2001 FORD RANGER check transmission fluid

You should either know the terrain or examine maps of the area before
driving. Map out your route before driving in the area. For more
information on driving off-road, read the ªFour Wheelingº supplement in
your owner's portfolio.
If your vehicle gets stuck
If the vehicle is stuck it may be rocked out by shifting from forward and
reverse gears, stopping between shifts, in a steady pattern. Press lightly
on the accelerator in each gear.
Do not rock the vehicle if the engine is not at normal operating
temperature or damage to the transmission may occur.
Do not rock the vehicle for more than a few minutes or damage to
the transmission and tires may occur or the engine may overheat.
Do not spin the wheels at over 56 km/h (35 mph). The tires may
fail and injure a passenger or bystander.
Sand
When driving over sand, try to keep all four wheels on the most solid
area of the trail. Do not reduce the tire pressures but shift to a lower
gear and drive steadily through the terrain. Apply the accelerator slowly
and avoid spinning the wheels.
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 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.
Driving
142

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
the necessary parts and service. Check yourWarranty Guideto 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
184

3. Turn the engine off.
4.If your vehicle is equipped with a 3.0L V6 engine,check the fluid
level on the dipstick. It should be within the FULL HOT range. Do not
add fluid if the level is within this range.
5.If your vehicle is equipped with a 4.0L SOHC V6 or 2.3L I4
engine,check the fluid level in the reservoir. It should be between the
MIN and MAX lines. Do not add fluid if the level is within this range.
6. 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 (if equipped)
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
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.
Maintenance and care
203

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]).
The transmission fluid should be in
this range if at ambient temperature
(10ÉC-35ÉC [50ÉF-95ÉF]).
High fluid level
Fluid levels above the safe range
may result in transmission failure.
An overfill condition of transmission
fluid may cause shift and/or
engagement concerns and/or
possible damage.
High fluid levels can be caused by an overheating condition.
Maintenance and care
204

Adjusting automatic transmission fluid levels
Before adding any fluid, make sure the correct type is used. The type of
fluid used is normally indicated on the dipstick and also in the
Lubricant specificationssection in theCapacities and specifications
chapter.
Use of a non-approved automatic transmission fluid may cause
internal transmission component damage.
If necessary, add fluid in 250 ml (1/2 pint) increments through the filler
tube until the level is correct.
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.
Checking and adding manual transmission fluid (if equipped)
1. Clean the filler plug.
2. Remove the filler plug and
inspect the fluid level.
Maintenance and care
205

ItemFord part
name or
equivalentFord part
numberFord
specification
Engine oil2.3L and 3.0L
engines
Motorcraft SAE
5W-20 Super
Premium Motor
OilXO-5W20-QSP WSS-M2C153-H
and API
Certification
Mark
4.0L engines
Motorcraft SAE
5W-30 Super
Premium Motor
OilXO-5W30-QSP WSS-M2C153-G
and API
Certification
Mark
Hinges, door
checks, latches,
striker plates,
fuel filler door
hinge and seat
tracksMulti-Purpose
GreaseDOAZ-19584-AA
or
F5AZ-19G209-AAESB-M1C93-B or
ESB-M1C159-A
Transmission/
steering/parking
brake linkages
and pivots,
brake and
clutch pedal
shaft, clutch
pilot bearing
and. input shaft
spline (manual
transmission)Motorcraft
Premium
Long-Life GreaseXG-1-C or
XG-1-KESA-M1C75-B
Power steering
fluid, transfer
case fluid (4X4)
and
transmission
fluid (manual)Motorcraft
MERCONtAT FXT-2-QDX MERCONt
Automatic
transmission
(5R44E and
5R55E)Motorcraft
MERCONtV
AT F
2
XT-5-QM MERCONtV
Capacities and specifications
244

A
Air bag supplemental restraint
system ........................................103
and child safety seats ............105
description ..............................103
disposal ....................................107
driver air bag ..........................105
indicator light ...................12, 107
operation .................................105
passenger air bag ...................105
passenger deactivation
switch ................................29, 108
Air cleaner filter .......................240
Air conditioning ..........................22
manual heating and air
conditioning system .................24
Ambulance packages ....................5
Antifreeze (see Engine
coolant) .....................................197
Anti-lock brake system (see
Brakes) ......................................128
Anti-theft system
warning light .............................13
Audio system (see Radio) ...29, 49
Automatic transmission ............132
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................133
fluid, adding ............................203
fluid, checking ........................203
fluid, refill capacities ..............240
fluid, specification ..................245
Auxiliary power point ...........28, 73
Axle
lubricant specifications...243, 245
refill capacities ........................240
traction lok ..............................144B
Battery .......................................207
acid, treating emergencies .....207
charging system
warning light .............................13
jumping a disabled battery ....178
maintenance-free ....................207
replacement, specifications ...240
servicing ..................................207
voltage gauge ............................19
Bed extender ..............................74
Belt minder .................................99
Brakes ........................................128
anti-lock ...................................128
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light .....................13, 129
brake warning light ..................12
fluid, checking and adding ....194
fluid, refill capacities ..............240
fluid, specifications .........243, 245
lubricant specifications ..243, 245
parking ....................................129
shift interlock ..........................132
Break-in period .............................3
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....240
Cargo area shade ........................74
Cargo net .....................................74
Certification Label ....................248
Child safety restraints ..............113
child safety belts ....................113
Child safety seats ......................114
attaching with tether straps ..118
in front seat ............................115
in rear seat ..............................115
Index
263

Cleaning your vehicle ...............234
engine compartment ..............236
exterior ....................234±235, 239
exterior lamps .........................238
instrument cluster lens ..........238
instrument panel ....................238
interior .....................................239
mirrors .....................................239
plastic parts ............................237
safety belts ..............................239
washing ....................................234
waxing .....................................234
wheels ......................................235
windows ..................................239
wiper blades ............................238
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ............22
Clock ..........................32, 39, 48, 62
Clutch
fluid ..........................................195
operation while driving ..........136
recommended shift speeds ....137
Console ........................................73
Coolant
checking and adding ..............197
refill capacities ................201, 240
specifications ..................243, 245
Cruise control (see Speed
control) ........................................65
Customer Assistance ................158
Ford accessories for your
vehicle .....................................256
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................249
Getting assistance outside
the U.S. and Canada ..............255
Getting roadside assistance ...158
Getting the service
you need .................................249Ordering additional owner's
literature .................................260
The Dispute Settlement
Board .......................................252
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................255
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................20
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................203
engine oil .................................189
Doors
door ajar warning .....................14
lubricant specifications ..........243
Driveline universal joint and
slip yoke ....................................207
Driving under special
conditions ..........................142±143
mud ..........................................142
sand .........................................142
snow and ice ...........................143
through water .................142, 144
E
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................178
Emission control system ..........225
Engine ................................245±246
check engine/service
engine soon light ......................10
cleaning ...................................236
coolant .....................................197
idle speed control ...................207
Index
264