belt FORD RANGER 2003 2.G Owner's Guide

Extended idling at high engine speeds can produce very high
temperatures in the engine and exhaust system, creating the risk
of fire or other damage.
Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in dry grass or other dry
ground cover. The emission system heats up the engine
compartment and exhaust system, which can start a fire.
Do not start your vehicle in a closed garage or in other enclosed
areas. Exhaust fumes can be toxic. Always open the garage door
before you start the engine. SeeGuarding against exhaust fumesin
this chapter for more instructions.
If you smell exhaust fumes inside your vehicle, have your dealer
inspect your vehicle immediately. Do not drive if you smell
exhaust fumes.
Important safety precautions
When the engine starts, the idle RPM runs faster to warm the engine. If
the engine idle speed does not slow down automatically, have the vehicle
checked.
Before starting the vehicle:
1. Make sure all occupants buckle their safety belts. For more
information on safety belts and their proper usage, refer to theSeating
and safety restraintschapter.
2. Make sure the headlamps and electrical accessories are off.
Driving
109

Make sure the corresponding lights illuminate or illuminate briefly. If a
light fails to illuminate, have the vehicle serviced.
•If the driver’s safety belt is fastened, the
light may not illuminate.
Starting the engine
1. Turn the key to 4 (ON) without
turning the key to 5 (START). If
there is difficulty in turning the key,
rotate the steering wheel until the
key turns freely.
2. Turn the key to 5 (START), then
release the key as soon as the
engine starts. Excessive cranking
could damage the starter.
Note:If the engine does not start within five seconds on the first try,
turn the key to 3 (OFF), wait 10 seconds and try again.
Cold weather starting (flexible fuel vehicles only)
In cold weather, ethanol fuel distributors should supply winter grade
(E
d85) ethanol. If summer grade (Ed85) ethanol is used in cold weather,
you may experience increased cranking times, rough idle or hesitation
until the engine has warmed up. Consult your fuel distributor for the
availability of winter grade (E
d85) ethanol. High-quality blends of winter
grade (E
d85) ethanol will produce satisfactory cold weather starting and
driving results.
Cold starting performance can also be improved by using an engine block
heater. Engine block heaters are available as an option and can be
obtained from your Ford dealer. Consult the engine block heater section
for proper use of the engine block heater.
3
2
1
5
4
Driving
111

Always set the parking brake fully and make sure that the
gearshift is securely latched in P (Park) (automatic
transmission) or in 1 (First) (manual transmission).
STEERING
To prevent damage to the power steering system:
•Never hold the steering wheel at its furthest turning points (until it
stops) for more than a few seconds when the engine is running.
•Do not operate the vehicle with a low power steering pump fluid level
(below the MIN mark on the reservoir).
If the power steering system breaks down (or if the engine is turned
off), you can steer the vehicle manually, but it takes more effort.
If the steering wanders or pulls, check for:
•an underinflated tire
•uneven tire wear
•loose or worn suspension components
•loose or worn steering components
•improper steering alignment
TRACTION-LOK AXLE (IF EQUIPPED)
This axle provides added traction on slippery surfaces, particularly when
one wheel is on a poor traction surface. Under normal conditions, the
Traction-Lok axle functions like a standard rear axle.
To reduce the risk of injury, never run the engine with one wheel
off the ground, such as when changing a tire.
PREPARING TO DRIVE YOUR VEHICLE
Utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover rate than
other types of vehicles.
In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is significantly more likely
to die than a person wearing a safety belt.
Your vehicle has larger tires and increased ground clearance, giving the
vehicle a higher center of gravity than a passenger car.
Driving
114

3. Connect the negative (-) cable to the negative (-) terminal of the
assisting battery.
4. Make the final connection of the negative (-) cable to an exposed
metal part of the stalled vehicle’s engine, away from the battery and the
carburetor/fuel injection system.Do notuse fuel lines, engine rocker
covers or the intake manifold asgroundingpoints.
Do not connect the end of the second cable to the negative (-)
terminal of the battery to be jumped. A spark may cause an
explosion of the gases that surround the battery.
5. Ensure that the cables are clear of fan blades, belts, moving parts of
both engines, or any fuel delivery system parts.
Jump starting
1. Start the engine of the booster vehicle and run the engine at
moderately increased speed.
2. Start the engine of the disabled vehicle.
+–+–
+–+–
Roadside Emergencies
167

WRECKER TOWING
If you need to have your vehicle towed, contact a professional towing
service or, if you are a member, your roadside assistance center.
It is recommended that your vehicle be towed with a wheel lift or flatbed
equipment. Do not tow with a slingbelt. Ford Motor Company has not
approved a slingbelt towing procedure.
On 4x2 vehicles, it is acceptable to tow the vehicle with the front wheels
on the ground and the rear wheels off the ground.
On 4x4 vehicles, it is recommended that your vehicle be towed with a
wheel lift and dollies or flatbed equipment with all the wheels off the
ground.
If the vehicle is towed by other means or incorrectly, vehicle
damage may occur.
Ford Motor Company produces a towing manual for all authorized tow
truck operators. Have your tow truck operator refer to this manual for
proper hook-up and towing procedures for your vehicle.
Roadside Emergencies
170

INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CLUSTER LENS
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.
•Be certain to wash or wipe your hands clean if you have been in
contact with certain products such as insect repellent and suntan
lotion in order to avoid possible damage to the painted surfaces.
INTERIOR
For fabric, carpets, cloth seats and safety belts:
•Remove dust and loose dirt with a vacuum cleaner.
•Remove light stains and soil with Ford Extra Strength Upholstery
Cleaner (E8AZ-19523–AA).
•If grease or tar is present on the material, spot-clean the area first
with Motorcraft Spot and Stain Remover (ZC-14).
•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 retardant abilities of
the seat materials.
Do not use cleaning solvents, bleach or dye on the vehicle’s
seatbelts, as these actions may weaken the belt webbing.
LEATHER SEATS (IF EQUIPPED)
Your leather seating surfaces have a clear, protective coating over the
leather.
•To clean, use a soft cloth with Motorcraft Deluxe Leather and Vinyl
Cleaner (ZC-11–A). Dry the area with a soft cloth.
•To help maintain its resiliency and color, use the Motorcraft Deluxe
Leather Care Kit (ZC-11–D), available from your authorized dealer.
•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
185

Replacing the tires
Replace the tires when the wear
band is visible through the tire
treads. Due to exposure to the
elements and exhaust you should
replace the spare tire when you
replace the other tires.
When replacing full size tires, never mix radial bias-belted, or
bias-type tires. Use only the tire sizes that are listed on the
Certification Label. Make sure that all tires are the same size, speed
rating, and load-carrying capacity. Use only the tire combinations
recommended on the label. If you do not follow these precautions,
your vehicle handling may be affected which can lead to loss of vehicle
control, vehicle rollover and/or personal injury.
Make sure that all replacement tires are of the same size, type,
speed rating, load-carrying capacity and tread design (e.g.,“All
Terrain”,“Touring”, etc.), as originally offered by Ford.
Do not replace your tires with“high performance”tires or larger
size tires.
Failure to follow these precautions may adversely affect the
handling of the vehicle, and increase the risk of loss of vehicle
control, vehicle rollover and/or personal injury.
Tires that are larger or smaller than your vehicle’s original tires may also
affect the accuracy of your speedometer.
SNOW TIRES AND CHAINS
Driving too fast for conditions creates the possibility of loss of
vehicle control. Driving at very high speeds for extended periods
of time may result in damage to vehicle components.
Maintenance and Specifications
227

A
Air bag supplemental restraint
system ..........................................85
and child safety seats ..............87
description ................................85
disposal ......................................90
driver air bag ............................88
indicator light ...........................89
operation ...................................88
passenger air bag .....................88
passenger deactivation
switch ........................................90
Air cleaner filter .......................229
Ambulance packages ....................7
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................200
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................113
Audio system
(see Radio) ....16–17, 20, 23, 29, 33
Automatic transmission ............115
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................116
fluid, adding ............................219
fluid, checking ........................219
fluid, refill capacities ..............229
fluid, specification ..................236
Auxiliary power point .................51
Axle
lubricant
specifications ..................233, 236
refill capacities ........................229
traction lok ..............................114
B
Battery .......................................198
acid, treating
emergencies ............................198jumping a disabled
battery .....................................165
maintenance-free ....................198
replacement,
specifications ..........................229
servicing ..................................198
Bed extender ..............................57
BeltMinder ...................................80
Brakes ........................................112
anti-lock ...................................113
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................113
fluid, checking and adding ....218
fluid, refill capacities ..............229
fluid, specifications .........233, 236
lubricant
specifications ..................233, 236
parking ....................................113
shift interlock ..........................115
Bulbs ............................................44
C
Calculating load ........................134
Capacities for refilling fluids ....229
Cargo area shade ........................57
Cargo net .....................................57
Cassette tape player .............17, 20
CD-single premium ...16, 23, 29, 33
Cell phone use ............................56
Certification Label ....................238
Changing a tire .........................158
Child safety restraints ................95
child safety belts ......................95
Child safety seats ........................98
attaching with tether
straps .......................................102
Index
243

locking/unlocking doors ...........62
Roadside assistance ..................146
S
Safety belts
(see Safety restraints) .........73–77
Safety defects, reporting ..........180
Safety restraints ....................73–77
belt minder ...............................80
cleaning the safety belts ..........84
extension assembly ..................79
for adults .............................74–77
for children .........................94–95
lap belt ......................................78
warning light and chime ..........80
Safety seats for children ............98
Seat belts
(see Safety restraints) ...............73
Seats ............................................71
child safety seats ......................98
Servicing your vehicle ..............187
Snowplowing .................................6
Spare tire
(see Changing the Tire) ...158–159
Spark plugs,
specifications .....................229, 236
Special notice
ambulance conversions ..............7
utility-type vehicles ....................6
Specification chart,
lubricants ...........................233, 236
Speed control ..............................53
Starting a flex fuel vehicle .......111Starting your
vehicle ........................108–109, 111
jump starting ..........................165
Steering wheel
tilting .........................................51
T
Tires ...........................158, 224–225
changing ..................158–159, 161
checking the pressure ............225
replacing ..................................227
rotating ....................................225
snow tires and chains ............227
tire grades ...............................225
treadwear ................................224
Tonneau cover .............................58
Towing .......................................134
recreational towing .................144
trailer towing ..........................134
wrecker ....................................170
Traction-lok rear axle ...............114
Transfer case
fluid checking .........................223
Transmission
automatic operation ...............115
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................219
fluid, checking and adding
(manual) .................................222
fluid, refill capacities ..............229
lubricant
specifications ..................233, 236
manual operation ....................118
Trunk ...........................................62
Turn signal ..................................44
Index
247