FORD RANGER 2023 Owners Manual

FunctionColor
Running lightsBrown
Reverse lightsGrey
1 Your vehicle must recognize the trailerbefore the trailer can receive power.
Safety Chains
Note:Do not attach safety chains to thebumper. Always connect the safety chainsto the frame or hook retainers of your trailerhitch.
Install trailer safety chains to the trailerhitch as recommended by themanufacturer. Cross the chains under thetrailer tongue and allow enough slack forturning tight corners. Do not allow thechains to drag on the ground.
If the trailer safety chain hook has a latch,make sure the latch is fully closed.
Trailer Brakes
WARNING: Do not connect atrailer's hydraulic brake system directlyto your vehicle's brake system. Yourvehicle may not have enough brakingpower and your chances of having acollision greatly increase.
Electric brakes and manual, automatic orsurge-type trailer brakes are safe if youinstall them properly and adjust them tothe manufacturer's specifications. Thetrailer brakes must meet local and federalregulations.
The rating for the tow vehicle's brakingsystem operation is at the gross vehicleweight rating, not the gross combinedweight rating.
Separate functioning brake systemsare required for safe control of towedvehicles and trailers weighing morethan 1500 lb (680 kg) when loaded.
Trailer Lamps
WARNING: Never connect anytrailer lamp wiring to the vehicle's taillamp wiring; this may damage theelectrical system resulting in fire. Contactyour authorized dealer as soon aspossible for assistance in proper trailertow wiring installation. Additionalelectrical equipment may be required.
Trailer lamps are required on most towedvehicles. Make sure all running lights, brakelights, turn signals and hazard lights areworking.
Before Towing a Trailer
Practice turning, stopping and backing upto get the feel of your vehicle-trailercombination before starting on a trip.When turning, make wider turns so thetrailer wheels clear curbs and otherobstacles.
When Towing a Trailer
•Do not drive faster than 70 mph(113 km/h) during the first 500 mi(800 km).
•Do not make full-throttle starts.
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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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8.Press and hold the OK button until aconfirmation message appears in theinformation display.
Note: If completed successfully, theinformation display shows Neutral TowEnabled Leave Transmission in Neutral.This indicates that your vehicle is safe totow with all wheels on the ground.
Note:If you do not see a confirmationmessage in the instrument cluster display,you must switch your vehicle off andperform the procedure again from thebeginning.
Note:You could hear noise as the transfercase shifts into its neutral position. This isnormal.
9.Leave the transmission in neutral (N)and switch your vehicle off by pressingthe push button ignition switch oncewithout pressing the brake pedal orturning the key as far toward the offposition.
Note:Vehicles with keys do not turn to theoff position when the transmission is inneutral (N). You must leave the key in theignition when towing. Use the keyless entrykeypad or an extra set of keys to lock andunlock your vehicle.
10.Release the brake pedal.
Switching Neutral Tow Off
1.With your vehicle still properly securedto the tow vehicle, switch your vehicleto accessory mode by pressing thepush button ignition switch withoutpressing the brake pedal or by turningthe key to the on position.
2.Press and hold the brake pedal.
3.Shift the transmission out of neutral(N) and into park (P).
Note:If completed successfully, thefour-wheel drive control indicates 2H andthe instrument cluster display showsNeutral Tow Disabled.
Note:If the indicator light and message donot display, you must perform the procedureagain from the beginning.
Note:You could hear a noise as the transfercase shifts out of its neutral position. Thisis normal.
4.Apply the parking brake, thendisconnect your vehicle from the towvehicle.
5.Release the parking brake, start yourvehicle, and shift into drive (D) to makesure the transfer case is out of itsneutral position.
6.If the transfer case does notsuccessfully shift out of its neutralposition, apply the parking brake. Haveyour vehicle checked as soon aspossible.
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BREAKING-IN
You need to break in new tires forapproximately 300 mi (480 km). Duringthis time, your vehicle may exhibit someunusual driving characteristics.
Avoid driving too fast during the first1,000 mi (1,600 km). Vary your speedfrequently and change up through thegears early. Do not labor the engine.
Do not tow during the first 1,000 mi(1,600 km).
ECONOMICAL DRIVING
Your fuel economy is affected by severalthings, such as how you drive, theconditions you drive under, and how youmaintain your vehicle.
You may improve your fuel economy bykeeping these things in mind:
•Accelerate and slow down in a smooth,moderate fashion.
•Drive at steady speeds withoutstopping.
•Anticipate stops; slowing down mayeliminate the need to stop.
•Combine errands and minimizestop-and-go driving.
•Close the windows for high-speeddriving.
•Drive at reasonable speeds (travelingat 55 mph [88 km/h] uses 15% lessfuel than traveling at 65 mph [105km/h]).
•Keep the tires properly inflated and useonly the recommended size.
•Use the recommended engine oil.
•Perform all regularly scheduledmaintenance.
Avoid these actions; they reduce your fueleconomy:
•Sudden accelerations or hardaccelerations.
•Revving the engine before turning it off.
•Idle for periods longer than one minute.
•Warm up your vehicle on coldmornings.
•Use the air conditioner or frontdefroster.
•Use the speed control in hilly terrain.
•Rest your foot on the brake pedal whiledriving.
•Drive a heavily loaded vehicle or tow atrailer.
•Carry unnecessary weight(approximately 1 mpg [0.4 km/L] islost for every 400 lb [180 kilogram] ofweight carried).
•Driving with the wheels out ofalignment.
Conditions
•Heavily loading a vehicle or towing atrailer may reduce fuel economy at anyspeed.
•Adding certain accessories to yourvehicle (for example bug deflectors,rollbars, light bars, running boards, skiracks or luggage racks) may reducefuel economy.
•To maximize the fuel economy, drivewith the tonneau cover installed (ifequipped).
•Using fuel blended with alcohol maylower fuel economy.
•Fuel economy may decrease with lowertemperatures during the first 5–10 mi(12–16 km) of driving.
•Driving on flat terrain offers improvedfuel economy as compared to drivingon hilly terrain.
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•Transmissions give their best fueleconomy when operated in the topcruise gear and with steady pressureon the gas pedal.
•Four-wheel-drive operation (ifequipped) is less fuel efficient thantwo-wheel-drive operation.
COLD WEATHER
PRECAUTIONS
The functional operation of somecomponents and systems can be affectedat temperatures below approximately-13°F (-25°C).
OFF-ROAD DRIVING
Before going off-roading, consult with yourlocal governmental agencies to determinedesignated off-road trails and recreationareas. Also, be sure to understand anyoff-road vehicle registration requirementsfor the area in which you plan on driving.
Before taking your vehicle off-roading, abasic vehicle inspection should be done tomake sure that the vehicle is in top workingcondition.
Basic Off-road Driving Techniques
•Grip the steering wheel with thumbson the outside of the rim. This reducesthe risk of injury due to abrupt steeringwheel motions that occur whennegotiating rough terrain. Do not gripthe steering wheel with thumbs insidethe rim.
•Look ahead on your route notingupcoming obstacles, surface textureor color changes or any other factorswhich may indicate a change inavailable traction, and adjust thevehicle speed and route accordingly.
•Always keep available groundclearance in mind and pick a route thatminimizes the risk of catching theunderside of the vehicle on an obstacle.
•When negotiating low speed obstacles,applying light brake pressure inconjunction with the throttle helpsprevent the vehicle from jerking andallows you to negotiate the obstaclein a more controlled manner. Using 4Lalso helps with this.
Crossing Obstacles
•Review the path ahead beforeattempting to cross any obstacle. It isbest if the obstacle is reviewed fromoutside the vehicle so that there is agood understanding of terrain conditionboth in front of and behind theobstacle.
•If a large obstacle such as a rockcannot be avoided, choose a path thatplaces the rock directly under the tirerather than the undercarriage of thevehicle. This helps prevent damage toyour vehicle.
Hill Climbing
WARNING: Extreme care shouldbe used when steering the vehicle inreverse down a slope so as not to causethe vehicle to swerve out of control.
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•Always attempt to climb a steep hillalong the fall line of the slope and notdiagonally.
•If the vehicle is unable to make it upthe hill, DO NOT attempt to turn backdown the slope. Place the vehicle inlow range and slowly back down inreverse.
•When descending a steep slope, selectlow gear and activate hill descentcontrol. Use the throttle and brakepedals to control your descent speedas described earlier in this section usinghill descent control. Hill descent controlis functional in reverse (R) and shouldbe used in this situation.
After Off-Road Driving
It is important to complete a full vehicleinspection after off-road driving. Someitems to check include:
•Check the wheels and undercarriagefor a buildup of mud or debris, whichcan cause vehicle vibration.
•Make sure that the grille and radiatorare clear of any obstructions that mayaffect cooling.
•Make sure that the brakes are in properworking order and free of any mud,stones and debris, which can becometrapped around the brake rotor,backing plate and caliper.
•Check that the air filter is clean and dry.
•Inspect for torn or punctured boots onball joints, half shafts, steering gears.
•Inspect exhaust system for damage orlooseness.
•Inspect undercarriage fasteners. If anyare loose or damaged, tighten orreplace and make sure that you use theproper torque specification.
•Inspect the wheels for dents, cracks,or other damage.
•Clear any debris from the exhaustcomponents. For example, grass or hay.
DRIVING THROUGH WATER
WARNING: Do not drive throughflowing or deep water as you may losecontrol of your vehicle.
Note:Driving through standing water cancause vehicle damage.
Note:Engine damage can occur if waterenters the air filter.
Before driving through standing water,check the depth. Never drive through waterthat is higher than the bottom of the wheelhubs.
When driving through standing water, drivevery slowly and do not stop your vehicle.Your brake performance and traction maybe limited. After driving through water andas soon as it is safe to do so:
•Lightly press the brake pedal to dry thebrakes and to check that they work.
•Check that the horn works.
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•Check that the exterior lights work.
•Turn the steering wheel to check thatthe steering power assist works.
FLOOR MATS
WARNING: Use a floor matdesigned to fit the footwell of yourvehicle that does not obstruct the pedalarea. Failure to follow this instructioncould result in the loss of control of yourvehicle, personal injury or death.
WARNING: Pedals that cannotmove freely can cause loss of vehiclecontrol and increase the risk of seriouspersonal injury.
WARNING: Secure the floor matto both retention devices so that itcannot slip out of position and interferewith the pedals. Failure to follow thisinstruction could result in the loss ofcontrol of your vehicle, personal injury ordeath.
WARNING: Do not place additionalfloor mats or any other covering on topof the original floor mats. This couldresult in the floor mat interfering with theoperation of the pedals. Failure to followthis instruction could result in the loss ofcontrol of your vehicle, personal injury ordeath.
WARNING: Always make sure thatobjects cannot fall into the driver footwell while your vehicle is moving. Objectsthat are loose can become trappedunder the pedals causing a loss ofvehicle control.
To install floor mats that have eyelets,position the floor mat eyelet over theretention post and press down to lock inposition. Repeat for all eyelets on the floormat.
To remove the floor mats, reverse theinstallation procedure.
Note:Regularly check the floor mats tomake sure they are secure.
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ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE
Vehicles Sold in the United States:Getting Roadside Assistance
To fully assist you should you have avehicle concern, Ford Motor Companyoffers a complimentary roadsideassistance program. This program isseparate from the New Vehicle LimitedWarranty.
The service is available:
•24 hours a day, seven days a week.
•For the coverage period supplied withyour vehicle.
Roadside Assistance covers:
•A flat tire change with a good spare(except vehicles supplied with a tireinflation kit).
•Battery jump start.
•Lock-out assistance (key replacementcost is the customer's responsibility).
•Fuel delivery — independent servicecontractors, if not prohibited by state,local or municipal law, shall deliver upto 2 gal (8 L) of gasoline or 5 gal (20 L)of diesel fuel to a disabled vehicle.Roadside Assistance limits fuel deliveryservice to two no-charge occurrenceswithin a 12-month period.
•Winch out — available within 100 ft(30 m) of a paved or countymaintained road, no recoveries.
•Towing — independent servicecontractors, if not prohibited by state,local or municipal law, shall tow Fordeligible vehicles to an authorized dealerwithin 35 mi (56 km) of thedisablement location or to the nearestauthorized dealer. If a memberrequests a tow to an authorized dealerthat is more than 35 mi (56 km) fromthe disablement location, the membershall be responsible for any mileagecosts in excess of 35 mi (56 km).
•Roadside Assistance includes up to$200 for a towed trailer if the disabledeligible vehicle requires service at thenearest authorized dealer. If the towingvehicle is operational but the trailer isnot, then the trailer does not qualify forany roadside services.
Vehicles Sold in the United States:Using Roadside Assistance
Complete the roadside assistanceidentification card and place it in yourwallet for quick reference. This card is inthe Owner's Manual kit.
United States vehicle customers whorequire Roadside Assistance, call1-800-241-3673.
If you need to arrange roadside assistancefor yourself, Ford Motor Companyreimburses a reasonable amount fortowing to the nearest dealership within35 mi (56 km). To obtain reimbursementinformation, United States vehiclecustomers call 1-800-241-3673.Customers need to submit their originalreceipts.
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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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