2003 FORD RANGER tow

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

The transfer case N (Neutral) position overrides the transmission
and puts the vehicle in neutral regardless of transmission
gearshift lever position. The vehicle can move forward or
backward.
This position should only be used when towing the vehicle.
Do not leave the vehicle unattended with the transfer case in the
N (Neutral) position. Always set the parking brake fully and turn
off the ignition when leaving the vehicle.
After reaching the destination, you must place the Ranger’s 4x4 gearshift
lever in gear (2H, 4H or 4L).
4x2 and 4x4 vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions:
4x2 vehicles with automatic transmissions or 4x4 vehicles with an
electronic-shift transfer case and automatic transmission, follow these
guidelines for recreational towing:
•Release the parking brake.
•Turn the key in the ignition to the OFF/UNLOCKED position.
•Place the transmission in N (Neutral).
•Do not exceed a distance of 80 km (50 miles).
•Do not exceed 56 km/h (35 mph) vehicle speed.
•The vehicle must be towed in the forward position to ensure no
damage is done to the internal transfer case components.
If a distance of 80 km (50 miles) or a speed of 56 km/h (35 mph) must
be exceeded, you must disconnect the front (4x4 only) and rear
driveshafts. Ford recommends the driveshafts be removed/installed only
by a qualified technician. See your local dealer for driveshaft
removal/installation.
Improper removal/installation of the driveshaft can cause
transmission fluid or transfer case fluid loss, damage to the
driveshaft and internal transmission and transfer case
components.
CAMPER BODIES
Your Ranger Pickup is not recommended for slide–in camper bodies.
Driving
145

GETTING ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE
To fully assist you should you have a vehicle concern, Ford Motor
Company offers a complimentary roadside assistance program. This
program is separate from the New Vehicle Limited Warranty. The service
is available:
•24–hours, seven days a week
•for the New Vehicle Limited Warranty period of three years or 60,000
km (36,000 miles), whichever occurs first on Ford and Mercury
vehicles, and four years or 80,000 km (50,000 miles) on Lincoln
vehicles.
Roadside assistance will cover:
•changing a flat tire
•jump-starts
•lock-out assistance
•limited fuel delivery
•towing of your disabled vehicle to the nearest Ford Motor Company
dealership, or your selling dealer if within 56.3 km (35 miles) of the
nearest Ford Motor Company dealership (one tow per disablement).
Even non-warranty related tows, like accidents or getting stuck in the
mud or snow, are covered (some exclusions apply, such as impound
towing or repossession).
Canadian customers refer to your Owner Information Guide for
information on:
•coverage period
•exact fuel amounts
•towing of your disabled vehicle
•emergency travel expense reimbursement
•travel planning benefits
USING ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE
Complete the roadside assistance identification card and place it in your
wallet for quick reference. In the United States, this card is found in the
Owner Guide portfolio in the glove compartment in Ford vehicles and is
mailed to you if you own a Mercury or Lincoln. In Canada, the card is
found in the Owner Information Guide in the glove compartment.
U.S. Ford or Mercury vehicle customers who require roadside assistance,
call 1–800–241–3673; Lincoln vehicle customers call 1–800–521–4140.
Roadside Emergencies
146

To remove a fuse use the fuse puller tool provided.
The fuses are coded as follows:
Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingPassenger Compartment Fuse Panel
Description
1 5A Power mirror switch
2 10A Daytime Running Lights (DRL), Back-up
lamps, Transmission, Passenger air bag
deactivation switch, Blower motor relay
3 7.5A Left stop/turn trailer tow connector
4—Not used
5 15A 4x4 control module
6 2A Brake pressure switch
7 7.5A Right stop/turn trailer tow connector
8—Not used
9 7.5A Brake pedal position switch
10 7.5A Speed control servo/amplifier assembly,
Generic Electronic Module (GEM), Shift
lock actuator, Turn signals, 4x4
1 234
5 678
9101112
13 14 15 16
17 18 19 20
21 22 23 24
25 26
29 30
35 36
313233
34
27 28
Roadside Emergencies
150

Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingPower Distribution Box Description
14—Not used
15—Not used
16 40A** Blower motor
17 20A** Auxiliary cooling fan
18—Not used
19—Not used
20—Not used
21 10A* PCM memory
22—Not used
23 20A* Fuel pump motor
24 30A* Headlamps
25 10A* A/C clutch solenoid
26—Not used
27—Not used
28 30A* ABS module
29—Not used
30 15A* Trailer tow
31 20A* Foglamps, Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)
32—Not used
33 15A* Park Lamp
34—Not used
35—Not used
36—Not used
37—Not used
38 10A* Left headlamp low beam
39—Not used
40—Not used
41 20A* Heated oxygen sensors
42 10A* Right headlamp low beam
43—(Resistor)
44—Not used
Roadside Emergencies
154

Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingPower Distribution Box Description
45A—Wiper HI/LO
45B—Wiper park/run
46A—Fuel pump
46B—Trailer tow
47—Starter
48—Auxiliary cooling fan
49—Not used
50—Not used
51—Not used
52—Not used
53—PCM Diode
54—PCM
55—Blower
56A—A/C clutch solenoid
56B—Front washer pump
* Mini Fuses ** Maxi Fuses
Roadside Emergencies
155

Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingPower Distribution Box Description
14—Not used
15—Not used
16 40A** Blower motor
17—Not used
18—Not used
19—Not used
20—Not used
21 10A* PCM memory
22—Not used
23 20A* Fuel pump motor
24 30A* Headlamps
25 10A* A/C clutch solenoid
26—Not used
27—Not used
28 30A* ABS Module
29—Not used
30 15A* Trailer tow
31 20A* Foglamps, Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)
32—Not used
33 15A* Park lamp
34—Not used
35—Not used
36—Not used
37—Not used
38 10A* Left headlamp low beam
39—Not used
40—Not used
41 20A* Heated oxygen sensors
42 10A* Right headlamp low beam
43—Not used
44—Not used
Roadside Emergencies
157