1998 FORD RANGER oil level

Check gage (if equipped)
Illuminates when the key is in the
ON position and the engine coolant
temperature is high, the engine oil
pressure is low or the fuel level is
near empty. Refer toEngine coolant temperature gauge, Engine oil
pressure gaugeorFuel gaugein this chapter for more information.
Four wheel drive low (if equipped)
Illuminates when four-wheel drive
low is engaged.
Four wheel drive high (if equipped)
Illuminates when four-wheel drive
high is engaged.
Door ajar
Illuminates when the ignition is in
the ON or START position and any
door is open.
Speed control (if equipped)
This light comes on when either the
SET/ACCEL or RESUME controls
are pressed. It turns off when the
speed control OFF control is
pressed, the brake is applied or the ignition is turned to the OFF
position.
CHECK
GAGE
4WD
LOW
4WD
HIGH
DOOR
AJAR
SPEED
CONT
Instrumentation
10

Engine oil pressure gauge
This shows the engine oil pressure
in the system. Sufficient pressure
exists as long as the needle remains
in the normal range (the area
between the ªHº and ªLº).
If the gauge indicates low pressure,
stop the vehicle as soon as safely
possible and switch off the engine
immediately. Check the oil level.
Add oil if needed (refer to
Checking and adding engine oilin
theMaintenance and care
chapter). If the oil level is correct,
have your vehicle checked at your
dealership or by a qualified
technician.
Battery voltage gauge
This gauge shows the battery
voltage when the ignition is in the
ON position. If the pointer moves
and stays outside the normal
operating range (as indicated), have
the vehicle's electrical system
checked as soon as possible.
H
L
L
H
L
H
Instrumentation
15

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
Maintenance and care
115

²3.0L V6/4.0L V6 engine
6. Wipe the indicator clean. Insert the indicator fully, then remove it
again.
²If the oil level isbetween the MIN and MAX marks (2.5L engine)
orbetween the ADD and FULL marks (3.0L and 4.0L engine)
the oil level is acceptable.DO NOT ADD OIL.
²If the oil level is below the MIN
mark (2.5L engine) or ADD mark
(3.0L and 4.0L engine), add
enough oil to raise the level
within the MIN-MAX range
(2.5L engine) or the ADD-FULL
range (3.0L and 4.0L engine).
²Oil levels above the MAX mark (2.5L engine) or the letter F in FULL
(3.0L and 4.0L engine) may cause engine damage. Some oil must be
removed from the engine by a service technician.
7. Put the indicator back in and ensure it is fully seated.
ADD 1 QTFULL
Maintenance and care
116

Adding engine oil
1. Check the engine oil. For instructions, refer toChecking the engine
oilin this chapter.
2. If the fluid level is not within the normal range, add only certified
engine oil of the preferred viscosity. Add engine oil through the oil filler
cap. Remove the filler cap and use a funnel to pour oil in the opening.
3. Recheck the oil level. Make sure the oil level is not above the MAX
mark or the letter F in FULL on the dipstick.
Engine oil and filter recommendations
Look for this certification mark.
Ford oil specification is WSS-M2C153-G.
Use SAE 5W-30 motor oil certified for gasoline engines by the American
Petroleum Institute.
Do not use supplemental engine oil additives, oil treatments or engine
treatments. They are unnecessary and could, under certain conditions,
lead to engine damage which is not covered by your warranty.
Change your engine oil and filter according to the appropriate schedule
listed in the ªService Guideº.
Ford production and aftermarket (Motorcraft) oil filters are designed for
added engine protection and long life. If a replacement oil filter is used
that does not meet Ford material and design specifications, startup
engine noises or knock may be experienced.
It is recommended you use the appropriate Motorcraft oil filter
(or another brand meeting Ford specifications) for your engine
application.
Maintenance and care
117

Changing the engine oil and filter
Change your engine oil and filter according to the appropriate schedule
listed in the ªService Guideº.
Ford production and aftermarket (Motorcraft) oil filters are designed for
added engine protection and long life. If a replacement oil filter is used
that does not meet Ford material and design specifications, startup
engine noises or knock may be experienced.
It is recommended you use the appropriate Motorcraft oil filter (or
another brand meeting Ford specifications) for your engine application.
BRAKE FLUID
Checking and adding brake fluid
Brake fluid should be checked and
refilled as needed at least once each
year:
1. Clean the reservoir cap before
removal to prevent dirt or water
from entering the reservoir.
2. Visually inspect the fluid level.
3. If necessary, add brake fluid until
the level reaches MAX. Do not fill
above this line.
4. Use only a DOT 3 brake fluid
certified to meet Ford specifications.
Refer toLubricant specificationsin theCapacities and specifications
chapter.
MAX
MIN
Maintenance and care
118