1997 FORD RANGER check engine

Roadside Emergencies
239
%*
[ER25100(R)02/96]
Preparing Your Vehicle
*
[ER25200(R)02/96]1.
Your vehicle has a 12-volt starting system, so you need to
use a 12-volt jumper system. You will damage your starting
motor, ignition system, and other electrical parts if you
connect them to a 24-volt power supply (either two 12-volt
batteries in series or a 24-volt generator set).
*
[ER25300(R)02/96]2.
Do not disconnect the battery of the disabled vehicle. You
could damage the vehicle's electrical system.
*
[ER25400(R)02/96]3.
Park the booster vehicle close to the hood of the disabled
vehicle.Make sure the vehicles do not touch each other.Set
the parking brake on both vehicles and stay clear of the
engine cooling fan and other moving parts.
*
[ER25500(R)02/96]4.
Check all battery terminals and remove any excessive
corrosion before you attach the jumper cables.
*
[ER25600(R)02/96]5.
Turn on the heater fan in both vehicles. Turning on the fan
helps protect the electrical system from voltage surges. Turn
off all other switches and lights in both vehicles to prevent
possible damage to either vehicle's electrical systems.
%*
[ER25700(R)02/96]
Connecting the jumper cables
*
[ER25800(R)02/96]1.
Connect one end of the first jumper cable to the positive (+)
terminal of the discharged battery. (You can connect either
jumper cable to the positive (+) terminal, as long as you use
the same cable for both positive terminals.) Most jumper
cables have a red cable and a black cable. The red cable is
generally used for the positive terminals and the black for
the negative ones.
*
[ER25900(R)02/96]2.
Connect the other end of the first cable to the positive (+)
terminal of the booster battery.
*
[ER26000(R)02/96]3.
Connect one end of the second cable to the negative (s)
terminal of the booster battery Ð NOT to the discharged
battery.
File:10unerr.ex
Update:Thu Mar 20 08:56:46 1997

249
Maintenance and Care
%*[MC00300(R)01/96]Service Made Easy
*[MC00400(R)01/96]Ford has two goals for servicing your vehicle.
*[MC00500(R)01/96]1.When we can, we design parts that do not need to be
serviced.
*[MC00600(R)01/96]2.We want to make servicing your vehicle as easy as possible.
To help you:
*[MC00700(R)01/96]nWe highlight do-it-yourself items in yellow in the engine
compartment so that you can find them easily.
*[MC00800(R)03/96]nWhen possible, we design parts that can be replaced without
tools.
*[MC00900(R)02/96]nWe give you a Maintenance Schedule that makes tracking
routine service for your vehicle easy. The maintenance
schedule is located in theMaintenance Schedulebooklet.
*[MC01000(R)01/96]This chapter tells you about the basic parts that you need to
check and service regularly.
*[MC01050(R)01/96]If your vehicle needs professional servicing, your dealership can
provide the parts and service required. Check your Warranty
Information Booklet to find out which parts and services are
covered. Also see the Customer Assistancechapter of this Owner
Guide.
*[MC01300(R)02/96]Ford Motor Company recommends that the Owner Maintenance
Checks listed in the Maintenance Schedule booklet be performed
for the proper operation of your vehicle. In addition to the
conditions listed in the Owner Maintenance Checklist , be alert for
any unusual noise, vibration, or other indication that your
vehicle may need service. If you do notice something unusual,
see that your vehicle is serviced promptly.
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258
*
[MC13730(R)05/96]
NOTE: Ford production and aftermarket (Motorcraft) oil
filters are designed for added engine protection and
long life. If a replacement oil filter is used that does
not meet Ford material and design specifications,
startup engine noises or knock may be experienced. It
is recommended you use the appropriate Motorcraft
oil filter (or another brand meeting Ford
specifications) for your engine application.
%*
[MC13775(R)01/96]
Checking and Adding Engine Oil
*
[MC13800(R)01/96]
Since the proper amount of engine oil is important for safe
engine operation, check the oil using the dipstick each time you
put fuel in your vehicle. Remember the engine must be off, the
oil must be warm and the vehicle must be parked on level
ground.
%*
[MC13900(R)01/96]
Checking the engine oil level:
*
[MC14000(R)01/96]1.
Turn the engine off after it has warmed up and allow a few
minutes for the engine oil to drain back into the oil pan.
[MC14050(R)04/96]2.
Set the parking brake, making sure the gearshift is securely
latched in P (Park) or 1 (manual transmission).
*
[MC14100(R)01/96]3.
Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine heat.
*
[MC14200(R)01/96]4.
Locate the engine oil dipstick (highlighted in yellow) and
carefully pull it out of the engine.
*
[MC14300(R)01/96]5.
Wipe the dipstick clean and put it back into position, making
sure it is fully seated.
File:11unmcr.ex
Update:Thu Mar 20 08:58:43 1997

Maintenance and Care
259
[MC14400(R)01/96]
7-1/2 pica art:0021256-C
Engine oil dipstick
[MC14500(R)01/96]6.
Carefully, pull the dipstick out again. If the oil level is below
the ªADDº line, add engine oil as necessary. If the oil level
is beyond the letter ªFº in Full, engine damage or high oil
consumption may occur and some oil must be removed from
the engine.
*
[MC14600(R)01/96]7.
Put the dipstick back in and make sure it is fully seated.
*
[MC14800(R)01/96]
It may be necessary to add some oil between oil changes. Make
sure you use a CERTIFIED engine oil of the preferred viscosity.
Your vehicle's warranty coverage may not apply if engine
damage is caused by the use of improper engine oil.
*
[MC15000(R)01/96]
Add engine oil through the oil filler cap highlighted in yellow.
To add oil, remove the filler cap and use a funnel to pour oil
into the opening. Be careful not to overfill the engine. Recheck
the oil level after you finish adding oil.
File:11unmcr.ex
Update:Thu Mar 20 08:58:43 1997

Maintenance and Care
263
[MC17400(R)05/96]
Clutch Fluid (If equipped)
*
[MC17405(R)01/96]
During normal operation the fluid level in the clutch reservoir
will slowly rise. If for any reason the fluid level drops, maintain
the fluid level at the step in the reservoir body.
%*
[MC17410(R)05/96]
If it becomes necessary to remove the reservoir cap, thoroughly
clean the reservoir cap before removing it to prevent dirt or
water from entering the reservoir. Remove the internal
diaphragm and then add only a DOT 3 brake fluid such as Ford
High Performance DOT 3 Brake Fluid (Ford Part Number
C6AZ-19542-AB) Ford specification ESA-M6C25-A.
*
[MC17415(R)05/96]
The clutch on your vehicle is automatically self-adjusting and
should not require any routine service.
[MC17420(R)01/96]
10-1/2 pica art:0020376-E
Clutch fluid reservoir
%*
[MC17500(R)02/96]
Windshield Washer Fluid
*
[MC17510(R)01/96]
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.
File:11unmcr.ex
Update:Thu Mar 20 08:58:43 1997

Maintenance and Care
267
*
[MC20325(R)05/96]
Recycled engine coolant
*
[MC20350(R)05/96]
Ford Motor Company recommends that Ford and
Lincoln-Mercury dealers use recycled engine coolant produced
by Ford-approved processes. Not all coolant recycling processes
produce coolant which meets Ford specification ESE-M97B44-A,
and use of such coolant may harm engine and cooling system
components.
*
[MC20375(R)05/96]
Always dispose of used automotive fluids in a responsible
manner. Follow your community's regulations and standards for
recycling and disposing of automotive fluids.
*
[MC20400(R)05/96]
Coolant refill capacity
*
[MC20425(R)05/96]
To find out how much fluid your vehicle's cooling system can
hold, refer to theCapacities and Specificationschapter.
*
[MC20450(R)05/96]
Have your dealer check the engine cooling system for leaks if
you have to add more than a quart (liter) of engine coolant per
month.
*
[MC20475(R)05/96]
Severe winter climate
*
[MC20490(R)05/96]
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.
%*
[MC20500(R)01/96]
Checking Hoses
*
[MC20600(R)01/96]
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.
File:11unmcr.ex
Update:Thu Mar 20 08:58:43 1997

268
%*
[MC22800(R)01/96]
Power Steering Fluid
*
[MC22810(R)01/96]
Check the level of the power steering fluid at least twice a
year (i.e., every Spring and Fall).
%*
[MC22900(R)01/96]
Checking and Adding Power Steering Fluid
*
[MC22910(R)04/96]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.
*
[MC22912(R)01/96]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.
*
[MC22914(R)01/96]3.
Turn the engine off.
%*
[MC22916(R)01/96]4.
Check the fluid level on the dipstick (which is highlighted in
yellow in your vehicle). The fluid level should be between
the arrows in the FULL HOT range, which is marked on the
side of the dipstick, opposite the side marked FULL COLD.
Do not add fluid if the level is within the FULL HOT range.
[MC22918(R)01/96]
10-1/2 pica
art:0021195-A
Power steering dipstick
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270
[MC22936(R)01/96]
10-1/2 pica
art:0090155-A
Power steering dipstick location
*
[MC22940(R)01/96]5.
If the power steering fluid is low, add fluid in small
amounts, continuously checking the level, until you reach the
FULL HOT range. Do not overfill.
*
[MC22942(R)03/96]6.
When you are finished, put the dipstick back in and make
sure that it fits snugly.
[MC22944(R)05/96]
Use only power steering fluid that meets Ford specification such
as MERCONHMulti-Purpose ATF XT-2-QDX (or equivalent).
*
[MC22946(R)01/96]
If the power steering fluid is low, do not drive your vehicle for
a long period of time before adding fluid. This can damage the
power steering pump.
*
[MC22948(R)03/96]
If you check the power steering fluid when it is cold, make sure
that the fluid reaches the FULL COLD range on the dipstick.
The reading will only be accurate if the fluid temperature is
approximately 50 to85ÊF (10 to 30ÊC).
*
[MC22950(R)01/96]
NOTE: Do not turn the steering wheel of your vehicle with
the engine off. It could force power steering fluid out
from the reservoir cap or in extreme cases, it could
unseat the cap.
File:11unmcr.ex
Update:Thu Mar 20 08:58:43 1997