check transmission fluid FORD RANGER 1999 2.G Owners Manual

Sand
When driving over sand, try to keep all four wheels 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 the accelerator slowly
and avoid spinning the wheels.
Mud and water
If you must drive through high water, drive slowly. Traction or brake
capability may be limited.
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.
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.
After driving through mud, clean off residue stuck to rotating driveshafts,
halfshafts and tires. Excess mud stuck on tires and rotating driveshafts
causes an imbalance that could damage drive components.
If the transmission, transfer case or front axle are submerged in water,
their fluids should be checked and changed, if necessary.
Water intrusion into the transmission may damage the
transmission.
Replace rear axle lubricant any time the axle has been submerged in
water. The rear axle does not normally require a lubricant change for the
life of the vehicle. Rear axle lubricant quantities are not to be checked or
changed unless a leak is suspected or repair is required.
Driving on hilly or sloping terrain
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.
When climbing a steep hill, start in a lower gear rather than downshifting
to a lower gear from a higher gear once the ascent has started. This
reduces strain on the engine and the possibility of stalling.
When descending a steep hill, avoid sudden braking. Shift to a lower gear
when added engine braking is desired.
Driving
119

SERVICE RECOMMENDATIONS
To help you service your vehicle:
²We highlight do-it-yourself items in the engine compartment for easy
location.
²We provide a ªService Guideº which makes tracking routine service
easy.
If your vehicle requires professional service, your dealership can provide
necessary parts and service. Check your ªWarranty Guideº to find out
which parts and services are covered.
Use only recommended fuels, lubricants, fluids and service parts
conforming to specifications. Motorcraft parts are designed and built to
provide the best performance in your vehicle.
PRECAUTIONS WHEN SERVICING YOUR VEHICLE
Be especially careful when inspecting or servicing your vehicle.
²Do not work on a hot engine.
²When the engine is running, make sure that loose clothing, jewelry or
long hair does not get caught up in moving parts.
²Do not work on a vehicle with the engine running in an enclosed
space, unless you are sure you have enough ventilation.
²Keep all lit cigarettes, open flames and other lit material away from
the battery and all fuel related parts.
If you disconnect the battery, the engine must ªrelearnº its idle
conditions before your vehicle will drive properly, as explained inBattery
in this chapter.
Working with the engine off
²Automatic transmission:
1. Set the parking brake and ensure the gearshift is securely latched in P
(Park).
2. Turn off the engine and remove the key.
3. Block the wheels to prevent the vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
Maintenance and care
152

4. Check the fluid level on the dipstick. It should be between the arrows
in the FULL HOT range. Do not add fluid if the level is within this range.
5. If the fluid is low, add fluid in small amounts, continuously checking
the level until it reaches the FULL HOT range. Be sure to put the
dipstick back in the reservoir.
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking automatic transmission fluid
Refer to your maintenance guide and or service guide for scheduled
intervals for fluid checks and changes. Your transmission does not
consume fluid. However, the fluid level should be checked if the
transmission is not working properly, i.e., if the transmission slips or
shifts slowly or if you notice some sign of fluid leakage.
Automatic transmission fluid expands when warmed. To obtain an
accurate fluid check, drive the vehicle until it is warmed up
(approximately 30 km [20 miles]). If your vehicle has been operated for
an extended period at high speeds, in city traffic during hot weather or
pulling a trailer, the vehicle should be turned off for about 30 minutes to
allow fluid to cool before checking.
1. Drive the vehicle 30 km (20 miles) or until it reaches normal operating
temperature.
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
3. With the parking brake engaged and your foot on the brake pedal,
start the engine and move the gearshift lever through all of the gear
ranges. Allow sufficient time for each gear to engage.
4. Latch the gearshift lever in P (Park) and leave the engine running.
5. Remove the dipstick, wiping it clean with a clean, dry lint free rag.
6. Install the dipstick making sure it is fully seated in the filler tube.
7. Remove the dipstick and inspect the fluid level. The fluid should be in
the designated areas for normal and room temperature.
Maintenance and care
166

Correct fluid level
The transmission fluid should be checked at normal operating
temperatures 66ÉC-77ÉC (150ÉF-170ÉF) on a level surface. The normal
operating temperature can be reached after approximately 30 km (20
miles) of driving. However, you can check the fluid without driving if the
outside temperatures are above 10ÉC (50ÉF). If fluid is added at this
time, an overfill condition could result when the vehicle reaches normal
operating temperature.
The transmission fluid should be in
this range if at normal operating
temperature (66ÉC-77ÉC
[150ÉF-170ÉF]).
The transmission fluid should be in
this range if at room temperature
(10ÉC-35ÉC [50ÉF-95ÉF]).
High fluid level
Fluid levels above the safe range
may result in transmission failure.
An overfill condition of transmission
fluid may cause shift and/or
engagement concerns and/or
possible damage.
High fluid levels can be caused by an overheating condition.
Adjusting automatic transmission fluid levels
Before adding any fluid, make sure the correct type is used. The type of
fluid used is normally indicated on the dipstick and/or dipstick handle
and also in theLubricant specificationssection in theCapacities and
specificationschapter.
Use of a non-approved automatic transmission fluid may cause
internal transmission component damage.
If necessary, add fluid in 250 mL (1/2 pint) increments through the filler
tube until the level is correct.
If an overfill occurs, excess fluid
should be removed by a qualified
technician.
Maintenance and care
167

An overfill condition of transmission fluid may cause shift and/or
engagement concerns and/or possible damage.
Checking and adding manual transmission fluid
1. Clean the filler plug.
2. Remove the filler plug and
inspect the fluid level.
3. Fluid level should be at bottom of
the opening.
4. Add enough fluid through the
filler opening so that the fluid level
is at the bottom of the opening.
5. Install and tighten the fill plug
securely.
Use only fluid that meets Ford specifications. Refer to theCapacities
and specificationschapter.
Maintenance and care
168

ItemFord part
name or
equivalentFord part
numberFord
specification
Brake fluid and
clutch fluid (if
equipped)High
Performance
DOT 3 Motor
Vehicle Brake
FluidC6AZ-19542-AB ESA-M6C25-A
and DOT 3
Door weather
stripsSilicone
LubricantC0AZ-19553-AA ESR-M13P4-A
Engine coolant Ford Premium
Engine Coolant
(green in color)E2FZ-19549-AA ESE-M97B44-A
Ford Extended
Life Engine
Coolant (orange
in color)F6AZ-19544-AA WSS-M97B44-D
or DEX-COOLt
equivalent
Engine oilMotorcraft 5W30
Super Premium
Motor OilXO-5W30-QSP WSS-M2C153-G
and API
Certification
Mark
Hinges, door
checks, latches,
striker plates,
fuel filler door
hinge and seat
tracksMulti-Purpose
GreaseDOAZ-19584-AA
or
F5AZ-19G209-AAESB-M1C93-B or
ESB-M1C159-A
Transmission
/steering/parking
brake linkages
and pivots,
brake and clutch
pedal shaft,
clutch pilot
bearing and.
input shaft
spline (manual
transmission).Premium
Long-Life GreaseXG-1-C ESA-M1C75-B
Capacities and specifications
203

Air bag supplemental restraint
system ..........................................81
and child safety seats ..............83
description ................................82
disposal ......................................85
indicator light ...........................85
passenger air bag .....................83
passenger deactivation
switch ....................23,86,87,88,89
Air conditioning
manual heating and air
conditioning system .......19,20,21
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .....108,109,110,111,112
Axle
refill capacities ........................200
Battery
voltage gauge ............................15
Brakes ........................................103
anti-lock .....................103,104,105
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................104
fluid, checking and adding ....160
shift interlock ..........................107
Break-in period ..........................2,3
Cargo area shade ........................64
Cargo net .....................................64
CD player ....................................51
Child safety seats
attaching with tether straps ....96
in rear seat ................................93
tether anchorage hardware .....96
Cleaning your vehicle ...............195
engine compartment ..............196
exterior .............................196,199
exterior lamps .........................198
interior .....................................199
plastic parts ............................198
washing ....................................195
waxing .....................................195
wheels ......................................196windows ..................................199
wiper blades ............................198
Clutch
fluid ..........................................161
operation while driving ...112,113
recommended shift speeds ....114
Console ........................................64
Coolant ...............................164,165
checking and adding ..............163
refill capacities ........................165
Driveline universal joint and
slip yoke ....................................169
Driving under special
conditions ...........................118,119
sand .........................................119
snow and ice ...........................120
through water .........................119
Emission control system ..........186
Engine
check engine/service engine
soon light .................................6,7
coolant .....................................162
idle speed control ...................170
service points ............154,155,156
starting after a collision .........133
Engine block heater .................100
Engine oil
checking and adding ..............158
dipstick ....................................157
specifications ...................157,159
Exhaust fumes ..........................102
Four-Wheel Drive vehicles ..10,115
description .......................116,117
driving off road .......................118
electronic shift ..............22,23,116
indicator light .........................115
Fuel
choosing the right fuel ...........180
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................186
detergent in fuel .....................182
Index
210

filling your vehicle
with fuel ...........................178,180
gauge .........................................12
quality ......................................182
running out of fuel .................183
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................178
Fuses ...................................134,135
Gas mileage (see Fuel
economy) ..............183,184,185,186
Gauges ....................................11,12
engine coolant temperature
gauge .........................................13
engine oil pressure gauge ........15
GVWR
(Gross Vehicle Weight Rating)
calculating ..........123,128,129,130
Hazard flashers .........................133
Headlamps
aiming ......................................194
bulb specifications ..................194
high beam ..............................9,16
warning chime ..........................11
Heating ........................................17
heater only system ..............17,18
Hood ..........................................153
Ignition .......................................204
Inspection/maintenance
(I/M) testing ..............................188
Instrument panel ..........................6
cleaning ...................................198
Keys
key in ignition chime ...............11
positions of the ignition ...........55
Lamps
daytime running light ...............16
fog lamps ...................................16
headlamps .................................16
headlamps, flash to pass ..........17
instrument panel, dimming .....17
interior lamps .........................194replacing
bulbs .....188,189,190,191,192,193
Lane change indicator (see
Turn signal) .................................55
Lights, warning and indicator
air bag ..........................................8
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..............9
anti-theft .....................................9
brake ............................................8
charging system ..........................9
check coolant ............................10
cruise indicator .........................11
door ajar ....................................10
fuel reset .....................................8
overdrive off ..............................10
safety belt ...................................8
speed control ............................60
turn signal indicator ...................9
Lumbar support, seats ..........72,73
Manual transmission
reverse .....................................114
Mirrors
cleaning ...................................199
side view mirrors (power) .......63
Motorcraft parts ........................183
Octane rating ............................181
Odometer .....................................14
Overdrive .....................................60
Panic alarm feature, remote
entry system ................................65
Parking brake ............................105
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................138
Power door locks ........................63
Power steering ..........................106
fluid, checking and adding ....165
Radio ...24,25,26,27,28,29,30,31,32,
33,34,35,36,37,38,39,41,
42,43,44,45,46,47,48,49,51
Relays ........................................134
Remote entry system ..64,68,69,70
illuminated entry ......................67
Index
211

locking/unlocking doors ...........65
replacement/additional
transmitters ...............................67
replacing the batteries .............66
Safety belts (see Safety
restraints) ....................................11
Safety restraints
cleaning the safety belts ...81,199
extension assembly ..................80
for children ..........................90,91
lap belt .................................78,79
warning light and chime .....11,80
Seat belts (see Safety
restraints) ................73,74,75,76,77
Seats ............................................71
child safety seats ......................92
Servicing your vehicle .......152,153
Snowplowing .................................3
Spark plugs, specifications .......200
Special notice ................................3
ambulance conversions ..............3
utility-type vehicles ....................3
Specification chart, lubricants .202
Speed control ..............................56
Speedometer ...............................14
Starting your vehicle ......97,98,100
jump starting ............146,147,149
Steering wheel
tilting .........................................61
Tachometer .................................13
Tires .............................173,174,175
changing .............141,142,143,144
checking the pressure ............175replacing ..................................176
rotating ....................................175
snow tires and chains ............177
tire grades ...............................174
treadwear ................................174
Towing
recreational towing ..........130,131
wrecker ....................................151
Traction-lok rear axle ...............120
Transfer case
fluid checking .........................169
Transmission ......................107,166
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) ......................166,167
fluid, checking and adding
(manual) .................................168
manual operation ....................112
Trip odometer .............................14
Vehicle dimensions ...................205
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................208
Vehicle loading ..........................121
camper bodies ........................132
Ventilating your vehicle ...........102
Warning chimes .............................6
Washer fluid ..............................162
Water, Driving through .............121
Windows .................................62,63
Windshield washer fluid and
wipers
checking and cleaning ............172
operation ...................................62
replacing wiper blades ...........173
Index
212

Item Information
Automatic transmission fluid
capacity-4x2 vehicles with 2.5L
I4 engine
2
9.3L (9.8 quarts). Use Motorcraft
MERCONtV ATF.
Automatic transmission fluid
capacity-4x2 vehicles with 3.0L
or 4.0L V6 engine
2
9.5L (10.0 quarts). Use Motorcraft
MERCONtV ATF.
Automatic transmission fluid
capacity-4x4 vehicles
29.8L (10.3 quarts). Use Motorcraft
MERCONtV ATF.
1If your engine coolant is green in color, use Ford Premium Cooling
System Fluid. If your engine coolant is orange in color, use Ford
Extended Life Engine Coolant. Refer toAdding engine coolant, in the
Maintenance and Care chapter.
2Ensure correct automatic transmission fluid is used for a specific
application. Check the container to verify the fluid is MERCONtand/or
MERCONtV approved. Some fluids have been approved as meeting both
MERCONtand MERCONtV requirements and will be labeled as such.
Fluids labeled as meeting only MERCONtor only MERCONtV
requirements must not be used interchangeably. DO NOT mix MERCONt
and MERCONtV. Transmission fluid requirements are indicated on the
dipstick or on the dipstick handle. Refer to your ªService Guideº to
determine the correct service interval.
Filling station information
216