1998 FORD RANGER check transmission fluid

Mud and water
If you must drive through high water, drive slowly. Traction or brake
capability may be limited.
When driving through water, determine the depth; avoid water higher
than the bottom of the hubs (if possible) and proceed slowly. If the
ignition system gets wet, the vehicle may stall.
Once through 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.
After driving through mud, clean off residue stuck to rotating driveshafts
and tires. Excess mud stuck on tires and rotating driveshafts causes an
imbalance that could damage drive components.
If the transmission and transfer case are submerged in water, their fluids
should be checked and changed, if necessary.
Water intrusion into the transmission may damage the
transmission.
If the rear axle is submerged in water, the rear axle lubricant should be
checked and changed, if necessary. The rear axle is filled with a
synthetic lubricant and does not normally require a lubricant change for
the life of the vehicle. Rear axle lubricant quantities should not need to
be checked unless a leak is suspected.
Driving on hilly or sloping terrain
When driving on a hill, avoid driving crosswise or turning on steep
slopes. You could lose traction and slip sideways. Drive straight up,
straight down or avoid the hill completely. Know the conditions on the
other side of a hill before driving over the crest.
When climbing a steep hill, start in a lower gear rather than downshifting
to a lower gear from a higher gear once the ascent has started. This
reduces strain on the engine and the possibility of stalling.
When descending a steep hill, avoid sudden braking. Rapid pumping of
the brake pedal will help slow the vehicle and still maintain steering
control.
When speed control is on and you are driving uphill, your vehicle speed
may drop considerably, especially if you are carrying a heavy load.
If vehicle speed drops more than 16 km/h (10 mph), the speed control
will cancel automatically. Resume speed with accelerator pedal.
Driving
78

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).
Maintenance and care
110

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
Maintenance and care
124

The transmission fluid should be in
this range if at room temperature
(10ÉC-35ÉC [50ÉF-95ÉF]) (see figure
to the right).
If your vehicle has been operated for an extended period at high speeds,
in city traffic during hot weather or pulling a trailer, the vehicle should
be turned off for about 30 minutes to allow the fluid to cool before
checking.
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
2. With the parking brake engaged
and your foot on the brake pedal,
start the engine and move the
gearshift lever through all of the
gear ranges. Allow sufficient time
for each gear to engage.
3. Latch the gearshift lever in P (Park) and leave the engine running.
4. Remove the dipstick, wiping it clean with a clean, dry lint free rag.
5. Install the dipstick making sure it is fully seated in the filler tube.
6. Remove the dipstick and inspect the fluid level. The fluid level should
be within the top hole area on the dipstick.
7. If necessary, add fluid in 250ml (1/2 pint) increments through the filler
tube until the level is correct.
8. If an overfill occurs, excess fluid should be removed by a qualified
technician.
An overfill condition of transmission fluid may cause shift and/or
engagement concerns and/or possible damage.
If the fluid level is above the
crosshatch (hot operating range)
area after driving the vehicle for
approximately 30 km (20 miles),
excess transmission fluid should be removed by a qualified technician.
DON’T ADD IF IN CROSSHATCH AREA
P R N D 2 1
DON’T ADD IF IN CROSSHATCH AREA
Maintenance and care
125

Checking and adding manual transmission fluid
1. Clean the filler plug.
2. Remove the filler plug and
inspect the fluid level.
3. Fluid level should be at bottom of
the opening.
4. Add enough fluid through the
filler opening so that the fluid level
is at the bottom of the opening.
5. Install and tighten the fill plug.
Use only fluid that meets Ford specifications. Refer to theCapacities
and specificationschapter.
Maintenance and care
126

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

canceling a set speed ...............27
indicator light ...........................28
resuming a set speed ...............28
tap up/tap down .......................26
turning off .................................25
Speedometer ...............................14
Starting your vehicle .............59,61
Tachometer
mechanical cluster ...................13
Tilt steering wheel ......................29
Tires ....................................130,132
changing ..................................103
checking the pressure ............132
replacing ..................................133
rotating ....................................132
snow tires and chains ............134
treadwear ................................131
Traction-lok rear axle ..........79,127
Trailer towing ..............................81
tips .............................................89
Transaxle
fluid, checking and adding
(manual) .................................126
Transfer case
fluid checking .........................127Transmission .............................124
automatic
operation ..........67,68,69,70,71,72
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................124
Trip odometer .............................14
Turn signal
lever ...........................................24
Vehicle dimensions ...................152
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................154
Vehicle loading ............................79
Ventilating your vehicle .............63
Windows
power windows, operating .......30
Windshield washer fluid and
wipers
checking and adding fluid .....120
checking and replacing wiper
blades ......................................129
operation ...................................29
Wrecker towing .........................109
Index
158

Ensure correct automatic transmission fluid is used for a specific
application. Check the container to verify the fluid is MERCONtand/or
MERCON Vtapproved. Some fluids have been approved as meeting both
MERCONtand MERCONtV requirements and will be labeled as such.
Fluids labeled as meeting only MERCONtor only MERCONtV
requirements must not be used interchangeably. DO NOT mix MERCONt
and MERCONtV. Transmission fluid requirements are indicated on the
dipstick or on the dipstick handle. Refer to your ªService Guideº to
determine the correct service interval.
Filling station information
160