tow FORD RANGER 2000 2.G User Guide

(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 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 O/D OFF indicator 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 theTrailer Towingchapter.
To return to
(Overdrive) mode, press the transmission control
switch. The O/D OFF indicator 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.
2 (Second)
Use 2 (Second) to start-up on
slippery roads or to provide
additional engine braking on
downgrades. Transmission operates
only in Second gear.
O/D
ON/OFF
O/ D
OFF
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113

R (Reverse)
With the gearshift lever in R
(Reverse), the vehicle will move
backward. Always come to a
complete stop before shifting into
and out of R (Reverse).
N (Neutral)
With the gearshift lever in N
(Neutral), the vehicle can be started
and is free to roll. Hold the brake
pedal down while in this position.
(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
(Overdrive) position. The TCIL will illuminate on the instrument
cluster. Transmission operates in gears one through four. Drive (O/D
OFF) 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 other
gears. Deactivate
(Overdrive) 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 theTrailer Towingchapter.
O/D
ON/OFF
O/ D
OFF
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115

VEHICLE LOADING
Before loading a vehicle, familiarize yourself with the following terms:
²Base Curb Weight:Weight of the vehicle including any standard
equipment, fluids, lubricants, etc. It does not include passengers or
aftermarket equipment.
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.
²GCW (Gross Combined Weight):The combined weight of the
towing vehicle (including passengers and cargo) and the trailer.
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 designed 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.
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125

Calculating the load your vehicle can carry/tow
1.
Use the appropriate maximum gross combined weight rating (GCWR)
chart to find the maximum GCWR for your type engine and rear axle ratio.
2. 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.
3. 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.
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.
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127

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 3.73 2 177
(4 800)0-717
(0-1 580)Equal to frontal
area of base
vehicle
2.5L 4.10 2 177
(4 800)0-717
(0-1 580)Equal to frontal
area of base
vehicle
3.0L 3.73 2 721
(6 000)0-1 207
(0-2 660)4.64
(50)
3.0L
Torsion
Bar
Sus-
pension4.10 2 721
(6 000)0-1 179
(0-2 600)4.64
(50)
4.0L 3.55 3 175
(7 000)0-1 633
(0-3 600)4.64
(50)
SuperCab 4x2
2.5L 3.73 2 177
(4 800)0-617
(0-1 360)Equal to frontal
area of base
vehicle
2.5L 4.10 2 177
(4 800)0-617
(0-1 360)Equal to frontal
area of base
vehicle
3.0L 3.73 2 271
(6 000)0-1 116
(0-2 460)4.64
(50)
4.0L 3.55 3 175
(7 000)0-1 542
(0-3 400)4.64
(50)
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.
Driving
128

Trailer towing table (4x2 manual transmission)
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)0-1 089
(0-2 400)4.64
(50)
3.0L 4.10 2 721
(6 000)0-1 089
(0-2 400)4.64
(50)
4.0L 3.73 3 175
(7 000)0-1 515
(0-3 340)4.64
(50)
4.0L 4.10 3 175
(7 000)0-1 515
(0-3 340)4.64
(50)
SuperCab
3.0L 3.73 2 721
(6 000)0-998
(0-2 200)4.64
(50)
3.0L 4.10 2 721
(6 000)0-998
(0-2 200)4.64
(50)
4.0L 3.73 3 175
(7 000)0-1 433
(0-3 160)4.64
(50)
4.0L 4.10 3 175
(7 000)0-1 433
(0-3 160)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
129

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)0-989
(2 180)Equal to frontal
area of base
vehicle
3.0L 3.73 3 401
(7 500)0-1 869
(0-4 120)4.64
(50)
3.0L
Torsion
Bar
Suspension
4.10 3 401
(7 500)0-1 842
(0-4 060)4.64
(50)
4.0L 3.55 4 309
(9 500)0-2 749
(0-6 060)4.64
(50)
SuperCab 4x2
3.0L 3.73 3 401
(7 500)0-1 778
(0-3 920)4.64
(50)
4.0L 3.55 4 309
(9 500)0-2 658
(0-5 860)4.64
(50)
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
130

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)0-1 751
(0-3 860)4.64
(50)
3.0L 4.10 3 628
(8 000)0-1 978
(0-4 360)4.64
(50)
4.0L 3.73 4 309
(9 500)0-2 631
(0-5 800)4.64
(50)
4.0L 4.10 4 309
(9 500)0-2 631
(0-5 800)4.64
(50)
SuperCab
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 3.73 4 309
(9 500)0-2 549
(5 620)4.64
(50)
4.0L 4.10 4 309
(9 500)0-2 549
(0-5 620)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).
Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on the
certification label.
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131

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 frame or hook retainers
of 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.
Do not attach safety chains to the bumper.
Trailer brakes
Electric brakes and manual, automatic or surge-type trailer 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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132

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.
Trailer tow connector
The trailer tow connector is located under the rear bumper, on the
driver's side of the vehicle.
Refer to the following chart for
information regarding the
factory-equipped trailer tow
connector:
1
2
34
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