Page 2 of 248
Locks and Security 53
Keys 53
Locks 53
Anti-theft system 54
Seating and Safety Restraints 60
Seating 60
Safety restraints 62
Air bags 74
Child restraints 83
Driving 96
Starting 96
Brakes 100
Transmission operation 103
Vehicle loading 118
Trailer towing 121
Roadside Emergencies 132
Getting roadside assistance 132
Hazard flasher switch 133
Fuel pump shut-off switch 133
Fuses and relays 134
Changing tires 144
Jump starting 151
Wrecker towing 156
Customer Assistance 157
Reporting safety defects (U.S. only) 166
2004 Ranger(ran)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus)
Table of Contents
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Page 6 of 248

SPECIAL NOTICES
Emission warranty
The New Vehicle Limited Warranty includes Bumper-to-Bumper
Coverage, Safety Restraint Coverage, Corrosion Coverage, and 6.0L
Power Stroke Diesel Engine Coverage. In addition, your vehicle is eligible
for Emissions Defect and Emissions Performance Warranties. For a
detailed description of what is covered and what is not covered, refer to
theWarranty Guide that is provided to you along with your Owner ’s
Guide.
Data Recording
Computers in your vehicle are capable of recording detailed data
potentially including but not limited to information such as:
• the use of restraint systems including seat belts by the driver and
passengers,
• information about the performance of various systems and modules in
the vehicle, and
• information related to engine, throttle, steering, brake or other system
status.
Any of this information could potentially include information regarding
how the driver operates the vehicle, potentially including but not limited
to information regarding vehicle speed, brake or accelerator application,
or steering input. This information may be stored during regular
operation or in a crash or near crash event.
This stored information may be read out and used by:
• Ford Motor Company.
• service and repair facilities.
• law enforcement or government agencies.
• others who may assert a right or obtain your consent to know such
information.
Special instructions
For your added safety, your vehicle is fitted with sophisticated electronic
controls.
Please read the section Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)
in the Seating and Safety Restraints chapter. Failure to follow
the specific warnings and instructions could result in personal injury.
2004 Ranger (ran)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus)
Introduction
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Page 8 of 248
These are some of the symbols you may see on your vehicle.Vehicle Symbol Glossary
Safety Alert
See Owner ’s Guide
Fasten Safety BeltAir Bag-Front
Air Bag-SideChild Seat
Child Seat Installation
WarningChild Seat Lower
Anchor
Child Seat Tether
AnchorBrake System
Anti-Lock Brake SystemBrake Fluid -
Non-Petroleum Based
Traction ControlAdvanceTrac
Master Lighting SwitchHazard Warning Flasher
Fog Lamps-FrontFuse Compartment
Fuel Pump ResetWindshield Wash/Wipe
Windshield
Defrost/DemistRear Window
Defrost/Demist
2004 Ranger (ran)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus)
Introduction
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Page 11 of 248

It may take a long period of time for the system to detect an
improperly installed or properly re-installed fuel filler cap
depending on driving and fuel tank level conditions.Refer toFuel
filler cap in theMaintenance and Specifications chapter.
Brake system warning light: To
confirm the brake system warning
light is functional, it will
momentarily illuminate when the
ignition is turned to the ON position
when the engine is not running, or in a position between ON and START,
or by applying the parking brake when the ignition is turned to the ON
position. If the brake system warning light does not illuminate at this
time, seek service immediately from your dealership. Illumination after
releasing the parking brake indicates low brake fluid level or a failure to
brake proportioning and the brake system should be inspected
immediately by your servicing dealership.
Driving a vehicle with the brake system warning light on is
dangerous. A significant decrease in braking performance may
occur. It will take you longer to stop the vehicle. Have the vehicle
checked by your dealer immediately.
Anti-lock brake system: If the
ABS light stays illuminated or
continues to flash, a malfunction has
been detected; have the system
serviced immediately. Normal
braking is still functional unless the brake warning light also is
illuminated.
Air bag readiness: If this light fails
to illuminate when ignition is turned
to ON, continues to flash or remains
on, have the system serviced
immediately. A chime will also
sound when a malfunction in the supplemental restraint system has been
detected.
!
BRAKE
ABS
2004 Ranger (ran)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus)
Instrument Cluster
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Page 40 of 248

BULBS
Replacing exterior bulbs
Check the operation of all the bulbs frequently.
Using the right bulbs
Replacement bulbs are specified in the chart below. Headlamp bulbs
must be marked with an authorized“D.O.T. ”for North America and an
“ E ” for Europe to assure lamp performance, light brightness and pattern
and safe visibility. The correct bulbs will not damage the lamp assembly
or void the lamp assembly warranty and will provide quality bulb burn
time.
Function Number of bulbs Trade number
Park/turn(front) 2 3457AK (amber)
Side marker lamps 2 194
Headlamps 2 9007
Foglamps (if
equipped) 2
9145
Hi-mount brakelamp 1 922
Rear stop/turn/tail
lamps 2
3157K
Rear license plate
lamps 2
194
Backup lamp 2 3156K
Dome lamp 1 912
Map/dome-SuperCab
(if equipped) 2
904
Map/dome-Regular
Cab (if equipped) 1 904
1 904
All replacement bulbs are clear in color except where noted.
To replace all instrument panel lights - see your dealer.
Replacing the interior bulbs
Check the operation of all bulbs frequently.
2004 Ranger (ran)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus)
Lights
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Page 44 of 248
Replacing foglamp bulbs (if equipped)
1. Make sure the headlamp switch is
in the OFF position and remove the
bulb socket from the foglamp by
turning counterclockwise.
2. Disconnect the electrical
connector.
Install the new bulb in reverse order.
Replacing high-mount brakelamp bulb
1. Make sure the headlamp switch is
in the OFF position and remove the
two screws and lamp assembly from
vehicle.
2. Remove the bulb socket from
lamp assembly by rotating it counterclockwise.
3. Carefully pull bulb straight out of socket.
Install the new bulb in reverse order.
Replacing license plate lamp bulbs
1. Make sure the headlamp switch is
in the OFF position and reach
behind the rear bumper to locate
the bulb socket.
2. Twist the socket counterclockwise
and remove.
3. Carefully pull the bulb straight
out of the socket.
Install the new bulb(s) in reverse order.
2004 Ranger(ran)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus)
Lights
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Page 48 of 248

Setting speed control
The controls for using your speed
control are located on the steering
wheel for your convenience.
1. Press the ON control and release
it.
2. Accelerate to the desired speed.
3. Press the SET + control and
release it.
4. Take your foot off the accelerator
pedal.
5. The indicator light
on the
instrument cluster will turn on.
Note:
• Vehicle speed may vary momentarily when driving up and down a
steep hill.
• If the vehicle speed increases above the set speed on a downhill, you
may want to apply the brakes to reduce the speed.
• If the vehicle speed decreases more than 16 km/h (10 mph) below
your set speed on an uphill, your speed control will disengage.
• If the vehicle speed decreases to 40 km/h (25 mph) or less, your
speed control will disengage
Disengaging speed control
To disengage the speed control:
• Depress the brake pedal or
• Depress the clutch pedal (if equipped).
Disengaging the speed control will not erase previous set speed.
Note: When you use the clutch pedal to disengage the speed control,
the engine speed may briefly increase, this is normal.
2004 Ranger (ran)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus)
Driver Controls
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Page 49 of 248

Resuming a set speed
Press the RES (resume) control and
release it. This will automatically
return the vehicle to the previously
set speed. The RES control will not
work if the vehicle speed is not
faster than 48 km/h (30 mph).
Increasing speed while using speed control
There are three ways to set a higher
speed:
•Press and hold the SET + control
until you get to the desired
speed, then release the control.
• Press and release the SET +
control to operate the Tap-Up function. Each tap will increase the set
speed by 1.6 km/h (1 mph).
• Use the accelerator pedal to get to the desired speed. When the
vehicle reaches that speed press and release the SET + control.
Reducing speed while using speed control
There are three ways to reduce a
set speed:
• Press and hold the CST - control
until you get to the desired
speed, then release the control.
• Press and release the CST -
control to operate the Tap-Down
function. Each tap will decrease the set speed by 1.6 km/h (1 mph).
• Depress the brake pedal or the
clutch pedal (if equipped) until
the desired vehicle speed is
reached, press the SET + control.
2004 Ranger (ran)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus)
Driver Controls
49