1996 FORD RANGER steering

166
*
[DR15900(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Do not park your vehicle in Neutral, it may move
unexpectedly and injure someone. Use 1 (First) gear and
set the parking brake fully.
*
[DR15903(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.
*
[DR15906(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.
%*
[DR15915(ALL)01/95]
Steering Your Vehicle
[DR15930(R )11/89]
Your Ranger may have optional power steering. Power steering
uses energy from the engine to help steer your vehicle.
%*
[DR15950(ALL)04/95]
If the amount of effort needed to steer your vehicle changes at a
constant vehicle speed, have the power steering system checked.
If the power steering system breaks down (or if the engine is
turned off), you can steer the vehicle manually but it takes more
effort.
*
[DR15960(ALL)01/95]
Never hold the steering wheel to the extreme right or left for
more than five seconds if the engine is running. This can
damage the power steering pump.
*
[DR15985(ALL)05/90]
NOTE: After any severe impact such as striking large
potholes, sliding into curbs on icy roads, or a collision
involving the front end, observe the steering wheel
alignment. If the spokes of the steering wheel seem to
be in a different position while going straight down
the road, have the front suspension and steering
checked for possible damage.
File:10undrr.ex
Update:Wed May 1 13:52:06 1996

Driving Your Ranger
175
*
[DR19700(R )08/94]
n
Manual locking hubs must be in LOCK position before
shifting into four-wheel drive.
*
[DR19800(ALL)11/89]
When using four-wheel drive, maintain steering wheel control at
all times, especially in rough terrain. Since sudden changes in
terrain can result in abrupt steering wheel motion, make sure
you grip the steering wheel rim from the outside. Do not grip
the spokes.
*
[DR19900(ALL)05/90]
Drive cautiously to avoid vehicle damage from concealed objects
such as rocks and stumps. Know the terrain or examine maps of
the area in question before driving. Map out your route
beforehand. To maintain steering and braking control of your
vehicle, you must have all four tires on the ground, and they
must be rolling, not sliding or spinning.
[DR19925(ALL)10/94]
Transmission upshift in 4WD with transfer case in 4WD LOW
may be quite firm due to large total gear reduction. This
condition is normal.
*
[DR20000(ALL)11/89]
Sand
*
[DR20100(ALL)11/89]
When driving over sand, try to keep all four wheels of the
vehicle on the most solid area of the trail. Do not reduce the
tire pressures but shift to a lower gear and drive steadily
through the terrain. Apply accelerator slowly and avoid
spinning the wheels.
*
[DR20200(ALL)11/89]
Mud and Water
*
[DR20300(ALL)12/89]
When driving through water, determine the depth; avoid water
higher than the bottom of the hubs (if possible) and proceed
slowly. If the ignition system gets wet, the vehicle may stall.
*
[DR20400(ALL)11/89]
Once through water, always try the brakes. Wet brakes do not
stop the vehicle as effectively as dry brakes. Drying can be
improved by moving your vehicle slowly, while applying light
pressure on the brake pedal.
File:10undrr.ex
Update:Wed May 1 13:52:06 1996

176
*
[DR20500(ALL)11/89]
After driving through mud, clean off residue stuck to rotating
driveshafts and tires. Excess mud stuck on tires and rotating
driveshafts causes an imbalance which could damage drive
components.
*
[DR20525(ALL)06/95]
NOTE: If the transmission and transfer case is submerged in
water, their fluids should be checked and changed, if
necessary.
%*
[DR20600(R )05/89]
Additional Special Driving Instructions for
4-Wheel Drive Vehicle Operators
*
[DR20701(ALL)11/89]
Driving on Hill or Slope Terrain
[DR20800(ALL)08/94]
When driving on a hill, avoid driving crosswise or turning on
steep slopes, you could lose traction and slip sideways. Drive
straight up, straight down or avoid the hill completely. Know
the conditions on the other side of a hill before driving over the
crest.
*
[DR20900(ALL)11/89]
When climbing a steep hill, start in a lower gear, rather than
finding it necessary to downshift from a higher gear after the
ascent has started. This reduces strain on the engine and the
possibility of stalling.
*
[DR21000(ALL)11/89]
When descending a steep hill avoid sudden braking. Rapid
pumping of the brake pedal will help slow the vehicle and still
maintain steering control.
*
[DR21101(ALL)11/89]
Driving on Snow or Ice
*
[DR21200(ALL)10/90]
A four-wheel drive vehicle has advantages over two-wheel drive
vehicles in snow and ice but can skid like any other vehicle. If
so equipped, keep the vehicle in four-wheel drive if icy or
slippery conditions exist.
*
[DR21300(ALL)11/89]
Avoid sudden applications of power and quick changes of
direction on snow or ice. Apply the accelerator slowly and
steadily when starting from a full stop.
File:10undrr.ex
Update:Wed May 1 13:52:06 1996

178
*
[DR22400(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
An increase in pedal travel will result in reduced braking
capability. The brake system should be checked
immediately.
%*
[DR22500(R )10/94]
Rear Anti-lock Brakes
*
[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.
*
[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.
*
[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.
*
[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.
File:10undrr.ex
Update:Wed May 1 13:52:06 1996

Driving Your Ranger
179
[DR22905(ALL)10/94]
Four Wheel Anti-lock Brake System
*
[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.
*
[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.
*
[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.
*
[DR22925(ALL)10/94]
Using anti-lock brakes
*
[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:
*
[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.
%*
[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.
File:10undrr.ex
Update:Wed May 1 13:52:06 1996

Driving Your Ranger
185
*
[DR25501(ALL)02/95]
Wheel Spin
*
[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.
*
[DR26401(ALL)05/91]
For 4x4 vehicles, engage 4WD, and try to drive away.
%*
[DR26550(ALL)05/90]
High Speed Driving
*
[DR26590(ALL)07/95]
Ford Motor Company recommends obeying posted speed limits.
*
[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.
*
[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.
%*
[DR26701(ALL)01/95]
Driving in Bad Weather
%*
[DR26750(ALL)01/95]
Slippery roads
*
[DR26801(ALL)03/95]
Drive cautiously on wet or snowy roads:
*
[DR26850(ALL)03/95]
n
Do not quickly move the steering wheel unless necessary.
*
[DR26901(ALL)01/95]
n
Drive slower than you normally would.
*
[DR26951(ALL)01/95]
n
Give your vehicle more distance to stop.
File:10undrr.ex
Update:Wed May 1 13:52:06 1996

216
*
[DR38800(ALL)06/95]
When descending a steep grade with a trailer, operate in Drive
rather than Overdrive. If additional braking is needed, shift the
automatic transmission gearshift into 2 (Second) gear or 1 (Low).
*
[DR38925(ALL)08/95]
Servicing Your Vehicle If You Tow
*
[DR38950(ALL)08/93]
If you tow a trailer for a long distance, your vehicle will need
to be serviced more frequently than usual. Refer to the
Maintenance Schedule and Recordbooklet for additional
information.
[DR39000(ALL)08/95]
Trailer towing tips
*
[DR39100(ALL)11/89]
Before starting on a trip, practice turning, stopping and backing
in an area away from heavy traffic. Get to know the ªfeelº of
the vehicle/trailer combination.
*
[DR39200(ALL)05/90]
Practice backing up. Back up very slowly, with someone outside
at the rear of your trailer to guide you. Place your hand at the
bottom of the steering wheel and move it in the direction you
want the rear of the trailer to swing. Slight movement of the
steering wheel results in a much larger movement of the rear of
the trailer.
*
[DR39300(ALL)11/89]
Allow more room for stopping with a trailer attached. Trailer
brakes should be applied first, whether manually or
automatically controlled, when approaching a stop.
*
[DR39400(ALL)11/89]
For a good handling truck-trailer combination, the trailer tongue
load should be approximately 10-15% of the loaded trailer
weight.
*
[DR39500(ALL)05/95]
Make a thorough check of your equipment before starting out
on the road. After you have traveled about 50 miles (80 km)
stop in a protected area and double-check your hitch and
electrical connections. Also check trailer wheel lug nuts for
tightness.
File:10undrr.ex
Update:Wed May 1 13:52:06 1996

218
*
[DR40600(ALL)01/93]
To start, after being parked on a grade:
*
[DR40700(ALL)05/95]
n
Apply the brake pedal and hold.
*
[DR40800(ALL)08/95]
n
Start the engine.
*
[DR40900(ALL)08/95]
n
Shift transmission into gear and release the parking brake.
*
[DR41000(ALL)08/95]
n
Release the brake pedal and move the vehicle uphill to free
the wheel chocks.
*
[DR41100(ALL)05/95]
n
Apply the brake pedal and hold while another person
retrieves the chocks.
[DR41235(ALL)02/92]
Suspension Modifications
[DR41250(ALL)03/91]
The suspension and steering systems on your vehicle have been
designed and tested to provide both safe, predictable
performance (whether loaded or empty) as well as durable load
carrying capability. Any modifications to the suspension or
steering systems can reduce your vehicle's performance
capability and adversely affect driver and passenger safety. Ford
recommends that you DO NOT make modifications such as
adding or removing parts (like lift kits, stabilizer bars or
snowplowing equipment) or by using replacement parts
non-equivalent to the original factory equipment.
%*
[DR41260(ALL)02/92]
Snowplowing
*
[DR41275(ALL)01/93]
RWARNING
Do not use this vehicle for snowplowing.
File:10undrr.ex
Update:Wed May 1 13:52:06 1996