Page 81 of 361
78
[CF25502(R)01/96]
Gearshift Lever (Automatic transmission
only)
[CF25506(R)05/96]
The gearshift lever on your Ranger is mounted on the steering
column. On the end of the gearshift lever is the transmission
control switch. For additional information about the gearshift
lever and the transmission control switch, see theDriving Your
Rangerchapter.
[CF25508(R)01/96]
7-1/2 pica art:0021255-A[CF25510(R)05/96]
Transmission Control Indicator Light (TCIL)
[CF25512(R)05/96]
The TCIL indicates the operating range of the transmission. The
TCIL is located in the instrument cluster. This light illuminates
when the transmission control switch is depressed. For
additional information, refer to theDrivingchapter.
[CF25514(R)01/96]
6 pica art:0021226-BFile:05uncfr.ex
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Page 83 of 361
![FORD RANGER 1997 2.G Owners Manual 80
[CF27500(R)01/96]
7-1/2 pica art:0020091-F
The speed control switches
%*
[CF27800(R)05/96]
To Turn Speed Control Off
*
[CF27820(R)05/96]
n
Press OFF,
*
[CF27840(R)05/96]
n
Turn off the vehicle igni FORD RANGER 1997 2.G Owners Manual 80
[CF27500(R)01/96]
7-1/2 pica art:0020091-F
The speed control switches
%*
[CF27800(R)05/96]
To Turn Speed Control Off
*
[CF27820(R)05/96]
n
Press OFF,
*
[CF27840(R)05/96]
n
Turn off the vehicle igni](/manual-img/11/5332/w960_5332-82.png)
80
[CF27500(R)01/96]
7-1/2 pica art:0020091-F
The speed control switches
%*
[CF27800(R)05/96]
To Turn Speed Control Off
*
[CF27820(R)05/96]
n
Press OFF,
*
[CF27840(R)05/96]
n
Turn off the vehicle ignition.
*
[CF27860(R)05/96]
Once speed control is switched off, the previously programmed
set speed will be erased.
*
[CF27880(R)05/96]
To Turn Speed Control On
*
[CF27900(R)05/96]
n
Press ON
*
[CF27920(R)05/96]
To Set a Speed
[CF27940(R)05/96]
Press SET ACCEL. For speed control to operate, the speed
control must be ON and the vehicle speed must be greater than
30 mph (48 km/h). The SPEED CONT light will illuminate in
the instrument cluster when a speed is set/engaged.
*
[CF27960(R)05/96]
If you drive up or down a steep hill, your vehicle speed may
vary slower or faster than the set speed. This is normal.
*
[CF27980(R)05/96]
Speed control cannot reduce the vehicle speed if it increases
above the set speed on a downhill. If your vehicle speed is
faster than the set speed while driving downhill in
j
(Overdrive), you may want to shift to the next lower gear to
reduce your vehicle's speed.
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Page 131 of 361
Seating and Safety Restraints
129
%*
[SS13050(R)05/96]
The air bag system uses a readiness light on the instrument
cluster and a tone to indicate the condition of the system. When
you turn the ignition key to the ON position, this light will
illuminate for approximately six (6) seconds and then turn off.
This indicates that the system is operating normally. NOTE:
Maintenance of the air bag system is not required.
*
[SS13060(R)01/96]
17-1/2 pica
art:0050087-A
Inflated driver-side air bag
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Page 156 of 361
![FORD RANGER 1997 2.G Owners Manual 155
Driving
%*
[GF00100(R)05/96]
Brakes
*
[GF00200(R)01/96]
Front Disc Brakes
*
[GF00210(R)01/96]
The front disc brakes are self-adjusting. They do not require
service other than periodic inspection f FORD RANGER 1997 2.G Owners Manual 155
Driving
%*
[GF00100(R)05/96]
Brakes
*
[GF00200(R)01/96]
Front Disc Brakes
*
[GF00210(R)01/96]
The front disc brakes are self-adjusting. They do not require
service other than periodic inspection f](/manual-img/11/5332/w960_5332-155.png)
155
Driving
%*
[GF00100(R)05/96]
Brakes
*
[GF00200(R)01/96]
Front Disc Brakes
*
[GF00210(R)01/96]
The front disc brakes are self-adjusting. They do not require
service other than periodic inspection for pad wear.
*
[GF00270(R)03/96]
Rear Drum Brakes
*
[GF00274(R)03/96]
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.
*
[GF00300(R)01/96]
Hydraulic Power Brakes
[GF00310(R)01/96]
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.
[GF01010( ALL)03/97]
Occasional brake noise is normal and does not indicate a
performance concern with the vehicle's brake system. In normal
operation, automotive brake systems may emit occasional or
intermittent squeal or groan noises when the brakes are applied.
Such noises are usually heard during the first few brake
applications in the morning; however, they may be heard at any
time while braking and can be aggravated by environmental
conditions such as cold, heat, moisture, road dust, salt or mud.
If a ªmetal-to-metalº or ªcontinuous grindingº sound is present
while braking, the brake linings may be worn-out and should be
inspected by a qualified service technician.
*
[GF00312(R)01/96]
The brake light in the instrument cluster will light for low brake
fluid in the common brake fluid reservoir.
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![FORD RANGER 1997 2.G Owners Manual Driving
163
[GF00900(R)05/96]
Automatic Transmission Operation
(4R44E/5R55E)
[GF08715(R)05/96]
If your vehicle is equipped with an automatic transmission, it
will be either a four speed overdrive tran FORD RANGER 1997 2.G Owners Manual Driving
163
[GF00900(R)05/96]
Automatic Transmission Operation
(4R44E/5R55E)
[GF08715(R)05/96]
If your vehicle is equipped with an automatic transmission, it
will be either a four speed overdrive tran](/manual-img/11/5332/w960_5332-163.png)
Driving
163
[GF00900(R)05/96]
Automatic Transmission Operation
(4R44E/5R55E)
[GF08715(R)05/96]
If your vehicle is equipped with an automatic transmission, it
will be either a four speed overdrive transmission (4R44E) or a
five speed overdrive transmission (5R55E). All 2.3L and 3.0L
engines use the 4R44E transmission, while all 4.0L engines use
the 5R55E transmission. Both transmission types have a lockup
torque converter. Transmission operation is controlled by the
Powertrain Control Module (PCM).
*
[GF08720(R)01/96]
The PCM will automatically adjust transmission operation to
make up for varying conditions. Several sensors located on the
engine and transmission such as throttle position, engine speed,
vehicle speed and transmission temperature are used by the
PCM to shift the transmission into a higher or lower gear when
required for the best performance and fuel economy. For
example, you may notice that the transmission will upshift to a
higher gear more quickly when the vehicle has not reached
normal operating temperature.
*
[GF08730(R)01/96]
The PCM also controls the transmission's Torque Converter
Clutch (TCC) to further raise vehicle performance and fuel
economy. The TCC will engage when the transmission operating
temperature and other conditions determined by the PCM have
been met. Engagement of the clutch may be noted as a decrease
in engine speed.
[GF08740(R)05/96]
To help in troubleshooting, the PCM continually performs
self-tests on the electronic control system and, if any faults are
detected, stores them in memory. The Transmission Control
Indicator Light (TCIL) (O/D OFF), which is located on the
instrument cluster, may flash steadily if a malfunction has been
detected. If the TCIL is flashing, contact your Ford dealer as
soon as possible. If this condition persists, damage to the
transmission could occur.
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Page 177 of 361
![FORD RANGER 1997 2.G Owners Manual 176
[GF16190(R)05/96]
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,
tir FORD RANGER 1997 2.G Owners Manual 176
[GF16190(R)05/96]
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,
tir](/manual-img/11/5332/w960_5332-176.png)
176
[GF16190(R)05/96]
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.
[GF16200(R)05/96]
Electric shift system indicator lights
[GF16210(R)05/96]
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.
[GF16220(R)05/96]
n
Two-Wheel Drive mode Ð Neither the 4WD nor the 4WD
LOW lights are lit.
[GF16230(R)05/96]
n
4WD High Ð Only the 4WD light is lit.
[GF16240(R)05/96]
n
4WD LOW mode Ð Both the 4WD and 4WD LOW lights
are lit.
[GF16250(R)05/96]
To shift from Two-Wheel Drive to 4WD High:
[GF16260(R)05/96]
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 re-engage. The automatic
locking hubs may click as they automatically engage in the new
direction.
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![FORD RANGER 1997 2.G Owners Manual Driving
177
[GF16270(R)05/96]
10-1/2 pica
art:0020628-D
Select drive rotary switch
[GF16280(R)05/96]
At extremely low temperatures, it may be necessary to slow
down or even stop to shift from two whee FORD RANGER 1997 2.G Owners Manual Driving
177
[GF16270(R)05/96]
10-1/2 pica
art:0020628-D
Select drive rotary switch
[GF16280(R)05/96]
At extremely low temperatures, it may be necessary to slow
down or even stop to shift from two whee](/manual-img/11/5332/w960_5332-177.png)
Driving
177
[GF16270(R)05/96]
10-1/2 pica
art:0020628-D
Select drive rotary switch
[GF16280(R)05/96]
At extremely low temperatures, it may be necessary to slow
down or even stop to shift from two wheel drive to 4WD.
[GF16290(R)05/96]
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.
[GF16300(R)05/96]
Because of possible damage to powertrain components, never
shift from two-wheel drive to 4WD with the rear wheels
slipping.
[GF16310(R)05/96]
To shift from 4WD High to Two-Wheel Drive:
[GF16320(R)05/96]
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.
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![FORD RANGER 1997 2.G Owners Manual Driving
181
[GF17040(R)05/96]
4WD system indicator lights
[GF17050(R)05/96]
A 4WD light and a 4WD LOW light are located in the
instrument cluster.
[GF17060(R)05/96]
n
2H position Ð Neither the 4WD or FORD RANGER 1997 2.G Owners Manual Driving
181
[GF17040(R)05/96]
4WD system indicator lights
[GF17050(R)05/96]
A 4WD light and a 4WD LOW light are located in the
instrument cluster.
[GF17060(R)05/96]
n
2H position Ð Neither the 4WD or](/manual-img/11/5332/w960_5332-181.png)
Driving
181
[GF17040(R)05/96]
4WD system indicator lights
[GF17050(R)05/96]
A 4WD light and a 4WD LOW light are located in the
instrument cluster.
[GF17060(R)05/96]
n
2H position Ð Neither the 4WD or the 4WD LOW lights are
lit.
[GF17070(R)05/96]
n
4H position Ð Only the 4WD light is lit.
[GF17080(R)05/96]
n
N position Ð Neither the 4WD or 4WD LOW lights are lit.
[GF17090(R)05/96]
n
4L position Ð Both the 4WD and the 4WD LOW lights are
lit.
*
[GF17100(R)05/96]
To shift from 2H to 4H:
*
[GF17110(R)05/96]
Stop the vehicle and engage the manual locking hubs by
turning both hub lock selector knobs clockwise to the LOCK
position. Move the transfer case shift lever straight back to the
4H position. After both hubs have been turned to the LOCK
position, shifts between 2H and 4H (or 4H to 2H) may take
place at any speed.
[GF17120(R)05/96]
10-1/2 pica
art:0021182-A
Locking hub positions
[GF17130(R)05/96]
NOTE: Do not drive the vehicle in 4H or 4L with the manual
locking hubs in the FREE position.
File:09ungfr.ex
Update:Thu Mar 20 08:55:24 1997