1996 FORD RANGER coolant level

Warning Lights and Gauges
63
*
[LG06100(ALL)07/95]
This light comes on every time you turn the ignition to the ON
or START position (engine off). The light should go off when
the engine starts and the alternator begins to charge.
*
[LG06300(ALL)01/95]
If the light stays on or comes on when the engine is running,
have the electrical system checked as soon as possible.
[LG06335(ALL)04/95]
This light flashes on and off when the ignition switch is OFF
and any door is opened. As soon as you lock the doors, the
light glows steadily. Within 30 seconds of closing all the doors,
the light flashes intermittently (every 2 seconds). This indicates
that the alarm system is armed.
[LG06350(ALL)10/94]
Check Gage Light (If equipped)
*
[LG06355(ALL)06/94]
This light will come on when the key is in the ON position and
the:
[LG06360(ALL)06/94]
n
engine coolant temperature is high
[LG06365(ALL)06/94]
n
engine oil pressure is low
[LG06370(ALL)06/94]
n
fuel level is near empty
[LG06375(ALL)06/94]
This light serves as a notice that a system needs your attention
and to check the engine coolant temperature gauge, the engine
oil pressure gauge, and the fuel level gauge.
[LG06380(ALL)03/95]
Please seeEngine Coolant Temperature Gauge,Engine Oil Pressure
Gauge,orFuel Gaugein this chapter for more information.
[LG06385(ALL)10/94]
6 pica art:0021250-B
Check gage light
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68
[LG10200(R )10/94]
6 pica art:0020063-D
Fuel gauge Ð mechanical cluster
[LG10300(ALL)10/94]
6 pica art:0020752-E
Fuel gauge Ð mechanical cluster with tachometer
%*
[LG11100(ALL)01/95]
Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge
*
[LG11201(ALL)03/95]
This gauge tells you the temperature of the engine coolant, not
the coolant level. If the coolant is not at its proper level or
mixture, the gauge indicator will not be accurate.
*
[LG11301(ALL)08/95]
The pointer moves from the C (cold) mark into the Normal
band as the engine coolant warms up. It is acceptable for the
pointer to fluctuate within the Normal band under normal
driving conditions. Under certain driving conditions, such as
heavy stop and go traffic or driving up hills in hot weather, the
pointer may move to the top of the Normal band.
*
[LG11401(ALL)05/95]
If, under any circumstances, the pointer moves above the
NORMAL band, the engine coolant is overheating and
continued operation may cause engine damage.
*
[LG11501(ALL)01/95]
If your engine coolant overheats:
*
[LG11601(ALL)03/95]1.
Pull off the road as soon as it is safely possible.
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Warning Lights and Gauges
69
*
[LG11701(ALL)03/95]2.
Turn off the engine. If you do not stop the engine as soon as
safely possible, severe engine damage could result.
*
[LG11801(ALL)05/95]3.
Let the engine cool.DO NOT REMOVE COOLANT
SYSTEM FILL CAP UNTIL THE ENGINE IS COOL.
*
[LG11901(ALL)04/95]4.
Check the coolant level following the instructions on
checking and adding coolant to your engine. Refer toEngine
coolantin the Index. If you do not follow these instructions,
you or others could be injured.
*
[LG12240(ALL)01/95]
If the coolant continues to overheat, have the coolant system
serviced as soon as possible.
[LG12300(R )10/94]
7-1/2 pica art:0020067-F
Engine coolant temperature gauge Ð mechanical cluster
[LG12325(ALL)10/94]
7-1/2 pica art:0021154-C
Engine coolant temperature gauge Ð mechanical cluster with tachometer
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278
*
[SV17150(ALL)09/95]
NOTE: SeeRefill Capacities, Motorcraft Parts and Lubrication
Specificationsin this chapter for the appropriate oil
filter and engine oil refill quantity.
%*
[SV17250(ALL)09/95]
NOTE: Always dispose of used automotive fluids in a
responsible manner. Follow your community's
standards for disposing of these types of fluids. Call
your local recycling center to find out about recycling
automotive fluids.
*
[SV17275(ALL)07/95]
RWARNING
Continuous contact with USED motor oil has caused
cancer in laboratory mice.
*
[SV17285(ALL)07/95]
Protect your skin by washing with soap and water.
%*
[SV17300(ALL)03/95]
Engine Coolant
%*
[SV17400(ALL)09/95]
Checking the engine coolant
*
[SV17500(ALL)09/95]
NOTE: Be sure to read and understandPrecautions When
Servicing Your Vehicleat the beginning of this chapter.
*
[SV17700(ALL)08/95]
Your vehicle's engine coolant protects the engine from
overheating in the summer and from freezing in the winter.
Check the level of the engine coolant at least once a month, but
preferably each time you stop for fuel. Simply look at the
engine coolant recovery reservoir located in the engine
compartment. To locate this reservoir, see the diagram of your
vehicle's engine underEngine typesin this chapter.
*
[SV17750(ALL)03/95]
If the engine coolant has not been checked for a long period of
time the engine coolant reservoir may eventually empty. If the
engine coolant reservoir empties, check the engine coolant level
in the radiator. Read the following warnings before removing
the radiator cap. If it is necessary to fill the radiator, refer to the
Engine Coolant Refill Procedurein this chapter for instructions.
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280
[SV20075(ALL)09/95]
RWARNING
Be careful not to add engine coolant to the windshield
washer fluid reservoir. If sprayed on the windshield,
engine coolant could make it difficult to see through the
windshield.
[SV20100(ALL)09/95]
When the engine is cool, add a 50/50 mixture of engine coolant
and water to the engine coolant recovery reservoir Ð DO NOT
ADD DIRECTLY TO THE RADIATOR. Add straight water only
in an emergency, but you should replace it with a 50/50
mixture of coolant and distilled water as soon as possible.
[SV20125(ALL)09/95]
Check the coolant level in the coolant recovery reservoir the
next few times you drive the vehicle. If necessary, add enough
of a 50/50 mixture of coolant and water to bring the liquid
level to the fill line on the reservoir.
[SV20150(ALL)09/95]
RWARNING
Never remove the coolant recovery cap while the engine
is running or hot.
[SV20175(ALL)09/95]
If you must remove the coolant recovery cap, follow these steps
to avoid personal injury caused by escaping steam or engine
coolant:
[SV20200(ALL)09/95]1.
Before you remove the cap, turn the engine off and let it
cool.
[SV20225(ALL)09/95]2.
When the engine is cool, wrap a thick cloth around the cap
and turn it slowly, counterclockwise to the first stop.
[SV20250(ALL)09/95]3.
Step back while the pressure releases.
[SV20275(ALL)09/95]4.
When you are sure that all the pressure has been released,
use the cloth to press the cap down, turn it counterclockwise,
and remove it.
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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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Servicing Your Ranger
305
*
[SV37000(ALL)01/95]
Do not fill the reservoir above the MAX line.
*
[SV37100(ALL)01/95]
If you find that the fluid level is excessively low Ð below the
seam or ridge on the outside of the plastic reservoir Ð have the
brake system inspected.
*
[SV37200(ALL)01/95]
RWARNING
Do not let the reservoir for the master cylinder run dry.
This may cause the brakes to fail.
[SV37500(ALL)04/94]
7-1/2 pica art:0020382-C
Brake master cylinder
%*
[SV37600(ALL)03/95]
Power Steering Fluid
*
[SV37700(ALL)01/95]
Check the level of the power steering fluid at least twice a
year (i.e., every Spring and Fall).
%*
[SV37800(ALL)03/95]
Checking and Adding Power Steering Fluid
*
[SV37900(ALL)02/95]1.
Start the engine and let it run until the power steering fluid
reaches normal operating temperature. The power steering
fluid will be at the right temperature when the engine
coolant temperature gauge in the instrument cluster is near
the center of the NORMAL operating temperature range.
*
[SV38000(ALL)01/95]2.
While the engine idles, turn the steering wheel back and
forth several times. Make sure that the cap assembly is
installed at this time.
*
[SV38100(ALL)05/95]3.
Turn the engine off.
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