1996 FORD RANGER Owners Manual

Driving Your Ranger
185
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[DR25501(ALL)02/95]
Wheel Spin
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[DR25550(ALL)11/92]
n
Extreme acceleration can cause the rear wheels to spin,
perhaps resulting in reduced steering control.
[DR26350(ALL)12/92]
If the wheels spin, use 2 (Second gear) to gain traction. Move
forward slowly and evenly. If this does not work, try rocking
the vehicle.
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[DR26401(ALL)05/91]
For 4x4 vehicles, engage 4WD, and try to drive away.
%*
[DR26550(ALL)05/90]
High Speed Driving
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[DR26590(ALL)07/95]
Ford Motor Company recommends obeying posted speed limits.
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[DR26601(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Driving too fast for conditions creates the possibility of
loss of vehicle control. Driving at very high speeds for
extended periods of time may result in damage to vehicle
components.
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[DR26625(ALL)12/91]
Speed limiter
[DR26652(ALL)01/95]
All models are equipped with a Powertrain Control Module
(PCM) which limits the maximum engine speed and thus road
speed in top gear. Vehicle operation is normal since the
controlled maximum speed is above posted highway speeds in
North America.
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[DR26701(ALL)01/95]
Driving in Bad Weather
%*
[DR26750(ALL)01/95]
Slippery roads
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[DR26801(ALL)03/95]
Drive cautiously on wet or snowy roads:
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[DR26850(ALL)03/95]
n
Do not quickly move the steering wheel unless necessary.
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[DR26901(ALL)01/95]
n
Drive slower than you normally would.
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[DR26951(ALL)01/95]
n
Give your vehicle more distance to stop.
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186
[DR27001(ALL)01/95]
n
Pump the brake pedal steadily and evenly to avoid locking
your front wheels (except with 4WABS).
[DR27025(ALL)05/95]
n
To stop on ice, shift to N (Neutral) below 10 mph (15 km/h)
and gently pump brakes (except with 4WABS).
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[DR27050(ALL)02/93]
n
Consider using one of the lower gears.
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[DR27101(ALL)05/91]
n
For 4x4 vehicles, engage 4WD, and try to drive slowly away.
*
[DR27150(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
To avoid losing control on slippery roads, do not
downshift into Low with the automatic transmission
when moving faster than 20 mph (32 km/h). Do not
downshift into First with the manual transmission when
moving faster than 5 mph (8 km/h).
*
[DR27350(R )06/94]
RWARNING
The rear antilock brake system may not prevent brake
lock-up on extremely slippery surfaces. Rear brake
lock-up may also occur while driving in four-wheel drive
because the transfer case couples the front and rear axles
together.
%*
[DR27450(ALL)03/95]
Traction-Lok Rear Axle (If equipped)
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[DR27501(ALL)03/95]
This axle provides added drive away traction on slippery
surfaces, particularly when one or more wheels are on a surface
with poor traction.
*
[DR27550(ALL)03/93]
Extended use of other than matching size tires on a
Traction-Lok rear axle could result in a permanent reduction in
effectiveness. This loss of effectiveness does not affect normal
driving and should not be noticeable to the driver.
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Driving Your Ranger
187
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[DR27601(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
To avoid injury, never run the engine with one wheel off
the ground, such as when changing a tire.
%*
[DR27651(ALL)01/95]
High water
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[DR27675(ALL)06/92]
Never attempt to cross water that is fast flowing or of unknown
depth.
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[DR27701(ALL)05/90]
Do not drive through flooded areas unless you are sure that the
water is below the bottom of the wheel hubs.
*
[DR27750(ALL)04/94]
If you must drive through high water, drive slowly. You may
have limited traction or wet brakes, so allow extra stopping
distance because your vehicle will not stop as quickly as usual.
*
[DR27801(ALL)01/95]
After you drive through the standing water, apply your brakes
gently several times as your vehicle moves slowly. This helps to
dry the brakes.
*
[DR27820(ALL)06/95]
NOTE: If the transmission and transfer case is submerged in
water, their fluids should be checked and changed, if
necessary.
*
[DR27825(ALL)03/93]
NOTE: All rear axle lube quantities must be replaced every
100,000 miles (160,000 km) or if the axle has been
submerged in water. Otherwise, the lube should not
be checked or changed unless a leak is suspected or
repair required.
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[DR27850(ALL)11/89]
Rocking the vehicle
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[DR27901(ALL)05/90]
For 4x4 vehicles, engage 4WD LOW, when the vehicle gets
stuck and try to drive away.
*
[DR27950(ALL)05/95]
If your vehicle gets stuck (for example, in mud or snow), you
may rock it out of the spot. Shift in a steady rhythm between
forward and reverse gears. Allow the transmission to fully
engage, then press lightly on the accelerator. Do not rock the
vehicle for more than a few minutes. This may overheat the
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188engine and transmission, causing damage to both. In addition,
other vehicle systems and components may also be damaged.
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[DR27975(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Do not spin the wheels at over 35 mph (55 km/h). The
tires may fail and injure a passenger or bystander.
%*
[DR28050(ALL)03/95]
Driving With a Heavy Load
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[DR28101(ALL)01/95]
There are limits to the amount of weight your vehicle can carry
or tow. The total weight of your vehicle, plus the weight of the
passengers and cargo, should never be more than the Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). Also, the weight that your
vehicle carries over the front axle and rear axle should never be
more than the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for the
respective axle.
*
[DR28150(ALL)08/95]
The weight limits of your vehicle's tires affect the GVWR or
GAWR limitations. Usage of replacement tires with higher
weight limits than originals does not increase GVWR or GAWR.
Usage of lower capacity replacement tires may lower GVWR
and GAWR limitations.
*
[DR28201(ALL)02/95]
RWARNING
If the GVWR or the GAWR specified on the Safety
Compliance Certification Label is exceeded, your vehicle
may be damaged or you may lose control and injure
someone.
*
[DR28350(R )03/91]
Securing loads in cargo area
[DR28400(R )11/92]
To prevent damage to the pickup box and cab, secure any
movable cargo pieces using ropes or straps and the tie down
holes in the stake pockets of the steel pickup box or the tie
down hooks inside the Splash pickup box.
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Driving Your Ranger
189
[DR28450(R )06/94]
Secure all items in cargo area to prevent them from falling out
and creating a safety hazard on the roadway.
[DR28500(R )10/95]
17-1/2 pica
art:0090120-B
Cargo tie-down holes
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190
[DR28575(R )01/95]
10-1/2 pica
art:0020968-B
Cargo tie-down hooks Ð Splash pickup box
[DR28600(R )03/91]
Loading sheets of building material
[DR28650(R )01/95]
Four-foot (122 cm) wide sheets of building or other material will
not fit flat on the pickup box floor. However, support pockets
in the pickup walls permit up to 500 lb (227 kg) of this type
cargo to be carried on crossbody mounted 2ª x 6º (5 x 15 cm)
boards (styleside box only). See illustration.
[DR28675(R )01/95]
NOTE: Four-foot wide sheets will not fit flat on the Splash
pickup box floor.
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Driving Your Ranger
191
[DR28700(R )03/95]
17-1/2 pica
art:0090121-A
Loading four foot (122 cm) building material sheets (styleside box only)
*
[DR28750(ALL)01/93]
Vehicle/Trailer Loads
*
[DR28801(ALL)06/92]
All vehicles may tow a Class I trailer provided the Gross
Combined Weight (GCW) is less than or equal to the GVWR
shown on the Safety Compliance Certification Label. For heavier
trailer applications, refer to the towing information found later
in this chapter.
%*
[DR28950(ALL)02/95]
Trailer Towing (may require trailer tow option package)
*
[DR29001(ALL)03/91]
Towing a trailer puts additional loads on your vehicle's engine,
transmission, axle, brakes, tires and suspension. For your safety
and for the good of your vehicle, use the right equipment for
the type of trailer you tow.
*
[DR29025(ALL)09/92]
Your trailer towing capability will vary based on the standard
and optional equipment on your vehicle. Refer to the following
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192Vehicle Loading/Towing Informationand the Trailer Towing Tables
to determine the specific towing capability of your vehicle.
*
[DR29050(ALL)02/92]
n
Stay within the load limits when you tow.
*
[DR29101(ALL)01/95]
n
Carefully and thoroughly prepare your vehicle for towing,
making sure to use the right equipment and to attach it
properly. (SeePreparing to Towin this chapter.)
*
[DR29151(ALL)01/95]
n
Use extra caution when driving your vehicle while you tow.
(SeeDriving while you towin this chapter.)
*
[DR29201(ALL)01/95]
n
Service your vehicle more frequently if you tow a trailer.
(SeeServicing your vehicle if you towin this chapter.)
*
[DR29350(ALL)05/94]
Do not tow a trailer until your vehicle has been driven at least
500 miles (800 km).
%*
[DR29401(ALL)06/92]
Vehicle Loading/Towing Information
*
[DR29450(ALL)03/91]
Your vehicle's load capacity is designated by weight, not
volume, so you cannot necessarily use all available space with
large or heavy loads. Maximum safe vehicle weights as well as
tire, rim sizes and inflation pressures are specified for your
vehicle at the assembly plant on the Safety Compliance
Certification Label. The Certification Label is located on the left
front door lock facing or the door latch post pillar.
*
[DR29501(ALL)12/91]
Trucks, unlike passenger cars, are basically custom vehicles
designed to carry a load. Most owners start with a base vehicle
and add production and dealer installed and/or aftermarket
components to suit their tastes and purposes. Even trucks that
are purchased for personal transportation only are likely to have
considerable optional equipment, such as step bumpers and
light bars, for example.
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Update:Wed May 1 13:52:06 1996