2004 FORD RANGER automatic transmission

engage while the vehicle is moving; this is normal and should be no
reason for concern. Refer toShifting to/from 4L (4WD Low) for proper
operation.
Shifting between 2WD (2WD High) and 4X4 HIGH (4WD High)
• Move the 4WD control between 2WD and 4X4 HIGH at a stop or any
forward speed up to 88 km/h (55 mph).
Note: Do not perform this operation if the rear wheels are slipping.
Shifting to/from 4X4 LOW (4WD Low)
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop
2. Depress the brake
3. On vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, place the
transmission in N (Neutral); on vehicles equipped with a manual
transmission, depress the clutch.
4. Move the 4WD control to the desired position.
• If shifting into 4WD LOW (4WD Low), wait for the 4WD LOW light in
the instrument cluster to turn onindicating the shift is complete.
• If shifting out of 4WD LOW (4WD Low), wait for the 4WD LOW light
in the instrument cluster to turn offindicating the shift is complete.
Driving off-road with truck and utility vehicles
4WD vehicles are specially equipped for driving on sand, snow, mud and
rough terrain and have operating characteristics that are somewhat
different from conventional vehicles, both on and off the road.
How your vehicle differs from other vehicles
Truck and utility vehicles can differ from some other vehicles. Your
vehicle may be higher to allow it to travel over rough terrain without
getting hung up or damaging underbody components.
The differences that make your vehicle so versatile also make it handle
differently than an ordinary passenger car.
Maintain steering wheel control at all times, especially in rough terrain.
Since sudden changes in terrain can result in abrupt steering wheel
motion, make sure you grip the steering wheel from the outside. Do not
grip the spokes.
Drive cautiously to avoid vehicle damage from concealed objects such as
rocks and stumps.
You should either know the terrain or examine maps of the area before
driving. Map out your route before driving in the area. To maintain
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4x2 w/automatic transmission
Engine Rear axle ratio Maximum
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) 1016 (2240) Equal to frontal areaof vehicle
3.0L All 2722 (6000) 1860 (2620) 4.64 (50)
3.0L Edge All 2722 (6000) 1125 (2480) 4.64 (50) Regular Cab w/7’box
2.3L All 2495 (5500) 989 (2180) Equal to frontal areaof vehicle
3.0L All 2722 (6000) 1152 (2540) 4.64 (50)
4.0L All 4309 (9500) 2712 (5980) 4.64 (50) SuperCab
3.0L All 2722 (6000) 1107 (2440) 4.64 (50)
3.0L Edge All 2722 (6000) 1070 (2360) 4.64 (50) 4.0L All 4309 (9500) 2658 (5860) 4.64 (50)
4.0L Edge All 4309 (9500) 2603 (5740) 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 see Vehicle Loadingearlier in
this chapter.
To determine maximum trailer weight designed for your particular vehicle,
see Calculating the load your vehicle can carry/tow earlier 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).
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4x4 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
3.0L All 2722 (6000) 1043 (2300) 4.64 (50)
4.0L All 4309 (9500) 2595 (5720) 4.64 (50) Regular Cab w/7’box
3.0L All 2722 (6000) 1016 (2240) 4.64 (50)
4.0L All 4309 (9500) 2567 (5660) 4.64 (50) SuperCab
4.0L
(without FX4
package) All 4309 (9500) 2522 (5560) 4.64 (50)
4.0L (with FX4
package) All 4309 (9500) 2359 (5200) 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, see Vehicle loadingearlier in
this chapter.
To determine maximum trailer weight designed for your vehicle, see
Calculating the load your vehicle can carry/tow earlier 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).
Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on the
certification label.
Towing trailers beyond the maximum recommended gross trailer
weight exceeds the limit of the vehicle and could result in
engine damage, transmission damage, structural damage, loss of vehicle
control, vehicle rollover and personal injury.
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Refer to the following chart for information regarding the
factory-equipped trailer tow connector:
Trailer tow connector
Color Function Comment
1. Dark Green Trailer right-handturn signal Circuit activated when brake
pedal is depressed or when
ignition is on and right-hand
turn signal is applied.
2. Yellow Trailer left-hand turn signal Circuit activated when brake
pedal is depressed or when
ignition is on and left-hand
turn signal is applied.
3. Tan/White Tail lamp Relay controlled circuit activated when the park
lamps/headlamps are on.
4. White Ground Matching vehicle circuit returns to battery’s negative
ground.
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 transmission section in this
chapter.)
• Under extreme conditions with large frontal trailers, high outside
temperatures and highway speeds, the coolant gauge may indicate
higher than normal coolant temperatures. If this occurs, reduce speed
until the coolant temperature returns to the normal range. Refer to
Engine coolant temperature gauge in theInstrument cluster
chapter.
• Anticipate stops and brake gradually.
• Do not exceed the GCWR rating or transmission damage may occur.
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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.
• 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.
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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 vehicles equipped with a manual transmission:
Note:4x2 vehicles with a manual transmission follow these guidelines
for recreational towing:
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.
Vehicles equipped with automatic transmission and 4x4 vehicles
equipped with an electronic-shift transfer case and a manual
transmission:
4x2 vehicles with automatic transmissions, 4x4 vehicles with an
electronic-shift transfer case and automatic transmission and 4x4
vehicles equipped with an electronic-shift transfer case and manual
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.
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If the vehicle slips off the jack, you or someone else could be
seriously injured.
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.
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Wheel lug nut torque specifications
Retighten the lug nuts to the specified torque at 800 km (500 miles)
after any wheel disturbance (rotation, flat tire, wheel removal, etc.).
Bolt size Wheel lug nut torque*Nm Lb-ft
1⁄2x 20 113-153 84-114
* Torque specifications are for nut and bolt threads free of dirt and
rust. Use only Ford recommended replacement fasteners.
When a wheel is installed, always remove any corrosion, dirt or
foreign materials present on the mounting surfaces of the wheel
or the surface of the front disc brake hub and rotor that contacts the
wheel. Installing wheels without correct metal-to-metal contact at the
wheel mounting surfaces can cause the wheel nuts to loosen and the
wheel to come off while the vehicle is in motion, resulting in loss of
control.
JUMP STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
The gases around the battery can explode if exposed to flames,
sparks, or lit cigarettes. An explosion could result in injury or
vehicle damage.
Batteries contain sulfuric acid which can burn skin, eyes and
clothing, if contacted.
Do not attempt to push-start your vehicle. Automatic
transmissions do not have push-start capability; doing so may
damage the catalytic converter.
Preparing your vehicle
When the battery is disconnected or a new battery is installed, the
transmission must relearn its shift strategy. As a result, the transmission
may have firm and/or soft shifts. This operation is considered normal and
will not affect function or durability of the transmission. Over time, the
adaptive learning process will fully update transmission operation.
1. Use only a 12 –volt supply to start your vehicle.
2. Do not disconnect the battery of the disabled vehicle as this could
damage the vehicle’s electrical system.
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