four wheel drive FORD RANGER 2021 Owners Manual

Auxiliary Power Points
Auxiliary Power Points
................................137
Storage Compartments
Glove Compartment ..................................
139
Center Console .............................................
139
Overhead Console .......................................
139
Rear Seat Armrest ......................................
140
Under Seat Storage ....................................
140
Starting and Stopping the Engine
General Information ....................................
141
Ignition Switch ...............................................
141
Keyless Starting ............................................
142
Starting a Gasoline Engine .......................
142
Engine Block Heater ...................................
145
Unique Driving Characteristics
Auto-Start-Stop ...........................................
147
Fuel and Refueling
Safety Precautions .....................................
149
Fuel Quality ...................................................
149
Fuel Filler Funnel Location .......................
150
Running Out of Fuel ...................................
150
Refueling .........................................................
152
Fuel Consumption .......................................
154
Engine Emission Control
Emission Law ................................................
156
Catalytic Converter ......................................
157
Transmission
Automatic Transmission ..........................
160
Four-Wheel Drive
Principle of Operation ...............................
164Using Four-Wheel Drive
............................
164
Rear Axle
Electronic Locking Differential .................
171
Brakes
General Information ....................................
173
Hints on Driving With Anti-Lock Brakes ........................................................................\
.
173
Parking Brake .................................................
174
Hill Start Assist .............................................
174
Traction Control
Principle of Operation ................................
176
Using Traction Control ...............................
176
Stability Control
Principle of Operation .................................
177
Using Stability Control ...............................
178
Terrain Control
Principle of Operation ...............................
180
Trail Control
What Is Trail Control ...................................
182
Switching Trail Control On and Off .......
182
Setting the Trail Control Speed ..............
182
Canceling the Set Speed ..........................
182
Trail Control Indicators ..............................
183
Trail Control – Troubleshooting .............
183
Parking Aids
Principle of Operation ...............................
184
Rear Parking Aid ...........................................
185
Front Parking Aid .........................................
185
Rear View Camera ......................................
186
Cruise Control
Principle of Operation ...............................
190
Using Cruise Control ..................................
190
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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 Table of Contents

Using Adaptive Cruise Control
................191
Driving Aids
Driver Alert .....................................................
198
Lane Keeping System ................................
199
Blind Spot Information System ............
204
Cross Traffic Alert .......................................
207
Steering ...........................................................
210
Pre-Collision Assist ......................................
211
Load Carrying
Load Limit .......................................................
215
Roof Racks and Load Carriers ................
219
Load Retaining Fixtures .............................
219
Towing
Towing a Trailer .............................................
221
Trailer Sway Control ...................................
222
Recommended Towing Weights ...........
222
Essential Towing Checks .........................
224
Towing the Vehicle on Four Wheels ......
227
Driving Hints
Breaking-In ....................................................
230
Economical Driving ....................................
230
Cold Weather Precautions .......................
231
Off-Road Driving ..........................................
231
Driving Through Water ..............................
232
Floor Mats ......................................................
233
Roadside Emergencies
Roadside Assistance .................................
234
Hazard Flashers ...........................................
235
Fuel Shutoff ..................................................
235
Jump Starting the Vehicle .......................
236
Transporting the Vehicle ..........................
238
Towing Points ...............................................
238Customer Assistance
Getting the Services You Need
.............
240
In California (U.S. Only) .............................
241
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) Auto Line Program (U.S. Only) .....................
242
Utilizing the Mediation/Arbitration Program (Canada Only) ......................
243
Getting Assistance Outside the U.S. and Canada .......................................................
243
Ordering Additional Owner's Literature ........................................................................\
245
Reporting Safety Defects (U.S. Only) ........................................................................\
245
Reporting Safety Defects (Canada Only) ........................................................................\
245
Fuses
Fuse Box Locations ....................................
247
Fuse Specification Chart .........................
248
Changing a Fuse .........................................
260
Maintenance
General Information ..................................
262
Opening and Closing the Hood .............
263
Under Hood Overview ..............................
264
Engine Oil Dipstick .....................................
265
Engine Oil Check .........................................
265
Changing the Engine Air Filter ...............
266
Oil Change Indicator Reset ......................
267
Engine Coolant Check ..............................
268
Automatic Transmission Fluid Check ........................................................................\
.
272
Brake Fluid Check ........................................
272
Power Steering Fluid Check ....................
273
Fuel Filter ........................................................
273
Charging the 12V Battery ..........................
273
Changing the 12V Battery ........................
274
Washer Fluid Check ...................................
276
Checking the Wiper Blades .....................
276
Changing the Wiper Blades ....................
276
Adjusting the Headlamps .........................
277
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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 Table of Contents

•
You apply the parking brake with the
ignition on.
• Your vehicle has a brake fault or low
brake fluid level, regardless of parking
brake position. If the lamp illuminates when you
are moving, you may have the
parking brake applied. Make sure
that the parking brake is off.
Have your vehicle checked as
soon as possible if the lamp
continues to illuminate.
Cruise Control Indicator (If Equipped) It illuminates when you switch
the system on.
See
Using Cruise Control
(page 190).
Direction Indicator Flashes when the left or right
direction indicator or the hazard
flasher turns on. An increase in
the rate of flashing warns of a failed
indicator bulb.
Door Ajar Warning Lamp It illuminates when you switch
the ignition on and remains on if
any door is open.
Electronic Locking Differential
(If
Equipped) Illuminates when using the
electronic locking differential. Engine Coolant Temperature
Warning Lamp If it illuminates when your vehicle
is moving, this indicates that the
engine is overheating. Stop your
vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so and
switch the engine off. Have your vehicle
checked as soon as possible.
See
Engine Coolant Check (page 268).
Fasten Seatbelt Warning Lamp It illuminates and a chime
sounds until you fasten the
seatbelts.
Fasten Rear Seatbelt Warning
Lamp
(If Equipped) It illuminates and a chime
sounds until you fasten the rear
seatbelts.
Four-Wheel Drive Indicators
(If
Equipped) Illuminates when four-wheel
drive low is engaged.
Illuminates when four-wheel
drive high is engaged.
Front Airbag If it fails to illuminate when you
start your vehicle, continues to
flash or remains on, it indicates
a malfunction. Have the system checked.
Front Fog Lamp Indicator (If Equipped) It illuminates when you switch
the front fog lamps on.
93
Ranger (TFG) Canada/United States of America, Vehicles Built From: 23-11-2020, MB3J 19A321 AA enUSA, Edition date: 202009, First-Printing Instrument ClusterE270480 E71340 E163170 E71880 E206718 E181780 E181779 E67017

Headlamp High Beam Indicator
It illuminates when you switch
the headlamp high beam on. It
flashes when you use the
headlamp flasher.
Hood Ajar Warning Lamp Illuminates when the ignition is
on and the hood is not
completely closed.
Low Beam Malfunction (If Equipped) Lights when there is a
malfunction with the low beam
headlamp.
Low Fuel Level Warning Lamp If it illuminates when you are
driving, refuel as soon as
possible.
Low Tire Pressure Warning Lamp It illuminates when your tire
pressure is low. If the lamp
remains on with the engine
running or when driving, check the tire
pressure as soon as possible.
It also momentarily illuminates when you
switch the ignition on to confirm the lamp
is functional. If it does not illuminate when
you switch the ignition on, or begins to
flash at any time, have the system checked
by your authorized dealer.
Low Washer Fluid Level Warning
Lamp It illuminates when the washer
fluid is low. Oil Pressure Warning Lamp It illuminates when you switch
the ignition on.
If it illuminates when the engine
is running this indicates a malfunction.
Stop your vehicle as soon as it is safe to
do so and switch the engine off. Check the
engine oil level. If the oil level is sufficient,
this indicates a system malfunction. Have
your vehicle checked as soon as possible.
See Engine Oil Check (page 265).
Parking Lamps It illuminates when you switch
the parking lamps on.
Powertrain Malfunction/Reduced
Power/Electronic Throttle Control Illuminates when the system has
detected a powertrain or a
four-wheel drive fault. Contact
an authorized dealer as soon as possible.
Service Engine Soon If it illuminates when the engine
is running this indicates a
malfunction. The On Board
Diagnostics system has detected a
malfunction of the vehicle emission control
system.
If it flashes, engine misfire may be
occurring. Increased exhaust gas
temperatures could damage the catalytic
converter or other vehicle components.
Drive in a moderate fashion, avoid heavy
acceleration and deceleration and have
your vehicle immediately serviced.
It illuminates when you switch the ignition
on prior to engine start to check the bulb
and to indicate whether your vehicle is
ready for Inspection and Maintenance
(I/M) testing.
94
Ranger (TFG) Canada/United States of America, Vehicles Built From: 23-11-2020, MB3J 19A321 AA enUSA, Edition date: 202009, First-Printing Instrument Cluster E296055 E181350 E132353

Drivetrain
Action
Message
Slow the vehicle to the displayed speed to allow the elec-tronic locking differential to engage.
To Engage Locking
Differential Slow to XX mph/km/h
The electronic locking differential requests the acceleratorto be released in order to engage.
To Engage Locking
Differential Release Accelerator Pedal
An electronic locking differential (ELD) system fault is
present. Have your vehicle checked as soon as possible.
Check Locking Differen-
tial
The transfer case is in the neutral position. This message
indicates that your vehicle is safe to be towed with all four wheels on the ground.
Neutral Tow Enabled
Leave Transmission in Neutral
The transfer case is NOT in the neutral position. This messageindicates that your vehicle is NOT safe to be towed with all four wheels on the ground.
Neutral Tow Disabled
Engine Action
Message
The engine has reduced power to help reduce highengine temperature.
Power Reduced to Lower Engine
Temp
Displays when the accelerator pedal is entrapped or
both accelerator and brake pedals are applied at the same time. Have your vehicle checked as soon as possible.
Brake Applied Power Reduced
Fuel Action
Message
An early reminder of a low fuel condition.
Fuel Level Low
The fuel fill inlet may not be properly closed.
Check Fuel Fill Inlet
109
Ranger (TFG) Canada/United States of America, Vehicles Built From: 23-11-2020, MB3J 19A321 AA enUSA, Edition date: 202009, First-Printing Information Displays

PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
The four-wheel drive system in your vehicle
is a part-time system activated using the
rotary switch mounted in the center
console. In normal rear-wheel drive, the 2H
drive operation system directs torque to
the rear axle. Moving the switch to 4H or
4L directs drive torque to both the front
and rear axles, providing four-wheel drive.
Depending on your vehicle, further
four-wheel drive options may be available
on the switch panel located on the center
console.
USING FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE
Note:
For important information regarding
the safe operation of this type of vehicle,
see General Information in the Wheels and
Tires chapter.
Note: Do not use 4H or 4L mode on dry,
hard surfaced roads. Doing so can produce
excessive noise, increase tire wear and may
damage drive components. 4H or 4L mode
is only intended for consistently slippery or
loose surfaces. Use of 4L mode on these
surfaces may produce some noise, such as
occasional clunks, but should not damage
drive components.
Note: Selecting 4L when your vehicle is
moving, should not perform a shift until your
vehicle is stationary. This is normal and
should be no reason for concern. Refer to
Shifting to or from 4L (4X4 Low) for proper
operation.
Note: You can switch on and switch off the
electronic locking differential by pressing
the locking differential button. See
Electronic Locking Differential (page 171). 4WD Indicator Lights
Note:
When a 4X4 system fault is present,
the system can typically remain in whichever
4X4 mode was selected prior to the fault
condition occurring. It should not default to
4X2 in all circumstances. When the warning
displays, have your vehicle serviced by an
authorized dealer.
4X2 Momentarily illuminates when
you select 2H.
4X4 HIGH Continuously illuminates when
you select 4H.
4X4 LOW Continuously illuminates when
you select 4L.
CHECK 4X4 Displays when a 4X4 fault is
present.
Using the Electronic Shift on the
Fly 4WD system 164
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)E181778 E181779 E181780 E277079

2H (4X2)
For general on-road driving, this mode
provides optimal smoothness and fuel
economy. Sends power to the rear wheels
only.
Note:
2H may engage or disengage based
on terrain mode selection. See Principle of
Operation (page 164).
4H (4X4 HIGH)
Provides mechanically locked four-wheel
drive power to both the front and rear
wheels for use in off-road or winter
conditions such as deep snow, sand or
mud. This mode is not for use on dry
pavement.
Note: 4H may engage or disengage based
on terrain mode selection. See Principle of
Operation
(page 164).
4L (4X4 LOW)
Provides mechanically locked four-wheel
drive power to both the front and rear
wheels with additional gearing for
increased torque multiplication. Intended
only for off-road applications such as deep
sand, steep grades, or pulling heavy
objects.
Note: 4L may engage or disengage based
on terrain mode selection. See Principle of
Operation
(page 164).
Shifting Between 4WD System Modes
Note: Momentarily releasing the accelerator
pedal when performing a shift aids the
performance of engagement or
disengagement.
Note: Do not perform this operation if the
rear wheels are slipping or when applying
the accelerator pedal.
Note: You may hear some noise as the
system shifts or engages; this is normal. You can move the control between 2H to
4H at a stop or when driving up to 68 mph
(110 km/h)
. The information display may
display a message indicating a 4X4 shift
and the LED for the selected mode flashes.
Once the shift is complete, the LED light
for the selected mode remains illuminated.
Shifting To or From 4L (4X4 low)
Note: You may hear some noise as the
system shifts or engages; this is normal.
1. Stop your vehicle when it is safe to do so.
2. Place the transmission in neutral (N).
3. Turn the transfer shift switch from 2H to 4L or 4L to 2H.
The information display should display a
message indicating a 4X4 shift is in
progress followed by the system mode
selected. If any of the above shift
conditions are not present, the shift should
not occur and the information display
shows information guiding you through the
proper shifting procedures.
How Your Vehicle Differs From
Other Vehicles WARNING:
Vehicles with a higher
center of gravity (utility and four-wheel
drive vehicles) handle differently than
vehicles with a lower center of gravity
(passenger cars). Avoid sharp turns,
excessive speed and abrupt steering in
these vehicles. Failure to drive cautiously
increases the risk of losing control of your
vehicle, vehicle rollover, personal injury
and death.
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.
165
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)

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.
166
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.
167
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
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)E143950 E143949