2002 FORD RANGER check transmission fluid

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.
Be cautious of sudden changes in vehicle speed or direction when you
are driving in mud. Even 4WD vehicles can lose traction in slick mud. As
when you are driving over sand, apply the accelerator slowly and avoid
spinning your wheels. If the vehicle does slide, steer in the direction of
the slide until you regain control of the vehicle.
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.
If the front or rear axle is submerged in water, the axle lubricant should
be replaced.
After driving through mud, clean off residue stuck to rotating driveshafts
and tires. Excess mud stuck on tires and rotating driveshafts causes an
imbalance that could damage drive components.
Driving
168

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 Specifications
230

CLUTCH FLUID (IF EQUIPPED)
Check the fluid level. Refer to the scheduled maintenance guide for the
service interval schedules.
During normal operation, the fluid level in the clutch reservoir should
remain constant. If the fluid level drops, refill the fluid level to the step
in the reservoir.
Use only a DOT 3 brake fluid designed to meet Ford specification
ESA-M6C25±A. Refer toLubricant Specificationsin this chapter.
Brake fluid is toxic. If brake fluid contacts the eyes, flush eyes
with running water for 15 minutes. Seek medical attention if
irritation persists. If taken internally, drink water and induce vomiting.
Seek medical attention immediately.
1. Clean the reservoir cap before
removal to prevent dirt and water
from entering the reservoir.
2. Remove cap and rubber
diaphragm from reservoir.
3. Add fluid until the level reaches
the step in the reservoir.
4. Reinstall rubber diaphragm and
cap onto 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.
Maintenance and Specifications
261

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.
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.
Maintenance and Specifications
262

Checking and adding manual transmission fluid (if equipped)
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 toLubricant
Specificationsin this chapter.
Maintenance and Specifications
264

A
Air bag supplemental restraint
system ................................123±124
and child safety seats ............125
description ..............................124
disposal ....................................128
driver air bag ..........................126
indicator light ...................12, 127
operation .................................126
passenger air bag ...................126
passenger deactivation
switch ......................................128
Air cleaner filter .......................270
Air conditioning
manual heating and air
conditioning system .................70
Ambulance packages ....................7
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................243
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................149
Anti-theft system
warning light .............................14
Audio system
(see Radio) ......................18, 43, 52
Automatic transmission ............153
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................154
fluid, adding ............................261
fluid, checking ........................261
fluid, refill capacities ..............271
fluid, specification ..................276
Auxiliary power point ...........85, 92
Axle
lubricant specifications ..274, 276
refill capacities ........................271
traction lok ..............................151B
Battery .......................................241
acid, treating emergencies .....241
charging system
warning light .............................12
jumping a disabled battery ....206
maintenance-free ....................241
replacement, specifications ...270
servicing ..................................241
voltage gauge ............................16
Bed extender ..............................93
BeltMinder .................................119
Brakes ........................................148
anti-lock ...................................149
anti-lock brake system
(ABS) warning light .........12, 150
brake warning light ..................11
fluid, checking and adding ....260
fluid, refill capacities ..............271
fluid, specifications .........274, 276
lubricant specifications ..274, 276
parking ....................................150
shift interlock ..........................153
Break-in period .............................5
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....271
Cargo area shade ........................92
Cargo net .....................................92
Certification Label ....................279
Child safety restraints ..............133
child safety belts ....................133
Child safety seats ......................134
attaching with tether straps ..138
in front seat ............................136
in rear seat ..............................136
Index
283

Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............224
exterior ....................................228
instrument cluster lens ..........227
instrument panel ....................227
interior .....................................227
plastic parts ............................226
safety belts ..............................228
washing ....................................222
waxing .....................................222
wheels ......................................223
windows ..................................227
wiper blades ............................226
Clock ....................21, 28, 41, 50, 64
Clutch
fluid ..........................................261
operation while driving ..........157
recommended shift speeds ....159
Console ........................................92
Coolant
checking and adding ..............243
refill capacities ................248, 271
specifications ..................274, 276
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................87
Customer Assistance ................187
Ford accessories for your
vehicle .............................229, 280
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................214
Getting assistance outside the
U.S. and Canada .....................218
Getting roadside assistance ...187
Getting the service you
need .........................................212
Ordering additional owner's
literature .................................219
The Dispute Settlement
Board .......................................215Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................218
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................73
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................261
engine oil .................................236
Doors
door ajar warning .....................13
lubricant specifications ..........274
Driveline universal joint and
slip yoke ....................................265
Driving under special
conditions ..........................166, 169
sand .........................................167
snow and ice ...........................170
through water .................168, 173
E
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................206
Emission control system ..........257
Engine ................................276±277
check engine/service engine
soon light ..................................10
cleaning ...................................224
coolant .....................................243
idle speed control ...................241
lubrication
specifications ..................274, 276
refill capacities ........................271
service points ..................232±234
starting after a collision .........188
Index
284

M
Manual transmission .................157
fluid capacities ........................271
lubricant specifications ..........276
reverse .....................................159
Mirrors
side view mirrors (power) .......87
Motorcraft parts ................253, 270
O
Octane rating ............................252
Odometer .....................................17
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................236
Overdrive .....................................91
P
Panic alarm feature, remote
entry system ..............................103
Parking brake ............................150
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....270
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................194
Power door locks ......................100
Power steering ..........................151
fluid, checking and adding ....259
fluid, refill capacity ................271
fluid, specifications .........274, 276
Preparing to drive your
vehicle ........................................152
R
Radio ................................18, 43, 52
Relays ........................................190Remote entry system .......101, 103
illuminated entry ....................105
locking/unlocking
doors ................................100, 102
panic alarm .............................103
replacement/additional
transmitters .............................104
replacing the batteries ...........103
S
Safety belts (see Safety
restraints) ....................14, 111±115
Safety defects, reporting ..........221
Safety restraints ................111±115
belt minder .............................119
cleaning the safety
belts .................................122, 228
extension assembly ................118
for adults .........................112±114
for children .............................133
lap belt ....................................117
warning light and
chime ...........................12, 14, 118
Safety seats for children ..........134
Seat belts
(see Safety restraints) .............111
Seats ..........................................109
child safety seats ....................134
SecuriLock passive
anti-theft system ...............106, 108
Servicing your vehicle ..............230
Snowplowing .................................7
Spark plugs,
specifications .............270, 276±277
Special notice
ambulance conversions ..............7
utility-type vehicles ....................6
Index
287