1999 FORD RANGER service indicator

TheCheck Engineindicator light illuminates when the ignition is first
turned to the ON position to check the bulb. If it comes on after the
engine is started, one of the engine's emission control systems may be
malfunctioning. The light may illuminate without a driveability concern
being noted. The vehicle will usually be drivable and will not require
towing.
What you should do if the check engine light illuminates
Light turns on solid:
This means that the OBD II system has detected a malfunction.
Temporary malfunctions may cause yourCheck Enginelight to
illuminate. Examples are:
1. The vehicle has run out of fuel. (The engine may misfire or run
poorly.)
2. Poor fuel quality or water in the fuel.
3. The fuel cap may not have been properly installed and securely
tightened.
These temporary malfunctions can be corrected by filling the fuel tank
with good quality fuel and/or properly installing and securely tightening
the gas cap. After three driving cycles without these or any other
temporary malfunctions present, theCheck Enginelight should turn off.
(A driving cycle consists of a cold engine startup followed by mixed
city/highway driving.) No additional vehicle service is required.
If theCheck Enginelight remains on, have your vehicle serviced at the
first available opportunity.
Light is blinking:
Engine misfire is occurring which could damage your catalytic converter.
You should drive in a moderate fashion (avoid heavy acceleration and
deceleration) and have your vehicle serviced at the first available
opportunity.
Under engine misfire conditions, excessive exhaust temperatures
could damage the catalytic converter, the fuel system, interior
floor coverings or other vehicle components, possibly causing a fire.
Instrumentation
7

Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
Momentarily illuminates when the
ignition is turned to the ON position
and the engine is off. If the light
remains on, continues to flash or
fails to illuminate, have the system
serviced immediately. With the ABS light on, the anti-lock brake system
is disabled and normal braking is still effective unless the brake warning
light also remains illuminated with parking brake released.
Turn signal
Illuminates when the left or right
turn signal or the hazard lights are
turned on. If one or both of the
indicators stay on continuously or
flash faster, check for a burned-out
turn signal bulb. Refer toExterior bulbsin theMaintenance and care
chapter.
High beams
Illuminates when the high beam
headlamps are turned on.
Anti-theft system (if equipped)
Refer toSecuriLockypassive
anti-theft systemin theControls
and featureschapter.
Charging system
Illuminates when the ignition is
turned to the ON position and the
engine is off. The light also
illuminates when the battery is not
charging properly, requiring
electrical system service.
ABS
THEFT
Instrumentation
9

Theft indicator
The theft indicator on the instrument cluster will operate as follows:
²When the ignition is OFF, the theft indicator will flash briefly every 2
seconds to indicate the SecuriLockysystem is protecting your
vehicle.
²When the ignition is turned to RUN or START, the theft indicator will
light for 3 seconds and then go out. If the theft indicator stays on for
an extended period of time or flashes rapidly, have the system
serviced by your dealership or a qualified technician.
The Theft indicator is controlled by theSecuriLockysystem.During
the 30 second prearm state, it is normal to see the theft indicator pulse
brighter behind the constant glow.
Programming spare SecuriLockYkeys
Spare SecuriLockykeys can be purchased from your dealership and
programmed to your SecuriLockypassive anti-theft system (up to a
total of 8 keys). Your dealership can program your new SecuriLocky
key(s) to your vehicle or you can do it yourself using the following
simple procedure. To program a new SecuriLockykey yourself, you will
need two previously programmed SecuriLockykeys (keys that already
operate your vehicle's engine). If two previously programmed
SecuriLockykeys are not available (one or both of your original keys
were lost or stolen), you must bring your vehicle to your dealership to
have the spare SecuriLockykey(s) programmed.
Controls and features
69

FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE (4WD) OPERATION (IF EQUIPPED)
When Four±wheel drive (4WD) is engaged, power is supplied to all four
wheels through a transfer case. 4WD power can be selected when
additional driving power is desired.
If equipped with the Electronic Shift 4WD System, and the
instrument panel control is moved to 4WD Low while the vehicle
is moving, the system will not engage and no damage will occur to
the 4WD system.
All utility-type vehicles and 4WD vehicles have special design and
equipment features to make them capable of performing in a wide
variety of off-road applications. Specific design characteristics give them
higher centers of gravity than ordinary passenger cars.
Utility and four-wheel drive vehicles arenotdesigned for
cornering at speeds as high as passenger cars any more than
low-slung sports cars are designed to perform satisfactorily under
off-road conditions. Avoid sharp turns or abrupt maneuvers in these
vehicles.
4WD operation is not recommended on dry pavement. Doing so could
result in difficult disengagement of the transfer case, increased tire wear
and decreased fuel economy.
4WD system indicator lights
The 4WD system indicator lights illuminate only under the following
conditions. If these lights illuminate during normal driving, have your
vehicle serviced.
²4WD HIGH-illuminates when
the ignition is turned on or when
4H (4WD High) is engaged.
²4WD LOW±illuminates when the
ignition is turned on or when 4L
(4WD Low) is engaged.
4WD
HIGH
4WD
LOW
Driving
115

ENGINE OIL
Checking the engine oil
Refer to the maintence guide and or maintence guide and or service
guide for the appropriate intervals for checking the engine oil .
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).
6. Wipe the indicator clean. Insert the indicator fully, then remove it
again.
²If the oil level isbetween the MIN and MAX marksthe oil level is
acceptable.DO NOT ADD OIL.
MAX MIN
Maintenance and care
157

²If the oil level is below the MIN
mark, add enough oil to raise the
level within the MIN-MAX range.
²Oil levels above the MAX mark 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.
Adding engine oil
1. Check the engine oil. For instructions, refer toChecking the engine
oilin this chapter.
2. If the engine oil level is not within the normal range, add only certified
engine oil of the recommended viscosity. Remove the engine oil filler cap
and use a funnel to pour the engine oil into the opening.
3. Recheck the engine oil level. Make sure the oil level is not above the
MAX mark or the letter F in FULL on the dipstick.
Maintenance and care
158

Coolant refill capacity
To find out how much fluid your vehicle's cooling system can hold, refer
toRefill capacitiesin theCapacities and specificationschapter.
Have your dealer check the engine cooling system for leaks if you have
to add more than 1.0 liter (1.0 quart) of engine coolant per month.
Severe winter climate
If you drive in extremely cold climates (less than ±36ÉC [±34ÉF]), it may
be necessary to increase the coolant concentration above 50%. Refer to
the chart on the coolant container to ensure the coolant concentration in
your vehicle is such that the coolant will not freeze at the temperature
level in which you drive during winter months. Never increase the engine
coolant concentration above 60%. Leave a 50/50 mixture of engine
coolant and water in your vehicle year-round in non-extreme climates.
CHECKING AND ADDING POWER STEERING FLUID
Check the power steering fluid.
Refer to the maintenance guide and
or service guide for the service
interval schedules. If adding fluid is
necessary, use only MERCONtAT F.
1. Start the engine and let it run until it reaches normal operating
temperature (the engine coolant temperature gauge indicator will be
near the center of the normal area between H and C).
2. While the engine idles, turn the steering wheel left and right several
times.
3. Turn the engine off.
Maintenance and care
165

BATTERY
Your vehicle is equipped with a
Motorcraft maintenance-free battery
which normally does not require
additional water during its life of
service.
However, for severe usage or in high temperature climates, check the
battery electrolyte level. Refer to the maintenance guide and or
maintenance guide and or service guide for the service interval
schedules.
Keep the electrolyte level in each cell up to the ªlevel indicatorº.
Do not overfill the battery cells.
If the electrolyte level in the battery is low, you can add plain tap water
to the battery, as long as you do not use hard water (water with a high
mineral or alkali content). If possible, however, try to only fill the battery
cells with distilled water. If the battery needs water often, have the
charging system checked.
If your battery has a cover/shield, make sure it is reinstalled
after the battery has been cleaned or replaced.
For longer, trouble-free operation, keep the top of the battery clean and
dry. Also, make certain the battery cables are always tightly fastened to
the battery terminals.
If you see any corrosion on the battery or terminals, remove the cables
from the terminals and clean with a wire brush. You can neutralize the
acid with a solution of baking soda and water.
Maintenance and care
170