1996 FORD RANGER Owners Manual

282
[SV20475(ALL)09/95]
Severe winter climate
[SV20490(ALL)09/95]
If you drive in extremely cold climates (less than-34ÊF [-36ÊC]),
it may be necessary to increase the coolant concentration above
50%. Refer to the chart on the coolant container to ensure the
coolant concentration in your vehicle is such that the coolant
will not freeze at the temperature level in which you drive
during winter months. Never increase the engine coolant
concentration above 60%. Leave a 50/50 mixture of engine
coolant and water in your vehicle year-round in non-extreme
climates.
%*
[SV20500(ALL)08/95]
Checking Hoses
*
[SV20600(ALL)10/89]
Inspect all engine and heater system hoses for deterioration,
leaks and loose clamps before adding or replacing engine
coolant. Make whatever repairs or replacements that are
necessary using Motorcraft parts or their equivalents.
%*
[SV20700(ALL)08/95]
Engine Coolant Drain and Flush
*
[SV20800(ALL)10/89]
To drain your vehicle's engine coolant:
*
[SV20900(ALL)03/94]1.
Turn off the engine and let it cool. Fully depressurize the
engine cooling system by covering the radiator cap with a
thick cloth and turning it slowly counterclockwise to the first
stop. Step back while the pressure releases.
*
[SV20950(ALL)05/90]2.
Remove the cap.
*
[SV21000(ALL)05/90]3.
Attach a small hose to the drain tube at the bottom of the
radiator.
*
[SV21200(ALL)05/90]4.
Let the engine coolant drain into a suitable container.
Disconnect the lower radiator hose at the radiator connector
and drain any remaining engine coolant into a container.
*
[SV21250(ALL)05/95]
Proper procedures for flushing the cooling system can be found
in theService Manual.
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Servicing Your Ranger
283
%*
[SV21300(ALL)08/95]
Engine coolant refill procedure
*
[SV21400(ALL)10/89]
After you have drained the engine cooling system:
[SV21700(ALL)10/89]1.
When cold, fill the radiator to a level 1 to 1 1/2 inches
(38 mm) below the filler neck seat.
*
[SV21900(ALL)03/94]2.
Replace the radiator cap to its fully installed position, then
back off to the first stop. This will prevent high pressure
from building up in the cooling system during this part of
the fill procedure.
*
[SV22100(ALL)10/89]3.
Start and idle the engine until the thermostat opens and the
radiator upper hose becomes warm.
*
[SV22200(ALL)05/95]4.
Shut off the engine and allow the engine to cool. Cover the
radiator cap with a thick cloth and cautiously remove it. Step
back while the pressure releases.
*
[SV22500(ALL)10/89]5.
Finally, check the radiator and add more engine coolant if
needed, following the procedures noted above. Reinstall the
radiator cap securely, when finished.
*
[SV22525(ALL)05/90]6.
If more engine coolant is necessary, fill the overflow
reservoir to the appropriate level marked on the bottle.
%*
[SV22700(ALL)03/95]
Windshield Washer Fluid and Wipers
%*
[SV22800(ALL)03/95]
Washer Fluid
*
[SV22900(ALL)01/95]
Check the level of the windshield washer fluid every time you
stop for fuel. The reservoir for washer fluid is located on the
passenger's side of the engine compartment. Visual inspection
can determine if the washer fluid is adequate. Do not operate
the washer when the reservoir is empty.
*
[SV23300(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Do not put windshield washer fluid in the container for
the engine coolant.
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284
[SV23550(ALL)09/95]
10-1/2 pica
art:0090119-B
Adding windshield washer fluid
%*
[SV23800(ALL)01/95]
Use specially formulated windshield washer fluid rather than
plain water, because specially formulated washer fluids contain
additives that dissolve road grime. For safety reasons, washer
fluids containing an appropriate antifreeze such as methanol
should be used in freezing weather (temperatures below32ÊF
[0ÊC]). State or local regulations on Volatile Organic Compounds
(VOC's) may restrict use of the most common antifreeze,
methanol. Washer fluids containing non-methanol antifreeze
agents should be used only if they provide cold weather
protection without damaging the vehicle's paint finish, wiper
blades, and windshield washer system.
*
[SV23900(ALL)10/89]
If you choose to use a windshield washing solution that must
be mixed, follow the manufacturer's mixing instructions.
Improperly mixed solutions may freeze unexpectedly.
[SV24000(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Windshield washer fluid contains methanol and it is
poisonous. Follow all instructions on the bottle of washer
fluid.
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Servicing Your Ranger
285
%*
[SV24500(ALL)03/95]
Wiper Blades
*
[SV24600(ALL)03/95]
Check the windshield wiper blades at least twice a year. Also
check them whenever they seem less effective than usual. Such
substances as tree sap and some hot wax treatments used by
commercial car washes reduce the effectiveness of wiper blades.
*
[SV24700(ALL)09/95]
If the blades do not wipe properly, clean both the windshield
and the wiper blades. Use undiluted windshield washer solution
or a mild detergent. Rinse thoroughly with clear water. Do not
use fuel, kerosene, paint thinner, or other solvents to clean your
wiper blades. These will damage your blades.
*
[SV24800(ALL)03/95]
To make reaching the wiper blades easy, simply turn the
ignition to the ACC position and turn your wipers on. Wait for
them to reach a vertical position and turn the ignition to the
OFF position. Do not move the wipers manually. Manually
moving the wipers across the windshield may damage them.
*
[SV24900(ALL)03/01]
Wiper blade replacement
[SV25000(ALL)01/95]
If the wipers still do not work properly after you clean them,
you may need to replace the wiper blade assembly or the blade.
When replacing the wiper blade assembly, blade refill, or wiper
arm always use a Motorcraft part or equivalent.
*
[SV25025(ALL)10/93]
To replace the wiper blades:
[SV25030(ALL)10/94]1.
Cycle windshield wiper arm and wiper blade to where
removal of blade can be performed without difficulty. Turn
ignition off at desired position.
[SV25075(ALL)10/94]2.
To remove wiper blade assembly from wiper mounting arm,
depress lock tab and push wiper mounting arm away from
wiper blade assembly.
[SV25100(ALL)10/94]3.
To install wiper blade assembly, pull wiper mounting arm
down on wiper blade until lock tab is engaged.
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286
[SV25125(ALL)10/94]
24 pica art:0021371-A
Replacing the wiper blades
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Servicing Your Ranger
287
%*
[SV25200(ALL)03/95]
Tires
*
[SV25300(ALL)03/95]
Look at your tires each time you fill your fuel tank. If one tire
looks lower than the others, check the pressure in all of them.
Always follow these precautions:
*
[SV25400(ALL)03/95]
n
Keep your tires inflated to the recommended pressures.
*
[SV25500(ALL)02/95]
n
Stay within the recommended load limits (seeLoad limitsin
the Index).
*
[SV25600(ALL)02/95]
n
Make sure the weight of your load is evenly distributed.
*
[SV25700(ALL)10/89]
n
Drive at safe speeds.
*
[SV25800(ALL)01/95]
If you do not take these precautions, your tires may fail or go
flat.
*
[SV25890(ALL)07/95]
Ford Motor Company recommends obeying posted speed limits.
*
[SV25900(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.
*
[SV26100(ALL)11/89]
At least once a month, check the pressure in all your vehicle's
tires, including the spare. Use an accurate tire pressure gauge.
Check the tire pressure when tires are cold, that is, after the
vehicle has been parked for at least one hour or has been
driven less than 3 miles (5 km). You can find the proper cold
pressure on the Safety Compliance Certification Label.
*
[SV26150(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Improperly inflated tires can affect vehicle handling and
can fail suddenly, possibly resulting in loss of vehicle
control.
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288
[SV26200(ALL)08/95]
Tire inspection and maintenance
*
[SV26300(ALL)02/95]
Inspect the tire treads, and remove stones, nails, glass or other
objects that may be wedged in the tread grooves. Check for
holes or cuts that may permit air to leak from the tire, and
make the necessary repairs.
*
[SV26400(ALL)10/89]
Inspect the tire side walls for cuts, bruises and other damage. If
you suspect internal damage to the tire, have it demounted and
checked. You may need to repair or replace it.
[SV26410(ALL)09/95]
Wheel inspection and maintenance
*
[SV26420(ALL)11/89]
Check for damage that would affect the runout of the wheels.
Wobble or shimmy will eventually damage the wheel bearings.
*
[SV26430(ALL)06/93]
Front wheel bearings require periodic repacking and adjustment
as specified in theMaintenance Schedule and Recordbooklet.
Loose or worn front wheel bearings tend to let the vehicle
wander or shimmy, and can eventually cause excessive tire
wear.
*
[SV26435(ALL)06/95]
Whenever a wheel is removed and then re-installed, always
remove any corrosion that may be present on the mounting
surface of the wheel and/or the surface of the hub, drum or
rotor that contacts the wheel.
*
[SV26440(ALL)08/95]
RWARNING
Installing wheels without a good metal-to-metal contact at
the wheel mounting surface can cause the wheel lug nuts
to loosen and could allow the wheel to come off while
the vehicle is in motion.
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Servicing Your Ranger
289
%*
[SV26450(ALL)03/95]
Traction-Lok Rear Axle (If equipped)
*
[SV26460(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.
*
[SV26470(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
To avoid injury, never run the engine with one wheel off
the ground, such as when changing a tire.
%*
[SV26500(ALL)02/95]
Tire Rotation
*
[SV26600(ALL)03/95]
Because your vehicle's front and rear tires perform different
jobs, they often wear differently. To make sure your tires wear
evenly and last longer, rotate them at the mileage shown in the
Maintenance Schedule and Recordbooklet which came with your
vehicle.
*
[SV26700(ALL)07/92]
Rotate the tires according to the following diagram. If you
notice that the tires wear unevenly, have them checked. If your
light truck has a temporary spare tire, do not include it in the
tire rotation pattern.
*
[SV26750(ALL)03/90]
In situations where the tires differ from front to rear
(snow/traction), simply rotate using a side to side pattern.
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Update:Wed May 1 13:56:18 1996