2000 FORD RANGER check transmission fluid

After driving through mud, clean off residue stuck to the driveshafts and
tires. Excess mud stuck on tires and rotating driveshafts causes an
imbalance that could damage drive components.
If the transmission, transfer case or front axle are submerged in water,
their fluids should be checked and changed, if necessary.
Water intrusion into the transmission may damage the
transmission.
Replace rear axle lubricant any time the axle has been submerged in
water. The rear axle does not normally require a lubricant change for the
life of the vehicle. Rear axle lubricant quantities are not to be checked or
changed unless a leak is suspected or repair is required.
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. Shift to a lower gear
when added engine braking is desired.
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.
If speed control cancels after climbing the hill, reset speed by pressing
and holding the SET ACCEL button (to resume speeds over 50 km/h [30
mph]).
Automatic transmissions may shift frequently while driving up steep
grades. Eliminate frequent shifting by shifting out of
(Overdrive) into
a lower gear.
Driving on snow and ice
A 4WD vehicle has advantages over 2WD vehicles in snow and ice but
can skid like any other vehicle.
Driving
123

SERVICE RECOMMENDATIONS
To help you service your vehicle:
²We highlight do-it-yourself items in the engine compartment for easy
location.
²We provide a Scheduled Maintenance Guide 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
158

CHECKING AND ADDING POWER STEERING FLUID
Check the power steering fluid.
Refer to the Scheduled Maintenance
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.
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 automatic transmission fluid
Refer to your Scheduled Maintenance Guide for scheduled intervals for
fluid checks and changes. Your transmission does not consume fluid.
However, 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.
Automatic transmission fluid expands when warmed. To obtain an
accurate fluid check, drive the vehicle until it is at normal operating
temperature (approximately 30 km [20 miles]). If your vehicle has been
Maintenance and care
173

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 fluid to cool before checking.
1. Drive the vehicle 30 km (20 miles) or until it reaches normal operating
temperature.
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
3. 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.
4. Latch the gearshift lever in P (Park) and leave the engine running.
5. Remove the dipstick, wiping it clean with a clean, dry lint free rag. If
necessary, refer toIdentifying components in the engine compartment
in this chapter for the location of the dipstick.
6. Install the dipstick making sure it is fully seated in the filler tube.
7. Remove the dipstick and inspect the fluid level. The fluid should be in
the designated area for normal operating temperature or ambient
temperature.
Low fluid level
Do not drive the vehicle if the fluid
level is at the bottom of the dipstick
and the ambient temperature is
above 10ÉC (50ÉF).
Correct fluid level
The transmission fluid should be checked at normal operating
temperature 66ÉC-77ÉC (150ÉF-170ÉF) on a level surface. The normal
operating temperature can be reached after approximately 30 km (20
miles) of driving.
You can check the fluid without driving if the ambient temperature is
above 10ÉC (50ÉF). However, if fluid is added at this time, an overfill
condition could result when the vehicle reaches normal operating
temperature.
The transmission fluid should be in
this range if at normal operating
temperature (66ÉC-77ÉC
[150ÉF-170ÉF]).
Maintenance and care
174

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
securely.
Use only fluid that meets Ford specifications. Refer to theCapacities
and specificationschapter.
Maintenance and care
176

Air bag supplemental
restraint system ..........................84
and child safety seats ..............85
description ................................84
disposal ......................................88
driver air bag ............................86
indicator light ......................10,87
operation ...................................86
passenger air bag .....................86
passenger
deactivation switch ..............25,88
Air cleaner filter .......................209
Air conditioning ..........................19
manual heating and air
conditioning system .................21
Ambulance packages ....................3
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................168
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) .......................107,108
Anti-theft system
warning light .............................11
Audio system (see Radio) .........26
Automatic transmission ............111
driving an automatic
overdrive ..........................112,114
fluid, adding ............................173
fluid, checking ........................173
fluid, refill capacities ..............209
fluid, specification ..................214
Auxiliary power point .................25
Axle
lubricant specifications ...212,214
refill capacities ........................209
traction lok ..............................124
Battery .......................................178
acid, treating emergencies .....178
charging system
warning light .............................11
jumping a disabled battery ....152
maintenance-free ....................178
replacement, specifications ...209servicing ..................................178
voltage gauge ............................17
Belt minder .................................80
Brakes ........................................106
anti-lock .....................106,107,108
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ......................10,108
brake warning light ..................10
fluid, checking and adding ....166
fluid, refill capacities ..............209
fluid, specifications ..........212,214
lubricant specifications ...212,214
parking ....................................108
shift interlock ..........................111
Break-in period .............................2
Capacities for refilling fluids ....209
Cargo area shade ........................63
Cargo net .....................................63
Certification Label ....................217
Child safety restraints ................93
child safety belts ......................93
Child safety seats ........................94
attaching with tether straps ....99
in front seat ..............................96
in rear seat ................................96
tether anchorage hardware .....99
Cleaning your vehicle ...............203
engine compartment ..............204
exterior .............................204,207
exterior lamps .........................206
instrument panel ....................207
instrument panel lens ............207
interior .....................................207
mirrors .....................................208
plastic parts ............................206
safety belts ..............................207
washing ....................................203
waxing .....................................203
wheels ......................................204
windows ..................................208
wiper blades ............................206
Index
231

Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ............19
Clock .............................29,36,42,51
Clutch
fluid ..........................................167
operation while driving ..........116
recommended shift speeds ....118
Console ........................................63
Coolant
checking and adding ..............168
refill capacities .................172,209
specifications ...................212,214
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................55
Customer Assistance ................137
Ford accessories
for your vehicle ......................225
Ford Extended
Service Plan ............................218
Getting assistance outside the
U.S. and Canada .....................224
Getting roadside assistance ...137
Getting the
service you need ....................218
Ordering additional
owner's literature ...................229
The Dispute
Settlement Board ...................221
Utilizing the Mediation/
Arbitration Program ...............224
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................18
Dipstick
automatic
transmission fluid ...................173
engine oil .................................163
Doors
door ajar warning .....................12
lubricant specifications ..........212
Driveline universal
joint and slip yoke ....................177Driving under
special conditions ..............122,123
mud ..........................................122
sand .........................................122
snow and ice ...........................123
through water ..................122,124
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................152
Emission control system ..........195
Engine .................................214,215
check engine/
service engine soon light ...........8
cleaning ...................................204
coolant .....................................168
idle speed control ...................178
lubrication
specifications ...................212,214
refill capacities ........................209
service points ............160,161,162
starting after a collision .........138
Engine block heater .................104
Engine oil ..................................163
checking and adding ..............163
dipstick ....................................163
filter, specifications .........165,209
recommendations ...................165
refill capacities ........................209
specifications ...................212,214
Exhaust fumes ..........................105
Fluid capacities .........................209
Foglamps .....................................18
Four-Wheel Drive vehicles ..12,119
control trac ...............................24
description ..............................119
driving off road .......................121
electronic shift ...................24,119
indicator light .........................119
preparing to drive your
vehicle .....................................110
Fuel ............................................186
calculating fuel economy .......192
cap ...........................................188
Index
232

air bag ........................................10
anti-lock brakes (ABS) .....10,108
anti-theft ...................................11
brake ..........................................10
charging system ........................11
check coolant ............................12
check engine ...............................8
cruise indicator .........................12
door ajar ....................................12
fuel reset ...................................10
high beam .................................11
overdrive off ..............................11
safety belt .................................10
speed control ............................59
turn signal indicator .................11
Load limits .................................125
GAWR ......................................125
GVWR ......................................125
trailer towing ..........................125
Loading instructions .................126
Lubricant specifications ....212,214
Lumbar support, seats ...............71
Manual transmission .................116
fluid capacities ........................209
lubricant specifications ..........214
reverse .....................................118
Mirrors
cleaning ...................................208
side view mirrors (power) .......62
Motorcraft parts .................192,209
Octane rating ............................190
Odometer .....................................16
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................163
Overdrive .....................................59
Panic alarm feature, remote
entry system ................................64
Parking brake ............................108
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....209
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................144
Power door locks ........................62
Power steering ..........................109fluid, checking and adding ....173
fluid, refill capacity ................209
fluid, specifications ..........212,214
Preparing to
drive your vehicle .....................110
Radio ............................................26
Relays ........................................140
Remote entry system ............63,64
illuminated entry ......................67
locking/unlocking doors ...........64
panic alarm ...............................64
replacement/additional
transmitters ...............................66
replacing the batteries .............65
Safety belts (see Safety
restraints) ...........13,72,73,74,75,76
Safety defects, reporting ..........230
Safety restraints ......72,73,74,75,76
belt minder ...............................80
cleaning the safety belts ...83,207
extension assembly ..................79
for adults ....................73,74,75,76
for children ...............................93
lap belt ......................................78
warning light
and chime ........................10,13,79
Safety seats for children ............94
Seat belts
(see Safety restraints) ...............72
Seats ............................................70
child safety seats ......................94
SecuriLock passive
anti-theft system ...............67,68,69
Servicing your vehicle ..............158
Snowplowing .................................3
Spark plugs,
specifications ...............209,214,215
Special notice ................................3
ambulance conversions ..............3
utility-type vehicles ....................3
Specification chart,
lubricants ............................212,214
Index
234