1997 FORD RANGER Owners Manual

184
WARNING
Do no tspi nthewheel sat ove r35 mp h(55 km/h) .The

Driving
185
*
[GF20000(R)01/96]
Sand
*
[GF20100(R)01/96]
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.
*
[GF20200(R)01/96]
Mud and Water
*
[GF20300(R)01/96]
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.
*
[GF20400(R)01/96]
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.
*
[GF20500(R)01/96]
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.
*
[GF20525(R)03/96]
NOTE: If the transmission and transfer case is submerged in
water, their fluids should be checked and changed, if
necessary.
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186
%*
[GF20600(R)01/96]
Additional Special Driving Instructions for
4-Wheel Drive Vehicle Operators
*
[GF20701(R)01/96]
Driving on Hill or Slope Terrain
[GF20800(R)03/96]
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.
*
[GF20900(R)01/96]
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.
*
[GF21000(R)01/96]
When descending a steep hill avoid sudden braking. Rapid
pumping of the brake pedal will help slow the vehicle and still
maintain steering control.
*
[GF21101(R)01/96]
Driving on Snow or Ice
[GF21200(R)01/96]
A four-wheel drive or all-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.
*
[GF21300(R)01/96]
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.
*
[GF21310(R)01/96]
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.
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Driving
187
WARNING
Utilityan dfour-whee ldriv evehicle sar e NO Tdesigned
WARNING
Do no texcee dtheGVW Ror th eGAW Rspecifie don the

188
[GF28450(R)01/96]
Secure all items in cargo area to prevent them from falling out
and creating a safety hazard on the roadway.
[GF28500(R)05/96]
17-1/2 pica
art:0090120-D
Cargo tie-down holes and brackets
[GF28575(R)01/96]
10-1/2 pica
art:0020968-B
Cargo tie-down hooks Ð Splash pickup box
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Driving
189
[GF28600(R)01/96]
Loading sheets of building material
[GF28650(R)01/96]
Four-foot (122 cm) wide sheets of building or other material will
not fit flat on the pickup box floor. However, support pockets
in the pickup walls permit up to 500 lb (227 kg) of this type
cargo to be carried on crossbody mounted 2ª x 6º (5 x 15 cm)
boards (styleside box only). See illustration.
[GF28675(R)01/96]
NOTE: Four-foot wide sheets will not fit flat on the Splash
pickup box floor.
[GF28700(R)01/96]
17-1/2 pica
art:0090121-A
Loading four foot (122 cm) building material sheets (styleside box only)
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190
*
[GF28750(R)03/96]
Vehicle/Trailer Loads
*
[GF28801(R)03/96]
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.
*
[GF28950(R)05/96]
Trailer Towing
*
[GF29001(R)01/96]
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.
*
[GF29025(R)01/96]
Your trailer towing capability will vary based on the standard
and optional equipment on your vehicle. Refer to the following
Vehicle Loading/Towing Informationand the Trailer Towing Tables
to determine the specific towing capability of your vehicle.
*
[GF29050(R)01/96]
n
Stay within the load limits when you tow.
*
[GF29101(R)05/96]
n
Carefully and thoroughly prepare your vehicle for towing,
making sure to use the right equipment and to attach it
properly. (SeePreparing to Towin this chapter.)
*
[GF29151(R)05/96]
n
Use extra caution when driving your vehicle while you tow.
(SeeDriving while you towin this chapter.)
*
[GF29201(R)05/96]
n
Service your vehicle more frequently if you tow a trailer.
(SeeServicing your vehicle if you towin this chapter.)
*
[GF29350(R)01/96]
Do not tow a trailer until your vehicle has been driven at least
500 miles (800 km).
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Driving
191
WARNING
It is extremel ydangerou sto rid ein acarg oarea ,inside