brakes FORD RANGER 2002 2.G User Guide

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.
Be cautious of sudden changes in vehicle speed or direction when you
are driving in mud. Even 4WD vehicles can lose traction in slick mud. As
when you are driving over sand, apply the accelerator slowly and avoid
spinning your wheels. If the vehicle does slide, steer in the direction of
the slide until you regain control of the vehicle.
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.
If the front or rear axle is submerged in water, the axle lubricant should
be replaced.
After driving through mud, clean off residue stuck to rotating driveshafts
and tires. Excess mud stuck on tires and rotating driveshafts causes an
imbalance that could damage drive components.
Driving
168

Descend a hill in the same gear you
would use to climb up the hill to
avoid excessive brake application
and brake overheating. Do not
descend in neutral, disengage
overdrive or manually shift to a
lower gear. When descending a
steep hill, avoid sudden hard
braking as you could lose control.
When you brake hard, the front
wheels can't turn and if they aren't
turning, you won't be able to steer.
The front wheels have to be turning in order to steer the vehicle. Rapid
pumping of the brake pedal will help you slow the vehicle and still
maintain steering control.
If your vehicle has anti-lock brakes, apply the brakes steadily. Do not
ªpumpº the brakes.
Driving on snow and ice
4WD vehicles have advantages over 2WD vehicles in snow and ice but
can skid like any other vehicle.
Should you start to slide while driving on snowy or icy roads, turn the
steering wheel in the direction of the slide until you regain control.
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.
Avoid sudden braking as well. Although a 4WD vehicle may accelerate
better than a two-wheel drive vehicle in snow and ice, it won't stop any
faster, because as in other vehicles, braking occurs at all four wheels. Do
not become overconfident as to road conditions.
Make sure you allow sufficient distance between you and other vehicles
for stopping as well as drive slower than usual and consider using one of
the lower gears. In emergency stopping situations, avoid locking of the
wheels. Use a ªsqueezeº technique, push on the brake pedal with a
steadily increasing force which allows the wheels to brake yet continue
to roll so that you may steer in the direction you want to travel. If you
lock the wheels, release the brake pedal and repeat the squeeze
technique. If your vehicle is equipped with a Four Wheel Anti-Lock
Brake System (ABS), apply the brake steadily. Do not ªpumpº the
brakes. Refer to theBrakessection of this chapter for additional
information on the operation of the anti-lock brake system.
Driving
170

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 (for trucks) or the bottom of the wheel rims (for cars).
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.
Driving through deep water where the transmission vent tube is
submerged may allow water into the transmission and cause
internal transmission damage.
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 occupants or
aftermarket equipment.
²Payload:Combined maximum allowable weight of cargo, occupants
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 permissable total
weight of the base vehicle, occupants, optional equipment and cargo.
The GVWR is specific to each vehicle and is listed on the Safety
Certification 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 Certification Label on the driver's door pillar.
²GCW (Gross Combined Weight):The combined weight of the
towing vehicle (including occupants and cargo) and the loaded trailer.
²GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating):Maximum permissable
combined weight of towing vehicle (including occupants and cargo)
and the loaded trailer
Driving
173

Special loading instructions for owners of pickup trucks and
utility-type vehicles
For important information regarding safe operation of this type
of vehicle, see thePreparing to drive your vehiclesection in
this chapter.
Loaded vehicles, with a higher center of gravity, may handle
differently than unloaded vehicles. Extra precautions, such as
slower speeds and increased stopping distance, should be taken when
driving a heavily loaded vehicle.
Your vehicle has the capability to haul more cargo and people than most
passenger cars. Depending upon the type and placement of the load,
hauling cargo and people may raise the center of gravity of the vehicle.
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.
Driving
175

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 distributing 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 hitch. 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.
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.
Driving
182

BRAKE FLUID
Checking and adding brake fluid
Brake fluid should be checked and
refilled as needed. Refer to the
scheduled maintenance guide for
the service interval schedules.
1. Clean the reservoir cap before
removal to prevent dirt or water
from entering the reservoir.
2. Visually inspect the fluid level.
3. If necessary, add brake fluid from
a clean un-opened container until
the level reaches MAX. Do not fill
above this line.
4. Use only a DOT 3 brake fluid
certified to meet Ford specification ESA-M6C25±A. Refer toLubricant
specificationsin this chapter.
Brake fluid is toxic. If brake fluid contacts the eyes, flush eyes
with running water for 15 minutes. Seek medical attention if
irritation persists. If taken internally, drink water and induce vomiting.
Seek medical attention immediately.
If you use a brake fluid that is not DOT 3, you will cause
permanent damage to your brakes.
Do not let the reservoir for the master cylinder run dry. This
may cause the brakes to fail.
MAX
Maintenance and Specifications
260

A
Air bag supplemental restraint
system ................................123±124
and child safety seats ............125
description ..............................124
disposal ....................................128
driver air bag ..........................126
indicator light ...................12, 127
operation .................................126
passenger air bag ...................126
passenger deactivation
switch ......................................128
Air cleaner filter .......................270
Air conditioning
manual heating and air
conditioning system .................70
Ambulance packages ....................7
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................243
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................149
Anti-theft system
warning light .............................14
Audio system
(see Radio) ......................18, 43, 52
Automatic transmission ............153
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................154
fluid, adding ............................261
fluid, checking ........................261
fluid, refill capacities ..............271
fluid, specification ..................276
Auxiliary power point ...........85, 92
Axle
lubricant specifications ..274, 276
refill capacities ........................271
traction lok ..............................151B
Battery .......................................241
acid, treating emergencies .....241
charging system
warning light .............................12
jumping a disabled battery ....206
maintenance-free ....................241
replacement, specifications ...270
servicing ..................................241
voltage gauge ............................16
Bed extender ..............................93
BeltMinder .................................119
Brakes ........................................148
anti-lock ...................................149
anti-lock brake system
(ABS) warning light .........12, 150
brake warning light ..................11
fluid, checking and adding ....260
fluid, refill capacities ..............271
fluid, specifications .........274, 276
lubricant specifications ..274, 276
parking ....................................150
shift interlock ..........................153
Break-in period .............................5
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....271
Cargo area shade ........................92
Cargo net .....................................92
Certification Label ....................279
Child safety restraints ..............133
child safety belts ....................133
Child safety seats ......................134
attaching with tether straps ..138
in front seat ............................136
in rear seat ..............................136
Index
283

flash to pass ..............................74
high beam ...........................13, 74
replacing bulbs .........................77
turning on and off ....................73
warning chime ..........................14
Heating
heater only system ...................68
heating and air conditioning
system .......................................70
Hood ..........................................231
I
Ignition .......................144, 276±277
Infant seats
(see Safety seats) .....................134
Inspection/maintenance (I/M)
testing ........................................258
Instrument panel
cleaning ...................................227
cluster ................................10, 227
lighting up panel and
interior .......................................74
J
Jack ............................................200
positioning .......................200, 204
storage .............................200±203
Jump-starting your vehicle ......206
K
Keys ...................................106, 108
key in ignition chime ...............14
positions of the ignition .........144L
Lamps
bulb replacement
specifications chart ..................76
cargo lamps ...............................74
daytime running light ...............73
fog lamps ...................................73
headlamps .................................73
headlamps, flash to pass ..........74
instrument panel, dimming .....74
interior lamps .....................75, 77
replacing bulbs .......75, 77, 79±82
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................75
Lights, warning and indicator ....10
air bag ........................................12
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ....12, 150
anti-theft ...................................14
brake ..........................................11
charging system ........................12
check coolant ............................11
check engine .............................10
cruise indicator .........................13
door ajar ....................................13
fuel cap light .............................12
high beam .................................13
overdrive off ..............................13
safety belt .................................12
speed control ............................91
turn signal indicator .................13
Load limits .................................173
GAWR ......................................173
GVWR ......................................173
trailer towing ..........................173
Loading instructions .................175
Lubricant specifications ...274, 276
Lumbar support, seats .............110
Index
286