1996 FORD RANGER light

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

Driving Your Ranger
171
*
[DR17500(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.
*
[DR17510(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.
*
[DR17540(R )01/95]
To shift from N (Neutral) to either 4H or 4L, stop the vehicle
and engage the parking brake. Place the automatic transmission
into N (Neutral) or depress the clutch on manual transmission
vehicles. Push the transfer case shift lever to the desired
position. If it 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).
[DR17570(R )01/95]
4WD Systems Ð Select Drive Electric Shift
[DR17601(R )01/95]
The select drive electric shift system functions in three modes.
In two-wheel drive mode, power is delivered only to the rear
axle at normal road speed. The 4x4 HIGH position provides
four-wheel drive with power delivered to the front and rear
axles for increased traction. The 4x4 LOW position provides
four-wheel drive with power delivered to the front and rear
axles when above average power is required at reduced speeds.
[DR17630(R )01/95]
Four-wheel drive operation (4x4 HIGH or 4x4 LOW) on dry
pavement is not recommended. Operating the vehicle in
four-wheel drive on dry pavement will increase noise, vibration,
tire wear, decrease fuel economy, and make four-wheel drive
disengagement difficult for the transfer case.
File:10undrr.ex
Update:Wed May 1 13:52:06 1996

172
[DR17660(R )01/95]
Electric shift system indicator lights
[DR17720(R )03/95]
A 4WD indicator light and a 4WD LOW indicator light are
located in the instrument cluster. If either light flashes, take
your vehicle in for service.
[DR17750(ALL)01/95]
n
Two-Wheel Drive mode Ð Neither the 4WD nor the 4WD
LOW lights are lit.
[DR17780(R )07/94]
n
4WD High Ð Only the 4WD light is lit.
[DR17810(ALL)10/94]
n
4WD LOW mode Ð Both the 4WD and 4WD LOW lights
are lit.
[DR17840(R )07/94]
To shift from Two-Wheel Drive to 4WD High:
[DR17871(R )08/94]
To shift into 4WD High rotate the 4WD switch located on the
instrument panel to 4x4 High. This shift can be done at a stop
or at speeds up to 55 miles per hour (88 km/h). When the
vehicle is driven, the automatic locking hubs will engage. If the
vehicle is stopped while in 4WD and the vehicle direction is
reversed from the previous direction, the automatic locking hubs
will momentarily disengage and reengage. The automatic
locking hubs may click as they automatically engage in the new
direction.
[DR17936(R )04/95]
10-1/2 pica
art:0020628-D
Select drive rotary switch
File:10undrr.ex
Update:Wed May 1 13:52:06 1996

Driving Your Ranger
173
[DR17945(R )01/95]
At extremely low temperatures, it may be necessary to slow
down or even stop to shift from two wheel drive to 4WD.
[DR17960(R )01/95]
The initial shift from two-wheel drive to 4WD while the vehicle
is moving can cause some momentary clunk and ratcheting
sounds. This is the front drivetrain coming up to speed and the
automatic locking hubs engaging and is not a cause for concern.
[DR17990(R )01/95]
Because of possible damage to powertrain components, never
shift from two-wheel drive to 4WD with the rear wheels
slipping.
[DR18020(R )07/94]
To shift from 4WD High to Two-Wheel Drive:
[DR18050(R )03/95]
Rotate the 4WD switch to 2WD; the 4WD light on the
instrument cluster will go out, indicating the vehicle is in
two-wheel drive. This can be done at any speed. To disengage
the automatic locking hubs, operate the vehicle in two-wheel
drive in the opposite direction for approximately 10 feet
(3 meters) in a straight line.
*
[DR18080(R )06/94]
For example:
[DR18110(R )01/95]
If you were driving the vehicle forward in 4WD the
automatic locking hubs will disengage the next time the
vehicle is driven in reverse in two-wheel drive for
approximatedly 10 feet (3 meters) in a straight line.
[DR18140(R )01/95]
If you were driving the vehicle in reverse in 4WD, the
automatic locking hubs will disengage the next time the
vehicle is driven forward in two-wheel drive for
approximately 10 feet (3 meters) in a straight line.
*
[DR18170(R )01/95]
Operating in two-wheel drive mode with the hubs locked
increases fuel consumption, noise, vibration, and wear. For
prolonged two-wheel drive operation on dry pavement,
disengagement of the automatic locking hubs, which is not
required for two-wheel drive operation, stops all movement of
front-wheel drive components while operating in two-wheel
drive.
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Update:Wed May 1 13:52:06 1996

174
[DR18201(R )06/94]
During axle break-in or operation in extremely cold
temperatures, the automatic locking hubs may not release
completely. It may be necessary to drive the vehicle for 10 to 15
minutes before repeating the release procedure.
[DR18240(R )08/94]
To shift from 4x4 HIGH or 2WD to 4x4 LOW:
[DR18295(R )01/95]
Stop the vehicle, depress the brake and place the automatic
transmission in N (Neutral) or depress the clutch on vehicles
with a manual transmission. Rotate the 4WD switch on the
instrument panel to 4x4 LOW. Both the 4WD and 4WD LOW
lights are now lit.
[DR18350(R )08/94]
To shift from 4x4 LOW to 4x4 HIGH or 2WD:
[DR18380(R )01/95]
Stop the vehicle, depress the brake and place the automatic
transmission into N (Neutral) or depress the clutch on vehicles
with a manual transmission. Rotate the 4WD switch on the
instrument panel to 4x4 HIGH or 2WD.
[DR18500(ALL)03/95]
It is not recommended to operate the vehicle in the 4WD modes
with a temporary spare. If 4WD operation is necessary, do not
operate at speeds above 10 mph or for distances above 50 miles.
Extended operation in 4WD with a temporary spare may result
in damage to drivetrain components.
%*
[DR19200(ALL)01/89]
Driving Off Road with 4-Wheel Drive
*
[DR19300(ALL)11/89]
Most vehicles with four-wheel drive are especially equipped for
driving on sand, snow, mud, or rough terrain and have
operating characteristics that are somewhat different from
conventional vehicles, both off and on the road. The driving tips
below will help you learn to use four-wheel drive.
[DR19500(R )08/94]
n
Do not use four-wheel drive on dry, hard-surfaced roads,
especially with a temporary spare tire in use.
*
[DR19600(ALL)11/89]
n
Special maintenance procedures are necessary after operating
with drive components in water.
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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.
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Update:Wed May 1 13:52:06 1996

Driving Your Ranger
177
*
[DR21310(ALL)05/95]
All utility-type and Four-Wheel Drive vehicles have special
design and equipment features to make them capable of
performing in a wide variety of off-road applications. Specific
design characteristics give them higher centers of gravity than
ordinary passenger cars.
*
[DR21325(ALL)08/95]
RWARNING
Utility and four-wheel drive vehicles are NOT designed
for cornering at speeds as high as passenger cars any
more than low-slung sports cars are designed to perform
satisfactorily under off-road conditions. Avoid sharp
turns or abrupt maneuvers in these vehicles.
%*
[DR21400(ALL)03/95]
Brakes
*
[DR21500(ALL)01/93]
Front Disc Brakes
*
[DR21600(ALL)06/95]
The front disc brakes are self-adjusting. They do not require
service other than periodic inspection for pad wear.
*
[DR21900(R )10/94]
Rear Drum Brakes
*
[DR22000(R )08/95]
The rear drum brakes are self-adjusting. Automatic adjustment
occurs when the brakes are applied while ªbacking up.º If
normal operation does not include much backing, adjust the
brakes when they seem ªlow,º using the procedure underIf
Brakes Do Not Grip Well or Pedal is ªLowºin this chapter.
*
[DR22100(ALL)11/89]
Hydraulic Power Brakes
[DR22200(ALL)08/94]
The hydraulic brake system is made up of two independent
hydraulic circuits. One hydraulic circuit supplies fluid to the
front disc brakes and the other hydraulic circuit supplies fluid
to the rear drum or disc brakes. These two circuits are supplied
by a common hydraulic brake fluid reservoir, with a fluid level
sensor.
*
[DR22300(ALL)11/89]
The brake light in the instrument cluster will light for low brake
fluid in the common brake fluid reservoir.
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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