brake FORD RANGER 2023 Owner's Guide

•Shifting the transmission to neutral andback to drive.
•Shifting the transmission to reverseand back to drive.
•Driving the vehicle around a tight turnat a slow speed.
Driving in Special Conditions withFour-Wheel Drive
Four-wheel drive vehicles are suitable fordriving on sand, snow, mud and roughroads and have operating characteristicsthat are somewhat different fromconventional vehicles, both on and off thefreeway.
When driving at slow speeds off road underhigh load conditions, use a low gear whenpossible. Low gear operation maximizesthe engine and transmission coolingcapability.
Basic Operating Principles
When driving your vehicle on surfacesmade slippery by loose sand, water, gravel,snow or ice, proceed with care.
Sand
When driving over sand, try to keep all fourwheels on the most solid area of the trail.Shift to a lower gear and drive steadilythrough the terrain. Apply the acceleratorslowly and avoid excessive wheel slip.
Do not drive your vehicle in deep sand foran extended period of time. This can causethe system to overheat.
To resume operation, switch the ignitionoff and allow the system to cool down fora minimum of 15 minutes.
When driving at slow speeds in deep sandunder high outside temperatures, use a lowgear when possible. Low gear operationmaximizes the engine and transmissioncooling capability.
Avoid driving at excessive speeds, thiscauses vehicle momentum to work againstyou and your vehicle could become stuckto the point that you could requireassistance from another vehicle.Remember, you may be able to back outthe way you came if you proceed withcaution.
Mud and Water
Mud
Be cautious of sudden changes in vehiclespeed or direction when you are driving inmud. Even four-wheel drive vehicles canlose traction in slick mud. If your vehicledoes slide, steer in the direction of the slideuntil you regain control of your vehicle.
After driving through mud, clean off residuestuck to rotating driveshafts and tires.Excess mud stuck on tires and rotatingdriveshafts can cause an imbalance thatcould damage drive components.
Water
If you must drive through high water, driveslowly. Water may limit traction or brakecapability.
When driving through water, determine thedepth and avoid water higher than thebottom of the hubs. If the ignition systemgets wet, your vehicle could stall.
Once through water, try the brakes. Wetbrakes do not stop your vehicle aseffectively as dry brakes. Drying improvesby applying light pressure to the brakepedal when slowly moving.
Note:Driving through deep water maydamage the transmission. If you submergethe front or rear axle in water, have the axlelubricant and power transfer unit lubricantchecked, and change if necessary.
169
2023 Ranger (TFG) Canada/United States of America, Vehicles Built From: 10-10-2022, enUSA, Edition date: 202208, First-PrintingFour-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)

“Tread Lightly” is an educational programdesigned to increase public awareness ofland-use regulations and responsibilitiesin our nation's wilderness areas. We jointhe U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau ofLand Management in encouraging you tohelp preserve our national forest and otherpublic and private lands by “treadinglightly.”
Driving on Hilly or Sloping Terrain
Although natural obstacles may make itnecessary to travel diagonally up or downa hill or steep incline, you should drivestraight up or straight down.
Note: Avoid turning on steep slopes or hills.A danger lies in losing traction, slippingsideways and possible vehicle roll over. Donot drive over the crest of a hill withoutseeing what conditions are on the other side.Do not drive in reverse over a hill without theaid of an observer. Whenever driving on ahill, determine beforehand the route youintend to use.
When climbing a steep slope or hill, startin a lower gear rather than downshifting toa lower gear from a higher gear once theascent has started. This reduces strain onthe engine and the possibility of stalling.
If your vehicle stalls, do not try to turnaround because this could cause vehicleroll over. It is better to reverse back to asafe location.
Apply just enough power to the wheels toclimb the hill. Too much power could causethe tires to slip, spin or lose traction,resulting in loss of vehicle control.
Descend a hill in the same gear you woulduse to climb up the hill to avoid excessivebrake application and brake overheating.Do not descend in neutral (N). Move thetransmission selector lever to a lower gear.When descending a steep hill, avoidsudden hard braking as you could losecontrol. Make sure the front wheels areturning so you can steer your vehicle.
If your vehicle has anti-lock brakes, steadilyapply the brakes. Do not pump the brakes.
Driving on Snow and Ice
WARNING: If you are driving inslippery conditions that require tirechains or cables, then it is critical thatyou drive cautiously. Keep speeds down,allow for longer stopping distances andavoid aggressive steering to reduce thechances of a loss of vehicle controlwhich can lead to serious injury or death.If the rear end of your vehicle slides whilecornering, steer in the direction of theslide until you regain control of yourvehicle.
Note:Excessive tire slippage can causetransmission damage
170
2023 Ranger (TFG) Canada/United States of America, Vehicles Built From: 10-10-2022, enUSA, Edition date: 202208, First-PrintingFour-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)E143950 E143949

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.
171
2023 Ranger (TFG) Canada/United States of America, Vehicles Built From: 10-10-2022, enUSA, Edition date: 202208, First-PrintingFour-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)

GENERAL INFORMATION
Note: Occasional brake noise is normal. Ifa metal-to-metal, continuous grinding orcontinuous squeal sound is present, thebrake linings may be worn-out and anauthorized dealer should check them. If thevehicle has continuous vibration or shudderin the steering wheel while braking, anauthorized dealer should check your vehicle.
Note: Brake dust may accumulate on thewheels, even under normal drivingconditions. Some dust is inevitable as thebrakes wear and does not contribute tobrake noise. See Cleaning the Wheels(page 289).
Wet brakes result in reduced brakingefficiency. Gently press the brake pedal afew times when driving from a car wash orstanding water to dry the brakes.
Brake Over Accelerator
In the event the accelerator pedalbecomes stuck or entrapped, apply steadyand firm pressure to the brake pedal toslow the vehicle and reduce engine power.If you experience this condition, apply thebrakes and bring your vehicle to a safestop. Switch the engine off, move thetransmission to park (P) and apply theparking brake. Inspect the acceleratorpedal and the area around it for any itemsor debris that may be obstructing itsmovement. If none are found and thecondition persists, have your vehicle towedto the nearest authorized dealer.
Emergency Brake Assist
Emergency brake assist detects when youbrake heavily by measuring the rate atwhich you press the brake pedal. Itprovides maximum braking efficiency aslong as you press the pedal. Emergencybrake assist can reduce stopping distancesin critical situations.
Anti-lock Brake System
This system helps you maintain steeringcontrol during emergency stops by keepingthe brakes from locking.
This lamp momentarilyilluminates when you switch theignition on. If the light does notilluminate during start up, remains on orflashes, the anti-lock braking system maybe disabled. Have the system checked byan authorized dealer. If the anti-lock brakesystem is disabled, normal braking is stilleffective.
See Warning Lamps and Indicators(page 92).
Note:Indicators vary depending on region.
This lamp also illuminatesmomentarily when you switchthe ignition on to confirm thelamp is functional. If it does notilluminate when you switch theignition on, or begins to flash atany time, have the system checked by anauthorized dealer. If the brake warninglamp illuminates with the parking brakereleased, have the system checkedimmediately.
HINTS ON DRIVING WITH
ANTI-LOCK BRAKES
The anti-lock brake system does noteliminate the risks when:
•You drive too closely to the vehicle infront of you.
•Your vehicle is hydroplaning.
•You take corners too fast.
•The road surface is poor.
175
2023 Ranger (TFG) Canada/United States of America, Vehicles Built From: 10-10-2022, enUSA, Edition date: 202208, First-PrintingBrakesE67020 E270480 E67024

Note: If the system activates, the brakepedal could pulse and may travel further.Maintain pressure on the brake pedal. Youmay also hear a noise from the system. Thisis normal.
PARKING BRAKE
WARNING: Always fully apply theparking brake and make sure you shiftinto park (P). Switch the ignition off andremove the key whenever you leave yourvehicle.
To apply the parking brake:
1.Firmly press the brake pedal.
2.Pull the parking brake lever upward toits fullest extent.
Note:Do not press the release button whenpulling the parking brake lever upward.
Note:If you park your vehicle on a hill andfacing uphill, shift into park (P) and turn thesteering wheel away from the curb.
Note:If you park your vehicle on a hill andfacing downhill, shift into park (P) and turnthe steering wheel toward the curb.
To release the parking brake:
1.Firmly press the brake pedal.
2.Slightly pull the parking brake leverupward.
3.Press the release button and push theparking brake lever downward.
HILL START ASSIST
WARNING: The system does notreplace the parking brake. When youleave your vehicle, always apply theparking brake.
WARNING: You must remain inyour vehicle when the system turns on.At all times, you are responsible forcontrolling your vehicle, supervising thesystem and intervening, if required.Failure to take care may result in the lossof control of your vehicle, seriouspersonal injury or death.
WARNING: The system will turnoff if a malfunction is apparent or if yourev the engine excessively. Failure to takecare may result in the loss of control ofyour vehicle, serious personal injury ordeath.
The system makes it easier to pull awaywhen your vehicle is on a slope without theneed to use the parking brake.
When the system is active, your vehicleremains stationary on the slope for two tothree seconds after you release the brakepedal. This allows time to move your footfrom the brake to the accelerator pedal.The system releases the brakesautomatically once the engine hasdeveloped sufficient torque to prevent yourvehicle from rolling down the slope. Thisis an advantage when pulling away on aslope, for example from a car park ramp,traffic lights or when reversing uphill intoa parking space.
The system activates on any slope thatcauses your vehicle to roll.
Note:There is no warning light to indicatethe system is either on or off.
Using Hill Start Assist
1.Press the brake pedal to bring yourvehicle to a complete standstill. Keepthe brake pedal pressed and shift intofirst gear when facing uphill or reverse(R) when facing downhill.
176
2023 Ranger (TFG) Canada/United States of America, Vehicles Built From: 10-10-2022, enUSA, Edition date: 202208, First-PrintingBrakes

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.
177
2023 Ranger (TFG) Canada/United States of America, Vehicles Built From: 10-10-2022, enUSA, Edition date: 202208, First-PrintingBrakes

PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
The traction control system helps avoiddrive wheel spin and loss of traction.
If your vehicle begins to slide, the systemapplies the brakes to individual wheelsand, when needed, reduces engine powerat the same time. If the wheels spin whenaccelerating on slippery or loose surfaces,the system reduces engine power in orderto increase traction.
USING TRACTION CONTROL
WARNING: Operating your vehiclewith the traction control disabled couldlead to an increased risk of loss of vehiclecontrol, vehicle rollover, personal injuryand death.
The system automatically turns on eachtime you switch the ignition on.
If your vehicle is stuck in mud or snow,switching traction control off may bebeneficial as this allows the wheels to spin.
Note:When you switch traction control off,stability control remains fully active.
Switching the System Off
The switch for the stability and tractioncontrol system is on the console.
When you switch the system off, amessage and an illuminated icon appearon the instrument cluster.
Use the switch again to return the tractioncontrol system to normal operation.
Your vehicle may have MyKey restrictionsregarding this feature. See Principle ofOperation (page 59).
System Indicator Lights andMessages
The stability and traction controllight temporarily illuminates onengine start-up and flashes:
•When a driving condition activateseither of the systems.
•If a problem occurs in either of thesystems.
The stability and traction controloff light temporarily illuminateson engine start-up and stays on:
•When you switch the traction controlsystem off.
•When you select an alternative stabilitycontrol mode.
178
2023 Ranger (TFG) Canada/United States of America, Vehicles Built From: 10-10-2022, enUSA, Edition date: 202208, First-PrintingTraction ControlE166706 E138639 E130458

PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
WARNING: Vehicle modificationsinvolving braking system, aftermarketroof racks, suspension, steering system,tire construction and wheel and tire sizemay change the handling characteristicsof your vehicle and may adversely affectthe performance of the electronicstability control system. In addition,installing any stereo loudspeakers mayinterfere with and adversely affect theelectronic stability control system. Installany aftermarket stereo loudspeaker asfar as possible from the front centerconsole, the tunnel, and the front seatsin order to minimize the risk of interferingwith the electronic stability controlsensors. Reducing the effectiveness ofthe electronic stability control systemcould lead to an increased risk of loss ofvehicle control, vehicle rollover, personalinjury and death.
WARNING: Remember that evenadvanced technology cannot defy thelaws of physics. It's always possible tolose control of a vehicle due toinappropriate driver input for theconditions. Aggressive driving on anyroad condition can cause you to losecontrol of your vehicle increasing the riskof personal injury or property damage.Activation of the electronic stabilitycontrol system is an indication that atleast some of the tires have exceededtheir ability to grip the road; this couldreduce the operator's ability to controlthe vehicle potentially resulting in a lossof vehicle control, vehicle rollover,personal injury and death. If yourelectronic stability control systemactivates, SLOW DOWN.
The system automatically turns on eachtime you switch the ignition on.
If the stability control or traction controlsystem detects a fault, the following mayoccur:
•The stability and traction control lightilluminates steadily.
•The stability control and tractioncontrol systems do not enhance yourvehicle's ability to maintain traction ofthe wheels.
If the stability control or traction controlsystem activates, the following may occur:
•The stability and traction control lightflashes.
•Your vehicle slows down.
•Reduced engine power.
•A vibration in the brake pedal.
•The brake pedal is stiffer than usual.
•If the driving condition is severe andyour foot is not on the brake pedal, thepedal may move as the system applieshigher brake force.
The stability control system has severalfeatures built into it to help you maintaincontrol of your vehicle.
Electronic Stability Control
The system helps to prevent your vehicleskidding or laterally sliding by individuallyapplying the brakes to one or more wheelsand, if necessary, reducing engine power.
Roll Stability Control
The system helps to prevent rollovers bydetecting your vehicle's roll motion, andindividually applying the brakes to one ormore wheels.
Traction Control
The system enhances your vehicle's abilityto maintain traction of the wheels bydetecting and controlling wheel spin. SeeUsing Traction Control (page 178).
179
2023 Ranger (TFG) Canada/United States of America, Vehicles Built From: 10-10-2022, enUSA, Edition date: 202208, First-PrintingStability Control

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.
184
2023 Ranger (TFG) Canada/United States of America, Vehicles Built From: 10-10-2022, enUSA, Edition date: 202208, First-PrintingTrail Control (If Equipped)E272858 E262918 E327441 E246885 E265298

TRAIL CONTROL INDICATORS
TRAIL CONTROL – TROUBLESHOOTING
TRAIL CONTROL – INFORMATION MESSAGES
ActionMessage
Displays when you must reduce your vehicle speed touse trail control.Reduce Speed To Enter TrailControl
Displays when you must release the park brake to usetrail control.Trail Control Not Available withPark Brake Applied
Displays when you successfully enabled trail controland can set a speed with the SET+ or SET- control.Trail Control Enabled Use SETButton to Set Speed
Displays when a system fault has occurred when trailcontrol was active and the driver must resume control.Trail Control Off Driver ResumeControl
Displays when the system has turned off.Trail Control Off
Displays when a system fault is present. See the trailcontrol section in your Owner's Manual.Trail Control Fault See Manual
Displays when you must be in drive (D), neutral (N) orreverse (R) to use trail control.Trail Control To Activate SelectGear
Displays when you must switch the cruise control offto use trail control.Trail Control Not Available withCruise Control Active
Displays when you must close the driver door to usetrail control.Trail Control Not Available withDriver Door Open
You switched Descent Control off, causing the systemto turn trail control propulsion off. The vehicle stillbrakes if descending a hill. You must press the trailcontrol switch to reset the system and switch it off.You can press the switch again to switch this systemon.
Descent Control Now ActivePress Trail Control Switch ToExit
185
2023 Ranger (TFG) Canada/United States of America, Vehicles Built From: 10-10-2022, enUSA, Edition date: 202208, First-PrintingTrail Control (If Equipped)E272858