1996 FORD RANGER service

Driving Your Ranger
181
%*
[DR23000(ALL)12/89]
If Brakes Do Not Grip Well or Pedal is ªLowº
%*
[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.
*
[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.
%*
[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.
*
[DR23400(ALL)11/89]
RWARNING
Modifications to the suspension spring rates and/or
vehicle ride height may adversely affect vehicle stopping
ability.
*
[DR23500(ALL)07/92]
If Brakes Pull
*
[DR23600(ALL)05/95]
n
Check tire pressure.
*
[DR23700(R )07/95]
n
Perform the self-adjustment procedure described underIf
Brakes Do Not Grip Well or Pedal is ªLow.º
*
[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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Update:Wed May 1 13:52:06 1996

182
%*
[DR24000(ALL)01/93]
Stopping Distances
*
[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.
%*
[DR24200(ALL)01/95]
Applying the Brakes
*
[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.
*
[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.
*
[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.
%*
[DR24600(ALL)03/95]
Using the Parking Brake
*
[DR24650(ALL)01/95]
The parking brake should be used whenever you park your
vehicle.
*
[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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Update:Wed May 1 13:52:06 1996

184
*
[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.
*
[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.
*
[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.
%*
[DR25200(ALL)01/95]
Driving Under Special Conditions
%*
[DR25250(ALL)01/95]
Tips for Safe Driving
*
[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.
*
[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

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.
File:10undrr.ex
Update:Wed May 1 13:52:06 1996

Driving Your Ranger
193
*
[DR29525(ALL)09/95]
RWARNING
It is extremely dangerous to ride in a cargo area, inside
or outside of a vehicle. In a collision, people riding in
these areas are more likely to be seriously injured or
killed.
*
[DR29530(ALL)09/95]
RWARNING
Do not allow people to ride in any area of your vehicle
that is not equipped with seats and safety belts.
*
[DR29535(ALL)09/95]
RWARNING
Be sure everyone in your vehicle is in a seat and using a
safety belt properly.
*
[DR29551(ALL)03/91]
Each additional item of equipment affects how much cargo a
vehicle can carry. If a vehicle is overloaded, performance will
suffer and service concerns may arise.
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Update:Wed May 1 13:52:06 1996

196
*
[DR30650(ALL)08/95]
It is important to remember that GVWis not a limit or a
specification.If an owner loads up a vehicle and weighs it, that's
the GVW at that moment. If the owner piles on more of a load
and weighs it again, that becomes the GVW.
%*
[DR30701(ALL)03/91]
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
*
[DR30750(ALL)10/94]
To avoid overloading a vehicle, the owner should observe the
manufacturer's specified Gross Vehicle Weight Rating. The
GVWR is the maximum total weight of base vehicle, passengers,
optional components and cargo that a particular vehicle was
designed to carry.
%*
[DR30801(ALL)01/93]
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
*
[DR30850(ALL)03/91]
We have all seen a car or a truck that is loaded down in the
rear and riding high in the front. This is a dangerous condition
that usually means that the rear suspension components are
under severe strain and that vehicle handling is impaired. There
is more to carrying a load than just payload or GVWR.
*
[DR30901(ALL)03/91]
Your Safety Compliance Certification Label not only gives the
GVWR, it also gives the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
which is the carrying capacity for each axle system. For trucks,
the rear axle will be designed to carry more weight than the
front.
*
[DR30950(ALL)06/92]
The rating is based on the carrying capacity of thelowest rated
axle and suspension component as well as other factors. This is
why it's so important to observe vehicle loading ratings.
Overloading a vehicle punishes components and can lead to
shortened service life or outright failure.
*
[DR31001(ALL)06/92]
The capacity of the tires is included as part of the axle and
suspension system, which is to be considered when determining
the lowest rated component. Tires are rated to carry a specific
maximum load at a specific maximum tire pressure.
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

Driving Your Ranger
217
*
[DR39600(ALL)11/89]
When turning, drive slightly beyond the normal turning point
so the trailer wheels will clear curbs or other obstructions.
[DR39750(ALL)01/95]
When stopped in traffic for long periods of time in hot weather,
place the gearshift selector lever in P (Park) to increase the
engine idle speed. This aids in engine cooling and air
conditioner efficiency. If the engine overheats, rotate the
function selector control knob to panel position to stop the
compressor and increase the engine speed for a short time.
*
[DR39800(R )05/90]
RWARNING
Do not tow a trailer when using a temporary spare tire.
*
[DR39900(ALL)05/90]
Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade.
However, if you must park on a grade, place wheel chocks
under the trailer's wheels as follows:
*
[DR40000(ALL)05/95]
n
Apply the brake pedal and hold.
*
[DR40100(ALL)11/89]
n
Have another person place the wheel chocks under the
trailer wheels.
*
[DR40200(ALL)08/95]
n
With the chocks in place, release the brake pedal, making
sure the chocks are holding.
*
[DR40300(ALL)03/91]
n
For automatic transmissions Ð apply the parking brake by
pressing the service brake pedal down firmly with your right
foot while applying the parking brake pedal with your left
foot.
[DR40400(ALL)01/95]
n
For manual transmissions Ð apply the service brake and
shift into N (Neutral) while still maintaining pressure on the
service brake pedal. Set the parking brake fully.
*
[DR40500(ALL)12/91]
n
Shift an automatic transmission into Park (P). Put the
gearshift of a manual transmission in Reverse. If your vehicle
is equipped with four-wheel drive make sure the transfer
case is not in Neutral.
File:10undrr.ex
Update:Wed May 1 13:52:06 1996