1996 FORD RANGER tires

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

176
*
[DR20500(ALL)11/89]
After driving through mud, clean off residue stuck to rotating
driveshafts and tires. Excess mud stuck on tires and rotating
driveshafts causes an imbalance which could damage drive
components.
*
[DR20525(ALL)06/95]
NOTE: If the transmission and transfer case is submerged in
water, their fluids should be checked and changed, if
necessary.
%*
[DR20600(R )05/89]
Additional Special Driving Instructions for
4-Wheel Drive Vehicle Operators
*
[DR20701(ALL)11/89]
Driving on Hill or Slope Terrain
[DR20800(ALL)08/94]
When driving on a hill, avoid driving crosswise or turning on
steep slopes, you could lose traction and slip sideways. Drive
straight up, straight down or avoid the hill completely. Know
the conditions on the other side of a hill before driving over the
crest.
*
[DR20900(ALL)11/89]
When climbing a steep hill, start in a lower gear, rather than
finding it necessary to downshift from a higher gear after the
ascent has started. This reduces strain on the engine and the
possibility of stalling.
*
[DR21000(ALL)11/89]
When descending a steep hill avoid sudden braking. Rapid
pumping of the brake pedal will help slow the vehicle and still
maintain steering control.
*
[DR21101(ALL)11/89]
Driving on Snow or Ice
*
[DR21200(ALL)10/90]
A four-wheel drive vehicle has advantages over two-wheel drive
vehicles in snow and ice but can skid like any other vehicle. If
so equipped, keep the vehicle in four-wheel drive if icy or
slippery conditions exist.
*
[DR21300(ALL)11/89]
Avoid sudden applications of power and quick changes of
direction on snow or ice. Apply the accelerator slowly and
steadily when starting from a full stop.
File:10undrr.ex
Update:Wed May 1 13:52:06 1996

186
[DR27001(ALL)01/95]
n
Pump the brake pedal steadily and evenly to avoid locking
your front wheels (except with 4WABS).
[DR27025(ALL)05/95]
n
To stop on ice, shift to N (Neutral) below 10 mph (15 km/h)
and gently pump brakes (except with 4WABS).
*
[DR27050(ALL)02/93]
n
Consider using one of the lower gears.
*
[DR27101(ALL)05/91]
n
For 4x4 vehicles, engage 4WD, and try to drive slowly away.
*
[DR27150(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
To avoid losing control on slippery roads, do not
downshift into Low with the automatic transmission
when moving faster than 20 mph (32 km/h). Do not
downshift into First with the manual transmission when
moving faster than 5 mph (8 km/h).
*
[DR27350(R )06/94]
RWARNING
The rear antilock brake system may not prevent brake
lock-up on extremely slippery surfaces. Rear brake
lock-up may also occur while driving in four-wheel drive
because the transfer case couples the front and rear axles
together.
%*
[DR27450(ALL)03/95]
Traction-Lok Rear Axle (If equipped)
*
[DR27501(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.
*
[DR27550(ALL)03/93]
Extended use of other than matching size tires on a
Traction-Lok rear axle could result in a permanent reduction in
effectiveness. This loss of effectiveness does not affect normal
driving and should not be noticeable to the driver.
File:10undrr.ex
Update:Wed May 1 13:52:06 1996

188engine and transmission, causing damage to both. In addition,
other vehicle systems and components may also be damaged.
*
[DR27975(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Do not spin the wheels at over 35 mph (55 km/h). The
tires may fail and injure a passenger or bystander.
%*
[DR28050(ALL)03/95]
Driving With a Heavy Load
*
[DR28101(ALL)01/95]
There are limits to the amount of weight your vehicle can carry
or tow. The total weight of your vehicle, plus the weight of the
passengers and cargo, should never be more than the Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). Also, the weight that your
vehicle carries over the front axle and rear axle should never be
more than the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for the
respective axle.
*
[DR28150(ALL)08/95]
The weight limits of your vehicle's tires affect the GVWR or
GAWR limitations. Usage of replacement tires with higher
weight limits than originals does not increase GVWR or GAWR.
Usage of lower capacity replacement tires may lower GVWR
and GAWR limitations.
*
[DR28201(ALL)02/95]
RWARNING
If the GVWR or the GAWR specified on the Safety
Compliance Certification Label is exceeded, your vehicle
may be damaged or you may lose control and injure
someone.
*
[DR28350(R )03/91]
Securing loads in cargo area
[DR28400(R )11/92]
To prevent damage to the pickup box and cab, secure any
movable cargo pieces using ropes or straps and the tie down
holes in the stake pockets of the steel pickup box or the tie
down hooks inside the Splash pickup box.
File:10undrr.ex
Update:Wed May 1 13:52:06 1996

Driving Your Ranger
191
[DR28700(R )03/95]
17-1/2 pica
art:0090121-A
Loading four foot (122 cm) building material sheets (styleside box only)
*
[DR28750(ALL)01/93]
Vehicle/Trailer Loads
*
[DR28801(ALL)06/92]
All vehicles may tow a Class I trailer provided the Gross
Combined Weight (GCW) is less than or equal to the GVWR
shown on the Safety Compliance Certification Label. For heavier
trailer applications, refer to the towing information found later
in this chapter.
%*
[DR28950(ALL)02/95]
Trailer Towing (may require trailer tow option package)
*
[DR29001(ALL)03/91]
Towing a trailer puts additional loads on your vehicle's engine,
transmission, axle, brakes, tires and suspension. For your safety
and for the good of your vehicle, use the right equipment for
the type of trailer you tow.
*
[DR29025(ALL)09/92]
Your trailer towing capability will vary based on the standard
and optional equipment on your vehicle. Refer to the following
File:10undrr.ex
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

Driving Your Ranger
197
*
[DR31050(ALL)06/92]
Passenger car type tires when installed on light trucks and
multipurpose passenger vehicles are rated at 10% lower load
carrying capacity due to the differences in vehicle usages.
*
[DR31101(ALL)05/95]
The vehicle must not be loaded to both the front and rear
GAWR because the GVWR will be exceeded. The GAWR of the
front and rear axles exceeds the GVWR when added together to
allow flexibility in fore and aft loading of cargo.
*
[DR31110(ALL)06/92]
With the tires inflated to the specified pressure the total weight
of your vehicle must not exceed the GVWR and GAWR
specified on the Safety Compliance Certification Label. This
includes full fuel tank(s), vehicle equipment, and occupants as
well as the cargo load.
*
[DR31120(ALL)06/92]
GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating)
*
[DR31130(ALL)06/92]
GCWR is the maximum combined weight of the towing
vehicle (including passengers and cargo) and the loaded trailer.
The GCWR is specified by the manufacturer to indicate the
combined maximum loaded weight that the vehicle is designed
to tow.
*
[DR31140(ALL)06/92]
Maximum Trailer Weight Rating
*
[DR31150(ALL)05/95]
The maximum trailer weight rating is the maximum weight of a
trailer the vehicle is permitted to tow. It is specified by the
manufacturer and is determined by subtracting the vehicle curb
weight for each engine/transmission combination, any required
option weight for trailer towing and the weight of the driver
from the GCWR for the towing vehicle.
*
[DR31160(ALL)06/92]
Maximum Trailer Weight
*
[DR31170(ALL)05/95]
The maximum trailer weight is the maximum weight of a trailer
the loaded vehicle is permitted to tow. It is determined by
subtracting the weight of the loaded towing vehicle (including
passengers and cargo) from the GCWR for the towing vehicle.
File:10undrr.ex
Update:Wed May 1 13:52:06 1996

Roadside Emergencies
223
*
[RE03400(ALL)05/95]4.
Remove the other end of the positive (+) cable from the
discharged battery.
*
[RE03500(ALL)04/95]
After the vehicle is started, let it idle for a while to let the
engine ªrelearnº its idle conditions. Drive it around for a while
with all electrical accessories turned off to let the battery
recharge. Driveability may be deteriorated slightly until all drive
modes are ªrelearned.ºYou may need to use a battery charger
to fully recharge the battery.
*
[RE03550(R )01/95]
If you need to replace your battery, seeBatteryin theServicing
Your Rangerchapter.
%*
[RE03600(ALL)03/95]
Changing a Tire
*
[RE03700(ALL)01/95]
If you get a flat tire while you are driving, do not apply the
brake heavily. Instead, gradually decrease the speed. Hold the
steering wheel firmly and slowly move to a safe place on the
side of the road. Park on a level spot, turn off the ignition, set
the parking brake, and turn on the hazard flashers.
%*
[RE03800(ALL)03/95]
The Conventional Spare Tire
*
[RE03900(R )01/95]
If you have the conventional spare tire, you can use it as a
spare or as a regular tire. This spare tire is identical to the other
tires that come with your vehicle, although the wheel may not
match.
*
[RE03930(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
To avoid injury, never run the engine with one wheel off
the ground, such as when changing a tire.
%*
[RE04000(ALL)03/95]
The Temporary Spare Tire
*
[RE04100(ALL)03/95]
You may have a high pressure temporary spare tire. This spare
tire is smaller than a regular tire and is designed for emergency
use only. Use it only when you get a flat tire and replace it as
soon as you can. This spare tire is marked with the words
ªTEMPORARY USE ONLYº so that you can easily identify it.
File:12unrer.ex
Update:Wed May 1 13:53:18 1996