1998 FORD RANGER automatic transmission

2. Insert the straight end of the jack
handle into the rear access hole
located just above the rear bumper
and below the tailgate.
Forward motion will stop and
resistance to turning will be felt
when properly engaged.
3. Turn the handle counterclockwise
until tire is lowered to the ground
and the cable is slightly slack.
4. Remove the retainer from the spare tire.
Stowing the spare
1. Lay the tire on the ground with the valve stem facing up.
2. Install the retainer through the
wheel center and slide the wheel
under the vehicle.
3. Turn the spare handle clockwise
until the tire is raised to its original
position underneath the vehicle. The
spare handle ratchets when the tire
is raised to the stowed position. It
will not allow you to overtighten.
4. If your vehicle is equipped with P265/75 R15 AT tires, do not stow a
flat or inflated full size spare tire in the spare tire carrier. The flat full
size tire should be stowed and tied down in the pickup box bed until it
can be repaired.
Tire change procedure
1. Park on a level surface, activate
hazard flashers and place gearshift
lever in P (Park) (automatic
transmission) or 1 (First) (manual
transmission).
2. Set the parking brake.
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SERVICE RECOMMENDATIONS
To help you service your vehicle:
²We highlight do-it-yourself items in the engine compartment for easy
location.
²We provide a ªService Guideº which makes tracking routine service
easy.
If your vehicle requires professional service, your dealership can provide
necessary parts and service. Check your ªWarranty Guideº to find out
which parts and services are covered.
Use only recommended fuels, lubricants, fluids and service parts
conforming to specifications. Motorcraft parts are designed and built to
provide the best performance in your vehicle.
PRECAUTIONS WHEN SERVICING YOUR VEHICLE
Be especially careful when inspecting or servicing your vehicle.
²Do not work on a hot engine.
²When the engine is running, make sure that loose clothing, jewelry or
long hair does not get caught up in moving parts.
²Do not work on a vehicle with the engine running in an enclosed
space, unless you are sure you have enough ventilation.
²Keep all lit cigarettes, open flames and other lit material away from
the battery and all fuel related parts.
If you disconnect the battery, the engine must ªrelearnº its idle
conditions before your vehicle will drive properly, as explained inBattery
in this chapter.
Working with the engine off
²Automatic transmission:
1. Set the parking brake and
ensure the gearshift is securely latched in P (Park).
2. Turn off the engine and remove the key.
3. Block the wheels to prevent the vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
²Manual transmission:
1. Set the parking brake.
2. Depress the clutch and place the gearshift in 1 (First).
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3. Turn off the engine and remove the key.
4. Block the wheels to prevent the vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
Working with the engine on
²Automatic transmission:
1. Set the parking brake and ensure the gearshift is securely latched in P
(Park).
2. Block the wheels to prevent the vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
Do not start your engine with the air cleaner removed and do
not remove it while the engine is running.
²Manual transmission:
1. Set the parking brake, depress the clutch and place the gearshift in N
(Neutral).
2. Block the wheels to prevent the vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
Do not start your engine with the air cleaner removed and do
not remove it while the engine is running.
OPENING THE HOOD
1. Inside the vehicle, pull the hood
release handle located under the
bottom of the instrument panel.
2. Go to the front of the vehicle and
release the auxiliary latch that is
located under the front center of
the hood.
3. Lift the hood and support it with
the prop rod.
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111

IDENTIFYING COMPONENTS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT
2.5L I4 engine
1. Engine coolant reservoir
2. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
3. Transmission fluid dipstick (automatic transmission)
4. Engine oil dipstick
5. Brake fluid reservoir
6. Clutch fluid reservoir (manual transmission)
7. Battery
8. Power steering fluid reservoir
9. Engine oil filler cap
10. Air filter assembly
10
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112

3.0L V6 Vulcan engine
1. Engine coolant reservoir
2. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
3. Engine oil filler cap
4. Transmission fluid dipstick (automatic transmission)
5. Engine oil dipstick
6. Brake fluid reservoir
7. Clutch fluid reservoir
8. Battery
9. Power steering fluid reservoir
10. Air filter assembly
1098
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113

4.0L V6 engine
1. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
2. Engine oil filler cap
3. Transmission fluid dipstick (automatic transmission)
4. Engine oil dipstick
5. Power steering fluid reservoir
6. Brake fluid reservoir
7. Clutch fluid reservoir (manual transmission)
8. Battery
9. Air filter assembly
10. Engine coolant reservoir
10
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114

ENGINE OIL
Checking the engine oil
Check the engine oil each time you fuel your vehicle.
1. Make sure the vehicle is on level ground.
2. Turn the engine off and wait a few minutes for the oil to drain into the
oil pan.
3. Set the parking brake and ensure the gearshift is securely latched in P
(Park) (automatic transmissions) or 1 (First) (manual transmissions).
4. Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine heat.
5. Locate and carefully remove the engine oil level indicator (dipstick).
²2.5L I4 engine
MAX MIN
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115

4. Check the fluid level on the dipstick. It should be between the arrows
in the FULL HOT range. Do not add fluid if the level is within this range.
5. If the fluid is low, add fluid in small amounts, continuously checking
the level until it reaches the FULL HOT range. Be sure to put the
dipstick back in the reservoir.
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking and adding automatic transmission fluid
Follow the scheduled service intervals outlined in the ªService Guide.º
Before adding any fluid, make sure the correct type is used. The type of
fluid used is normally indicated on the dipstick and/or dipstick handle
and also in theLubricant specificationssection in theCapacities and
specificationschapter.
An overfill condition of transmission fluid may cause shift and/or
engagement concerns and/or possible damage.
Do not drive the vehicle if the fluid
level is below the bottom hole on
the dipstick and outside
temperatures are above 10ÉC (50ÉF)
(see figure to the right).
Your transmission does not use up fluid. However, it is recommended
that you check the transmission fluid at least twice a year. The fluid level
should be checked if the transmission is not working properly, i.e., if the
transmission slips or shifts slowly or if you notice some sign of fluid
leakage.
Transmission fluid should be checked at normal operating temperatures
66ÉC-77ÉC (150ÉF-170ÉF) on a level surface. The normal operating
temperature can be reached after approximately 32 km (20 miles) of
driving.
The transmission fluid should be in
this range if at normal operating
temperature (66ÉC-77ÉC
[150ÉF-170ÉF])
(see figure to the right).
DON’T ADD IF IN CROSSHATCH AREA
DON’T ADD IF IN CROSSHATCH AREA
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