automatic transmission FORD RANGER 2001 2.G User Guide

4. Move the 4WD control to the
2WD position.
Shifting between 4X4 HIGH (4WD high) and 4X4 LOW (4WD low)
1. Bring the vehicle to a stop.
2. Depress the brake.
3. Place the gearshift in N (Neutral) (automatic transmission) or depress
the clutch (manual transmission).
4. Move the 4WD control to the 4X4
HIGH or 4X4 LOW position.
Driving off-road with 4WD
Your vehicle is specially equipped for driving on sand, snow, mud and
rough terrain and has operating characteristics that are somewhat
different from conventional vehicles, both on and off the road.
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 from the outside. Do not
grip the spokes.
Drive cautiously to avoid vehicle damage from concealed objects such as
rocks and stumps.
4X4
HIGH
2WD4X4
LOW
2WD4X4
LOW4X4
HIGH
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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.
When speed control is on and you are driving uphill, your vehicle speed
may drop considerably, especially if you are carrying a heavy load.
If vehicle speed drops more than 16 km/h (10 mph), the speed control
will cancel automatically. Resume speed with accelerator pedal.
If speed control cancels after climbing the hill, reset speed by pressing
and holding the SET ACCEL button (to resume speeds over 50 km/h
[30 mph]).
Automatic transmissions may shift frequently while driving up steep
grades. Eliminate frequent shifting by shifting out of
(Overdrive) into
a lower gear.
Driving on snow and ice
A 4WD vehicle has advantages over 2WD vehicles in snow and ice but
can skid like any other vehicle.
Avoid sudden applications of power and quick changes of direction on
snow and ice. Apply the accelerator slowly and steadily when starting
from a full stop.
When braking, apply the brakes as you normally would. In order to allow
the anti-lock brake system (ABS) to operate properly, keep steady
pressure on the brake pedal.
Allow more stopping distance and drive slower than usual. Consider
using one of the lower gears.
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143

4x2 w/automatic transmission
Engine Rear
axle
ratioMaximum
GCWR - kg
(lbs.)Maximum
trailer
weight - kg
(lbs.)Maximum
frontal area
of trailer -
m
2(ft2)
Regular Cab w/6' box
2.3L All 2 495 (5 500) 1 025 (2 260) Equal to
frontal area of
vehicle
3.0L
(non-torsion
bar suspensionAll 3 402 (7 500) 1 869 (4 120) 4.64 (50)
3.0L (tosion
bar suspension)All 3 402 (7 500) 1 814 (4 000) 4.64 (50)
4.0L
(non-torsion
bar suspension)All 4 309 (9 500) 2 740 (6 040) 4.64 (50)
4.0L (torsion
bar suspension)All 4 309 (9 500) 2 685 (5 920) 4.64 (50)
Regular Cab w/7' box
2.3L All 2 495 (5 500) 1 007 (2 220) Equal to
frontal area of
vehicle
3.0L All 3 402 (7 500) 1 842 (4 060) 4.64 (50)
4.0L All 4 309 (9 500) 2 712 (5 980) 4.64 (50)
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150

4x2 w/automatic transmission
SuperCab
3.0L
(non-torsion
bar suspension)All 3 402 (7 500) 1 787 (3 940) 4.64 (50)
3.0L (torsion
bar suspension)All 3 402 (7 500) 1 715 (3 780) 4.64 (50)
4.0L
(non-torsion
bar suspension)All 4 309 (9 500) 2 667 (5 880) 4.64 (50)
4.0L (torsion
bar suspension)All 4 309 (9 500) 2 595 (5 720) 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 load your vehicle can carry/towearlier
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).
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151

4x4 w/automatic transmission
Engine Rear
axle
ratioMaximum
GCWR - kg
(lbs.)Maximum
trailer
weight - kg
(lbs.)Maximum
frontal area
of trailer -
m
2(ft2)
Regular Cab w/6' box
3.0L All 3 402 (7 500) 1 751 (3 860) 4.64 (50)
4.0L All 4 309 (9 500) 2 622 (5 780) 4.64 (50)
Regular Cab w/7' box
3.0L All 3 402 (7 500) 1 724 (3 800) 4.64 (50)
4.0L All 4 309 (9 500) 2 595 (5 720) 4.64 (50)
SuperCab
3.0L All 3 402 (7 500) 1 669 (3 680) 4.64 (50)
4.0L All 4 309 (9 500) 2 540 (5 600) 4.64 (50)
4.0L (FX4
package)All 4 309 (9 500) 2 350 (5 180) 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 load your vehicle can carry/towearlier 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.
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.
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152

Refer to the following chart for information regarding the
factory-equipped trailer tow connector:
Trailer tow connector
Color Function Comment
1. Dark Green Trailer right-hand
turn signalCircuit activated when brake
pedal is depressed or when
ignition is on and right-hand
turn signal is applied.
2. Yellow Trailer left-hand turn
signalCircuit activated when brake
pedal is depressed or when
ignition is on and left-hand
turn signal is applied.
3. Tan/White Tail lamp Relay controlled circuit
activated when the park
lamps/headlamps are on.
4. White Ground Matching vehicle circuit
returns to battery's negative
ground.
Driving while you tow
When towing a trailer:
²Ensure that you turn off your speed control. The speed control may
shut off automatically when you are towing on long, steep grades.
²Consult your local motor vehicle speed regulations for 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.
Exceeding the GCWR rating may cause internal transmission
damage and void your warranty coverage.
Servicing after towing
If you tow a trailer for long distances, your vehicle will require more
frequent service intervals. Refer to your scheduled maintenance guide for
more information.
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155

Trailer towing tips
²Practice turning, stopping and backing up 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 no more than 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 N (Neutral)
(manual transmissions). 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 (6 inches) above the
bottom edge of the rear bumper.
Exceeding these limits may allow water to enter critical vehicle
components, adversely affecting driveability, emissions, reliability and
causing internal transmission damage.
Replace the rear axle lubricant any time the axle has been submerged in
water. Rear axle lubricant quantities are not to be checked or changed
unless a leak is suspected or repair required.
Disconnect the wiring to the trailer before backing the trailer into the
water. Reconnect the wiring to the trailer after the trailer is removed
from the water.
Recreational towing
Follow these guidelines if you have a need for recreational towing. An
example of recreational towing would be towing your vehicle behind a
motorhome. These guidelines are designed to ensure that your
transmission is not damaged.
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156

4x2 and 4x4 vehicles equipped with manual transmissions
Before you have your vehicle towed:
²Release the parking brake.
²Move the gearshift to N (Neutral).
²Turn the key in the ignition to the OFF/UNLOCKED position.
²The maximum recommended speed is 88 km/h (55 mph).
²The maximum recommended distance is unlimited.
In addition, it is recommended that you follow the instructions
provided by the after market manufacturer of the towing
apparatus if one has been installed.
4x2 and 4x4 vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions
4x2 vehicles with automatic transmissions or 4x4 vehicles with manual
transfer cases and automatic transmissions, follow these guidelines for
recreational towing:
²Release the parking brake.
²Turn the key in the ignition to the OFF/UNLOCKED position.
²Place the transmission in N (Neutral).
²Do not exceed a distance of 80 km (50 miles).
²Do not exceed 56 km/h (35 mph) vehicle speed.
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. Ford recommends the
driveshaft be removed/installed only by a qualified technician. See your
local dealer for driveshaft removal/installation.
Improper removal/installation of the driveshaft can cause
transmission fluid loss, damage to the driveshaft and internal
transmission components.
CAMPER BODIES
Your Ranger Pickup is not recommended for slide±in camper bodies.
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157

Stowing the spare tire
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.
5. If removed, install the spare tire carrier lock on the access hole above
the bumper.
Tire change procedure
To prevent the vehicle from moving when you change a tire, be
sure the parking brake is set, then block (in both directions) the
wheel that is diagonally opposite (other side and end of the vehicle) to
the tire being changed.
If the vehicle slips off the jack, you or someone else could be
seriously injured.
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 and turn
engine OFF.
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175

10. Remove the jack and fully
tighten the lug nuts in the order
shown.
11. Stow the flat tire. Refer to
Stowing the spare tire.
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.
JUMP STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
The gases around the battery can explode if exposed to flames,
sparks, or lit cigarettes. An explosion could result in injury or
vehicle damage.
Batteries contain sulfuric acid which can burn skin, eyes, and
clothing, if contacted.
Do not attempt to push-start your vehicle. Automatic
transmissions do not have push-start capability; also, the
catalytic conveter may become damaged.
Preparing your vehicle
When the battery is disconnected or a new battery is installed, the
transmission must relearn its adaptive strategy. As a result of this, the
transmission may shift firmly. This operation is considered normal and
will not affect function or durability of the transmission. Over time, the
adaptive learning process will fully update transmission operation to its
optimum shift feel.
1.Use only a 12±volt supply to start your vehicle.
2. Do not disconnect the battery of the disabled vehicle as this could
damage the vehicle's electrical system.
3. Park the booster vehicle close to the hood of the disabled vehicle
making sure the two vehiclesdo nottouch. Set the parking brake on
both vehicles and stay clear of the engine cooling fan and other moving
parts.
1
4 3
2 5
Roadside emergencies
178