ESP FORD RANGER 2021 Owner's Manual

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 of the
steering wheel.
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 steering and braking
control of your vehicle, you must have all
four wheels on the ground and they must
be rolling, not sliding or spinning.
Driving Off-Road With Truck and
Utility Vehicles
Note:
On some models, the initial shift from
two-wheel drive to four-wheel drive when
your vehicle is moving can cause some
momentary clunk or ratchet sounds. This is
the front drivetrain coming up to speed.
Note: Your vehicle may have a front air
dam. Due to low ground clearance, you can
damage it when taking your vehicle off-road.
You can take the air dam off by removing
the bolts that secure it.
Note: Momentarily releasing the
accelerator pedal when a shift in progress
message displays, should improve
engagement or disengagement
performance.
Four-wheel drive vehicles are specially
designed 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. The transfer case supplies power to all four
wheels. On four-wheel drive vehicles, the
transfer case allows you to select different
4WD modes when necessary. You can find
information on transfer case operation and
shifting procedures in this chapter. You can
find information on transfer case
maintenance in the Maintenance chapter.
You should become thoroughly familiar
with this information before you operate
your vehicle.
Four-wheel drive uses all four wheels to
power your vehicle. This increases traction,
enabling you to drive over terrain and road
conditions that a conventional two-wheel
drive vehicle cannot.
Basic Operating Principles
•
Drive slower in strong crosswinds which
can affect the normal steering
characteristics of your vehicle.
• When driving your vehicle on surfaces
made slippery by loose sand, water,
gravel, snow or ice proceed with care.
• Do not use 4H or 4L on dry, hard
surfaced roads. Doing so can produce
excessive noise, increase tire wear and
may damage drive components. 4H or
4L modes are only for consistently
slippery or loose surfaces.
If Your Vehicle Leaves the Road
If your vehicle leaves the road, reduce your
vehicle speed and avoid severe braking.
When your vehicle speed decreases, ease
your vehicle back onto the road. Do not
sharply turn the steering wheel when
returning your vehicle to the road.
It may be safer to stay on the shoulder of
the road and gradually slow down before
returning to the road. You may lose control
if you do not slow down or if you too
sharply or abruptly turn the steering wheel.
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Ranger (TFG) Canada/United States of America, Vehicles Built From: 23-11-2020, MB3J 19A321 AA enUSA, Edition date: 202009, First-Printing Four-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)

It may be less risky to strike small objects,
such as freeway reflectors, with minor
damage to your vehicle rather than
attempt a sudden return to the road which
could cause your vehicle to slide sideways
out of control or roll over. Remember, your
safety and the safety of others should be
your primary concern.
Emergency Maneuvers
In an unavoidable emergency situation
where a sudden sharp turn must be made,
remember to avoid over-driving your
vehicle and turn the steering wheel only as
rapidly and as far as required to avoid the
emergency. Excessive steering can result
in loss of vehicle control. Apply smooth
pressure to the accelerator pedal or brake
pedal when you require changes in vehicle
speed. Avoid abrupt steering, acceleration
and braking. This could result in an
increased risk of vehicle roll over, loss of
vehicle control and personal injury. Use the
available road surface to bring your vehicle
to a safe direction of travel.
In the event of an emergency stop, avoid
skidding the tires and do not attempt any
sharp steering wheel movements.
If your vehicle goes from one type of
surface to another such as concrete to
gravel there can be a change in the way
your vehicle responds to a maneuver using
steering, acceleration or braking.
Driving in Special Conditions with
Four-Wheel Drive
Four-wheel drive vehicles are suitable for
driving on sand, snow, mud and rough
roads and have operating characteristics
that are somewhat different from
conventional vehicles, both on and off the
freeway.
When driving at slow speeds off road under
high load conditions, use a low gear when
possible. Low gear operation maximizes
the engine and transmission cooling
capability.
Basic Operating Principles
When driving your vehicle on surfaces
made slippery by loose sand, water, gravel,
snow or ice proceed with care.
Sand
When driving over sand, try to keep all four
wheels on the most solid area of the trail.
Shift to a lower gear and drive steadily
through the terrain. Apply the accelerator
slowly and avoid excessive wheel slip.
Do not drive your vehicle in deep sand for
an extended period of time. This can cause
the system to overheat.
To resume operation, switch the ignition
off and allow the system to cool down for
a minimum of 15 minutes.
When driving at slow speeds in deep sand
under high outside temperatures, use a low
gear when possible. Low gear operation
maximizes the engine and transmission
cooling capability.
Avoid driving at excessive speeds, this
causes vehicle momentum to work against
you and your vehicle could 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
Mud
Be cautious of sudden changes in vehicle
speed or direction when you are driving in
mud. Even four-wheel drive vehicles can
lose traction in slick mud. If your vehicle
does slide, steer in the direction of the slide
until you regain control of your vehicle.
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Ranger (TFG) Canada/United States of America, Vehicles Built From: 23-11-2020, MB3J 19A321 AA enUSA, Edition date: 202009, First-Printing Four-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)

After driving through mud, clean off residue
stuck to rotating driveshafts and tires.
Excess mud stuck on tires and rotating
driveshafts can cause an imbalance that
could damage drive components.
Water
If you must drive through high water, drive
slowly. Traction or brake capability may
be limited.
When driving through water, determine the
depth and avoid water higher than the
bottom of the hubs. If the ignition system
gets wet, your vehicle may stall.
Once through water, try the brakes. Wet
brakes do not stop your vehicle as
effectively as dry brakes. Drying improves
by applying light pressure to the brake
pedal when slowly moving.
Note:
Driving through deep water may
damage the transmission. If the front or rear
axle is submerged in water, the axle
lubricant and power transfer unit lubricant
should be checked and changed if
necessary. “Tread Lightly
” is an educational program
designed to increase public awareness of
land-use regulations and responsibilities
in our nations wilderness areas. Ford Motor
Company joins the U.S. Forest Service and
the Bureau of Land Management in
encouraging you to help preserve our
national forest and other public and private
lands by “treading lightly. ” Driving on Hilly or Sloping Terrain
Although natural obstacles may make it
necessary to travel diagonally up or down
a hill or steep incline, you should drive
straight up or straight down.
Note:
Avoid turning on steep slopes or hills.
A danger lies in losing traction; slipping
sideways and possible vehicle roll over.
Whenever driving on a hill, determine
beforehand the route you intend to use. Do
not drive over the crest of a hill without
seeing what conditions are on the other side.
Do not drive in reverse over a hill without the
aid of an observer.
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 your vehicle stalls, do not try to turn
around because this could cause vehicle
roll over. It is better to reverse back to a
safe location.
Apply just enough power to the wheels to
climb the hill. Too much power could cause
the tires to slip, spin or lose traction,
resulting in loss of vehicle control. 168
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ELECTRONIC LOCKING
DIFFERENTIAL (IF EQUIPPED)
Note: Do not operate the system on dry
hard surface roads. Doing so could lead to
excessive tire noise and wear. Use the
system only on consistently slippery or loose
surfaces.
The system locks the left and right portions
of the rear axle together to form a solid
driving axle, resulting in increased rear
wheel traction in certain conditions.
Press and hold the electronic differential
lock button for 2 seconds to activate the
system.
Note: The lock button is on the center
console. The electronic differential lock can lock
and unlock when the internal gears are
aligned and no torque load is placed on
the differential. To aid alignment, drive the
vehicle in a straight line with the
accelerator pedal released. Alternatively,
drive slowly forward and backward while
moving the steering wheel from side to side
to allow the electronic differential lock to
lock. High vehicle speed and high accelerator
pedal application inhibit the electronic
locking differential system engagement.
Follow the instruction on the instrument
cluster for engagement and
disengagement.
Note:
You can use the system in any drive
mode 2H, 4H or 4L.
Note: When you engage the system, the
Electronic Stability Program (ESP) functions
such as Stability Control, Traction Control,
Hill Descent Control, Emergency stop signal,
Hill Start Assist and Trailer Sway Control
are deactivated, the ESP Off indicator
illuminates, and the HDC on indicator turns
off.
Note: When the anti-lock braking system
is operating, the system disengages.
The electronic locking differential system
can affect various terrain modes. See
Principle of Operation
(page 180).
Operating Electronic Locking
Differential with Spare or
Mismatched Tires
The size of the spare tire can affect the
performance of the electronic locking
differential system. When there is a
significant size difference between the two
rear tires, you could have limited electronic
locking differential functionality. If your
electronic locking differential has difficulty
disengaging, release your accelerator pedal
and turn the steering wheel in the opposite
direction while rolling forward.
Note: We recommend that you engage and
disengage the electronic locking differential
when stopped, and a spare tire is mounted
on the rear axle.
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Ranger (TFG) Canada/United States of America, Vehicles Built From: 23-11-2020, MB3J 19A321 AA enUSA, Edition date: 202009, First-Printing Rear AxleE277073

Note:
If the system activates, the brake
pedal may pulse and may travel further.
Maintain pressure on the brake pedal. You
may also hear a noise from the system. This
is normal.
PARKING BRAKE WARNING: Always fully apply the
parking brake and make sure you shift
into park (P). Switch the ignition off and
remove the key whenever you leave your
vehicle.
To apply the parking brake:
1. Firmly press the brake pedal.
2. Pull the parking brake lever upward to its fullest extent.
Note: Do not press the release button when
pulling the parking brake lever upward.
Note: If you park your vehicle on a hill and
facing uphill, shift into park (P) and turn the
steering wheel away from the curb.
Note: If you park your vehicle on a hill and
facing downhill, shift into park (P) and turn
the steering wheel toward the curb.
To release the parking brake:
1. Firmly press the brake pedal.
2. Slightly pull the parking brake lever upward.
3. Press the release button and push the parking brake lever downward.
HILL START ASSIST WARNING:
The system does not
replace the parking brake. When you
leave your vehicle, always apply the
parking brake. WARNING:
You must remain in
your vehicle when the system turns on.
At all times, you are responsible for
controlling your vehicle, supervising the
system and intervening, if required.
Failure to take care may result in the loss
of control of your vehicle, serious
personal injury or death. WARNING:
The system will turn
off if a malfunction is apparent or if you
rev the engine excessively. Failure to take
care may result in the loss of control of
your vehicle, serious personal injury or
death.
The system makes it easier to pull away
when your vehicle is on a slope without the
need to use the parking brake.
When the system is active, your vehicle
remains stationary on the slope for two to
three seconds after you release the brake
pedal. This allows time to move your foot
from the brake to the accelerator pedal.
The system releases the brakes
automatically once the engine has
developed sufficient torque to prevent your
vehicle from rolling down the slope. This
is an advantage when pulling away on a
slope, for example from a car park ramp,
traffic lights or when reversing uphill into
a parking space.
The system activates on any slope that
causes your vehicle to roll.
Note: There is no warning light to indicate
the system is either on or off.
Using Hill Start Assist
1. Press the brake pedal to bring your vehicle to a complete standstill. Keep
the brake pedal pressed and shift into
first gear when facing uphill or reverse
(R) when facing downhill.
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Ranger (TFG) Canada/United States of America, Vehicles Built From: 23-11-2020, MB3J 19A321 AA enUSA, Edition date: 202009, First-Printing Brakes

Note:
Operating your vehicle in any of the
off-road modes does not guarantee that it
cannot become stuck in sand, snow or mud
or other debris. It is your responsibility to
assess off-road situations and determine if
the terrain is passable.
Transfer Case Availability Sand
Mud/Ruts
Grass/Gravel/
Snow
Normal 1
Drive selection
/ Terrain mode
Not Available
Not Available
Not Available
Available
4x2
Available
Available
Available
Available
4x4 High
Available
Available
Available
Available
4x4 Low
1 Default Terrain Mode across ignition cycles.
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Ranger (TFG) Canada/United States of America, Vehicles Built From: 23-11-2020, MB3J 19A321 AA enUSA, Edition date: 202009, First-Printing Terrain Control (If Equipped)

WHAT IS TRAIL CONTROL
WARNING: The system does not
control speed in low traction conditions
or extremely steep slopes. The system
is designed to be an aid and does not
relieve you of your responsibility to drive
with due care and attention. Failure to
follow this instruction could result in
personal injury. WARNING:
The system does not
replace the parking brake. When you
leave your vehicle, always apply the
parking brake and shift the transmission
into park (P) for automatic transmission
or first gear for manual transmission.
Trail control lets you focus on steering
during low-speed and off-road use by
controlling your vehicle's acceleration and
braking.
You can use trail control under the
following speeds:
• 20 mph (31 km/h)
in two-wheel or
four-wheel drive high range.
• 10 mph (15 km/h)
in four-wheel drive
low range.
• 5 mph (8 km/h)
in reverse (R).
You may hear a noise from the anti-lock
brake system pump motor when you use
the system. This is normal.
SWITCHING TRAIL CONTROL
ON AND OFF Press the button.
The system switches off if you press the
button again or exceed 42 mph (68 km/h). SETTING THE TRAIL CONTROL
SPEED
Note:
The buttons are on the steering
wheel.
Drive to the speed you prefer. Press the button to increase the
current set speed.
Press the button to decrease the
current set speed.
Note: The indicator changes color.
You can adjust the set speed in small or
large increments. Press the toggle button
upward or downward once to adjust the
set speed in small increments. Press and
hold the toggle button upward or
downward to adjust the set speed in large
increments.
You can also adjust the set speed by
braking.
Note: Pressing the brake pedal does not
switch off the system.
CANCELING THE SET SPEED Press the button.
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Ranger (TFG) Canada/United States of America, Vehicles Built From: 23-11-2020, MB3J 19A321 AA enUSA, Edition date: 202009, First-Printing Trail Control
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PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
Cruise control lets you maintain a set
speed without keeping your foot on the
accelerator pedal. You can use cruise
control when your vehicle speed is greater
than 20 mph (30 km/h).
USING CRUISE CONTROL WARNING:
Do not use cruise
control on winding roads, in heavy traffic
or when the road surface is slippery. This
could result in loss of vehicle control,
serious injury or death. WARNING:
When you are going
downhill, your vehicle speed could
increase above the set speed. The
system does not apply the brakes.
Note: The system cancels if your vehicle
speed drops below 10 mph (16 km/h) under
the set speed when driving uphill. The cruise controls are on the steering
wheel.
See Cruise Control (page 73).
Switching Cruise Control On
Press
ON. The indicator appears in the
information display.
Setting the Cruise Speed
Drive to the speed you prefer. Press to set the current speed.
Press to set the current speed.
Take your foot off the accelerator pedal.
Note: The indicator changes color.
Changing the Set Speed Press and release to increase the
set speed in small increments.
Press and release to decrease
the set speed in small
increments.
Press and hold either button to accelerate
or decelerate, respectively. Release the
button when you reach the speed you
prefer.
Press the accelerator or brake pedal until
you reach the speed you prefer. Press
either button.
Note: If you accelerate by pressing only the
accelerator pedal, the set speed does not
change. When you release the accelerator
pedal, your vehicle returns to the speed that
you previously set.
Canceling the Set Speed Press the button, or tap the
brake pedal to cancel the set
speed.
Note: The system remembers the set
speed.
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Ranger (TFG) Canada/United States of America, Vehicles Built From: 23-11-2020, MB3J 19A321 AA enUSA, Edition date: 202009, First-Printing Cruise Control
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When a vehicle ahead of you enters the
same lane or a slower vehicle is ahead in
the same lane, the vehicle speed adjusts
to maintain a preset gap distance. A
vehicle graphic illuminates in the
instrument cluster.
Your vehicle maintains a consistent gap
from the vehicle ahead until:
•
The vehicle in front of you accelerates
to a speed above the set speed.
• The vehicle in front of you moves out
of the lane you are in.
• Your vehicle speed falls below 12 mph
(20 km/h).
• You set a new gap distance.
The system applies the brakes to slow your
vehicle to maintain a safe gap distance
from the vehicle in front. The system only
applies limited braking. You can override
the system by applying the brakes.
If the system determines that its maximum
braking level is not sufficient, an audible
warning sounds, a message appears in the
information display and an indicator
flashes when the system continues to
brake. Take immediate action.
Setting the Gap Distance
You can decrease or increase the distance
between your vehicle and the vehicle in
front by pressing the gap control. Press and release to decrease
the gap distance.
Press and release to increase the
gap distance. The selected gap appears in the
information display as shown by the bars
in the image.
Note:
The gap setting is time dependent
and therefore the distance adjusts with your
vehicle speed.
Note: It is your responsibility to select a gap
appropriate to the driving conditions.
Adaptive Cruise Control Gap Settings Dynamic
behavior
Distance Gap
Graphic
display,
bars indic- ated
between vehicles
Sport.
Closest.
1
Normal.
Close.
2
Normal.
Medium.
3
Comfort.
Far.
4
Each time you switch the system on, it
selects the last chosen gap setting.
Overriding the Set Speed WARNING:
If you override the
system by pressing the accelerator
pedal, it does not automatically apply
the brakes to maintain a gap from any
vehicle ahead.
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Switching Adaptive Cruise Control
Off
Press and release the button
when the system is in standby
mode, or switch the ignition off.
Note: You erase the set speed and gap
setting when you switch the system off.
Detection Issues WARNING: On rare occasions,
detection issues can occur due to the
road infrastructures, for example bridges,
tunnels and safety barriers. In these
cases, the system may brake late or
unexpectedly. At all times, you are
responsible for controlling your vehicle,
supervising the system and intervening,
if required. WARNING:
If the system
malfunctions, have your vehicle checked
as soon as possible.
The radar sensor has a limited field of view.
It may not detect vehicles at all or detect
a vehicle later than expected in some
situations. The lead vehicle graphic does
not illuminate if the system does not
detect a vehicle in front of you. Detection issues can occur:
When driving on a different line
than the vehicle in front.
A
With vehicles that edge into your
lane. The system can only detect
these vehicles once they move
fully into your lane.
B
There may be issues with the
detection of vehicles in front
when driving into and coming out
of a bend or curve in the road.
C
In these cases, the system may brake late
or unexpectedly. You should stay alert and
take action when necessary.
If something hits the front end of your
vehicle or damage occurs, the
radar-sensing zone may change. This could
cause missed or false vehicle detection.
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