1997 FORD RANGER service

190
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[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]
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Stay within the load limits when you tow.
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[GF29101(R)05/96]
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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.)
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[GF29151(R)05/96]
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Use extra caution when driving your vehicle while you tow.
(SeeDriving while you towin this chapter.)
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[GF29201(R)05/96]
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Service your vehicle more frequently if you tow a trailer.
(SeeServicing your vehicle if you towin this chapter.)
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[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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194
*
[GF30650(R)01/96]
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.
%*
[GF30701(R)01/96]
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
*
[GF30750(R)01/96]
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.
%*
[GF30801(R)01/96]
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
*
[GF30850(R)01/96]
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.
*
[GF30901(R)01/96]
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.
*
[GF30950(R)01/96]
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.
*
[GF31001(R)01/96]
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.
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214
*
[GF38800(R)03/96]
When descending a steep grade with a trailer, operate in Drive
rather than Overdrive. If additional braking is needed, shift the
automatic transmission gearshift into the 2 (Second) or 1 (Low)
position.
[GF38925(R)05/96]
Servicing Your Vehicle If You Tow
*
[GF38950(R)05/96]
If you tow a trailer for a long distance, your vehicle will need
to be serviced more frequently than usual. Refer to the
Maintenance Schedulebooklet for additional information.
[GF39000(R)01/96]
Trailer towing tips
*
[GF39100(R)01/96]
Before starting on a trip, practice turning, stopping and backing
in an area away from heavy traffic. Get to know the ªfeelº of
the vehicle/trailer combination.
*
[GF39200(R)01/96]
Practice backing up. Back up very slowly, with someone outside
at the rear of your trailer to guide you. Place your hand at the
bottom of the steering wheel and move it in the direction you
want the rear of the trailer to swing. Slight movement of the
steering wheel results in a much larger movement of the rear of
the trailer.
*
[GF39300(R)01/96]
Allow more room for stopping with a trailer attached. Trailer
brakes should be applied first, whether manually or
automatically controlled, when approaching a stop.
*
[GF39400(R)01/96]
For a good handling truck-trailer combination, the trailer tongue
load should be approximately 10-15% of the loaded trailer
weight.
*
[GF39500(R)01/96]
Make a thorough check of your equipment before starting out
on the road. After you have traveled about 50 miles (80 km)
stop in a protected area and double-check your hitch and
electrical connections. Also check trailer wheel lug nuts for
tightness.
*
[GF39600(R)01/96]
When turning, drive slightly beyond the normal turning point
so the trailer wheels will clear curbs or other obstructions.
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242
%*
[ER30000(R)04/96]
Towing Your Vehicle
*
[ER30100(R)01/96]
If you need to have your vehicle towed, contact a professional
towing service or, if you are a member, your roadside assistance
center.
[ER30300(R)01/96]
Ranger 4x2/4x4
[ER30500(R)04/96]
The recommended method to tow your Ranger is with flatbed
or wheel lift equipment. However, slingbelt towing is
acceptable.
[ER30700(R)01/96]
Ranger without rear bumper
[ER30900(R)01/96]
The recommended method to tow your Ranger is with flatbed
or wheel lift equipment. However, slingbelt towing is
acceptable. Be sure to remove the undervehicle spare tire before
attaching slingbelt towing equipment.
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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Update:Thu Mar 20 08:58:43 1997

Maintenance and Care
253
%*
[MC04500(R)03/96]
Engine Compartment
*
[MC04600(R)03/96]
Your vehicle has one of the following types of engines:
[MC05400(R)01/96]
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A 2.3 Liter EFI, I-4 twin plug engine, or
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[MC05455(R)03/96]
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A 3.0 Liter SEFI, V-6 engine or
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[MC05460(R)03/96]
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A 4.0 Liter SEFI, V-6 engine.
*
[MC05500(R)03/96]
The following pages show diagrams of each engine type and
where to find items that you should regularly service.
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Update:Thu Mar 20 08:58:43 1997

254
[MC05590(R)05/96]
33-1/2 pica
art:0020436-N
2.3L engine compartment service points
File:11unmcr.ex
Update:Thu Mar 20 08:58:43 1997

Maintenance and Care
255
[MC05615(R)05/96]
33-1/2 pica
art:0090152-B
3.0L engine compartment service points
File:11unmcr.ex
Update:Thu Mar 20 08:58:43 1997