2003 FORD RANGER manual transmission

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

4x2 w/manual transmission
Engine Rear
axle
ratioMaximum
GCWR - kg
(lbs.)Maximum
trailer
weight - kg
(lbs.)Maximum
frontal
area of
trailer - m
2
(ft2)
4.0L
(non-torsion
bar
suspension)All 3175 (7000) 1624 (3580) 4.64 (50)
4.0L
(torsion bar
suspension)All 3175 (7000) 1569 (3460) 4.64 (50)
Regular Cab w/7’box
2.3L All 2177 (4800) 726 (1600) Equal to
frontal area
of vehicle
3.0L All 2722 (6000) 1179 (2600) 4.64 (50)
4.0L All 3175 (7000) 1597 (3520) 4.64 (50)
SuperCab
2.3L All 2177 (4800) 671 (1480) Equal to
frontal area
of vehicle
3.0L
(non-torsion
bar
suspension)All 2722 (6000) 1125 (2480) 4.64 (50)
3.0L
(torsion bar
suspension)All 2722 (6000) 1052 (2320) 4.64 (50)
4.0L
(non-torsion
bar
suspension)All 3175 (7000) 1542 (3400) 4.64 (50)
Driving
135

4x2 w/manual transmission
Engine Rear
axle
ratioMaximum
GCWR - kg
(lbs.)Maximum
trailer
weight - kg
(lbs.)Maximum
frontal
area of
trailer - m
2
(ft2)
4.0L
(torsion bar
suspension)All 3175 (7000) 1479 (3260) 4.64 (50)
For high altitude operation, reduce GCW by 2% per 300 meters (1000
ft.) elevation.
For definition of terms used in this table seeVehicle Loadingearlier
in this chapter.
To determine maximum trailer weight designed for your particular
vehicle, seeCalculating the load your vehicle can carry/towearlier
in this chapter.
Maximum trailer weight is shown. The combined weight of the
completed towing vehicle (including hitch, passengers and cargo) and
the loaded trailer must not exceed the Gross Combined Weight Rating
(GCWR).
4x4 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
3.0L All 2722 (6000) 1180 (2380) 4.64 (50)
4.0L All 3175 (7000) 1506 (3320) 4.64 (50)
Regular Cab w/7’box
3.0L All 2722 (6000) 1061 (2340) 4.64 (50)
4.0L All 3175 (7000) 1479 (3260) 4.64 (50)
SuperCab
3.0L All 2722 (6000) 1007 (2220) 4.64 (50)
4.0L All 3175 (7000) 1424 (3140) 4.64 (50)
Driving
136

4x4 w/manual transmission
Engine Rear axle
ratioMaximum
GCWR - kg
(lbs.)Maximum
trailer
weight - kg
(lbs)Maximum
frontal area
of trailer -
m
2(ft2)
4.0L
(FX4
package)All 3175 (7000) 1234 (2720) 4.64 (50)
For high altitude operation, reduce GCW by 2% per 300 meters (1000
ft.) of elevation.
For definition of terms used in this table, seeVehicle loadingearlier
in this chapter.
To determine maximum trailer weight designed for your vehicle, see
Calculating the load your vehicle can carry/towearlier in this
chapter.
Maximum trailer weight is shown. The combined weight of the
completed towing vehicle (including hitch, passengers and cargo) and
the loaded trailer must not exceed the Gross Combined Weight Rating
(GCWR).
4x2 w/automatic 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 2495 (5500) 1025 (2260) Equal to
frontal area
of vehicle
3.0L
(non-torsion
bar
suspensionAll 3402 (7500) 1869 (4120) 4.64 (50)
Driving
137

Driving while you tow
When towing a trailer:
•Turn off the speed control. The speed control may shut off
automatically when you are towing on long, steep grades.
•Consult your local motor vehicle speed regulations for towing a trailer.
•To eliminate excessive shifting, use a lower gear. This will also assist
in transmission cooling. (For additional information, refer to the
Driving with a 5–speed automatic transmissionsection in this
chapter.
•Anticipate stops and brake gradually.
•Do not exceed the GCWR rating or transmission damage may occur.
Servicing after towing
If you tow a trailer for long distances, your vehicle will require more
frequent service intervals. Refer to your scheduled maintenance guide for
more information.
Trailer towing tips
•Practice turning, stopping and backing up before starting on a trip to
get the feel of the vehicle trailer combination. When turning, make
wider turns so the trailer wheels will clear curbs and other obstacles.
•Allow more distance for stopping with a trailer attached.
•The trailer tongue weight should be 10–15% of the loaded trailer
weight.
•After you have traveled 80 km (50 miles), thoroughly check your
hitch, electrical connections and trailer wheel lug nuts.
•To aid in engine/transmission cooling and A/C efficiency during hot
weather while stopped in traffic, place the gearshift lever in P (Park)
(automatic transmission) or N (Neutral) (manual transmissions).
•Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade. If you must
park on a grade, place wheel chocks under the trailer’s wheels.
Launching or retrieving a boat
Disconnect the wiring to the trailer before backing the trailer
into the water. Reconnect the wiring to the trailer after the
trailer is removed from the water.
When backing down a ramp during boat launching or retrieval:
•do not allow the static water level to rise above the bottom edge of
the rear bumper.
Driving
143

•do not allow waves to break higher than 15 cm (6 inches) above the
bottom edge of the rear bumper.
Exceeding these limits may allow water to enter vehicle components:
•causing internal damage to the components.
•affecting driveability, emissions and reliability.
Replace the rear axle lubricant any time the axle has been submerged in
water. Rear axle lubricant quantities are not to be checked or changed
unless a leak is suspected or repair required.
RECREATIONAL TOWING
Follow these guidelines if you have a need for recreational towing. An
example of recreational towing would be towing your vehicle behind a
motorhome. These guidelines are designed to ensure that your
transmission is not damaged.
4x2 equipped with a manual transmission:
Before you have your vehicle towed:
•Release the parking brake.
•Move the gearshift to the neutral position.
•Turn the key in the ignition to the OFF/UNLOCKED position.
•The maximum recommended speed is 88 km/h (55 mph).
•The maximum recommended distance is unlimited.
•The vehicle must be towed in the forward position to ensure no
damage is done to the internal transmission components.
In addition, it is recommended that you follow the instructions
provided by the aftermarket manufacturer of the towing
apparatus if one has been installed.
4x4 vehicles equipped with manual-shift transfer case:
•Release the parking brake.
•Turn the key in the ignition to the OFF/UNLOCKED position.
•Place the transmission in N (Neutral).
•Place the transfer case lever in N (Neutral).
•Do not exceed 88 km/h (55 mph) vehicle speed.
•The maximum recommended distance is unlimited.
•The vehicle must be towed in the forward position to ensure no
damage is done to the internal transfer case components.
Driving
144

1. Park on a level surface, activate
hazard flashers and place gearshift
lever in P (Park) (automatic
transmission) or 1 (First) (manual
transmission).
2. Set the parking brake and turn
engine OFF.
3. Block the diagonally opposite
wheel.
4. Insert tapered end of the lug
wrench behind hub caps and twist
them off.
5. Loosen each wheel lug nut
one-half turn counterclockwise but
do not remove them until the wheel
is raised off the ground.
6. Position the jack according to the
following guides and turn the jack
handle clockwise until the tire is a
maximum of 25 mm (1 inch) off the ground.
•Front
Roadside Emergencies
162

SERVICE RECOMMENDATIONS
To help you service your vehicle:
•We highlight do-it-yourself items in the engine compartment for easy
location.
•We 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 Guide/Owner
Information 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
•Do not work on a hot engine.
•Make sure that nothing gets caught in moving parts.
•Do not work on a vehicle with the engine running in an enclosed
space, unless you are sure you have enough ventilation.
•Keep all open flames and other lit material away from the battery and
all fuel related parts.
Working with the engine off
•Automatic transmission:
1. Set the parking brake and shift to P (Park).
2. Turn off the engine and remove the key.
3. Block the wheels.
•Manual transmission:
1. Set the parking brake, depress the clutch and place the gearshift in 1
(First).
2. Turn off the engine and remove the key.
3. Block the wheels.
Working with the engine on
•Automatic transmission:
1. Set the parking brake and shift to P (Park).
2. Block the wheels.
Maintenance and Specifications
187