four wheel drive FORD RANGER 2023 Owners Manual

Rear Occupant Alert System AudibleWarnings.....................................................133
Garage Door Opener
Universal Garage Door Opener..............134
Auxiliary Power Points
Auxiliary Power Points...............................138
Storage Compartments
Glove Compartment..................................140
Center Console............................................140
Overhead Console......................................140
Rear Seat Armrest........................................141
Under Seat Storage.....................................141
Starting and Stopping theEngine
General Information...................................142
Ignition Switch..............................................142
Keyless Starting...........................................143
Starting a Gasoline Engine.......................143
Engine Block Heater...................................146
Unique Driving Characteristics
Auto-Start-Stop..........................................148
Fuel and Refueling
Safety Precautions.....................................150
Fuel Quality...................................................150
Fuel Filler Funnel Location........................151
Running Out of Fuel.....................................151
Refueling.........................................................153
Fuel Consumption.......................................155
Engine Emission Control
Emission Law.................................................157
Catalytic Converter.....................................158
Transmission
Automatic Transmission............................161
Four-Wheel Drive
Principle of Operation................................165
Using Four-Wheel Drive............................165
Rear Axle
Electronic Locking Differential................173
Brakes
General Information....................................175
Hints on Driving With Anti-Lock Brakes.........................................................................175
Parking Brake.................................................176
Hill Start Assist.............................................176
Traction Control
Principle of Operation................................178
Using Traction Control...............................178
Stability Control
Principle of Operation................................179
Using Stability Control..............................180
Terrain Control
Principle of Operation................................182
Trail Control
What Is Trail Control..................................184
Switching Trail Control On and Off......184
Setting the Trail Control Speed.............184
Canceling the Set Speed..........................184
Trail Control Indicators..............................185
Trail Control – Troubleshooting.............185
Parking Aids
Principle of Operation...............................186
Rear Parking Aid...........................................187
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2023 Ranger (TFG) Canada/United States of America, Vehicles Built From: 10-10-2022, enUSA, Edition date: 202208, First-PrintingTable of Contents

Front Parking Aid.........................................187
Rear View Camera......................................188
Cruise Control
Principle of Operation................................192
Using Cruise Control...................................192
Using Adaptive Cruise Control...............193
Driving Aids
Driver Alert....................................................200
Lane Keeping System................................201
Blind Spot Information System............206
Cross Traffic Alert.......................................209
Steering...........................................................213
Pre-Collision Assist.....................................213
Load Carrying
Load Limit.......................................................218
Load Retaining Fixtures............................222
Using a Slide-In Camper..........................223
Towing
Towing a Trailer............................................224
Trailer Sway Control...................................225
Recommended Towing Weights...........225
Essential Towing Checks.........................226
Towing the Vehicle on Four Wheels.....229
Driving Hints
Breaking-In.....................................................231
Economical Driving.....................................231
Cold Weather Precautions......................232
Off-Road Driving.........................................232
Driving Through Water..............................233
Floor Mats......................................................234
Roadside Emergencies
Roadside Assistance.................................235
Hazard Flashers..........................................236
Jump Starting the Vehicle.......................236
Transporting the Vehicle..........................238
Towing Points...............................................239
Crash and BreakdownInformation
Automatic Crash Shutoff..........................241
Customer Assistance
Getting the Services You Need..............242
In California (U.S. Only)............................243
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) AutoLine Program (U.S. Only)....................244
Utilizing the Mediation/ArbitrationProgram (Canada Only)......................245
Getting Assistance Outside the U.S. andCanada.......................................................245
Ordering Additional Owner's Literature........................................................................247
Reporting Safety Defects (U.S. Only)........................................................................247
Reporting Safety Defects (Canada Only)........................................................................247
Fuses
Fuse Box Locations....................................249
Fuse Specification Chart.........................250
Changing a Fuse..........................................261
Maintenance
General Information..................................263
Opening and Closing the Hood.............264
Under Hood Overview..............................265
Engine Oil Dipstick.....................................266
Engine Oil Check.........................................266
Changing the Engine Air Filter................267
Oil Change Indicator Reset.....................268
Engine Coolant Check..............................269
Automatic Transmission Fluid Check.........................................................................273
Brake Fluid Check........................................273
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2023 Ranger (TFG) Canada/United States of America, Vehicles Built From: 10-10-2022, enUSA, Edition date: 202208, First-PrintingTable of Contents

•You apply the parking brake with theignition on.
•Your vehicle has a brake fault or lowbrake fluid level, regardless of parkingbrake position.
If the lamp illuminates when youare moving, you may have theparking brake applied. Make surethat the parking brake is off.Have your vehicle checked assoon as possible if the lampcontinues to illuminate.
Cruise Control Indicator (If Equipped)
It illuminates when you switchthe system on.
See Using Cruise Control(page 192).
Direction Indicator
Flashes when the left or rightdirection indicator or the hazardflasher turns on. An increase inthe rate of flashing warns of a failedindicator bulb.
Door Ajar Warning Lamp
It illuminates when you switchthe ignition on and remains on ifany door is open.
Electronic Locking Differential (If
Equipped)
Illuminates when using theelectronic locking differential.
Engine Coolant TemperatureWarning Lamp
If it illuminates when your vehicleis moving, this indicates that theengine is overheating. Stop yourvehicle as soon as it is safe to do so andswitch the engine off. Have your vehiclechecked as soon as possible.
See Engine Coolant Check (page 269).
Fasten Seatbelt Warning Lamp
It illuminates and a chimesounds until you fasten theseatbelts.
Fasten Rear Seatbelt WarningLamp (If Equipped)
It illuminates and a chimesounds until you fasten the rearseatbelts.
Four-Wheel Drive Indicators (If
Equipped)
Illuminates when four-wheeldrive low is engaged.
Illuminates when four-wheeldrive high is engaged.
Front Airbag
If it fails to illuminate when youstart your vehicle, continues toflash or remains on, it indicatesa malfunction. Have the system checked.
Front Fog Lamp Indicator (If Equipped)
It illuminates when you switchthe front fog lamps on.
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2023 Ranger (TFG) Canada/United States of America, Vehicles Built From: 10-10-2022, enUSA, Edition date: 202208, First-PrintingInstrument ClusterE270480 E67024 E71340 E67018 E163170 E103308 E71880 E206718 E181780 E181779 E67017

Headlamp High Beam Indicator
It illuminates when you switchthe headlamp high beam on. Itflashes when you use theheadlamp flasher.
Hood Ajar Warning Lamp
Illuminates when the ignition ison and the hood is notcompletely closed.
Low Beam Malfunction (If Equipped)
Lights when there is amalfunction with the low beamheadlamp.
Low Fuel Level Warning Lamp
If it illuminates when you aredriving, refuel as soon aspossible.
Low Tire Pressure Warning Lamp
It illuminates when your tirepressure is low. If the lampremains on with the enginerunning or when driving, check the tirepressure as soon as possible.
It also momentarily illuminates when youswitch the ignition on to confirm the lampis functional. If it does not illuminate whenyou switch the ignition on, or begins toflash at any time, have the system checkedby your authorized dealer.
Low Washer Fluid Level WarningLamp
It illuminates when the washerfluid is low.
Oil Pressure Warning Lamp
It illuminates when you switchthe ignition on.
If it illuminates when the engineis running this indicates a malfunction.Stop your vehicle as soon as it is safe todo so and switch the engine off. Check theengine oil level. If the oil level is sufficient,this indicates a system malfunction. Haveyour vehicle checked as soon as possible.
See Engine Oil Check (page 266).
Parking Lamps
It illuminates when you switchthe parking lamps on.
Powertrain Malfunction/ReducedPower/Electronic Throttle Control
Illuminates when the system hasdetected a powertrain or afour-wheel drive fault. Contactan authorized dealer as soon as possible.
Service Engine Soon
If it illuminates when the engineis running this indicates amalfunction. The On BoardDiagnostics system has detected amalfunction of the vehicle emission controlsystem.
If it flashes, engine misfire may beoccurring. Increased exhaust gastemperatures could damage the catalyticconverter or other vehicle components.Drive in a moderate fashion, avoid heavyacceleration and deceleration and haveyour vehicle immediately serviced.
It illuminates when you switch the ignitionon prior to engine start to check the bulband to indicate whether your vehicle isready for Inspection and Maintenance(I/M) testing.
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2023 Ranger (TFG) Canada/United States of America, Vehicles Built From: 10-10-2022, enUSA, Edition date: 202208, First-PrintingInstrument ClusterE67019 E296055 E181350 E139232 E132353 E67022 E71341 E67028

Drivetrain
ActionMessage
Slow the vehicle to the displayed speed to allow the elec-tronic locking differential to engage.To Engage LockingDifferential Slow to XXmph/km/h
The electronic locking differential requests the acceleratorto be released in order to engage.To Engage LockingDifferential ReleaseAccelerator Pedal
An electronic locking differential (ELD) system fault ispresent. Have your vehicle checked as soon as possible.Check Locking Differen-tial
The transfer case is in the neutral position. This messageindicates that your vehicle is safe to be towed with all fourwheels on the ground.
Neutral Tow EnabledLeave Transmission inNeutral
The transfer case is NOT in the neutral position. This messageindicates that your vehicle is NOT safe to be towed with allfour wheels on the ground.
Neutral Tow Disabled
Engine
ActionMessage
The engine has reduced power to help reduce highengine temperature.Power Reduced to Lower EngineTemp
Displays when the accelerator pedal is entrapped orboth accelerator and brake pedals are applied at thesame time. Have your vehicle checked as soon aspossible.
Brake Applied Power Reduced
Fuel
ActionMessage
An early reminder of a low fuel condition.Fuel Level Low
The fuel fill inlet may not be properly closed.Check Fuel Fill Inlet
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2023 Ranger (TFG) Canada/United States of America, Vehicles Built From: 10-10-2022, enUSA, Edition date: 202208, First-PrintingInformation Displays

PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
The four-wheel drive system in your vehicleis a part-time system activated using therotary switch mounted in the centerconsole. In normal rear-wheel drive, the 2Hdrive operation system directs torque tothe rear axle. Moving the switch to 4H or4L directs drive torque to both the frontand rear axles, providing four-wheel drive.
Depending on your vehicle, furtherfour-wheel drive options may be availableon the switch panel located on the centerconsole.
USING FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE
Note:There is additional importantinformation regarding the safe operation ofthis type of vehicle in this manual. SeeGeneral Information (page 292).
Note:Do not use 4H or 4L modes on dry,hard surfaced roads. Doing so can produceexcessive noise, increase tire wear and coulddamage drive components. We intend 4Hor 4L modes only for consistently slipperyor loose surfaces. Use of 4L mode on thesesurfaces could produce some noise, suchas occasional clunks, but should notdamage drive components.
Note: When you select 4L when yourvehicle is moving, it does not perform a shiftuntil your vehicle is stationary. This is normaland is no reason for concern.
Note:You can switch on and switch off theelectronic locking differential by pressingthe locking differential button. SeeElectronic Locking Differential (page 173).
4WD Indicator Lights
Note:When a 4X4 system fault is present,the system typically remains in whichever4X4 mode you selected prior to the faultcondition occurring. It should never defaultto 4X2. When the warning displays, haveyour vehicle serviced by an authorizeddealer.
4X4 HIGH
Continuously illuminates whenyou select 4H.
4X4 LOW
Continuously illuminates whenyou select 4L.
CHECK 4X4
Displays when a 4X4 fault ispresent.
Using the Electronic Shift on theFly 4WD system
2H (4X2)
For general on-road driving, this modeprovides optimal smoothness and fueleconomy. Sends power to the rear wheelsonly.
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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)E181779 E181780 E277079

Note:2H may engage or disengage basedon terrain mode selection. See Principle ofOperation (page 165).
4H (4X4 HIGH)
Provides mechanically locked four-wheeldrive power to both the front and rearwheels for use in off-road or winterconditions such as deep snow, sand ormud. This mode is not for use on drypavement.
Note:4H may engage or disengage basedon terrain mode selection. See Principle ofOperation (page 165).
4L (4X4 LOW)
Provides mechanically locked four-wheeldrive power to both the front and rearwheels with additional gearing forincreased torque multiplication. Intendedonly for off-road applications such as deepsand, steep slopes, or pulling heavyobjects.
Note:4L may engage or disengage basedon terrain mode selection. See Principle ofOperation (page 165).
Shifting Between 4WD System Modes
Note:Momentarily releasing the acceleratorpedal when performing a shift aids theperformance of engagement ordisengagement.
Note:Do not perform this operation if therear wheels are slipping, or when applyingthe accelerator pedal.
Note:It is normal to hear some noise as thesystem shifts or engages.
You can move the control between 2H to4H at a stop or when driving up to 68 mph(110 km/h). The information display maydisplay a message indicating a 4X4 shiftand the LED for the selected mode flashes.Once the shift is complete, the LED lightfor the selected mode remains illuminated.
Shifting To or From 4L (4X4 Low)
Note:It is normal to hear some noise as thesystem shifts or engages.
1.Stop your vehicle when it is safe to doso.
2.Place the transmission in neutral (N).
3.Move the transfer shift switch to thedesired position.
The information display displays amessage indicating a 4X4 shift is inprogress followed by the system modeselected. If any of the above shiftconditions are not present, the shift doesnot occur and the information displayshows information guiding you through theproper shifting procedures.
How Your Vehicle Differs FromOther Vehicles
WARNING: Vehicles with a highercenter of gravity (utility and four-wheeldrive vehicles) handle differently thanvehicles with a lower center of gravity(passenger cars). Avoid sharp turns,excessive speed and abrupt steering inthese vehicles. Failure to drive cautiouslyincreases the risk of losing control of yourvehicle, vehicle rollover, personal injuryand death.
Truck and utility vehicles can differ fromsome other vehicles. Your vehicle may behigher to allow it to travel over roughterrain without getting hung up ordamaging underbody components.
The differences that make your vehicle soversatile also make it handle differentlythan an ordinary passenger car.
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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)

Maintain steering wheel control at alltimes, especially in rough terrain. Sincesudden changes in terrain can result inabrupt steering wheel motion, make sureyou grip the steering wheel from theoutside. Do not grip the spokes of thesteering wheel.
Drive cautiously to avoid vehicle damagefrom concealed objects such as rocks andstumps.
Either know the terrain or examine mapsof the area before driving. Map out yourroute before driving in the area. Tomaintain steering and braking control ofyour vehicle, have all four wheels on theground and they need to be rolling, notsliding or spinning.
Driving Off-Road With Truck andUtility Vehicles
Note:Your vehicle may have a front airdam. Due to low ground clearance, you candamage it when taking your vehicle off-road.You can take the air dam off by removingthe bolts that secure it.
We design four-wheel drive vehicles fordriving on sand, snow, mud and roughterrain and they have operatingcharacteristics that are somewhatdifferent from conventional vehicles, bothon and off the road.
The transfer case supplies power to all fourwheels. On four-wheel drive vehicles, thetransfer case allows you to select different4WD modes when necessary. Becomethoroughly familiar with this informationbefore you operate your vehicle.
Four-wheel drive uses all four wheels topower your vehicle. This increases traction,enabling you to drive over terrain and roadconditions that a conventional two-wheeldrive vehicle cannot.
Basic Operating Principles
•Drive slower in strong crosswinds whichcan affect the normal steeringcharacteristics of your vehicle.
•When driving your vehicle on surfacesmade slippery by loose sand, water,gravel, snow or ice, proceed with care.
•Do not use 4H or 4L on dry, hardsurfaced roads. Doing so can produceexcessive noise, increase tire wear andcould damage drive components. Use4H or 4L modes for consistentlyslippery or loose surfaces.
If Your Vehicle Leaves the Road
If your vehicle leaves the road, reduce yourvehicle speed and avoid severe braking.When your vehicle speed decreases, easeyour vehicle back onto the road. Do notsharply turn the steering wheel whenreturning your vehicle to the road.
It may be safer to stay on the shoulder ofthe road and gradually slow down beforereturning to the road. You may lose controlif you do not slow down or if you toosharply or abruptly turn the steering wheel.
It may be less risky to strike small objects,such as freeway reflectors, with minordamage to your vehicle rather thanattempt a sudden return to the road whichcould cause your vehicle to slide sidewaysout of control or roll over. Remember, yoursafety and the safety of others should beyour primary concern.
Emergency Maneuvers
In an unavoidable emergency situationwhere you must make a sudden sharp turn,remember to avoid over-driving yourvehicle and turn the steering wheel only asrapidly and as far as required to avoid theemergency. Excessive steering can resultin loss of vehicle control. Apply smoothpressure to the accelerator pedal or brakepedal when you require changes in vehicle
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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)

speed. Avoid abrupt steering, accelerationand braking. This could result in anincreased risk of vehicle roll over, loss ofvehicle control and personal injury. Use theavailable road surface to bring your vehicleto a safe direction of travel.
In the event of an emergency stop, avoidskidding the tires and do not attempt anysharp steering wheel movements.
If your vehicle goes from one type ofsurface to another, such as concrete togravel, there can be a change in the wayyour vehicle responds to a maneuver usingsteering, acceleration or braking.
Operating Four-Wheel Drive with aSpare or Mismatched Tires
On four-wheel drive vehicles, the size ofthe spare tire can affect the four-wheeldrive system. If there is a significantdifference between the size of the sparetire and the remaining tires, you could havelimited four-wheel drive functionality,added noise, discomfort and drivelinedamage. Due to normal tire wear, yourspare tire is not necessarily the same sizeas your on-road tires, which makes yourspare tire a dissimilar size. Use the sparetire on a limited basis only. When drivingwith a dissimilar wheel and tire assemblydo not:
•Exceed 50 mph (80 km/h) with afour-wheel drive mode turned on.
•Turn on a four-wheel drive modeunless the vehicle is stationary.
•Use a four-wheel drive mode on drypavement.
Driving with the full-size dissimilar sparewheel and tire assembly can limitfour-wheel drive functionality, especiallywhen driving in a mechanically lockedfour-wheel drive mode. You can experiencethe following:
•Additional noise from the transfer caseor other drive components.
•Difficulty shifting out of a mechanicallylocked four-wheel drive mode.
•Driveline component damage.
Mechanical Shift Blocking
On vehicles with an electronicshift-on-the-fly transfer case, the transfercase distributes torque to the front wheelsby mechanically interlocking the front andrear driveshafts together. Various externalfactors can affect shifting performance ofthis type of system including, but notlimited to:
•Vehicle acceleration.
•Dissimilar tire sizes.
•High steering input.
For vehicles with an electronicshift-on-the-fly transfer case, whenshifting into two-wheel drive high on dry,hard surfaced roads, we recommend thatthe following procedure is followed toreduce the likelihood of a mechanical shiftblock:
•While driving straight, come to a stopon a flat, horizontal surface.
•Shift into park (P).
•Select 2H and wait for the 2H LED tobecome solid.
•Shift into reverse (R) and let the vehicleroll backward up to 5 ft (1 m).
•Shift into drive (D) and let the vehicleroll forward up to 5 ft (1 m).
•Driving the vehicle around a tight turnat a slow speed.
If the system is mechanically blocked, oneor more of the following actions can relievethe mechanical shift block:
•Momentary acceleration.
•Momentary braking.
•Bringing the vehicle to a stop.
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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)

•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.
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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)