FORD RANGER 2004 2.G Owners Manual

Four-wheel anti-lock brake system (ABS)
Your vehicle is equipped with an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). This
system helps you maintain steering control during emergency stops by
keeping the brakes from locking. Noise from the ABS pump motor and
brake pedal pulsation may be observed during ABS braking; this is
normal and should be no reason for concern.
Using ABS
When hard braking is required, apply continuous force on the brake
pedal; do not pump the brake pedal since this will reduce the
effectiveness of the ABS and will increase your vehicle’s stopping
distance. The ABS will be activated immediately, allowing you to retain
full steering control during hard braking and on slippery surfaces.
However, the ABS does not decrease stopping distance.
ABS warning lamp
ABS
The ABS lamp in the instrument
cluster momentarily illuminates
when the ignition is turned to ON. If
the light does not illuminate during
start up, remains on or flashes, the
ABS may be disabled and may need to be serviced.
Even when the ABS is disabled,
normal braking is still effective. (If
your BRAKE warning lamp
illuminates with the parking brake
released, have your brake system
serviced immediately.)
Parking brake
To set the parking brake (1), press
the parking brake pedal down until
the pedal stops.
ABS
!
BRAKE
2004 Ranger (ran)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus)
Driving
101

The BRAKE warning lamp will
illuminate and will remain
illuminated until the parking brake
is released.
To release, pull the lever (2).
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 improperly inflated tire
• uneven tire wear
• loose or worn suspension components
• loose or worn steering components
• improper steering alignment
A high crown in the road or high crosswinds may also make the steering
seem to wander/pull.
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.
!
BRAKE
2004 Ranger (ran)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus)
Driving
102

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.
Vehicles with a higher center of gravity such as utility and
four-wheel drive vehicles handle differently than vehicles with a
lower center of gravity. Utility and four-wheel drive vehicles are not
designed for cornering at speeds as high as passenger cars any more
than low-slung sports cars are designed to perform satisfactorily under
off-road conditions. Avoid sharp turns, excessive speed and abrupt
maneuvers in these vehicles. Failure to drive cautiously could result in
an increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal
injury and death.
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.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OPERATION (IF EQUIPPED)
Brake-shift interlock
This vehicle is equipped with a brake-shift interlock feature that prevents
the gearshift lever from being moved from P (Park) when the ignition is
in the ON position unless the brake pedal is depressed.
If you cannot move the gearshift lever out of P (Park) with ignition in
the ON position and the brake pedal depressed:
1. Apply the parking brake, turn ignition key to LOCK, then remove the key.
2. Insert the key and turn it to OFF. Apply the brake pedal and shift
to N (Neutral) .
2004 Ranger(ran)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus)
Driving
103

When the key is in the ignition and in the OFF position, the
automatic transmission shift lever can be moved from the P
(Park) position without the brake pedal depressed. To avoid unwanted
vehicle movement, always set the parking brake.
3. Start the vehicle.
If it is necessary to use the above procedure to move the gearshift lever,
it is possible that a fuse has blown or the vehicle ’s brakelamps are not
operating properly. Refer to Fuses and relaysin theRoadside
emergencies chapter.
Do not drive your vehicle until you verify that the brakelamps
are working.
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the gearshift is
latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the LOCK position and
remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle.
If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake warning lamp
remains illuminated, the brakes may not be working properly.
See your dealer or a qualified service technician.
Driving with a 5–speed automatic transmission (if equipped)
Your transmission is equipped with an adaptive learning strategy found in
the vehicle computer. This feature is designed to increase durability, and
provide consistent shift feel over the life of the vehicle. A new vehicle or
transmission may have firm and/or soft shifts. 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. Additionally, whenever the battery is
disconnected or a new battery is installed, the strategy must relearn.
P (Park)
This position locks the transmission and prevents the rear wheels from
turning.
2004 Ranger (ran)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus)
Driving
104

To put your vehicle in gear:
•Start the engine
• Depress the brake pedal
• Move the gearshift lever into the desired gear
To put your vehicle in P (Park):
• Come to a complete stop
• Move the gearshift lever and securely latch it in P (Park)
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the gearshift is
latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the LOCK position and
remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle.
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.
This will illuminate the O/D OFF
lamp and activate Drive.
Drive (not shown)
Drive is activated when the transmission control switch is pressed.
• This position allows for all forward gears except overdrive.
• O/D OFF lamp is illuminated.
• Provides engine braking.
O/D
ON/OFF
O/D OFF
2004 Ranger (ran)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus)
Driving
105

•Use when driving conditions cause excessive shifting from O/D to
other gears. Examples: city traffic, hilly terrain, heavy loads, trailer
towing and when engine braking is required.
• To return to O/D (overdrive mode), press the transmission control
switch. The O/D OFF lamp will not be illuminated.
•
O/D (Overdrive) is automatically returned each time the key is turned off.
2 (Second)
Use 2 (Second) to start-up on slippery roads or to provide additional
engine braking on downgrades.
1 (First)
• Provides maximum engine braking.
• Allows upshifts by moving gearshift lever.
• Will not downshift into 1 (First) at high speeds; allows for 1 (First)
when vehicle reaches slower speeds.
Forced downshifts
• Allowed in
(Overdrive) or Drive.
• Depress the accelerator to the floor.
• Allows transmission to select an appropriate gear.
MANUAL TRANSMISSION OPERATION (IF EQUIPPED)
Using the clutch
The manual transmission has a starter interlock that prevents cranking
the engine unless the clutch pedal is fully depressed.
To start the vehicle:
1. Make sure the parking brake is fully set.
2. Press the clutch pedal to the floor, then put the gearshift lever in the
neutral position.
3. Start the engine, then press the brake pedal and release the parking
brake.
1 35
24 R
2004 Ranger (ran)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus)
Driving
106

4. Move the gearshift lever to the desired gear, then slowly release the
clutch pedal while slowly pressing on the accelerator.
During each shift, the clutch pedal must be fully depressed to the floor.
Failure to fully depress the clutch pedal to the floor may cause increased
shift efforts and prematurely wear components in the transmission. Make
sure the floor mat is properly positioned so it doesn’t interfere with the
full extension of the clutch pedal.
Do not drive with your foot resting on the clutch pedal or use the clutch
pedal to hold your vehicle at a standstill while waiting on a hill. These
actions will reduce the life of the clutch.
Recommended shift speeds
Downshift according to the following charts for your specific
engine/drivetrain combination:
Upshifts when accelerating (for best fuel economy)
Shift from: Transfer case position (if equipped)
2H or 4H 4L
1 - 2 14 km/h (10 mph) 5 km/h (4 mph)
2 - 3 32 km/h (22 mph) 11 km/h (9 mph)
3 -4 50 km/h (33 mph) 19 km/h (13 mph)
4 - 5 (Overdrive) 71 km/h (41 mph) 27 km/h (17 mph)
Upshifts when cruising (recommended for best fuel economy)
Shift from: Transfer case position (if equipped)
2H or 4H 4L
1 -2 16 km/h (10 mph) 6 km/h (4 mph)
2 - 3 26 km/h (19 mph) 10 km/h (8 mph)
3 - 4 43 km/h (28 mph) 16 km/h (12 mph)
4 - 5 (Overdrive) 68 km/h (40 mph) 26 km/h (16 mph) Maximum downshift speeds
Shift from: Transfer case position (if equipped)
2H or 4H 4L
5 (Overdrive) - 4 88 km/h (55 mph) 34 km/h (22 mph)
4 - 3 72 km/h (45 mph) 27 km/h (18 mph)
3 - 2 56 km/h (35 mph) 21 km/h (14 mph)
2 - 1 32 km/h (20 mph) 11 km/h (8 mph)
2004 Ranger (ran)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus)
Driving
107

Reverse
1. Make sure that your vehicle is at a complete stop before you shift into
R (Reverse). Failure to do so may damage the transmission.
2. Move the gearshift lever into the neutral position and wait at least
three seconds before shifting into R (Reverse).
•The gearshift lever can only be moved into R (Reverse) by moving it
from left of 3 (Third) and 4 (Fourth) before shifting into R (Reverse).
This is a lockout feature that protects the transmission from
accidentally being shifted into R (Reverse) from 5 (Overdrive).
Parking your vehicle
1. Apply the brake and shift into the neutral position.
2. Fully apply the parking brake, then shift into 1 (First).
3. Turn the ignition off.
Do not park your vehicle in Neutral, it may move unexpectedly
and injure someone. Use 1 (First) gear and set the parking brake
fully.
Removing the key
Turn the ignition off, push the
release lever (located above the
ignition), then turn the key toward
you and remove the key.
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow, it may be rocked out by
shifting from forward and reverse gears, stopping between shifts in a
steady pattern. Press lightly on the accelerator in each gear.
Do not rock the vehicle if the engine is not at normal operating
temperature or damage to the transmission may occur.
Do not rock the vehicle for more than a minute or damage to the
transmission and tires may occur, or the engine may overheat.
PUSH
2004 Ranger (ran)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus)
Driving
108

FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE (4WD) OPERATION (IF EQUIPPED)
For important information regarding safe operation of this type
of vehicle, seePreparing to drive your vehicle in this chapter.
Four –wheel drive (4WD) supplies power to all four wheels. 4WD should
not be operated on dry pavement; driveline damage may occur.
If equipped with the Electronic Shift 4WD System, and 4WD Low
is selected while the vehicle is moving, the 4WD system will not
engage. This is normal and should be no reason for concern. Refer
to Shifting to/from 4WD Low for proper operation.
4WD system indicator lights
• 4x4 - Momentarily illuminates
when the vehicle is started.
Illuminates when 4H (4WD High)
is engaged.
• 4x4 LOW –Momentarily
illuminates when the vehicle is
started. Illuminates when 4L
(4WD Low) is engaged.
Using the electronic shift 4WD system
2WD (2WD High) - Power to the rear wheels only; used for street and
highway driving.
4X4 HIGH (4WD High) - Used for extra traction such as in snow or icy
roads or in off-road situations. Not intended for use on dry pavement.
4X4 LOW (4WD Low) - Uses extra gearing to provide maximum power
to all four wheels. Intended only for off-road applications such as deep
sand, steep grades or pulling heavy objects. 4L (4WD Low) will not
4x4
4x4
LOW
4X4
HIGH
2WD 4X4
LOW
2004 Ranger (ran)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus)
Driving
109

engage while the vehicle is moving; this is normal and should be no
reason for concern. Refer toShifting to/from 4L (4WD Low) for proper
operation.
Shifting between 2WD (2WD High) and 4X4 HIGH (4WD High)
• Move the 4WD control between 2WD and 4X4 HIGH at a stop or any
forward speed up to 88 km/h (55 mph).
Note: Do not perform this operation if the rear wheels are slipping.
Shifting to/from 4X4 LOW (4WD Low)
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop
2. Depress the brake
3. On vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, place the
transmission in N (Neutral); on vehicles equipped with a manual
transmission, depress the clutch.
4. Move the 4WD control to the desired position.
• If shifting into 4WD LOW (4WD Low), wait for the 4WD LOW light in
the instrument cluster to turn onindicating the shift is complete.
• If shifting out of 4WD LOW (4WD Low), wait for the 4WD LOW light
in the instrument cluster to turn offindicating the shift is complete.
Driving off-road with truck and utility vehicles
4WD vehicles are specially equipped for driving on sand, snow, mud and
rough terrain and have operating characteristics that are somewhat
different from conventional vehicles, both on and off the road.
How your vehicle differs from other vehicles
Truck and utility vehicles can differ from some other vehicles. Your
vehicle may be higher to allow it to travel over rough terrain without
getting hung up or damaging underbody components.
The differences that make your vehicle so versatile also make it handle
differently than an ordinary passenger car.
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.
You should either know the terrain or examine maps of the area before
driving. Map out your route before driving in the area. To maintain
2004 Ranger (ran)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus)
Driving
110