2004 FORD RANGER check transmission fluid

The BRAKE warning lamp will
illuminate and will remain
illuminated until the parking brake
is released.
To release, pull the lever (2).
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure that the
gearshift is securely latched in P (Park) (automatic
transmission) or in 1 (First) (manual transmission).
STEERING
To prevent damage to the power steering system:
• Never hold the steering wheel at its furthest turning points (until it
stops) for more than a few seconds when the engine is running.
• Do not operate the vehicle with a low power steering pump fluid level
(below the MIN mark on the reservoir).
If the power steering system breaks down (or if the engine is turned
off), you can steer the vehicle manually, but it takes more effort.
If the steering wanders or pulls, check for:
• an improperly inflated tire
• uneven tire wear
• loose or worn suspension components
• loose or worn steering components
• improper steering alignment
A high crown in the road or high crosswinds may also make the steering
seem to wander/pull.
TRACTION-LOK AXLE (IF EQUIPPED)
This axle provides added traction on slippery surfaces, particularly when
one wheel is on a poor traction surface. Under normal conditions, the
Traction-Lok axle functions like a standard rear axle.
!
BRAKE
2004 Ranger (ran)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus)
Driving
102

Once through water, always try the brakes. Wet brakes do not stop the
vehicle as effectively as dry brakes. Drying can be improved by moving
your vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake pedal.
Be cautious of sudden changes in vehicle speed or direction when you
are driving in mud. Even 4WD vehicles can lose traction in slick mud. As
when you are driving over sand, apply the accelerator slowly and avoid
spinning your wheels. If the vehicle does slide, steer in the direction of
the slide until you regain control of the vehicle.
If the transmission, transfer case or front axle are submerged in water,
their fluids should be checked and changed, if necessary.
Driving through deep water may damage the transmission.
If the front or rear axle is submerged in water, the axle lubricant should
be replaced.
After driving through mud, clean off residue stuck to rotating driveshafts
and tires. Excess mud stuck on tires and rotating driveshafts causes an
imbalance that could damage drive components.
“Tread Lightly ”is an educational
program designed to increase public
awareness of land-use regulations
and responsibilities in our nations
wilderness areas. Ford Motor
Company joins the U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land
Management in encouraging you to help preserve our national forest and
other public and private lands by “treading lightly. ”
Driving on hilly or sloping terrain
Although natural obstacles may make it necessary to travel diagonally up
or down a hill or steep incline, you should always try to drive straight up
or straight down. Avoid driving crosswise or turning on steep
slopes or hills . A danger lies in losing traction, slipping sideways and
possibly rolling over. Whenever driving on a hill, determine beforehand
the route you will use. Do not drive over the crest of a hill without
seeing what conditions are on the other side. Do not drive in reverse
over a hill without the aid of an observer.
2004 Ranger (ran)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus)
Driving
114

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 your Warranty Guide/Owner
Information Guide to 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.
2004 Ranger (ran)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
Maintenance and Specifications
174

Brake fluid is toxic. If brake fluid contacts the eyes, flush eyes
with running water for 15 minutes. Seek medical attention if
irritation persists. If taken internally, drink water and induce vomiting.
Seek medical attention immediately.
1. Clean the reservoir cap before
removal to prevent dirt and water
from entering the reservoir.
2. Remove cap and rubber
diaphragm from reservoir.
3. Add fluid until the level reaches
the step in the reservoir.
4. Reinstall rubber diaphragm and
cap onto reservoir.
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking automatic transmission fluid
• Refer to your Scheduled Maintenance Guide for scheduled check
and change intervals.
• Transmission does not consume fluid.
• Check fluid when transmission is not operating properly or if you see
a leak.
• Fluid level must be checked at normal operating temperature, 30 km
(20 miles) of driving.
To check and add fluid:
1. Drive the vehicle 30 km (20 miles) to reach normal operating
temperatures.
2. If driven in hot weather, city traffic, pulling a trailer, allow
transmission to cool for 30 minutes before checking.
3. Engage parking brake, start engine.
2004 Ranger (ran)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
207

4. Put your foot on the brake pedal and move the gearshift lever slowly
through all of the gear ranges.
5. Shift to P (Park) and leave the engine running.
6. Remove the dipstick, wipe clean with a dry lint free rag.
7. Install and fully seat the dipstick into the filler tube.
8. Remove the dipstick and inspect
the fluid level. Level should be in
the cross-hatched area.
9. If necessary, add fluid in 250ml (1/2 pint) increments through the filler
tube until the level is correct at normal operating temperatures. Refer to
theLubricant Specifications section in this chapter for the correct fluid
type. The use of any other non-approved fluid may cause internal
transmission damage.
10. Fluid can be checked at ambient
temperatures between 10 –30 °C
(50 –95 °F). DO NOT ADD fluid until
the transmission is at normal
operating temperatures or the transmission will be overfilled.
Low fluid level
Do not drive the vehicle if the fluid
level is at or below the bottom of
the dipstick.
High fluid level
Fluid levels above the safe range
may cause overheating, shift and/or
engagement concerns and internal
transmission damage. If an overfill
condition occurs, excess fluid should
be removed by a qualified technician.
2004 Ranger (ran)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
208

Checking and adding manual transmission fluid (if equipped)
1. Clean the filler plug.
2. Remove the filler plug and
inspect the fluid level.
3. Fluid level should be at the
bottom of the opening.
4. Add enough fluid through the
filler opening so that the fluid level
is at the bottom of the opening.
5. Install and tighten the fill plug
securely.
Use only fluid that meets Ford specifications. Refer toLubricant
Specifications in this chapter.
2004 Ranger(ran)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
209

A
Air bag supplemental restraint
system ..........................................74and child safety seats ..............76
description ................................74
disposal ......................................79
driver air bag ............................77
indicator light ...........................78
operation ...................................77
passenger air bag .....................77
passenger deactivation
switch ........................................79
Air cleaner filter .......210 –211, 224
Ambulance packages ....................7
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................188
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................101
Audio system
(see Radio) ..........16, 18, 21, 25, 28
Automatic transmission ............103 driving an automatic
overdrive .................................104
fluid, refill capacities ..............225
fluid, specification ..................231
Auxiliary power point .................46
Axle lubricant specifications ..228, 231
refill capacities ........................225
traction lok ..............................102
B
Battery .......................................185 acid, treating emergencies .....185
jumping a disabled battery ....151
maintenance-free ....................185
replacement, specifications ...224
servicing ..................................185 Bed extender ..............................51
BeltMinder ...................................69
Brakes ........................................100
anti-lock ...................................101
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................101
fluid, checking and adding ....206
fluid, refill capacities ..............225
fluid, specifications .........228, 231
lubricant specifications ..228, 231
parking ....................................101
shift interlock ..........................103
Bulbs ............................................40
C
Calculating load ........................121
Capacities for refilling fluids ....225
Cargo area shade ........................51
Cargo net .....................................51
Cell phone use ............................50
Certification Label ....................233
Changing a tire .........................144
Child safety restraints ................84 child safety belts ......................84
Child safety seats ........................87 attaching with tether straps ....91
in front seat ..............................88
in rear seat ................................88
Cleaning your vehicle engine compartment ..............168
instrument panel ....................171
interior .....................................171
plastic parts ............................170
safety belts ..............................171
washing ....................................167
waxing .....................................167
wheels ......................................168
2004 Ranger (ran)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus)
Index
Index
239

J
Jack ............................................144positioning .......................144, 147
storage .............................144 –146
Jump-starting your vehicle ......151
K
Keys positions of the ignition ...........96
L
Lamps bulb replacement
specifications chart ..................40
courtesy .....................................39
daytime running light ...............36
fog lamps ...................................36
headlamps .................................36
headlamps, flash to pass ..........37
instrument panel, dimming .....37
interior lamps .....................39 –40
replacing bulbs ...................40 –44
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................39
Lights, warning and indicator ....10 anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........101
Load limits .................................118
Loading instructions .................121
Lubricant specifications ...228, 231
Lumbar support, seats ...............61
M
Manual transmission .................106 fluid capacities ........................225
lubricant specifications ..........231
reverse .....................................108 Mirrors
side view mirrors (power) .......47
Motorcraft parts ................199, 224
O
Octane rating ............................197
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................180
P
Parking brake ............................101
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....224
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................138
Power door locks ........................53
Power mirrors .............................47
Power point .................................46
Power steering ..........................102 fluid, checking and adding ....205
fluid, refill capacity ................225
fluid, specifications .........228, 231
Power Windows ...........................47
Preparing to drive your
vehicle ........................................103
R
Radio ....................16, 18, 21, 25, 28 CD-MP3 .....................................31
Relays ........................................134
Remote entry system .................54 illuminated entry ......................56
locking/unlocking doors .....53 –54
Roadside assistance ..................132
S
Safety Belt Maintenance ............73
2004 Ranger (ran)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus)
Index
242