1996 FORD RANGER Owners Manual

Driving Your Ranger
177
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[DR21310(ALL)05/95]
All utility-type and Four-Wheel Drive vehicles have special
design and equipment features to make them capable of
performing in a wide variety of off-road applications. Specific
design characteristics give them higher centers of gravity than
ordinary passenger cars.
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[DR21325(ALL)08/95]
RWARNING
Utility and four-wheel drive vehicles are NOT designed
for cornering at speeds as high as passenger cars any
more than low-slung sports cars are designed to perform
satisfactorily under off-road conditions. Avoid sharp
turns or abrupt maneuvers in these vehicles.
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[DR21400(ALL)03/95]
Brakes
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[DR21500(ALL)01/93]
Front Disc Brakes
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[DR21600(ALL)06/95]
The front disc brakes are self-adjusting. They do not require
service other than periodic inspection for pad wear.
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[DR21900(R )10/94]
Rear Drum Brakes
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[DR22000(R )08/95]
The rear drum brakes are self-adjusting. Automatic adjustment
occurs when the brakes are applied while ªbacking up.º If
normal operation does not include much backing, adjust the
brakes when they seem ªlow,º using the procedure underIf
Brakes Do Not Grip Well or Pedal is ªLowºin this chapter.
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[DR22100(ALL)11/89]
Hydraulic Power Brakes
[DR22200(ALL)08/94]
The hydraulic brake system is made up of two independent
hydraulic circuits. One hydraulic circuit supplies fluid to the
front disc brakes and the other hydraulic circuit supplies fluid
to the rear drum or disc brakes. These two circuits are supplied
by a common hydraulic brake fluid reservoir, with a fluid level
sensor.
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[DR22300(ALL)11/89]
The brake light in the instrument cluster will light for low brake
fluid in the common brake fluid reservoir.
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178
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RWARNING
An increase in pedal travel will result in reduced braking
capability. The brake system should be checked
immediately.
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[DR22500(R )10/94]
Rear Anti-lock Brakes
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[DR22750(R )10/94]
Your vehicle may be equipped with a Rear Anti-lock Brake
System. This system prevents at least one and often both rear
wheels from completely locking up when the brakes are applied
in a panic stop, for example.
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[DR22800(R )07/94]
Even with the Anti-lock Brake System, you should be careful
when braking. Front brake lock up on any surface, even on
smooth pavement causes loss of steering control. Heavy braking
on roads with loose surfaces such as snow or gravel, or severe
pavement irregularities could also cause you to lose steering
control of your vehicle.
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[DR22900(R )05/95]
RWARNING
If the anti-lock brake system warning light remains on or
comes on while driving, have the braking system checked
by a qualified service technician as soon as possible.
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[DR22901(R )10/95]
NOTE: If a fault occurs in the anti-lock system, and the brake
warning light is not lit, the anti-lock system is
disabled but normal brake function remains
operational.
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Driving Your Ranger
179
[DR22905(ALL)10/94]
Four Wheel Anti-lock Brake System
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[DR22912(R )08/94]
Your vehicle may be equipped with a Four Wheel Anti-lock
Braking System (4WABS). The 4WABS helps the driver to
maintain vehicle control by preventing wheel lockup during
hard braking.
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[DR22915(ALL)03/94]
The 4WABS operates with a computer that is able to optimize
vehicle control during braking on varying tire and road
conditions by modulating the brake pressure at each of the front
wheels and the rear axle. This ªpumping actionº is similar to
the driver ªpumpingº the brakes but happens at a much faster
rate.
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[DR22920(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
The Anti-lock system does NOT assist the vehicle in
stopping quickly on wet or icy surfaces. Heavy braking
combined with poor road conditions could cause you to
lose steering control of your vehicle.
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[DR22925(ALL)10/94]
Using anti-lock brakes
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[DR22930(ALL)05/94]
The operation of a vehicle with 4WABS is not similar to the
operation of normal brakes. Some differences exist and are listed
below:
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[DR22935(ALL)10/94]
n
Apply the brake steadily. In the event of a panic stop, do
NOT ªpumpº the brakes. ªPumpingº the brakes during an
Anti-lock stop will diminish braking effectiveness.
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[DR22940(ALL)10/94]
n
During an Anti-lock stop, the driver will notice a brake
pedal pulsation and hear some noise from the engine
compartment. This is an indication that the 4WABS system is
working correctly and is normal.
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180
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[DR22945(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
The Anti-lock system does NOT decrease the time
necessary to apply the brakes. Always leave enough room
between the vehicle in front of you and your vehicle.
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[DR22950(ALL)05/95]
4WABS driver warning light
[DR22955(ALL)10/94]
The 4WABS computer continuously monitors the system while
driving for any electrical faults or system malfunctions. In
addition, the 4WABS computer performs an initial system check
called bulb proveout when the vehicle ignition is switched on.
During bulb proveout, the ABS light on the instrument cluster
will momentarily illuminate and then go out.
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[DR22960(ALL)09/95]
NOTE: After starting the vehicle and upon initial drive-off,
the driver may notice a single pulse of the brake
pedal and a noise from the engine compartment. This
is part of the initial system check and is normal.
[DR22965(ALL)05/95]
Should a malfunction in the 4WABS system occur, the ABS light
on the instrument cluster will come on and stay on indicating
that the anti-lock system has been shut down and the vehicle
needs to be serviced. Normal braking is not affected unless the
brake warning light is also illuminated.
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[DR22970(ALL)09/95]
NOTE: It is important to note that when the ABS Warning
Light is illuminated the ABS system is disabled. The
vehicle must be serviced immediately to restore the
benefits of the Anti-lock system.
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[DR22975(ALL)09/95]
NOTE: Mobile phones or radio transmitters not installed by
Ford Motor Company may interfere with the Anti-lock
System. Should the Anti-lock system activate
unexpectedly or the Anti-lock Warning Light
illuminate after installation of such a unit, have the
installation of the unit checked.
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Driving Your Ranger
181
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If Brakes Do Not Grip Well or Pedal is ªLowº
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[DR23200(R )07/95]
If brakes do not grip well, it may indicate the rear drum brakes
need adjustment. To do this, drive the vehicle in reverse at
5 mph (8 km/h) on level, dry pavement. Stop the vehicle by
firmly applying the brakes. Repeat this procedure four or five
times.
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[DR23250(ALL)11/89]
If during normal operation the brake pedal seems ªlowº, it may
indicate the need for a brake system inspection and/or service.
You should have your brakes checked as soon as possible.
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[DR23300(ALL)10/95]
Occasional brake squeal during light to moderate stops does not
affect the function of the brake system and is normal. However,
if the squeal becomes louder or more frequent, have your
brakes inspected by your dealer or a qualified service technician.
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[DR23400(ALL)11/89]
RWARNING
Modifications to the suspension spring rates and/or
vehicle ride height may adversely affect vehicle stopping
ability.
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[DR23500(ALL)07/92]
If Brakes Pull
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[DR23600(ALL)05/95]
n
Check tire pressure.
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[DR23700(R )07/95]
n
Perform the self-adjustment procedure described underIf
Brakes Do Not Grip Well or Pedal is ªLow.º
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[DR23800(ALL)05/95]
If pull occurs during the first 500 miles (800 km), make 10
moderately fast stops from 40 mph (65 km/h) and then
perform the self-adjustment procedure above. It may be
necessary to repeat this operation to properly seat new brake
linings and pads.
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182
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Stopping Distances
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[DR24100(ALL)11/89]
Stopping distances vary with different loads and driving
conditions. Use caution when encountering new conditions and
acquaint yourself with vehicle performance. Take full advantage
of engine braking power when slowing down.
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[DR24200(ALL)01/95]
Applying the Brakes
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[DR24300(ALL)05/95]
Apply the brake pedal gradually. Use the ªsqueezeº technique
Ð push on the brake pedal with a steadily increasing force. This
allows the wheels to continue to roll while you are slowing
down, which lets you steer properly.
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[DR24400(ALL)07/95]
Do not drive with your foot resting on the brake pedal. This
will increase your vehicle's stopping distance and may also
cause brake damage.
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[DR24500(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
If you are driving down a long or steep hill, shift to a
lower gear. Do not apply your brakes continuously, as
they may overheat and become less effective.
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[DR24600(ALL)03/95]
Using the Parking Brake
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[DR24650(ALL)01/95]
The parking brake should be used whenever you park your
vehicle.
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[DR24800(ALL)12/91]
The parking brake pedal is suspended just below the bottom of
the instrument panel to the left of service brake and/or clutch
pedals. To set the parking brake while parking your vehicle,
press the brake pedal with your right foot and hold it while
you push the parking brake pedal down firmly and fully with
your left foot.
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Driving Your Ranger
183
[DR24930(ALL)05/95]
17-1/2 pica
art:0020568-D
Parking brake
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[DR24950(ALL)03/95]
RWARNING
When parking, do not use the gearshift in place of the
parking brake. Turn the key to LOCK whenever you
leave your vehicle. Always set the parking brake fully
and make sure that the gearshift is securely latched in P
(Park) (automatic transmission) or in 1 (First) (manual
transmission). Never leave your vehicle unattended while
it is running. If you do not take these precautions, your
vehicle may move unexpectedly and injure someone.
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[DR24970(R )05/95]
With the transfer case in N (Neutral), the vehicle is free to move
with either the automatic transmission in P (Park) or with the
manual transmission in any driving gear.
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184
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[DR24975(R )05/95]
RWARNING
Do not leave the vehicle unattended with the transfer
case in the N (Neutral) position. Always set the parking
brake fully and turn off the ignition when leaving the
vehicle.
[DR25015(ALL)03/93]
To release the parking brake, press the service brake pedal with
your right foot and hold the parking brake pedal down with
your left foot while you pull the parking brake release lever.
Lift your foot from the parking brake pedal after it is released.
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[DR25050(ALL)01/93]
RWARNING
If the parking brake is fully released, but the Brake
System light remains on, have the brakes checked
immediately. They may not be working properly.
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[DR25100(ALL)06/95]
The parking brake is not designed to stop a moving vehicle, but
you can use the parking brake to stop your vehicle in an
emergency if the normal brakes fail. However, since the parking
brake applies only the rear brakes, the stopping distance will
increase greatly and the handling of your vehicle will be
adversely affected.
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[DR25200(ALL)01/95]
Driving Under Special Conditions
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[DR25250(ALL)01/95]
Tips for Safe Driving
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[DR25301(ALL)07/95]
As with any new vehicle, yours may drive and handle
differently from your previous vehicle. Use care until you
become accustomed to its various features and driving
characteristics.
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[DR25350(ALL)03/95]
Operate your vehicle within reasonable limits. Sudden
acceleration, deceleration, turning, or combinations of these
maneuvers can cause a vehicle to behave differently than
anticipated.
File:10undrr.ex
Update:Wed May 1 13:52:06 1996