steering FORD RANGER 2023 Owner's 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)

ELECTRONIC LOCKING
DIFFERENTIAL (IF EQUIPPED)
Note:Do not operate the system on dryhard surface roads. Doing so could lead toexcessive tire noise and wear. Use thesystem only on consistently slippery or loosesurfaces.
The system locks the left and right portionsof the rear axle together to form a soliddriving axle, resulting in increased rearwheel traction in certain conditions.
Press and hold the electronic differentiallock button for 2 seconds to activate thesystem.
Note:The lock button is on the centerconsole.
Note:Do not perform this operation whencruise control or trail control are selectedand active. The system may not engage asexpected.
The electronic differential lock can lockand unlock when the internal gears arealigned and no torque load is placed onthe differential. To aid alignment, drive thevehicle in a straight line with theaccelerator pedal released. Alternatively,drive slowly forward and backward whilemoving the steering wheel from side to sideto allow the electronic differential lock tolock.
High vehicle speed and high acceleratorpedal application inhibit the electroniclocking differential system engagement.Follow the instruction on the instrumentcluster for engagement anddisengagement.
Note:You can use the system in any drivemode 2H, 4H or 4L.
Note:When you engage the system, theElectronic Stability Program (ESP) functionssuch as Stability Control, Traction Control,Hill Descent Control, Emergency stop signal,Hill Start Assist and Trailer Sway Controlare deactivated, the ESP Off indicatorilluminates, and the HDC on indicator turnsoff.
Note:When the anti-lock braking systemis operating, the system disengages.
The electronic locking differential systemcan affect various terrain modes. SeePrinciple of Operation (page 182).
Operating Electronic LockingDifferential with Spare orMismatched Tires
The size of the spare tire can affect theperformance of the electronic lockingdifferential system. When there is asignificant size difference between the tworear tires, you could have limited electroniclocking differential functionality. If yourelectronic locking differential has difficultydisengaging, release your accelerator pedaland turn the steering wheel in the oppositedirection while rolling forward.
Note:We recommend that you engage anddisengage the electronic locking differentialwhen stopped, and a spare tire is mountedon the rear axle.
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2023 Ranger (TFG) Canada/United States of America, Vehicles Built From: 10-10-2022, enUSA, Edition date: 202208, First-PrintingRear AxleE277073

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

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).
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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.
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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

Note:The centerline is only available ifactive or fixed guidelines are on.
Active guidelinesA
CenterlineB
Fixed guideline: Green zoneC
Fixed guideline: Yellow zoneD
Fixed guideline: Red zoneE
Rear bumperF
Active guidelines only show with fixedguidelines. To use active guidelines, turnthe steering wheel to point the guidelinestoward an intended path. If the steeringwheel position changes while reversing,your vehicle might deviate from the originalintended path.
The fixed and active guidelines fade in andout depending on the steering wheelposition. The active guidelines do not showwhen the steering wheel position isstraight.
Always use caution while reversing.Objects in the red zone are closest to yourvehicle and objects in the green zone arefarther away. Objects are getting closer toyour vehicle as they move from the greenzone to the yellow or red zones. Use theside view mirrors and rear view mirror toget better coverage on both sides and rearof your vehicle.
Obstacle Distance Indicator (If
Equipped)
The system provides an image of yourvehicle and the sensor zones. The zoneswill highlight green, yellow and red whenthe parking aid sensors detect an object inthe coverage area.
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2023 Ranger (TFG) Canada/United States of America, Vehicles Built From: 10-10-2022, enUSA, Edition date: 202208, First-PrintingParking AidsABCDFEE142436 E317379

PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
Cruise control lets you maintain a setspeed without keeping your foot on theaccelerator pedal. You can use cruisecontrol when your vehicle speed is greaterthan 20 mph (30 km/h).
USING CRUISE CONTROL (IF
EQUIPPED)
WARNING: Do not use cruisecontrol on winding roads, in heavy trafficor when the road surface is slippery. Thiscould result in loss of vehicle control,serious injury or death.
WARNING: When you are goingdownhill, your vehicle speed couldincrease above the set speed. Thesystem does not apply the brakes.
Note:The system cancels if your vehiclespeed drops below 10 mph (16 km/h) underthe set speed when driving uphill.
The cruise controls are on the steeringwheel. See Cruise Control (page 73).
Switching Cruise Control On
Press ON.
The indicator appears in theinformation display.
Setting the Cruise Speed
Drive to the speed you prefer.
Press to set the current speed.
Press to set the current speed.
Take your foot off the accelerator pedal.
Note:The indicator changes color.
Changing the Set Speed
Press and release to increase theset speed in small increments.
Press and release to decreasethe set speed in smallincrements.
Press and hold either button to accelerateor decelerate, respectively. Release thebutton when you reach the speed youprefer.
Press the accelerator or brake pedal untilyou reach the speed you prefer. Presseither button.
Note: If you accelerate by pressing only theaccelerator pedal, the set speed does notchange. When you release the acceleratorpedal, your vehicle returns to the speed thatyou previously set.
Canceling the Set Speed
Press the button, or tap thebrake pedal to cancel the setspeed.
Note:The system remembers the setspeed.
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2023 Ranger (TFG) Canada/United States of America, Vehicles Built From: 10-10-2022, enUSA, Edition date: 202208, First-PrintingCruise Control (If Equipped)E266656 E71340 E246884 E246885 E246884 E246885

The adaptive cruise controls are on thesteering wheel.
Switching Adaptive Cruise ControlOn
Press and release the button.
The indicator, current gap settingand set speed appear in theinformation display.
The color of the indicator changes toindicate the system status. Gray indicatesthe system is on but inactive. Greenindicates that you set the speed and thesystem is active.
Setting the Adaptive Cruise Speed
Drive to the speed you prefer. Theminimum set speed is 20 mph (30 km/h).
Press and release either button.
Take your foot off the accelerator pedal.
The indicator, current gap setting and setspeed appear in the information display.
A vehicle graphic illuminates if there is avehicle detected in front of you.
Note:When adaptive cruise control isactive, the speedometer may vary slightlyfrom the set speed displayed in theinformation display.
Following a Vehicle
WARNING: When following avehicle that is braking, your vehicle doesnot always decelerate quickly enough toavoid a crash without driver intervention.Apply the brakes when necessary. Failureto follow this instruction could result inpersonal injury or death.
WARNING: The system only warnsof vehicles detected by the radar andcamera sensors. In some cases theremay be no warning or a delayed warning.Apply the brakes when necessary. Failureto follow this instruction could result inpersonal injury or death.
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2023 Ranger (TFG) Canada/United States of America, Vehicles Built From: 10-10-2022, enUSA, Edition date: 202208, First-PrintingCruise Control (If Equipped)E266656 E294678 E144529 E164805 E246884 E246885 E164805

System Warnings
Note:The system does not issue warningsbelow approximately 40 mph (64 km/h).
The warning system has two stages. First,the system issues a temporary warningthat you need to take a rest. This messageonly appears for a short time. If the systemdetects further reduction in drivingalertness, it may issue another warningthat remains in the information display fora longer time. You can press OK on thesteering wheel control to clear the warning.
System Display
When active, the system runsautomatically in the background and onlyissues a warning if required. You can viewthe status at any time using theinformation display. See GeneralInformation (page 96).
The alertness level is shown by six stepsin a colored bar.
The current assessment of your alertnessis within a typical range.
The current assessment of your alertnessindicates that you should rest as soon assafely possible.
The status bar travels from left to right asthe calculated alertness level decreases.As the meter approaches the rest icon, thecolor turns from green to yellow to red.
The yellow position indicates the firstwarning is active and the red positionindicates the second warning is active.
Note:If you have recently received awarning, you should consider resting, evenif the current assessment is within thetypical range.
Note:If the camera sensor cannot track theroad lane markings, or if your vehicle speeddrops below approximately 40 mph(64 km/h), the alertness level changes togrey for a short time and the informationdisplay informs you that the system isunavailable.
Resetting the System
You can reset the system by either:
•Switching the ignition off and on.
•Stopping the vehicle and then openingand closing the driver’s door.
LANE KEEPING SYSTEM (IF
EQUIPPED)
WARNING: You are responsible forcontrolling your vehicle at all times. Thesystem is designed to be an aid and doesnot relieve you of your responsibility todrive with due care and attention. Failureto follow this instruction could result inthe loss of control of your vehicle,personal injury or death.
WARNING: Always drive with duecare and attention when using andoperating the controls and features onyour vehicle.
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