1996 FORD RANGER engine

155
Driving Your Ranger
*
[DR00350(ALL)06/95]
Procedures for driving your vehicle will vary depending on
which type of transmission your vehicle has.
[DR00450(R )10/94]
n
an Automatic Overdrive Transmission 4R44E/4R55E
*
[DR00600(ALL)06/95]
n
a manual transmission
[DR05700(ALL)06/95]
Automatic Transmission Operation
(4R44E/4R55E)
*
[DR08715(ALL)08/95]
The 4R44E and 4R55E transmissions are electronically controlled
four speed overdrive automatic transmissions with lockup
torque converter. Transmission operation is controlled by the
Powertrain Control Module (PCM).
*
[DR08720(ALL)08/95]
The PCM will automatically adjust transmission operation to
make up for varying conditions. Several sensors located on the
engine and transmission such as throttle position, engine speed,
vehicle speed and transmission temperature are used by the
PCM to shift the transmission into a higher or lower gear when
required for the best performance and fuel economy. For
example, you may notice that the transmission will upshift to a
higher gear more quickly when the vehicle has not reached
normal operating temperature.
*
[DR08730(ALL)08/95]
The PCM also controls the transmission's Torque Converter
Clutch (TCC) to further raise vehicle performance and fuel
economy. The TCC will engage when the transmission operating
temperature and other conditions determined by the PCM have
been met. Engagement of the clutch may be noted as a decrease
in engine speed.
[DR08740(ALL)03/95]
To help in troubleshooting, the PCM continually performs
self-tests on the electronic control system and, if any faults are
detected, stores them in memory. The Overdrive Off Indicator
Light (O/D OFF), which is located on the instrument cluster,
may flash steadily if a malfunction has been detected. If the
Overdrive Off Indicator Light is flashing, contact your Ford
dealer as soon as possible. If this condition persists, damage to
the transmission could occur.
File:10undrr.ex
Update:Wed May 1 13:52:06 1996

158
*
[DR09350(ALL)01/95]
N (Neutral)
*
[DR09375(ALL)01/95]
With the gearshift in the N (Neutral) position, the vehicle can be
started and is free to roll. Hold the brake pedal down while in
this position.
%*
[DR09400(ALL)01/95]
Driving
%*
[DR09500(ALL)04/95]
When to use
j(Overdrive)
*
[DR09600(ALL)04/95]
This is the normal driving position. As the vehicle picks up
speed, automatic upshifts to second, third and fourth gears will
occur when
jOverdrive is chosen on the selector and the
transmission control switch has not been pressed. The
transmission will shift into the correct gear when the right
speed is achieved, for the accelerator pedal position you have
chosen.
*
[DR09700(ALL)03/94]
When to use Drive
[DR09800(ALL)06/95]
You will note there is not a drive position on your gearshift
indicator. However, you will find a transmission control switch
labeled O/D ON/OFF located on the end of the gearshift lever.
Press this switch and the O/D OFF indicator light will
illuminate on the instrument cluster. With overdrive cancelled
and the O/D OFF indicator light illuminated, the transmission
will operate in gears one through three. This is useful if you
experience frequent downshift/upshift conditions, when
operating with a heavy load or in hilly terrain, or if additional
engine braking is useful. However, shift back to
j(Overdrive)
whenever practical for optimum powertrain cooling and fuel
economy. This can be accomplished by pushing the transmission
control switch again, to cancel the O/D OFF control and light.
File:10undrr.ex
Update:Wed May 1 13:52:06 1996

Driving Your Ranger
159
[DR09850(ALL)01/95]
quarter page
art:0021255-A
Transmission control switch (located on the end of the gearshift lever)
*
[DR09900(ALL)05/95]
To return the transmission to the normal
jOverdrive
operation, press the transmission control switch again. The
Transmission Control Indicator Light will not be illuminated
when Overdrive operation resumes. This switch may be used to
select O/D ON or O/D OFF any time the vehicle is being
driven.
*
[DR09950(ALL)05/94]
When starting your vehicle, the overdrive system will
automatically be in the normal overdrive mode.
*
[DR10100(ALL)01/95]
When to use 2 (Second)
*
[DR10200(ALL)01/95]
Use 2 (Second) to start-up on slippery roads or to provide
additional engine braking on downgrades. This position
provides 2 (Second) gear operation only.
*
[DR10300(ALL)01/95]
When to use 1 (Low)
*
[DR10400(ALL)04/95]
Use 1 (Low) to provide maximum engine braking on steep
downgrades. Upshifts from 1 (Low) can be made by manually
shifting to 2 (Second) or
j(Overdrive). Selection of 1 (Low)
gear provides only low gear operation from start-up. Selection
of 1 (Low) while at higher speeds provides a shift to second
gear, and a shift to first gear will occur after the vehicle
decelerates to the proper speed.
File:10undrr.ex
Update:Wed May 1 13:52:06 1996

Driving Your Ranger
161
*
[DR11235(ALL)03/94]
Power Braking
*
[DR11275(ALL)03/94]
Increasing the engine speed above idle without vehicle
movement (such as holding the brake) in a forward or reverse
gear causes transmission stall.
*
[DR11285(ALL)09/95]
NOTE: Continued operation in the stall condition can result
in transmission overheat, malfunction or fluid
expulsion.
[DR11300(ALL)08/94]
Manual Transmission Operation
%*
[DR11400(ALL)03/95]
Using the Clutch
*
[DR11500(ALL)01/95]
Make sure the gearshift lever is in the N (Neutral) position and
your right foot is holding down the brake pedal. Then press the
clutch pedal to the floor with your left foot. Manual
transmission vehicles have a starter interlock switch. The starter
will not crank until the clutch pedal is fully depressed. Start the
engine and allow it to idle for a few seconds. Move the
gearshift into 1 (First) or R (Reverse).
*
[DR11600(ALL)03/91]
To move the vehicle, release the clutch slowly and at the same
time press down slowly on the accelerator so that the vehicle
accelerates.
*
[DR11700(ALL)03/95]
Do not drive with your foot resting on the clutch pedal and do
not use the clutch to hold your vehicle at a standstill while
waiting on a hill. These actions will seriously reduce clutch life.
*
[DR11750(ALL)03/95]
Driving with your foot resting on the clutch may cause the
vehicle to jerk sharply when pressing or removing your other
foot from the accelerator.
File:10undrr.ex
Update:Wed May 1 13:52:06 1996

164
%*
[DR13250(ALL)06/95]
Recommended Shift Speeds
[DR14950(ALL)04/94]
Engines with 5-Speed Manual Overdrive Transmission
[DR15000(ALL)10/94]
thirty pica
chart:0021181-DFile:10undrr.ex
Update:Wed May 1 13:52:06 1996

Driving Your Ranger
165
*
[DR15100(ALL)03/95]
When you slow down or climb a steep hill, always downshift
before the engine starts to lose power. Downshifting reduces the
chance of stalling and gives your vehicle better acceleration to
increase speed again.
*
[DR15200(ALL)03/95]
When you drive down steep hills, downshifting helps you keep
a safe speed and helps prevent unnecessary wear on the brakes.
*
[DR15300(ALL)03/95]
When you come to a stop, do not downshift through each gear.
Disengage the clutch and use the brake as necessary.
Downshifting through the gears decreases your vehicle's fuel
economy.
*
[DR15400(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Continued use of a damaged or worn clutch, prolonged
clutch slippage or downshifting at excessive speeds can
result in a failure of the engine, transmission or clutch
components.
*
[DR15500(ALL)03/91]
Transmission Function
[DR15600(ALL)10/94]
Upshift at the speeds specified in the chart. All forward gears
are synchronized allowing you to shift into them with your
vehicle in motion. The clutch pedal should be fully depressed
when shifting.
*
[DR15625(ALL)04/94]
NOTE: Shifting during extremely low rpm's can result in a
momentary audible rattle which disappears as vehicle
rpm's are increased. Shifting at higher speeds will
eliminate this sound.
*
[DR15700(ALL)03/95]
Parking
*
[DR15800(ALL)01/95]
To park your vehicle, apply the service brake pedal, and shift
into N (Neutral) while still maintaining pressure on the service
brake. Set the parking brake fully. Shift into first and turn off
the ignition.
File:10undrr.ex
Update:Wed May 1 13:52:06 1996

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

170
[DR17180(R )08/94]
NOTE: Do not drive the vehicle with the left and right
manual locking hubs set to different positions.
*
[DR17210(R )06/94]
To shift from 4H to 2H:
*
[DR17240(R )06/94]
Move the transfer case shift lever forward to the 2H position.
This can be done at any speed. However, the front driveline
will remain engaged to the front wheels until the manual
locking hubs are disengaged. To disengage the manual locking
hubs, stop the vehicle and rotate both hub lock selector knobs
counter-clockwise to the FREE position.
*
[DR17270(R )06/94]
Operating in 2H with the hubs in the LOCK position increases
fuel consumption, noise, vibration, and wear. For prolonged 2H
operation on dry pavement, set the manual locking hubs to the
FREE position.
*
[DR17301(R )06/94]
To shift between 4H and 4L:
[DR17360(R )01/95]
Stop the vehicle and place the automatic transmission into N
(Neutral) or depress the clutch on vehicles with a manual
transmission. Pull the transfer case shift lever to the left and
shift the transfer case to the desired 4H or 4L position. This
shift should be with one continuous motion without pausing in
the N position. Pausing in the neutral position can result in gear
clash and difficult shifting. If while shifting between 4H and 4L,
the transfer case gets stuck in the N position or is difficult to
shift into either 4H or 4L, it may be necessary to let the vehicle
roll slightly and/or turn off the engine (particularly on vehicles
equipped with automatic transmissions).
[DR17390(R )01/95]
To shift between N (Neutral) and either 4H or 4L
[DR17450(R )01/95]
To shift into N (Neutral), stop the vehicle and engage the
parking brake. Place the automatic transmission into N (Neutral)
or depress the clutch on manual transmission vehicles. From
either the 4H or 4L position, pull the transfer case shift lever to
the left and move the transfer case shift lever to the N (Neutral)
position. The N (Neutral) position should only be used for
vehicle towing.
File:10undrr.ex
Update:Wed May 1 13:52:06 1996