2002 FORD RANGER fuel cap

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.
Batteries normally produce explosive gases which can cause
personal injury. Therefore, do not allow flames, sparks or lighted
substances to come near the battery. When working near the battery,
always shield your face and protect your eyes. Always provide proper
ventilation.
When lifting a plastic-cased battery, excessive pressure on the
end walls could cause acid to flow through the vent caps,
resulting in personal injury and/or damage to the vehicle or battery.
Lift the battery with a battery carrier or with your hands on opposite
corners.
Keep batteries out of reach of children. Batteries contain sulfuric
acid. Avoid contact with skin, eyes or clothing. Shield your eyes
when working near the battery to protect against possible splashing of
acid solution. In case of acid contact with skin or eyes, flush
immediately with water for a minimum of 15 minutes and get prompt
medical attention. If acid is swallowed, call a physician immediately.
Battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and
lead compounds.Wash hands after handling.
Because your vehicle's engine is electronically controlled by a computer,
some control conditions are maintained by power from the battery. When
the battery is disconnected or a new battery is installed, the engine must
relearn its idle and fuel trim strategy for optimum driveability and
performance. To begin this process:
1. With the vehicle at a complete stop, set the parking brake.
Maintenance and Specifications
242

²NEVER decrease the coolant concentration below 40%.
²Decreased engine coolant concentrations below 40% will
decrease the corrosion protection characteristics of the engine
coolant and may cause engine damage.
²Decreased engine coolant concentrations below 40% will
decrease the freeze protection characteristics of the engine
coolant and may cause engine damage.
²Refer to the chart on the coolant container to ensure the
coolant concentration in your vehicle will provide adequate
protection at the temperatures in which you drive.
Vehicles driven year-round in non-extreme climates should use a 50/50
mixture of engine coolant and distilled water for optimum cooling system
and engine protection.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT AUTOMOTIVE FUELS
Important safety precautions
Do not overfill the fuel tank. The pressure in an overfilled tank
may cause leakage and lead to fuel spray and fire.
The fuel system may be under pressure. If the fuel filler cap is
venting vapor or if you hear a hissing sound, wait until it stops
before completely removing the fuel filler cap. Otherwise, fuel may
spray out and injure you or others.
If you do not use the proper fuel filler cap, excessive pressure or
vacuum in the fuel tank may damage the fuel system or cause
the fuel cap to disengage in a collision, which may result in possible
personal injury.
Automotive fuels can cause serious injury or death if misused or
mishandled.
Gasoline may contain benzene, which is a cancer-causing agent.
Maintenance and Specifications
249

The flow of fuel through a fuel pump nozzle can produce static
electricity, which can cause a fire if fuel is pumped into an
ungrounded fuel container.
Use the following guidelines to avoid static build-up when filling an
ungrounded fuel container:
²Place approved fuel container on the ground.
²DO NOT fill a fuel container while it is in the vehicle (including the
cargo area).
²Keep the fuel pump nozzle in contact with the fuel container while
filling.
²DO NOT use a device that would hold the fuel pump handle in the fill
position.
Fuel Filler Cap
Your fuel tank filler cap has an indexed design with a 1/8 turn on/off
feature.
When fueling your vehicle:
1. Turn the engine off.
2. Carefully turn the filler cap counterclockwise 1/8 of a turn until it
stops.
3. Pull to remove the cap from the fuel filler pipe.
4. To install the cap, align the tabs on the cap with the notches on the
filler pipe.
5. Turn the filler cap clockwise 1/8 of a turn until it stops.
ªCheck Fuel Capº illuminates when the ignition is turned to the ON
position to ensure your bulb is working. When this light turns on, check
the fuel filler cap. Continuing to operate the vehicle with the Check Fuel
Cap light on, can activate the Service Engine Soon warning. When the
fuel filler cap is properly re-installed, the light(s) will turn off after a
period of normal driving.It may take a long period of time for the
system to detect an improperly installed fuel filler cap.
If you must replace the fuel filler cap, replace it with a fuel filler
cap that is designed for your vehicle. The customer warranty may
be void for any damage to the fuel tank or fuel system if the
correct genuine Ford or Motorcraft fuel filler cap is not used.
Maintenance and Specifications
251

The fuel system may be under pressure. If the fuel filler cap is
venting vapor or if you hear a hissing sound, wait until it stops
before completely removing the fuel filler cap. Otherwise, fuel may
spray out and injure you or others.
If you do not use the proper fuel filler cap, excessive pressure or
vacuum in the fuel tank may damage the fuel system or cause
the fuel cap to disengage in a collision, which may result in possible
personal injury.
Choosing the right fuel
Use only UNLEADED FUEL. The use of leaded fuel is prohibited by law
and could damage your vehicle.
Do not use fuel containing methanol. It can damage critical fuel system
components.
Your vehicle was not designed to use fuel or fuel additives with metallic
compounds, including manganese-based compounds containing MMT.
Repairs to correct the effects of using a fuel for which your vehicle was
not designed may not be covered by your warranty.
Octane recommendations
Your vehicle is designed to use
ªRegularº unleaded gasoline with
pump (R+M)/2 octane rating of 87.
We do not recommend the use of
gasolines labeled as ªRegularº that
are sold with octane ratings of 86 or
lower in high altitude areas.
Do not be concerned if your engine sometimes knocks lightly. However, if
it knocks heavily under most driving conditions while you are using fuel
with the recommended octane rating, see your dealer or a qualified
service technician to prevent any engine damage.
Fuel quality
If you are experiencing starting, rough idle or hesitation driveability
problems during a cold start, try a different brand of ªRegularº unleaded
gasoline. ªPremiumº unleaded gasoline is not recommended (particularly
in the United States) because it may cause these problems to become
more pronounced. If the problems persist, see your dealer or a qualified
service technician.
87(R+M)/2 METHOD
Maintenance and Specifications
252

ESSENTIALS OF GOOD FUEL ECONOMY
Measuring techniques
Your best source of information about actual fuel economy is you, the
driver. You must gather information as accurately and consistently as
possible. Fuel expense, frequency of fillups or fuel gauge readings are
NOT accurate as a measure of fuel economy. We do not recommend
taking fuel economy measurements during the first 1 600 km (1 000 miles)
of driving (engine break-in period). You will get a more accurate
measurement after 3 000 km±5 000 km (2 000 miles-3 000 miles).
Filling the tank
The advertised fuel capacity of the fuel tank on your vehicle is equal to
the rated refill capacity of the fuel tank as listed in theRefill capacities
section of this chapter.
The advertised capacity is the amount of the indicated capacity and the
empty reserve combined. Indicated capacity is the difference in the
amount of fuel in a full tank and a tank when the fuel gauge indicates
empty. Empty reserve is the small amount of fuel remaining in the fuel
tank after the fuel gauge indicates empty.
The amount of usable fuel in the empty reserve varies and should
not be relied upon to increase driving range. When refueling your
vehicle after the fuel gauge indicates empty, you might not be
able to refuel the full amount of the advertised capacity of the
fuel tank due to the empty reserve still present in the tank.
For consistent results when filling the fuel tank:
²Turn the engine/ignition switch to the off position prior to refueling,
an error in the reading will result if the engine is left running.
²Use the same filling rate setting (low Ð medium Ð high) each time
the tank is filled.
²Allow no more than 2 automatic click-offs when filling.
²Always use fuel with the recommended octane rating.
²Use a known quality gasoline, preferably a national brand.
²Use the same side of the same pump and have the vehicle facing the
same direction each time you fill up.
²Have the vehicle loading and distribution the same every time.
Your results will be most accurate if your filling method is consistent.
Maintenance and Specifications
254

Fluid Ford Part
NameApplication Capacity
Fuel tank N/A Regular cab
(Short wheel
base)62.4L
(16.5 gallons)
Regular cab
(Long wheel
base)75.7L
(20.0 gallons)
SuperCab 73.8L
(19.5 gallons)
Transfer case
FluidMotorcraft
MERCONtAT F4x4 Vehicles 1.2L
(1.25 quarts)
Front axle
lubricantMotorcraft SAE
80W-90
Premium Rear
Axle Lubricant4x4 Vehicles 1.7L
(3.6 pints)
Rear axle
lubricant
5Motorcraft SAE
80W-90
Premium Rear
Axle LubricantAll 2.4-2.5L
(5.0-5.3 pints)
Windshield
washer fluidUltra-Clear
Windshield
Washer
ConcentrateAll 2.6L
(2.75 quarts)
1Ensure the correct automatic transmission fluid is used. Transmission
fluid requirements are indicated on the dipstick or on the dipstick
handle. MERCONtand MERCONtV are not interchangeable. DO NOT
mix MERCONtand MERCONtV. Refer to the scheduled maintenance
guide to determine the correct service interval.
2Indicates only approximate dry-fill capacity. Some applications may vary
based on cooler size and if equipped with an in-tank cooler. The amount
of transmission fluid and fluid level should be set by the indication on
the dipstick's normal operating range.
3Service refill capacity for the manual transmission is determined by
filling the transmission to the bottom of the filler hole with the vehicle
on a level surface.
Maintenance and Specifications
273

Engine block heater .................147
Engine oil ..................................236
checking and adding ..............236
dipstick ....................................236
filter, specifications ........240, 270
recommendations ...................240
refill capacities ........................271
specifications ..................274, 276
Exhaust fumes ..........................148
F
Fluid capacities .........................271
Foglamps .....................................73
Four-Wheel Drive
vehicles ................................14, 162
description ..............................162
driving off road .......................164
electronic shift ........................162
indicator light .........................162
lever operated shift ................160
preparing to drive your
vehicle .....................................152
Fuel ............................................249
calculating fuel economy .......254
cap .....................................12, 251
capacity ...................................271
choosing the right fuel ...........252
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................257
detergent in fuel .....................253
filling your vehicle with
fuel ...........................249, 251, 254
filter, specifications ........253, 270
fuel pump shut-off switch .....188
gauge .........................................16
improving fuel economy ........254
octane rating ...........252, 276±277
quality ......................................252
running out of fuel .................253safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................249
Fuses ..................................190±191
G
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ......12, 251
Gas mileage
(see Fuel economy) .................254
Gauges .........................................15
battery voltage gauge ...............16
engine coolant temperature
gauge .........................................15
engine oil pressure gauge ........16
fuel gauge ..................................16
odometer ...................................17
speedometer .............................17
tachometer ................................17
trip odometer ............................17
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight
Rating) .......................................173
calculating ...............................175
definition .................................173
driving with a heavy load ......173
location ....................................173
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating) .......................................173
calculating .......................173, 175
definition .................................173
driving with a heavy load ......173
location ....................................173
H
Hazard flashers .........................188
Headlamps ...................................73
aiming ........................................74
bulb specifications ....................76
daytime running lights .............73
Index
285

flash to pass ..............................74
high beam ...........................13, 74
replacing bulbs .........................77
turning on and off ....................73
warning chime ..........................14
Heating
heater only system ...................68
heating and air conditioning
system .......................................70
Hood ..........................................231
I
Ignition .......................144, 276±277
Infant seats
(see Safety seats) .....................134
Inspection/maintenance (I/M)
testing ........................................258
Instrument panel
cleaning ...................................227
cluster ................................10, 227
lighting up panel and
interior .......................................74
J
Jack ............................................200
positioning .......................200, 204
storage .............................200±203
Jump-starting your vehicle ......206
K
Keys ...................................106, 108
key in ignition chime ...............14
positions of the ignition .........144L
Lamps
bulb replacement
specifications chart ..................76
cargo lamps ...............................74
daytime running light ...............73
fog lamps ...................................73
headlamps .................................73
headlamps, flash to pass ..........74
instrument panel, dimming .....74
interior lamps .....................75, 77
replacing bulbs .......75, 77, 79±82
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................75
Lights, warning and indicator ....10
air bag ........................................12
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ....12, 150
anti-theft ...................................14
brake ..........................................11
charging system ........................12
check coolant ............................11
check engine .............................10
cruise indicator .........................13
door ajar ....................................13
fuel cap light .............................12
high beam .................................13
overdrive off ..............................13
safety belt .................................12
speed control ............................91
turn signal indicator .................13
Load limits .................................173
GAWR ......................................173
GVWR ......................................173
trailer towing ..........................173
Loading instructions .................175
Lubricant specifications ...274, 276
Lumbar support, seats .............110
Index
286