1998 FORD RANGER Owners Manual

Before driving
Introduction 2
Instrumentation 4
Controls and features 16
Seating and safety restraints 37
Starting and driving
Starting 59
Driving 64
Roadside emergencies 93
Servicing
Maintenance and care 110
Capacities and specifications 147
Reporting safety defects 155
Index 156
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including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval
system or translation in whole or part is not permitted without written
authorization from Ford Motor Company.
Copyright
r1997 Ford Motor Company
Contents
1

ICONS
Indicates a warning. Read the
following section onWarningsfor a
full explanation.
Indicates vehicle information related
to recycling and other
environmental concerns will follow.
Correct vehicle usage and the
authorized disposal of waste
cleaning and lubrication materials are significant steps towards
protecting the environment.
WARNINGS
Warnings provide information which may reduce the risk of personal
injury and prevent possible damage to others, your vehicle and its
equipment.
BREAKING-IN YOUR VEHICLE
There are no particular breaking-in rules for your vehicle. During the
first 1 600 km (1 000 miles) of driving, vary speeds frequently. This is
necessary to give the moving parts a chance to break in.
If possible, you should avoid full use of the brakes for the first 1 600 km
(1 000 miles).
INFORMATION ABOUT THIS GUIDE
The information found in this guide was in effect at the time of printing.
Ford may change the contents without notice and without incurring
obligation.
SPECIAL NOTICES
Notice to owners of utility type vehicles
Before you drive your vehicle, please read this Owner's Guide carefully.
Your vehicle is not a passenger car. As with other vehicles of this type,
failure to operate this vehicle correctly may result in loss of control or an
accident.
Introduction
2

Be sure to readDriving off roadin theDrivingchapter as well as the
ªFour Wheelingº supplement included with 4WD and utility type vehicles.
Using your vehicle as a snowplow
Do not use this vehicle for snowplowing.
Using your vehicle as an ambulance
Do not use this vehicle as an ambulance.
Your vehicle is not equipped with the Ford Ambulance Preparation
package.
Electric vehicles
For information on operating your Electric Vehicle, also refer to the
Electric Vehicle Owner's Guide Supplement.
Introduction
3

OFFRS
SET
ACC
COAST OFF ON
SRS
ABS
CHECK
ENGINE
FH
H
H
!
PBRAKEELSPEED
CONTO/D
OFFPRND21LL
10MPH 205060
70
304080
90
km/h
0 0 0
10 100
1
20
10 0 0 0 0 0406080100
120
140
160
180
20
Speed control
(pg. 24) Headlamp control
(pg. 16)
Instrument panel
dimmer switch
(pg. 17)Instrument cluster
(pg. 6)
Driver side
air bag
(pg. 47) Turn signal and wiper/washer control
(pg. 24, 29)
Instrumentation
4

SM
L
OFFA/CMAX
A/C
TUNESEEK
12
34AM-FM
ON
OFF
OFF
PASSENGER AIRBAG
Climate control systems
(pg. 17) Auxiliary power point
(pg. 23) Electronic sound system;
refer to Audio Guide
(pg. 24)
Passenger air bag deactivate
switch
(pg. 51)
Instrumentation
5

STANDARD INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
OPTIONAL INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
Check engine
Your vehicle is equipped with a
computer that monitors the engine's
emission control system. This
system is commonly known as the
On Board Diagnostics System
(OBD II). This OBD II system protects the environment by ensuring that
your vehicle continues to meet government emission standards. The OBD
II system also assists the service technician in properly servicing your
vehicle.
ABS
CHECK
ENGINEFH
H H
PRND21ELSPEED
CONT
DOOR
AJAR
O/D
OFF
LL
10MPH 205060
70
304080
90
km/h
0 0 0
10 100
1
20
1
0 0 0 0 0 0406080100
120
140
160
180
20
C
012345
6
RPMx1000
ABS!BRAKE
CHECK
ENGINE
FUEL
RESET
EFH
H
H
PRN D 2 1THEFT
SPEED
CONT
4WD
HIGH
4WD
LOW
O/D
OFFL
L
10MPH 205060
70
304080
90
km/h
0 0 0
10 100
1
20
1
0 0 0 0 0 0406080100
120
140
160
180
20
DOOR
AJAR
CHECK
GAGE
CHECK
ENGINE
Instrumentation
6

TheCheck Engineindicator light illuminates when the ignition is first
turned to the ON position to check the bulb. If it comes on after the
engine is started, one of the engine's emission control systems may be
malfunctioning. The light may illuminate without a driveability concern
being noted. The vehicle will usually be drivable and will not require
towing.
What you should do if the check engine light illuminates
Light turns on solid:
This means that the OBD II system has detected a malfunction.
Temporary malfunctions may cause yourCheck Enginelight to
illuminate. Examples are:
1. The vehicle has run out of fuel.
(The engine may misfire or run poorly.)
2. Poor fuel quality or water in the fuel.
3. The fuel cap may not have been properly installed and securely
tightened.
These temporary malfunctions can be corrected by filling the fuel tank
with good quality fuel and/or properly installing and securely tightening
the gas cap. After three driving cycles without these or any other
temporary malfunctions present, theCheck Enginelight should turn off.
(A driving cycle consists of a cold engine startup followed by mixed
city/highway driving.) No additional vehicle service is required.
If theCheck Enginelight remains on, have your vehicle serviced at the
first available opportunity.
Light is blinking:
Engine misfire is occurring which could damage your catalytic converter.
You should drive in a moderate fashion (avoid heavy acceleration and
deceleration) and have your vehicle serviced at the first available
opportunity.
Under engine misfire conditions, excessive exhaust temperatures
could damage the catalytic converter, the fuel system, interior
floor coverings or other vehicle components, possibly causing a fire.
Instrumentation
7

Fuel reset (if equipped)
Illuminates when the ignition key is
turned to the ON position and the
fuel pump shut-off switch has been
triggered. For more information,
refer toFuel pump shut-off switch
in theRoadside emergencieschapter.
Air bag readiness
Momentarily illuminates when the
ignition is turned ON. If the light
fails to illuminate, continues to flash
or remains on, have the system
serviced immediately.
Safety belt
Momentarily illuminates when the
ignition is turned to the ON position
to remind you to fasten your safety
belts. For more information, refer to
theSeating and safety restraints
chapter.
Brake system warning
Momentarily illuminates when the
ignition is turned to the ON position
and the engine is off. Also
illuminates when the parking brake
is engaged. Illumination after
releasing the parking brake indicates low brake fluid level.
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
Momentarily illuminates when the
ignition is turned to the ON position
and the engine is off. If the light
remains on, continues to flash or
fails to illuminate, have the system
serviced immediately.
FUEL
RESET
!
BRAKE
ABS
Instrumentation
8