brakes FORD RANGER 2006 2.G User Guide

To reduce the risk of electrical shock, do not use your heater
with ungrounded electrical systems or two-pronged (cheater)
adapters.
BRAKES
Occasional brake noise is normal. If a metal-to-metal, continuous grinding
or continuous squeal sound is present, the brake linings may be worn-out
and should be inspected by an authorized dealer. If the vehicle has
continuous vibration or shudder in the steering wheel while braking, the
vehicle should be inspected by an authorized dealer.
Refer toBrake system warning
lightin theInstrument Cluster
chapter for information on the brake
system warning light.
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 and the
brake pedal may suddenly travel a little farther as soon as ABS braking is
done and normal brake operation resumes. These are normal
characteristics of the ABS 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
The ABS lamp in the instrument
cluster momentarily illuminates
when the ignition is turned 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.
P!
BRAKE
ABS
2006 Ranger(ran)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
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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).
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 toFuses and relaysin theRoadside
Emergencieschapter.
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 authorized dealer.
2006 Ranger(ran)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
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case maintenance can be found in theMaintenance and Specifications
chapter. You should become thoroughly familiar with this information
before you operate your vehicle.
Normal characteristics
On some 4WD models, the initial shift from two-wheel drive to 4x4 while
the vehicle is moving can cause some momentary clunk and ratcheting
sounds.
Sand
When driving over sand, try to keep all four wheels on the most solid
area of the trail. Avoid reducing the tire pressures but shift to a lower
gear and drive steadily through the terrain. Apply the accelerator slowly
and avoid spinning the wheels.
Note:If your vehicle is equipped with the Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (TPMS), the system indicator light may illuminate depending on
how much air is released from your tires and/or how long you drive the
vehicle under these conditions
Avoid excessive speed because vehicle momentum can work against you
and cause the vehicle to become stuck to the point that assistance may
be required from another vehicle. Remember, you may be able to back
out the way you came if you proceed with caution.
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.
2006 Ranger(ran)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
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When climbing a steep slope or 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.
If you do stall out, do not try to
turn around because you might roll
over. It is better to back down to a
safe location.
Apply just enough power to the
wheels to climb the hill. Too much
power will cause the tires to slip,
spin or lose traction, resulting in
loss of vehicle control.
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; instead,
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.
Your vehicle is equipped with a Four Wheel Anti-lock Brake System
(ABS), apply the brakes steadily. Do not “pump” 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.
2006 Ranger(ran)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
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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. Drive slower than usual and consider using one of the lower
gears. Your vehicle is equipped with a Four Wheel Anti-Lock Brake
System (ABS); apply the brake steadily. Do not “pump” the brakes. Refer
to theBrakessection of this chapter for additional information on the
operation of the anti-lock brake system.
Never drive with chains on the front tires of 4WD vehicles without also
putting them on the rear tires. This could cause the rear to slide and
swing around during braking.
Maintenance and Modifications
The suspension and steering systems on your vehicle have been designed
and tested to provide predictable performance whether loaded or empty
and durable load carrying capability. For this reason, Ford Motor
Company strongly recommends that you do not make modifications such
as adding or removing parts (such as lift kits or stabilizer bars) or by
using replacement parts not equivalent to the original factory equipment.
Any modifications to a vehicle that raise the center of gravity can make
it more likely the vehicle will roll over as a result of a loss of control.
Ford Motor Company recommends that caution be used with any vehicle
equipped with a high load or device (such as ladder racks or pickup box
cover).
Failure to maintain your vehicle properly may void the warranty, increase
your repair cost, reduce vehicle performance and operational capabilities
and adversely affect driver and passenger safety. Frequent inspection of
vehicle chassis components is recommended if the vehicle is subjected to
heavy off-road usage.
2006 Ranger(ran)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
155

DRIVING THROUGH WATER
If driving through deep or standing
water is unavoidable, proceed very
slowly especially when the depth is
not known. Never drive through
water that is higher than the bottom
of the wheel rims (for cars) or the
bottom of the hubs (for trucks).
When driving through water, traction or brake capability may be limited.
Also, water may enter your engine’s air intake and severely damage your
engine or your vehicle may stall.Driving through deep water where
the transmission vent tube is submerged may allow water into the
transmission and cause internal transmission damage.
Once through the water, always dry the brakes by moving your
vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake pedal.
Wet brakes do not stop the vehicle as quickly as dry brakes.
CAMPER BODIES
Your Ranger Pickup is not recommended for slide–in camper bodies.
2006 Ranger(ran)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
156

BRAKE FLUID
The fluid level will drop slowly as
the brakes wear, and will rise when
the brake components are replaced.
Fluid levels below the “MAX” line
that do not trigger the brake system
warning lamp are within the normal
operating range, there is no need to
add fluid. If the fluid levels are outside of the normal operating range,
the performance of your brake system could be compromised, seek
service from your authorized dealer immediately.
CLUTCH FLUID (IF EQUIPPED)
Check the fluid level. Refer toscheduled maintenance informationfor
the service interval schedules.
During normal operation, the fluid level in the clutch reservoir should
remain constant. If the fluid level drops, refill the fluid level to the step
in the reservoir.
Use only a DOT 3 brake fluid designed 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.
1. Clean the reservoir cap before
removal to prevent dirt and water
from entering the reservoir.
2. Remove cap and rubber
diaphragm from reservoir.
3. Add fluid until the level reaches
the step in the reservoir.
4. Reinstall rubber diaphragm and
cap onto reservoir.
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking automatic transmission fluid
•Refer toscheduled maintenance informationfor scheduled check
and change intervals.
MAX
2006 Ranger(ran)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
231

A
Air cleaner filter ...............235–236
Airbag supplemental restraint
system ..........................................78
and child safety seats ..............80
description ................................78
disposal ......................................83
driver airbag ..............................81
indicator light ...........................82
operation ...................................81
passenger airbag .......................81
passenger deactivation
switch ........................................83
Ambulance packages ....................9
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................213
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................139
Audio system
(see Radio) ..........18, 20, 23, 27, 30
Automatic transmission ............142
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................143
fluid, refill capacities ..............237
fluid, specification ..................243
Auxiliary power point .................50
Axle
lubricant specifications ..240, 243
refill capacities ........................237
traction lok ..............................141
B
Battery .......................................211
acid, treating emergencies .....211
jumping a disabled battery ....178
maintenance-free ....................211
replacement, specifications ...236
servicing ..................................211Bed extender ..............................55
BeltMinder ...................................73
Brakes ........................................139
anti-lock ...................................139
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................139
fluid, checking and adding ....231
fluid, refill capacities ..............237
fluid, specifications .........240, 243
lubricant specifications ..240, 243
parking ....................................140
shift interlock ..........................142
Bulbs ............................................43
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....237
Cargo area shade ........................55
Cargo net .....................................55
Cell phone use ..............................9
Changing a tire .........................170
Child safety restraints ................88
child safety belts ......................88
Child safety seats ........................92
attaching with tether straps ....96
in front seat ..............................93
in rear seat ................................93
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............193
instrument panel ....................196
interior .....................................196
plastic parts ............................195
safety belts ..............................196
washing ....................................192
waxing .....................................192
wheels ......................................193
wiper blades ............................195
2006 Ranger(ran)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
251

instrument panel, dimming .....40
interior lamps .....................43–44
replacing bulbs ...................43–44
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................42
Lights, warning and indicator ....12
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........139
Load limits .................................117
Loading instructions .................124
Lubricant specifications ...240, 243
Lug nuts ....................................178
Lumbar support, seats .........65–66
M
Manual transmission .................145
fluid capacities ........................237
lubricant specifications ..........243
reverse .....................................146
Mirrors .........................................52
fold away ...................................52
side view mirrors (power) .......52
Motorcraft parts ........197, 218, 236
O
Octane rating ............................223
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................205
P
Parking brake ............................140
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....236
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................164
Power door locks ........................57
Power mirrors .............................52Power point .................................50
Power steering ..........................140
fluid, checking and adding ....229
fluid, refill capacity ................237
fluid, specifications .........240, 243
Power Windows ...........................51
Preparing to drive your
vehicle ........................................141
R
Radio ....................18, 20, 23, 27, 30
CD-MP3 .....................................31
Relays ........................................160
Remote entry system .................58
illuminated entry ......................60
locking/unlocking doors .....57–58
Roadside assistance ..................157
S
Safety Belt Maintenance ............77
Safety belts
(see Safety restraints) .........67–71
Safety defects, reporting ..........191
Safety restraints ....................67–71
belt minder ...............................73
extension assembly ..................72
for adults .............................68–70
for children ...............................88
lap belt ......................................70
safety belt maintenance ...........77
warning light and chime ..........73
Safety seats for children ............92
Safety Compliance
Certification Label ....................245
Seat belts
(see Safety restraints) ...............67
2006 Ranger(ran)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
254