2003 FORD RANGER brakes

Descend a hill in the same gear you
would use to climb up the hill to
avoid excessive brake application
and brake overheating. Do not
descend in neutral; instead,
disengage overdrive or manually
shift to a lower gear. When
descending a steep hill, avoid
sudden hard braking as you could
lose control. When you brake hard,
the front wheels can’t turn and if
they aren’t turning, you won’tbe
able to steer. The front wheels have to be turning in order to steer the
vehicle. Rapid pumping of the brake pedal will help you slow the vehicle
and still maintain steering control.
If your vehicle has anti-lock brakes, apply the brakes steadily. Do not
“pump”the brakes.
Driving on snow and ice
4WD vehicles have advantages over 2WD vehicles in snow and ice but
can skid like any other vehicle.
Should you start to slide while driving on snowy or icy roads, turn the
steering wheel in the direction of the slide until you regain control.
Avoid sudden applications of power and quick changes of direction on
snow and ice. Apply the accelerator slowly and steadily when starting
from a full stop.
Avoid sudden braking as well. Although a 4WD vehicle may accelerate
better than a two-wheel drive vehicle in snow and ice, it won’t stop any
faster, because as in other vehicles, braking occurs at all four wheels. Do
not become overconfident as to road conditions.
Make sure you allow sufficient distance between you and other vehicles
for stopping. Drive slower than usual and consider using one of the lower
gears. In emergency stopping situations, avoid locking of the wheels. Use
a“squeeze”technique, push on the brake pedal with a steadily increasing
force which allows the wheels to brake yet continue to roll so that you
may steer in the direction you want to travel. If you lock the wheels,
release the brake pedal and repeat the squeeze technique. If your vehicle
is equipped with a Four Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), apply the
brake steadily. Do not“pump”the brakes. Refer to theBrakessection of
this chapter for additional information on the operation of the anti-lock
brake system.
Driving
129

that is higher than the bottom of the hubs (for trucks) or the bottom of
the wheel rims (for cars). Traction or brake capability may be limited
and your vehicle may stall. Water may also enter your engine’s air intake
and severely damage your engine.
Once through the water, always dry the brakes by moving your vehicle
slowly while applying light pressure on the brake pedal. Wet brakes do
not stop the vehicle as quickly as dry brakes.Driving through deep
water where the transmission vent tube is submerged may allow
water into the transmission and cause internal transmission
damage.
VEHICLE LOADING
Before loading a vehicle, familiarize yourself with the following terms:
•Base Curb Weight:Weight of the vehicle including any standard
equipment, fluids, lubricants, etc. It does not include occupants or
aftermarket equipment.
•Payload:Combined maximum allowable weight of cargo, occupants
and optional equipment. The payload equals the gross vehicle weight
rating minus base curb weight.
•GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight):Base curb weight plus payload
weight.
•GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating):Maximum allowable total
weight of the base vehicle, occupants, optional equipment and cargo.
The GVWR is specific to each vehicle and is listed on the Safety
Certification Label on the driver’s door pillar.
•GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating):Carrying capacity for each axle
system. The GAWR is specific to each vehicle and is listed on the
Safety Certification Label on the driver’s door pillar.
•GCW (Gross Combined Weight):The combined weight of the
towing vehicle (including occupants and cargo) and the loaded trailer.
•GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating):Maximum allowable
combined weight of towing vehicle (including occupants and cargo)
and the loaded trailer.
•Maximum Trailer Weight Rating:Maximum weight of a trailer the
vehicle is permitted to tow. The maximum trailer weight rating is
determined by subtracting the vehicle curb weight for each
engine/transmission combination, any required option weight for trailer
towing and the weight of the driver from the GCWR for the towing
vehicle.
Driving
132

Calculating the load your vehicle can carry/tow
1. Use the appropriate maximum GCWR chart (in theTrailer Towing
section in this chapter) for your type of engine and rear axle ratio.
2. Weigh your vehicle without cargo. To obtain correct weights, take your
vehicle to a shipping company or an inspection station for trucks.
3. Subtract your loaded weight from the maximum GCWR in the chart.
This is the maximum trailer weight your vehicle can tow. It must be
below the maximum trailer weight shown in the chart.
TRAILER TOWING
Your vehicle may tow a class I, II or III trailer provided the maximum
trailer weight is less than or equal to the maximum trailer weight listed
for your engine and rear axle ratio on the following charts.
Your vehicle’s load capacity is designated by weight, not by volume, so
you cannot necessarily use all available space when loading a vehicle.
Towing a trailer places an additional load on your vehicle’s engine,
transmission, axle, brakes, tires and suspension. Inspect these
components carefully after any towing operation.
4x2 w/manual transmission
Engine Rear
axle
ratioMaximum
GCWR - kg
(lbs.)Maximum
trailer
weight - kg
(lbs.)Maximum
frontal
area of
trailer - m
2
(ft2)
Regular Cab w/6’box
2.3L All 2177 (4800) 753 (1660) Equal to
frontal area
of vehicle
3.0L
(non-torsion
bar
suspension)All 2722 (6000) 1207 (2660) 4.64 (50)
3.0L
(torsion bar
suspension)All 2722 (6000) 1152 (2540) 4.64 (50)
Driving
134

Do not install a single or multi-clamp type bumper hitch, or a hitch
which attaches to the axle. Underbody mounted hitches are acceptable if
they are installed properly. Follow the towing instructions of a reputable
rental agency.
Whenever a trailer hitch and hardware are removed, make sure all
mounting holes in the underbody are properly sealed to prevent noxious
gases or water from entering.
Safety chains
Always connect the trailer’s safety chains to the frame or hook retainers
of the vehicle hitch. To connect the trailer’s safety chains, cross the
chains under the trailer tongue and allow slack for turning corners.
If you use a rental trailer, follow the instructions that the rental agency
gives to you.
Do not attach safety chains to the bumper.
Trailer brakes
Electric brakes and manual, automatic or surge-type trailer brakes are
safe if installed properly and adjusted to the manufacturer’s
specifications. The trailer brakes must meet local and Federal
regulations.
Do not connect a trailer’s hydraulic brake system directly to your
vehicle’s brake system. Your vehicle may not have enough
braking power and your chances of having a collision greatly increase.
The braking system of the tow vehicle is rated for operation at the
GVWR not GCWR.
Trailer lamps
Trailer lamps are required on most towed vehicles. Make sure your
trailer lamps conform to local and Federal regulations. See your dealer or
trailer rental agency for proper instructions and equipment for hooking
up trailer lamps.
Using a step bumper
The optional step bumper is equipped with an integral hitch and requires
only a ball with a 19 mm (3/4 inch) shank diameter. The bumper has a
907 kg (2,000 lb.) trailer weight and 91 kg (200 lb.) tongue weight
capability.
The rated capacities (as shown in this guide) for trailer towing with the
factory bumper are only valid when the trailer hitch ball is installed
Driving
141

Check the power steering fluid. Refer to the scheduled maintenance
guide for the service interval schedules. If adding fluid is necessary, use
only MERCONAT 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.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.
BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR
The fluid level will drop slowly as
the brakes wear, and will rise when
the brake components are replaced.
Fluid levels below the“MAX”line
that do not trigger the brake system
warning lamp are within the normal
operating range, there is no need to
add fluid. If the fluid levels are outside of the normal operating range,
the performance of your brake system could be compromised, seek
service from your dealer immediately.
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.
MAX
Maintenance and Specifications
218

A
Air bag supplemental restraint
system ..........................................85
and child safety seats ..............87
description ................................85
disposal ......................................90
driver air bag ............................88
indicator light ...........................89
operation ...................................88
passenger air bag .....................88
passenger deactivation
switch ........................................90
Air cleaner filter .......................229
Ambulance packages ....................7
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................200
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................113
Audio system
(see Radio) ....16–17, 20, 23, 29, 33
Automatic transmission ............115
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................116
fluid, adding ............................219
fluid, checking ........................219
fluid, refill capacities ..............229
fluid, specification ..................236
Auxiliary power point .................51
Axle
lubricant
specifications ..................233, 236
refill capacities ........................229
traction lok ..............................114
B
Battery .......................................198
acid, treating
emergencies ............................198jumping a disabled
battery .....................................165
maintenance-free ....................198
replacement,
specifications ..........................229
servicing ..................................198
Bed extender ..............................57
BeltMinder ...................................80
Brakes ........................................112
anti-lock ...................................113
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................113
fluid, checking and adding ....218
fluid, refill capacities ..............229
fluid, specifications .........233, 236
lubricant
specifications ..................233, 236
parking ....................................113
shift interlock ..........................115
Bulbs ............................................44
C
Calculating load ........................134
Capacities for refilling fluids ....229
Cargo area shade ........................57
Cargo net .....................................57
Cassette tape player .............17, 20
CD-single premium ...16, 23, 29, 33
Cell phone use ............................56
Certification Label ....................238
Changing a tire .........................158
Child safety restraints ................95
child safety belts ......................95
Child safety seats ........................98
attaching with tether
straps .......................................102
Index
243

cluster ........................................10
lighting up panel and
interior .......................................42
J
Jack ............................................158
positioning .......................158, 161
storage .............................158–160
Jump-starting your vehicle ......165
K
Keys
positions of the ignition .........108
L
Lamps
bulb replacement
specifications chart ..................44
cargo lamps ...............................42
daytime running light ...............41
fog lamps ...................................41
headlamps .................................41
headlamps, flash to pass ..........42
instrument panel, dimming .....42
interior lamps .....................44–45
replacing bulbs .............44, 46–49
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................44
Lights, warning and indicator ....10
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........113
Load limits .................................132
GAWR ......................................132
GVWR ......................................132
trailer towing ..........................132
Loading instructions .................133
Lubricant specifications ...233, 236
Lumbar support, seats ...............72M
Manual transmission .................118
fluid capacities ........................229
lubricant specifications ..........236
reverse .....................................119
Mirrors
side view mirrors (power) .......52
Motorcraft parts ................211, 229
O
Octane rating ............................209
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................192
P
Parking brake ............................113
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....229
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................152
Power door locks ........................62
Power mirrors .............................52
Power point .................................51
Power steering ..........................114
fluid, checking and adding ....217
fluid, refill capacity ................229
fluid, specifications .........233, 236
Power Windows ...........................52
Preparing to drive your
vehicle ........................................114
R
Radio ..............16–17, 20, 23, 29, 33
Relays ........................................148
Remote entry system .................64
illuminated entry ......................67
Index
246