FORD RANGER 2002 2.G Owners Manual

REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS (U.S. ONLY)
If you believe that your vehicle has
a defect which could cause a crash,
or could cause injury or death, you
should immediately inform the
National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration (NHTSA) in addition
to notifying Ford Motor Company.
If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open an investigation, and
if it finds that a safety defect exists in a group of vehicles, it may order a
recall and remedy campaign. However, NHTSA cannot become involved
in individual problems between you, your dealer or Ford Motor Company.
To contact NHTSA, you may either call the Auto Safety Hotline toll-free
at 1±800±424±9393 (202±366±0123 in the Washington D.C. area) or write
to:
NHTSA
U.S. Department of Transportation
400 Seventh Street
Washington, D.C. 20590
You can also obtain other information about motor vehicle safety from
the Hotline.
Customer Assistance
221

WASHING THE EXTERIOR OF YOUR VEHICLE
Never wash a vehicle that is ªhot to
the touchº or during exposure to
strong, direct sunlight. It is
recommended that you wash your
vehicle regularly with cool or
lukewarm water and a neutral Ph
shampoo, such as Detail Wash
(ZC-3±A), which is available from
your authorized Ford, Lincoln or
Mercury dealer. Always use a clean
sponge or carwash mitt with plenty
of water for best results. Dry the vehicle with a chamois or soft terry
cloth towel in order to eliminate water spotting.
Never use strong household detergents or soap, such as dish
washing or laundry liquid. These products can discolor and spot
painted surfaces.
It is especially important to wash the vehicle regularly during winter
months, as dirt and road salt are difficult to remove and do cause
damage to the vehicle.
Items such as gasoline, diesel fuel, bird droppings and insect deposits
should be washed and sponged off as soon as possible. Deposits not
removed promptly can cause damage to the vehicle's paintwork and trim
over time.
Remove any exterior accessories, such as antennas, before
entering a car wash.
PROTECTING THE PAINT FINISH OF YOUR VEHICLE
Applying a polymer paint sealant to your vehicle on a regular basis will
assist in reducing minor scratches and paint damage.
A typical paint sealant lasts approximately six months to a year,
depending on local weather conditions and the cleaning soap that is used
in washing the vehicle.
Do not use a wax that beads excessively.
Do not allow paint sealant to come in contact with any non-body
(low-gloss black) colored trim, such as grained door handles, roof
racks, bumpers, side moldings, mirror housings or the windshield
cowl area. The paint sealant will ªgrayº or stain the parts over time.
Cleaning
222

REPAIRING PAINT CHIPS
Remove particles such as bird droppings, tree sap, insect deposits, tar
spots, road salt and industrial fallout before repairing paint chips.
Minor scratches or paint damage from road debris may be repaired using
the Ultra Touch Prep and Finishing Kit (F7AZ-19K507±BA), which is
available at your authorized Ford, Lincoln or Mercury dealer. This kit
contains:
²Lacquer Touch-Up Paint (ALBZ-19500±XXXXA)
²Exterior Acrylic Spray Lacquer (ALAZ-19500±XXXXA)
Please note that the part numbers (shown as XXXX above) will vary with
your vehicle's specific coloring.Carefully observe the application
instructions on the products.
CLEANING THE WHEEL RIMS AND COVERS
Aluminum wheel rims or covers are coated with a clearcoat paint
finish.
Some automatic car washes may cause damage to the finish on your
wheel rims or covers. Chemical-strength cleaners, or cleaning chemicals,
in combination with brush agitation to remove brake dust and dirt, could
wear away the clearcoat finish over time.
Do not use hydrofluoric acid-based or high caustic-based wheel
cleaners, steel wool, fuels or strong household detergents for
soiled wheel rims and covers.
Never apply any cleaning chemical to hot or warm wheel rims or covers.
Clean wheel rims and covers with Detail Wash (ZC-3±A), which is
available from your authorized Ford, Lincoln or Mercury dealer. Spray
cleaner on cool wheel rims or covers and allow to set for 2±5 minutes.
Agitate the area with a sponge and rinse off with plenty of water.
Use Extra Strength Tar and Road Oil Removal (B7A-19520±AA),
available from your authorized Ford, Lincoln or Mercury dealer, in order
to remove tar and grease from wheel rims and covers.
Cleaning
223

Cleaning the engine
Engines are more efficient when they are clean because grease and dirt
buildup keep the engine warmer than normal. When washing:
²The engine must be cool to the touch before spraying with water.
²Never spray a hot engine with cold water, as damage to the
engine block or engine components may occur.
²Use caution when using a self-serve power washer (1000psi maximum
pressure) to clean the engine, as the high-pressure fluid could
penetrate the sealed parts and cause damage.
²Never apply anything to any exposed belts in the engine
compartment, including belt dressing.
For general cleaning of the engine and engine compartment, spray
Engine Shampoo and Degreaser (F4AZ-19A536±A) on all parts that
require cleaning and pressure rinse the area with cool water.
²Cover the highlighted areas to prevent water damage when cleaning
the engine.
²2.3L I4 engine
Cleaning
224

²3.0L V6 engine
²4.0L SOHC V6 engine
²Never wash or rinse the engine while it is running; water in the
running engine may cause internal damage.
Cleaning
225

WASHING NON-PAINTED PLASTIC EXTERIOR PARTS
Use Detail Wash (ZC-3±A) for routine cleaning.
If tar or grease spots are present, clean with Extra Strength Tar and
Road Oil Removal (B7A-19520±AA).
Use only approved products to clean plastic parts.These products
are available from your authorized Ford, Lincoln or Mercury dealer.
WASHING MIRRORS, MIRROR HOUSINGS AND REFLECTIVE
SURFACES
Do not clean mirrors, mirror housings or reflective surfaces with
abrasive materials or a dry cloth.
Use a soft cloth and Detail Wash (ZC-3±A) mixed with water in order to
clean the mirror housing. Use Glass Cleaner (E4AZ-19C507±AA) in order
to clean the reflective mirror surface.
Use care when removing ice from outside mirrors as you may damage
the reflective surface.
WASHING THE EXTERIOR LAMPS
In order to avoid scratching the plastic lamps, do not use dry
paper towels, non-approved chemical solvents or abrasive
cleaners.
Use a soft cloth and a solution of Triple Clean (EOAZ-19526±AA), mixed
properly with water, in order to remove bug residue. If tar or grease
spots are present, clean with Extra Strength Tar and Road Oil Removal
(B7A-19520±AA).
CLEANING THE WINDSHIELD, WIPER BLADES AND REAR
WINDOW
If the wiper does not wipe properly, substances on the windshield, rear
window or the wiper blades may be the cause. These may include hot
wax treatments used by commercial car washes, tree sap, or other
organic contamination.
Do not clean the windshield or rear window glass with abrasives,
as they may cause scratches.
Do not use fuel, kerosene, or paint thinner to clean the
windshield, rear window or the wiper blades as damage may
occur.
Cleaning
226

Clean the outside of the windshield or rear window with a non-abrasive
cleaner such as Ultra Clear Spray Glass Cleaner (E4AZ-19C507±AA),
available from your authorized Ford, Lincoln or Mercury dealer. If after
cleaning the glass surface, the water sheets from the glass (e.g., does not
bead), then the window is clean.
The windshield, rear window and wiper blades should be cleaned
regularly. Wiper blades can be cleaned with isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol
or windshield washer solution. Be sure to replace wiper blades when
they appear worn or do not function properly.
CLEANING THE INSTRUMENT PANEL
Clean the instrument panel with a damp cloth, then dry with a dry cloth.
Avoid cleaners or polish that increase the gloss of the upper portion of
the instrument panel. The dull finish in this area helps protect the driver
from undesirable windshield reflection.
Do not use chemical solvents or strong detergents when cleaning
the steering wheel or instrument panel to avoid contamination of
the air bag system.
Cleaning the instrument cluster lens
Wipe the cluster area with a soft, damp cotton towel. Dry the area with a
clean, dry towel.
CLEANING THE INSIDE WINDOWS
Use Ultra Clear Spray Glass Cleaner (E4AZ-19C507±AA) for the inside
windows if they become fogged.
To clean, use two lint-free, soft towels, folded into a pad-shape. Mist the
glass completely with cleaner, and use one of the towels to evenly agitate
the surface. Use the other towel to remove the residue.
CLEANING THE INTERIOR FABRIC, CARPETS AND CLOTH SEATS
Remove dust and loose dirt with a vacuum cleaner. Remove light stains
and soil with Extra Strength Upholstery Cleaner (E8AZ-19523±AA).
Never saturate the seat covers with cleaning solution.
Do not use household cleaning products or glass cleaners, which
can stain and discolor the fabric and affect the flame retardent
abilities of the seat materials.
Cleaning
227

If grease or tar is present on the material, spot-clean the area first with
Spot and Stain Remover (F3AZ-19521±WA). Follow up by recleaning the
area with Extra Strength Upholstery Cleaner (E8AZ-19523±AA).
CLEANING LEATHER SEATS (IF EQUIPPED)
All Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles with leather seating surfaces have
a clear, protective coating over the leather.
To clean the leather seats, simply use a soft cloth with Deluxe Leather
and Vinyl Cleaner (F2AZ-19521±WA). Dry the area with a soft cloth.
It is recommended that you use the Deluxe Leather Care Kit
(F8AZ-19G253±AA), available from your authorized Ford, Lincoln or
Mercury dealer. The mild cleaner and special pad available in the kit
cleans the leather and maintains its natural beauty. For best results,
follow the instructions printed on the cleaner label. Regular cleaning of
your leather upholstery helps maintain its resiliency and color.
Do not use household cleaning products, alcohol solutions,
solvents or cleaners intended for rubber, vinyl and plastics, or
oil/petroleum-based leather conditioners. These products may
cause premature wearing of the clear, protective coating.
CLEANING AND MAINTAINING THE SAFETY BELTS
Clean the safety belts with Extra Strength Upholstery Cleaner
(E8AZ-19523±AA), available from your authorized Ford, Lincoln or
Mercury dealer.
Do not use bleach, dye or any other solvent to clean the belts, as
these actions may weaken the belt webbing.
UNDERBODY
Flush the complete underside of your vehicle frequently. Keep body and
door drain holes free from packed dirt.
Cleaning
228

FORD, LINCOLN AND MERCURY CAR CARE PRODUCTS
Your Ford, Lincoln or Mercury dealer has many quality products available
to clean your vehicle and protect its finishes. These quality products
have been specifically engineered to fulfill your automotive needs; they
are custom designed to complement the style and appearance of your
vehicle. Each product is made from high quality materials that meet or
exceed rigid specifications. For best results, use the following or
products of equivalent quality:
Ford Custom Clearcoat Polish*
Ford Custom Silicone Gloss Polish
Ford Custom Vinyl Protectant* (not available in Canada)
Motorcraft Vinyl Conditioner (Canada only)
Ford Deluxe Leather and Vinyl Cleaner (not available in Canada)
Motorcraft Vinyl Cleaner (Canada only)
Ford Extra Strength Tar and Road Oil Remover* (not available in
Canada)
Ford Extra Strength Upholstery Cleaner (not available in Canada)
Ford Custom Bright Metal Cleaner
Motorcraft Premium Car Wash Concentrate
Motorcraft Carlite Glass Cleaner (Canada only)
Ford Spot and Stain Remover*
Ford Super Premium Tire and Trim Dressing
Ford Triple Clean
Ford Ultra-Clear Spray Glass Cleaner (not available in Canada)
Ford Engine Shampoo and Degreaser
* May be sold with the Motorcraft name
Cleaning
229

SERVICE RECOMMENDATIONS
To help you service your vehicle:
²We highlight do-it-yourself items in the engine compartment for easy
location.
²We provide a scheduled maintenance guide which makes tracking
routine service easy.
If your vehicle requires professional service, your dealership can provide
the necessary parts and service. Check yourWarranty Guideto 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.
²Manual transmission:
1. Set the parking brake.
2. Depress the clutch and place the gearshift in 1 (First).
Maintenance and Specifications
230