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
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Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus)
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Cleaning 167
Maintenance and Specifications 174
Engine compartment 176
Engine oil 180
Battery 185
Fuel information 194
Air filter(s) 211
Part numbers 224
Refill capacities 225
Lubricant specifications 228
Accessories 236
Index 239
All rights reserved. Reproduction by any means, electronic or mechanical
including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval
system or translation in whole or part is not permitted without written
authorization from Ford Motor Company. Ford may change the contents without
notice and without incurring obligation.Copyright © 2003 Ford Motor Company
2004 Ranger(ran)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus)
Table of Contents
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Page 4 of 248

CALIFORNIA Proposition 65 Warning
WARNING:Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and
certain vehicle components contain or emit chemicals known to
the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm. In addition, certain fluids contained in vehicles and
certain products of component wear contain or emit chemicals known
to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm.
CONGRATULATIONS
Congratulations on acquiring your new Ford. Please take the time to get
well acquainted with your vehicle by reading this handbook. The more
you know and understand about your vehicle, the greater the safety and
pleasure you will derive from driving it.
For more information on Ford Motor Company and its products visit the
following website:
• In the United States: www.ford.com
• In Canada: www.ford.ca
• In Australia: www.ford.com.au
• In Mexico: www.ford.com.mx
Additional owner information is given in separate publications.
This Owner’s Guide describes every option and model variant available
and therefore some of the items covered may not apply to your
particular vehicle. Furthermore, due to printing cycles it may describe
options before they are generally available.
Remember to pass on the Owner’s Guide when reselling the vehicle. It is
an integral part of the vehicle.
Fuel pump shut-off switch In the event of an accident the
safety switch will automatically cut off the fuel supply to the
engine. The switch can also be activated through sudden vibration (e.g.
collision when parking). To reset the switch, refer to the Fuel pump
shut-off switch in theRoadside emergencies chapter.
2004 Ranger(ran)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus)
Introduction
Introduction
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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
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Introduction
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Vehicle Symbol Glossary
Power Windows
Front/Rear
Power Window Lockout
Child Safety Door
Lock/UnlockInterior Luggage
Compartment Release
Symbol
Panic AlarmEngine Oil
Engine CoolantEngine Coolant
Temperature
Do Not Open When HotBattery
Avoid Smoking, Flames,
or SparksBattery Acid
Explosive GasFan Warning
Power Steering FluidMaintain Correct Fluid
LevelMAX MIN
Emission SystemEngine Air Filter
Passenger Compartment
Air FilterJack
Check fuel capLow tire warning
2004 Ranger (ran)
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USA English (fus)
Introduction
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WARNING LIGHTS AND CHIMES
Warning lights and gauges can alert you to a vehicle condition that may
become serious enough to cause expensive repairs. A warning light may
illuminate when a problem exists with one of your vehicle’s functions.
Many lights will illuminate when you start your vehicle to make sure the
bulb works. If any light remains on after starting the vehicle, refer to the
respective system warning light for additional information.
Check engine: TheCheck Engine
indicator light illuminates when the
ignition is first turned to the ON
position to check the bulb. Solid
illumination after the engine is started indicates the On Board
Diagnostics System (OBD-II) has detected a malfunction. Refer to On
board diagnostics (OBD-II) in theMaintenance and Specifications
chapter. If the light is blinking, engine misfire is occurring which could
damage your catalytic converter. Drive in a moderate fashion (avoid
heavy acceleration and deceleration) and have your vehicle serviced
immediately.
Under engine misfire conditions, excessive exhaust temperatures
could damage the catalytic converter, the fuel system, interior
floor coverings or other vehicle components, possibly causing a fire.
Check fuel cap: Illuminates when
the fuel cap may not be properly
installed. Continued driving with
this light on may cause the Check
Engine warning light to come on.
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Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus)
Instrument Cluster
Instrument Cluster
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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
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Safety belt:Reminds you to fasten
your safety belt. A chime will also
sound to remind you to fasten your
safety belt.
Charging system: Illuminates when
the battery is not charging properly.
Engine oil pressure: Illuminates
when the oil pressure falls below the
normal range, refer to Engine oilin
the Maintenance and
specifications chapter.
Engine coolant temperature (if
equipped): Illuminates when the
engine coolant temperature is high
during fail-safe cooling on the 2.3L I4 engine. Stop the vehicle as soon as
possible , switch off the engine and let cool. Refer to Engine coolantin
the Maintenance and specifications chapter.
Never remove the coolant recovery cap while the engine is
running or hot.
Low fuel: Illuminates when the fuel
level in the fuel tank is at or near
empty (refer to Fuel gaugein this
chapter).
Door ajar: Illuminates when the
ignition is in the ON position and
any door is open.
Overdrive off (if equipped):
Illuminates when the overdrive
function of the transmission has
been turned off, refer to the
Driving chapter. If the light flashes steadily or does not illuminate, have
the transmission serviced soon, or damage may occur.
O/D
OFF
2004 Ranger (ran)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus)
Instrument Cluster
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