automatic transmission FORD RANGER 2023 User Guide

Four-wheel drive vehicles have advantagesover two-wheel drive vehicles in snow andice but can skid like any other vehicle.Should you start to slide when driving onsnowy or icy roads, turn the steering wheelin the direction of the slide until you regaincontrol.
Avoid sudden applications of power andquick changes of direction on snow andice. Apply the accelerator slowly andsteadily when starting from a full stop.
Avoid sudden braking. Although afour-wheel drive vehicle may acceleratebetter than a two-wheel drive vehicle insnow and ice, it cannot stop any faster asbraking occurs at all four wheels. Do notbecome overconfident of road conditions.
Make sure you allow sufficient distancebetween you and other vehicles forstopping. Drive slower than usual andconsider using one of the lower gears. Inemergency stopping situations, apply thebrake steadily. Do not pump the brakepedal. See Hints on Driving WithAnti-Lock Brakes (page 175).
If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck In Mud orSnow
WARNING: Do not spin the wheelsat over 34 mph (55 km/h). The tires mayfail and injure a passenger or bystander.
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow,you may rock it out by shifting betweenforward and reverse gears, stoppingbetween shifts in a steady pattern. Presslightly on the accelerator in each gear.
Note:Do not rock your vehicle if the engineis not at normal operating temperature,damage to the transmission could occur.
Note:Do not rock your vehicle for morethan a minute, damage to the transmissionand tires could occur or the engine couldoverheat.
Parking
WARNING: If the parking brake isfully released, but the brake warninglamp remains illuminated, the brakesmay not be working properly. Have yourvehicle checked as soon as possible.
WARNING: Apply the parkingbrake, shift into park (P), switch theignition off and remove the key beforeyou leave your vehicle. Failure to followthis instruction could result in personalinjury or death.
On four-wheel drive vehicles, when thetransfer case is in the neutral (N) position,the engine and transmission disconnectfrom the rest of the driveline. Therefore,your vehicle is free to roll even if theautomatic transmission is in park (P) orthe manual transmission is in gear. Do notleave your vehicle unattended with thetransfer case in the neutral (N) position.Fully set the parking brake and turn off theignition when leaving your vehicle.
Maintenance and Modifications
We designed and tested the suspensionand steering systems on your vehicle toprovide predictable performance whetherloaded or empty. For this reason, westrongly recommend that you do not makemodifications such as adding or removingparts that include lift kits or stabilizer bars,or by using replacement parts notequivalent to the original factoryequipment.
We recommend that you use caution whenyour vehicle has either a high load or devicesuch as ladders or luggage racks. Anymodifications to your vehicle that raise thecenter of gravity could cause your vehicleto roll over when there is a loss of vehiclecontrol.
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2023 Ranger (TFG) Canada/United States of America, Vehicles Built From: 10-10-2022, enUSA, Edition date: 202208, First-PrintingFour-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)

2.If the sensors detect that your vehicleis on a slope, the system activatesautomatically.
3.When you remove your foot from thebrake pedal, your vehicle remains onthe slope without rolling away forabout two to three seconds. This holdtime automatically extends if you arein the process of driving off.
4.Drive off in the normal manner. Thesystem releases the brakesautomatically.
Note:When you remove your foot from thebrake pedal and press the pedal again whenthe system is active, you will experiencesignificantly reduced brake pedal travel. Thisis normal.
Switching the System On and Off
Vehicles with Automatic Transmission
You cannot turn the system on or off.When you switch the ignition on, thesystem automatically turns on.
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Vehicle without stability controlskidding off its intended route.A
Vehicle with stability controlmaintaining control on a slipperysurface.
B
USING STABILITY CONTROL
AdvanceTrac™ with Roll StabilityControl™ (RSC™)
The system automatically turns on eachtime you switch the ignition on.
You can switch the electronic stabilitycontrol systems off.
When you shift the transmission intoreverse (R), the systems are disabled.
You can switch the traction control systemoff or on independently. See UsingTraction Control (page 178).
AdvanceTrac with RSC Features
Tractioncontrol systemElectronicstabilitycontrol
Roll stabilitycontrolStabilitycontrol OFFlight
Button func-tions
EnabledEnabledEnabledIlluminatedduring bulbcheck
Default at start-up
DisabledEnabledEnabledIlluminatedButton pressedmomentarily
DisabledDisabledAfter Enabled1IlluminatedButton pressedand held formore than 5seconds
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WHAT IS TRAIL CONTROL
WARNING: The system does notcontrol speed in low traction conditionsor extremely steep slopes. The systemis designed to be an aid and does notrelieve you of your responsibility to drivewith due care and attention. Failure tofollow this instruction could result inpersonal injury.
WARNING: The system does notreplace the parking brake. When youleave your vehicle, always apply theparking brake and shift the transmissioninto park (P) for automatic transmissionor first gear for manual transmission.
Trail control lets you focus on steeringduring low-speed and off-road use bycontrolling your vehicle's acceleration andbraking.
You can use trail control under thefollowing speeds:
•20 mph (31 km/h) in two-wheel orfour-wheel drive high range.
•10 mph (15 km/h) in four-wheel drivelow range.
•5 mph (8 km/h) in reverse (R).
You may hear a noise from the anti-lockbrake system pump motor when you usethe system. This is normal.
SWITCHING TRAIL CONTROL
ON AND OFF
Press the button.
The system switches off if you press thebutton again or exceed 42 mph (68 km/h).
SETTING THE TRAIL CONTROL
SPEED
Note:The buttons are on the steeringwheel.
Drive to the speed you prefer.
Press the button to increase thecurrent set speed.
Press the button to decrease thecurrent set speed.
Note:The indicator changes color.
You can adjust the set speed in small orlarge increments. Press the toggle buttonupward or downward once to adjust theset speed in small increments. Press andhold the toggle button upward ordownward to adjust the set speed in largeincrements.
You can also adjust the set speed bybraking.
Note:Pressing the brake pedal does notswitch off the system.
CANCELING THE SET SPEED
Press the button.
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BLIND SPOT INFORMATION
SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)
WARNING: Do not use the blindspot information system as areplacement for using the interior andexterior mirrors or looking over yourshoulder before changing lanes. Theblind spot information system is not areplacement for careful driving.
WARNING: The system may notoperate properly during severe weatherconditions, for example snow, ice, heavyrain and spray. Always drive with duecare and attention. Failure to take caremay result in a crash.
The system is designed to detect vehiclesthat may have entered the blind spot zone.The detection area is on both sides of yourvehicle, approximately extending rearwardfrom the exterior mirrors to 13 ft (4 m)beyond the rear bumper. The detectionarea approximately extends to 59 ft (18 m)beyond the rear bumper when the vehiclespeed is greater than 30 mph (48 km/h)to alert you of faster approaching vehicles.
Note:The system does not prevent contactwith other vehicles. It is not designed todetect parked vehicles, pedestrians, animalsor other infrastructures.
Using the Blind Spot InformationSystem
Vehicles with Automatic Transmission
The system turns on when all of thefollowing occur:
•You start your vehicle.
•You shift into drive (D).
•The vehicle speed is greater than6 mph (10 km/h).
Note:The system does not operate in park(P) or reverse (R).
System Lights and Messages
When the system detects a vehicle, analert indicator illuminates in the exteriormirror on the side the approaching vehicleis coming from. If you turn the directionindicator on for that side of your vehicle,the alert indicator flashes.
Note:The system may not alert you if avehicle quickly passes through the detectionzone.
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•Check your hitch, electrical connectionsand trailer wheel lug nuts thoroughlyafter you have traveled 50 mi (80 km).
•When stopped in congested or heavytraffic during hot weather, place thetransmission in park (P) to aid engineand transmission cooling and to helpA/C performance.
•Turn off the speed control with heavyloads or in hilly terrain. The speedcontrol may turn off automaticallywhen you are towing on long, steepgrades.
•Shift to a lower gear when driving downa long or steep hill. Do not apply thebrakes continuously, as they mayoverheat and become less effective.
•If your transmission is equipped with aGrade Assist or Tow/Haul feature, usethis feature when towing. This providesengine braking and helps eliminateexcessive transmission shifting foroptimum fuel economy andtransmission cooling.
•If your vehicle is equipped withAdvanceTrac with RSC, this systemmay turn on during typical corneringmaneuvers with a heavily loaded trailer.This is normal. Turning the corner at aslower speed while towing may reducethis tendency.
•If you are towing a trailer frequently inhot weather, hilly conditions, at thegross combined weight rating, or anycombination of these factors, considerrefilling your rear axle with syntheticgear lubricant if the axle is not alreadyfilled with it. See Capacities andSpecifications (page 325).
•Allow more distance for stopping witha trailer attached. Anticipate stops andbrake gradually.
•Avoid parking on a grade. However, ifyou must park on a grade:
1.Turn the steering wheel to point yourvehicle tires away from traffic flow.
2.Set your vehicle parking brake.
3.Place the automatic transmission inpark (P).
4.Place wheel chocks in front and backof the trailer wheels. Chocks are notincluded with your vehicle.
Your vehicle may be equipped with atemporary or conventional spare tire. Atemporary spare tire is different in diameteror width, tread-type, or is from a differentmanufacturer than the road tires on yourvehicle. Consult information on the tirelabel or Safety Compliance label forlimitations when using.
Launching or Retrieving a Boat orPersonal Watercraft (PWC)
Note:Disconnect the wiring to the trailerbefore backing the trailer into the water.
Note:Reconnect the wiring to the trailerafter removing the trailer from the water.
When backing down a ramp during boatlaunching or retrieval:
•Do not allow the static water level torise above the bottom edge of the rearbumper.
•Do not allow waves to break higherthan 6 in (15 cm) above the bottomedge of the rear bumper.
Exceeding these limits may allow water toenter vehicle components:
•Causing internal damage to thecomponents.
•Affecting driveability, emissions, andreliability.
Replace the rear axle lubricant anytimethe rear axle has been submerged in water.Water may have contaminated the rearaxle lubricant, which is not normallychecked or changed unless a leak issuspected or other axle repair is required.
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TOWING THE VEHICLE ON
FOUR WHEELS
WARNING: If your vehicle has asteering wheel lock make sure theignition is in the accessory or on positionwhen being towed.
Emergency Towing
If your vehicle becomes inoperable withoutaccess to wheel dollies, a car-haulingtrailer or a flatbed transport vehicle, youcan flat-tow with all wheels on the ground,regardless of the powertrain andtransmission configuration, under thefollowing conditions:
•Your vehicle is facing forward fortowing in a forward direction.
•Place the transmission in neutral (N).If you cannot move the transmissioninto neutral (N), you may need tooverride the gear shifter. SeeAutomatic Transmission (page 161).
•Maximum speed is 35 mph (55 km/h).
•Maximum distance is 50 mi (80 km).
Recreational Towing
WARNING: Do not disconnect thebattery when recreationally towing yourvehicle. This prevents the transfer casefrom shifting properly and could causethe vehicle to roll, even if thetransmission is in park (P).
WARNING: Placing the transfercase in its neutral position could causeyour vehicle to freely roll. Make sure youpress and hold the brake pedal and thevehicle is in a secure, safe position whenyou place the transfer case in its neutralposition.
Follow these guidelines if you have a needfor recreational towing. An example ofrecreational towing would be towing yourvehicle behind a motorhome. Theseguidelines are to make sure that you donot damage the transmission.
You can only tow your vehicle with allwheels on the ground by placing thetransfer case in its neutral position andengaging the recreational tow feature.Perform the following steps afterpositioning your vehicle behind the towvehicle and properly securing themtogether.
Note:Put your climate control system inrecirculated air mode to prevent exhaustfumes from entering your vehicle.
Note:Failure to put the transfer case in itsneutral position can damage vehiclecomponents.
Note: You can check the towing status atany time by opening the driver door orturning the ignition to the accessory or onposition.Neutral Tow Enabled LeaveTransmission in Neutral appears in theinstrument cluster display to confirm youcan recreationally tow your vehicle.
Switching Neutral Tow On
1.Switch your vehicle to accessory modeby pressing the push button ignitionswitch without pressing the brakepedal or by turning the key to the onposition.
2.Press and hold the brake pedal.
3.Rotate the four-wheel drive control to2H.
4.Shift the transmission to neutral (N).
5.Using the instrument cluster controlson the steering wheel, select Settings.
6.Select Vehicle.
7.Select Neutral Tow.
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2023 Ranger (TFG) Canada/United States of America, Vehicles Built From: 10-10-2022, enUSA, Edition date: 202208, First-PrintingTowing

Vehicles Sold in Canada: GettingRoadside Assistance
To fully assist you should you have avehicle concern, Ford Motor Company ofCanada, Limited offers a complimentaryroadside assistance program. This programis eligible within Canada or the continentalUnited States.
The service is available 24 hours a day,seven days a week.
This program is separate from the NewVehicle Limited Warranty, but the coverageis concurrent with the powertrain coverageperiod of your vehicle. Canadian roadsidecoverage and benefits may differ from theU.S. coverage.
If you require more information, please callus in Canada at 1-800-665-2006, or visitour website at www.ford.ca.
HAZARD FLASHERS
Note:The hazard flashers operate whenthe ignition is in any position, or if the key isnot in the ignition. If used when the vehicleis not running, the battery loses charge. Asa result, there may be insufficient power torestart your vehicle.
The flasher control is on theinstrument panel. Use yourhazard flashers when yourvehicle is creating a safety hazard for othermotorists.
•Press the flasher control and all frontand rear direction indicators flash.
•Press the button again to switch themoff.
JUMP STARTING THE VEHICLE
WARNING: The gases around thebattery can explode if exposed to flames,sparks, or lit cigarettes. An explosioncould result in personal injury or vehicledamage.
WARNING: Batteries containsulfuric acid which can burn skin, eyesand clothing, if contacted.
WARNING: Use only anadequate-sized cable with insulatedclamps.
Preparing Your Vehicle
Note:Do not attempt to push-start yourautomatic transmission vehicle. Automatictransmissions do not have push-startcapability. Attempting to push-start avehicle with an automatic transmission maycause transmission damage.
Note:Use only a 12-volt supply to start yourvehicle.
Note:Do not disconnect the battery of thedisabled vehicle as this could damage thevehicle's electrical system.
Park the booster vehicle close to the hoodof the disabled vehicle, making sure thetwo vehicles do not touch. Turn allaccessories off.
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We recommend the use of a wheel lift anddollies or flatbed equipment to tow yourvehicle. Do not tow with a slingbelt. We donot approve a slingbelt towing procedure.If you tow your vehicle incorrectly, or byany other means, vehicle damage mayoccur.
We produce a towing manual for allauthorized tow truck operators. Have yourtow truck operator refer to this manual forproper hook-up and towing procedures foryour vehicle.
It is acceptable to have your two-wheeldrive vehicle towed with the front wheelson the ground (without dollies) and therear wheels off the ground.
We recommend towing a four-wheel drivevehicle with all wheels off the ground, suchas using a wheel lift and dollies or flatbedequipment. However, it is acceptable touse a wheel lift to raise the rear of yourvehicle so long as, depending on vehicleconfiguration, you perform the followingbefore towing:
•If your vehicle has an electronicshift-on-the-fly transfer case, makesure you switch the four-wheel drivecontrol to the 2H position beforetowing.
Note:Towing an electronic shift-on-the-flyfour-wheel drive vehicle with the frontwheels on the ground without disengagingthe front hubs may cause damage to theautomatic transmission.
Note:Towing a two-wheel drive vehicle oran electronic shift-on-the-fly four-wheeldrive vehicle with the rear wheels on theground for more than 50 mi (80 km) orfaster than 35 mph (56 km/h) may causedamage to the automatic transmission.
TOWING POINTS
Note:Some towing points may not be onyour vehicle.
Front towing eyes.A
Rear safety chain loop.B
Your vehicle comes with frame-mountedfront recovery hooks. These hooks shouldnever have a load applied to them greaterthan the gross vehicle weight rating of yourvehicle.
Before using recovery hooks:
•Make sure all attaching points aresecure and capable of withstandingthe applied load.
•Never use chains, cables or tow strapswith metal hook ends.
•Only use recovery straps that have aminimum breaking strength two tothree times the gross vehicle weight ofthe stuck vehicle.
•Make sure the recovery strap is in goodcondition and free of visible cuts, tearsor damage.
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1.Stop your vehicle as soon as it is safeto do so. Fully apply the parking brake,shift into park (P) or neutral (N).
2.Leave the engine running until thecoolant temperature gauge needlereturns to the normal position. If thetemperature does not drop afterseveral minutes, follow the remainingsteps.
3.Switch the engine off and wait for it tocool. Check the coolant level.
4.If the coolant level is at or below theminimum mark, add prediluted coolantimmediately.
5.If the coolant level is normal, restartthe engine and continue.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
FLUID CHECK
Note:Transmission fluid should be checkedby an authorized dealer. If required, fluidshould be added by an authorized dealer.
Have an authorized dealer check andchange the transmission fluid at thecorrect service interval. See Maintenance(page 263).Your transmission does notconsume fluid. However, the fluid levelshould be checked if the transmission isnot working properly, (i.e., if thetransmission slips or shifts slowly) or if younotice some sign of fluid leakage.
Do not use supplemental transmissionfluid additives, treatments or cleaningagents. The use of these materials mayaffect transmission operation and resultin damage to internal transmissioncomponents.
BRAKE FLUID CHECK
WARNING: Do not use any fluidother than the recommended brake fluidas this will reduce brake efficiency. Useof incorrect fluid could result in the lossof vehicle control, serious personal injuryor death.
WARNING: Only use brake fluidfrom a sealed container. Contaminationwith dirt, water, petroleum products orother materials may result in brakesystem damage or failure. Failure toadhere to this warning could result in theloss of vehicle control, serious personalinjury or death.
WARNING: Do not allow the fluidto touch your skin or eyes. If thishappens, rinse the affected areasimmediately with plenty of water andcontact your physician.
WARNING: The brake systemcould be affected if the brake fluid levelis below the MIN mark or above the MAXmark on the brake fluid reservoir.
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