1998 FORD RANGER brakes

Calculating the load your vehicle can carry/tow
1. Use the Safety Compliance Certification Label to find the axle code
number and engine type for your vehicle.
2. Use the appropriate maximum gross combined weight rating (GCWR)
chart to find the maximum GCWR for your type engine and rear axle
ratio.
3. Weigh your vehicle as you customarily operate the vehicle without
cargo. To obtain correct weights, try taking your vehicle to a shipping
company or an inspection station for trucks.
4. Subtract your loaded vehicle weight from the maximum GCWR on the
following charts. This is the maximum trailer weight your vehicle can tow
and must fall below the maximum shown under maximum trailer weight
on the chart.
DRIVING THROUGH WATER
Do not drive quickly through standing water, especially if the depth is
unknown. Traction or brake capability may be limited and if the ignition
system gets wet, your engine may stall. Water may also enter your
engine's air intake and severely damage your engine.
If driving through deep or standing water is unavoidable, proceed very
slowly. Never drive through water that is higher than the bottom of the
hubs (truck)/wheel rims (car).
Once through the 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.
TRAILER TOWING
Your vehicle may tow a class I, II or III trailer provided the maximum
trailer weight is less than or equal to the maximum trailer weight listed
for your engine and rear axle ratio on the following charts.
Your vehicle's load capacity is designated by weight, not by volume, so
you cannot necessarily use all available space when loading a vehicle.
Towing a trailer places an additional load on your vehicle's engine,
transmission, axle, brakes, tires and suspension. Inspect these
components carefully after any towing operation.
Driving
81

Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on the Safety
Compliance Certification Label.
Towing trailers beyond the maximum recommended gross trailer
weight could result in engine damage, transmission/axle damage,
structural damage, loss of control, and personal injury.
Preparing to tow
Use the proper equipment for towing a trailer, and make sure it is
properly attached to your vehicle. See your dealer or a reliable trailer
dealer if you require assistance.
Hitches
For towing trailers up to 907 kg (2 000 lb), use a weight carrying hitch
and ball which uniformly distributes the trailer tongue loads through the
underbody structure. Use a frame-mounted weight distrubuting hitch for
trailers over 907 kg (2 000 lb).
Do not install a single or multi-clamp type bumper hitch, or a hitch
which attaches to the axle. Underbody mounted hitches are acceptable if
they are installed properly. Follow the towing instructions of a reputable
rental agency.
Whenever a trailer hitch and hardware are removed, make sure all
mounting holes in the underbody are properly sealed to prevent noxious
gases or water from entering.
Safety chains
Always connect the trailer's safety chains to the vehicle. To connect the
trailer's safety chains, cross the chains under the trailer tongue and allow
slack for turning corners.
If you use a rental trailer, follow the instructions that the rental agency
gives to you.
Trailer brakes
Electric brakes and manual, automatic or surge-type brakes are safe if
installed properly and adjusted to the manufacturer's specifications. The
trailer brakes must meet local and Federal regulations.
Driving
87

Brake fluid is toxic.
If you use a brake fluid that is not DOT 3, you will cause
permanent damage to your brakes.
Do not let the reservoir for the master cylinder run dry. This
may cause the brakes to fail.
CLUTCH FLUID (IF EQUIPPED)
During normal operation, the fluid level in the clutch reservoir will slowly
rise. If the fluid level drops, maintain the fluid level at the step in the
reservoir.
Use only a DOT 3 brake fluid designed to meet Ford specifications. Refer
toCapacities and specifications.
1. Clean the reservoir cap before
removal to prevent dirt and water
from entering the reservoir.
2. Remove cap.
3. Add fluid until the level reaches
the FULL line.
Maintenance and care
119

During winter months, it is especially important to wash the vehicle on a
regular basis. Large quantities of dirt and road salt are difficult to
remove and also cause damage to the vehicle. Remove any exterior
accessories, such as antennas, before entering a car wash.
After washing, apply the brakes several times to dry them.
Waxing your vehicle
Wax when water stops beading on the surface. This could be every three
or four months, depending on operating conditions.
Use only carnauba or synthetic-based waxes. Use cleaning fluid or
alcohol with a clean cloth to remove any bugs and tar before waxing
vehicle. Use tar remover to remove any tar spots.
Repairing paint chips
Minor scratches or paint damage from road debris may be repaired with
touch-up paint, repair foil or aerosol paint spray from the Ford accessory
line. Observe the application instructions on the products.
Remove particles such as bird droppings, tree sap, insect remains, tar
spots, road salt and industrial fallout immediately.
Cleaning the wheels
Wash with the same detergent as the body of your vehicle. Do not use
acid-based or alcohol-based wheel cleaners, steel wool, fuel or strong
detergents. Never use abrasives that will damage the finish of special
wheel surfaces. Use a tar remover to remove grease and tar.
Cleaning the engine
Engines are more efficient when they are clean because grease and dirt
buildup keep the engine warmer than normal. When washing:
²Take care when using a power washer to clean the engine. The high
pressure fluid could penetrate the sealed parts and cause damage.
²Do not spray with cold water to avoid cracking the engine block or
other engine components.
²Cover the highlighted areas to prevent water damage when cleaning
the engine.
Maintenance and care
143

Aiming headlamps ....................142
Air bag supplemental restraint
system ..........................................47
and child safety seats ..............48
description ................................47
disposal ......................................50
indicator light ...........................50
passenger air bag ...........48,51,52
Air conditioning
manual heating and air
conditioning system .......19,20,21
Ambulance packages ....................3
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
description ................................66
Anti-theft system ........................35
Battery .......................................128
voltage gauge ............................15
Brake fluid
checking and adding ..............118
Brakes ..........................................64
anti-lock ................................64,65
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light .............................66
fluid, checking and adding ....118
Brake-shift interlock ...................67
Break-in period .............................2
Bulbs, replacing ........................139
headlamps ...............................140
specifications ..........................141
Changing a tire .........................101
Child safety seats ........................54
Chime
headlamps on ............................11
Cleaning your vehicle ...............142
engine compartment ..............143
fabric ........................................146
instrument panel ....................146
plastic parts ............................145
safety belts ..............................146
tail lamps .................................145
washing ....................................142
waxing .....................................143wheels ......................................143
windows ..................................146
Clutch
fluid ..........................................119
Controls ..................................23,31
Driving under special
conditions ....................................77
high water .................................78
slippery roads ......................78,79
Emission control system ..........138
Engine ........................................151
service points ............112,113,114
Engine block heater ...................62
Engine coolant
checking and adding ..............121
disposal ....................................122
refill capacities ........................123
Engine oil ...........................115,117
changing oil and oil filter .......118
checking and adding .......115,117
Exhaust fumes ............................63
Foglamps .....................................16
Four-Wheel Drive vehicles .........74
control trac ..........................22,75
indicator light ...........................75
Fuel
calculating fuel economy .......137
improving fuel economy ..........92
octane rating ...........................136
quality ......................................136
running out of fuel .................137
safety information relating
to automotive fuels ................135
Fuel gauge ...................................12
Fuel pump shut-off switch .........93
Fuse panels
instrument panel ......................95
power distribution box .............98
Fuses .......................................94,95
Gauges, Mechanical
engine coolant temperature
gauge .........................................13
Index
156

Hazard flashers ...........................93
Headlamps ...................................16
daytime running lights .............16
flashing ......................................17
high beam .................................16
Heating ........................................17
High beams
indicator light .............................9
Hood ..........................................111
Instrument panel
lighting up panel and interior .17
Jump-starting your vehicle .....106,
107
attaching cables ......................107
disconnecting cables ..............108
Keys
key in ignition chime ...............11
Lamps
interior lamps .........................141
Lights, warning and indicator
air bag ..........................................8
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..............8
anti-theft .....................................9
brake ............................................8
charging system ..........................9
check engine ............................6,7
cruise indicator .........................10
door ajar ....................................10
fuel reset .....................................8
overdrive off ................................9
safety belt ...................................8
turn signal indicator ...................9
Load limits
trailer towing ............................81
Lubricant specifications ...........150
Manual transmission
driving .............................72,73,74
Mirrors
cleaning ...................................146
side view mirrors (power) .......31
Motorcraft parts ........................147
Odometer .....................................14Off road driving, 4-wheel drive .77
Overdrive .....................................28
Panic alarm feature, remote
entry system ................................33
Parking brake ..............................66
Power door locks ........................31
Power steering
fluid, checking and adding ....123
Radio ............................................24
Recreational towing, all wheels
on the ground .............................89
Refill capacities for fluids ........148
Relays ..........................................94
Remote entry system .................32
illuminated entry ......................34
locking/unlocking doors ...........32
replacement/additional
transmitters ...............................34
replacing the batteries .............33
Reporting safety defects ..........155
Safety restraints
extension assembly ..................45
lap and shoulder belts ...40,41,42
maintenance ..............................46
proper use .................................39
warning light and chime .........11,
45,46
Safety seats for children
attaching with tether straps ....57
tether anchorage hardware .....58
Seats ............................................37
adjusting the seat, manual .......37
jump seats ............................38,39
lumbar support .........................38
rear seat access ........................38
Servicing your vehicle ..............110
precautions when servicing ...110
Snowplowing .................................2
Special notice
diesel-powered vehicles .............3
utility-type vehicles ....................2
Speed control ..............................24
Index
157