1998 FORD RANGER maintenance

Function Number of
bulbsTrade
number
Backup lamp 2 3156
Dome lamp 1 912
Map/dome-SuperCab (if equipped) 2 906
Map/dome-Regular Cab (if equipped) 1 212-2
2 906
To replace all instrument panel lights - see your dealer.
AIMING THE HEADLAMPS
The alignment of your headlamps should be checked by a qualified
service technician if:
1. Oncoming motorists frequently signal you to deactivate your high
beams, and your high beams are not activated.
2. The headlamps do not seem to provide enough light for clear night
vision.
3. The headlamp beams are pointed substantially away from a slightly
down and to the right position.
CLEANING AND CARING FOR YOUR VEHICLE
Refer to the ªCustomer Assistance Guideº for a list of Ford-approved
cleaners, polishes and waxes.
Washing your vehicle
Wash your vehicle regularly with
cold or lukewarm water. Never use
strong detergents or soap. If your
vehicle is particularly dirty, use a
quality car wash detergent. Always
use a clean sponge, washing glove
or similar device and plenty of water
for best results. To avoid spots,
avoid washing when the hood is still
warm, immediately after or during
exposure to strong sunlight.
Maintenance and care
142

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

²4.0L
²3.0L
Maintenance and care
144

²2.5L
²Never wash or rinse the engine while it is running; water in the
running engine may cause internal damage.
Cleaning plastic exterior parts
Use vinyl cleaner for routine cleaning. Clean with a tar remover if
necessary. Do not clean plastic parts with thinners, solvents or
petroleum-based cleaners.
Cleaning the exterior lamps
Wash with the same detergent as the exterior of your vehicle. Use glass
cleaner or tar remover if necessary.
To avoid scratching the lamps, do not use a dry paper towel, chemical
solvents or abrasive cleaners.
Cleaning the wiper blades
If the wiper blades do not wipe properly, clean the wiper blades with
undiluted windshield wiper solution.
Clean the windshield with undiluted windshield wiper solution or a mild
non-abrasive detergent. Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
To avoid damaging the blades, do not use fuel, kerosene, paint thinner or
other solvents.
Maintenance and care
145

Cleaning the instrument panel
Clean with a damp cloth, then dry with a dry cloth.
Avoid cleaner or polish that increases the gloss of the upper portion of
the instrument panel. The dull finish in this area helps protect the driver
from undesirable windshield reflection.
Cleaning the interior fabric
Remove dust and loose dirt with a whisk broom or a vacuum cleaner.
Remove fresh spots immediately. Follow the directions that come with
the cleaner.
Cleaning and maintaining the safety belts
Clean the safety belts with a mild soap solution recommended for
cleaning upholstery or carpets. Do not bleach or dye the belts, because
these actions may weaken the belt webbing.
Check the safety belt system periodically to make sure there are no
nicks, wear or cuts. If your vehicle has been involved in an accident,
refer to theSafety belt maintenancesection in theSeating and safety
restraintschapter.
Underbody
Flush the complete underside of vehicle frequently. Keep body drain
holes unplugged. Inspect for road damage.
Inside windows
Use glass cleaner for the inside windows if they become fogged.
Cleaning mirrors
Do not clean your mirrors with a dry cloth or abrasive materials. Use a
soft cloth and mild detergent and water. Be careful when removing ice
from outside mirrors because you may damage the reflective surface.
Maintenance and care
146

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