) 0-1 741 (0-3 840) 4.64 (50)
3.0L 4.10 3 628 (8 000) 0-1 969 (0-4 340) 4.64 (50)
4.0L 3.27 3 401 (7 500) 0-1 724 (0-3 800) 4.64 (50)
4.0L 3.73 4 309 (9 500) 0-2 631 (0-5 800) 4.64 (50)
Regular Cab (Splash)
3.0L 3.73 3 401 (7 500) 0-1 733 (0-3 820) 4.64 (50)
3.0L 4.10 3 628 (8 000) 0-1 960 (0-4 320) 4.64 (50)
4.0L 3.27 3 401 (7 500) 0-1 706 (0-3 760) 4.64 (50)
4.0L 3.73 4 309 (9 500) 0-2 613 (0-5 760) 4.64 (50)
SuperCab
3.0L 3.73 3 401 (7 500) 0-1 669 (0-3 680) 4.64 (50)
3.0L 4.10 3 628 (8 000) 0-1 896 (0-4 180) 4.64 (50)
4.0L 3.27 3 401 (7 500) 0-1 651 (3 640) 4.64 (50)
4.0L 3.73 4 309 (9 500) 0-2 558 (0-5 640) 4.64 (50)
SuperCab (Splash)
3.0L 3.73 3 401 (7 500) 0-1 660 (0-3 660) 4.64 (50)
3.0L 4.10 3 628 (8 000) 0-1 887 (0-4 160) 4.64 (50)
4.0L 3.27 3 401 (7 500) 0-1 633 (0-3 600) 4.64 (50)
4.0L 3.73 4 309 (9 500) 0-2 540 (0-5 600) 4.64 (50)
For high altitude operation, reduce GCW by 2% per 300 meters
(1 000 ft.) of elevation.
For definition of terms used in this table, seeVehicle loadingearlier
in this chapter.
To determine maximum trailer weight designed for your vehicle, see
Calculating the loadearlier in this chapter.
Maximum trailer weight is shown. The combined weight of the
completed towing vehicle (including hitch, passengers and cargo) and
the loaded trailer must not exceed the Gross Combined Weight Rating
(GCWR).
Driving
86