2004 FORD RANGER snow chains

Avoid sudden braking as well. Although a 4WD vehicle may accelerate
better than a two-wheel drive vehicle in snow and ice, it won’t stop any
faster, because as in other vehicles, braking occurs at all four wheels. Do
not become overconfident as to road conditions.
Make sure you allow sufficient distance between you and other vehicles
for stopping. Drive slower than usual and consider using one of the lower
gears. Your vehicle is equipped with a Four Wheel Anti-Lock Brake
System (ABS); apply the brake steadily. Do not “pump ”the brakes. Refer
to the Brakes section of this chapter for additional information on the
operation of the anti-lock brake system.
Never drive with chains on the front tires of 4WD vehicles without also
putting them on the rear tires. This could cause the rear to slide and
swing around during braking.
Tires, Replacement Requirements
Do not use a size and type of tire and wheel other than that
originally provided by Ford Motor Company because it can affect
the safety and performance of your vehicle, which could result in an
increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, and/or serious
personal injury or death.
Make sure all tires and wheels on the vehicle are of the same size, type,
tread design and load-carrying capacity. If you have questions regarding
tire replacement, see an authorized Ford or Lincoln/Mercury dealer.
If you nevertheless decide to equip your 4WD for off-road use with tires
larger than what Ford Motor Company recommends, you should not use
these tires for highway driving.
If you use any tire/wheel combination not recommended by Ford Motor
Company, it may adversely affect vehicle handling and could cause
steering, suspension, axle or transfer case failure as well as the increased
risk of loss of vehicle control.
Do not use “aftermarket lift kits ”or other suspension modifications,
whether or not they are used with larger tires and wheels.
These “aftermarket lift kits ”could adversely affect the vehicle ’s handling
characteristics, which could lead to loss of vehicle control or rollover and
serious injury.
Tires can be damaged during off-road use. For your safety, tires that are
damaged should not be used for highway driving because they are more
likely to blow out or fail.
2004 Ranger (ran)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus)
Driving
116

It is not recommended that the vehicle be operated in 4WD modes with
a“temporary ”(i.e. dissimilar size) spare. If 4WD operation is necessary,
do not operate above speeds of 16 km/h (10 mph) or for distances above
80 km (50 miles).
If you use the temporary spare tire continuously or do not follow
these precautions, the tire could fail, causing you to lose control
of the vehicle, possibly injuring yourself or others.
When driving with the temporary spare tire do not:
• Exceed 80 km/h (50 mph)
• Load the vehicle beyond maximum vehicle load rating listed on the
Safety Compliance Label
• Tow a trailer
• Use more than one temporary spare tire at a time
• Use snow chains on the end of the vehicle with the temporary spare
tire
Use of a temporary spare tire at any wheel location can lead to
impairment of the following:
• Handling, stability and braking performance
• Comfort and noise
• Ground clearance and parking at curbs
• Winter driving capability
• Wet weather driving capability
Conventional spare tire information
If you have the spare tire that is the same size as your other road tires,
you can use the spare as you would any of the other tires. The spare tire
will be equivalent to your road tires, although it may not have the same
appearance (black-side wall instead of outlined-white letters).
2004 Ranger (ran)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus)
Roadside Emergencies
145

•Avoid fast starts, stops and turns
• Avoid potholes and objects on the road
• Do not run over curbs or hit the tire against a curb when parking
If you vehicle is stuck in snow, mud, sand, etc., do notrapidly spin the
tires; spinning the tires can tear the tire and cause an explosion. A tire
can explode in as little as three to five seconds.
Tire explosions can cause death, personal injury or property
damage. Do not allow anyone to stand near, or directly ahead or
behind the spinning tire.
Never spin the tires in excess of the 55 km/h (35 mph) point
indicated on the speedometer.
Highway hazards
No matter how carefully you drive there ’s always the possibility that you
may eventually have a flat tire on the highway. Drive slowly to the
closest safe area out of traffic. This may further damage the flat tire, but
your safety is more important.
If you feel a sudden vibration or ride disturbance while driving or you
suspect your tire or vehicle has been damaged, immediately reduce your
speed. Drive with caution until you can safely pull off the road. Stop and
inspect the tire for damage. If the tire is under-inflated or damaged,
deflate it, remove wheel and replace it with your spare tire and wheel. If
you cannot detect a cause, have the vehicle towed to the nearest repair
facility or tire dealer to have the vehicle inspected.
SNOW TIRES AND CHAINS
Driving too fast for conditions creates the possibility of loss of
vehicle control. Driving at very high speeds for extended periods
of time may result in damage to vehicle components.
Snow tires must be the same size and grade as the tires you
currently have on your vehicle.
The tires on your vehicle have all weather treads to provide traction in
rain and snow. However, in some climates, you may need to use snow
tires and chains. If you need to use snow tires and chains, it is
2004 Ranger (ran)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
223

recommended that steel wheels are used of the same size and
specifications as those originally installed.
Follow these guidelines when using snow tires and chains:
•Do not use tire chains on aluminum wheels. Chains may chip the
wheels.
• Use only SAE Class S chains.
• Install chains securely, verifying that the chains do not touch any
wiring, brake lines or fuel lines.
• Drive cautiously. If you hear the chains rub or bang against your
vehicle, stop and re-tighten the chains. If this does not work, remove
the chains to prevent damage to your vehicle.
• If possible, avoid fully loading your vehicle.
• Remove the tire chains when they are no longer needed. Do not use
tire chains on dry roads.
• The suspension insulation and bumpers will help prevent vehicle
damage. Do not remove these components from your vehicle when
using snow tires and chains.
MOTORCRAFT PART NUMBERS
Component 2.3L I4 engine 3.0L V6 engine 4.0L V6 engine
Air filter
element FA-1658 FA-1658 FA-1658
Fuel filter FG-1080 FG-1080 FG-1080
Battery BXT-59 BXT-59 BXT-59
Oil filter FL-400S FL-400S FL-820S
PCV valve EV-227 EV-130 EV-243
Spark plugs* AWSF-32FEM AWSF-32PP** AGSF-34FP
* Refer to Vehicle Emissions Control Information (VECI) decal for spark
plug gap information.
** If any spark plug needs to be removed for inspection, it must be
re-installed in the same cylinder. Cylinders No.1, 2 and 3 have a “PG ”
suffix. Cylinders No. 4, 5 and 6 have a “P ” suffix. If any spark plug needs
to be replaced, use only spark plugs with the service part number suffix
letters “PP ”as shown on the engine decal.
2004 Ranger (ran)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
224

Safety belts
(see Safety restraints) ...62, 64–67
Safety defects, reporting ..........166
Safety restraints ..............62, 64 –67
belt minder ...............................69
extension assembly ..................69
for adults .............................64 –66
for children .........................83 –84
lap belt ......................................68
safety belt maintenance ...........73
warning light and chime ..........69
Safety seats for children ............87
Seat belts
(see Safety restraints) ...............62
Seats ............................................60 child safety seats ......................87
Servicing your vehicle ..............174
Setting the clock AM/FM stereo ...........................18
AM/FM stereo CD .....................21
AM/FM stereo tape/CD/MP3 ....25
Premium AM/FM stereo
CD6/MP3 ...................................28
Snowplowing .................................7
Spare tire
(see Changing the Tire) ...........145
Spark plugs,
specifications .....................224, 231
Special notice ambulance conversions ..............7
utility-type vehicles ....................7
Specification chart,
lubricants ...........................228, 231
Speed control ..............................47
Starting your vehicle ......96 –97, 99
jump starting ..........................151 Steering wheel
tilting .........................................46
T
Tilt steering wheel ......................46
Tires ...................................144, 212 changing ..........144 –145, 147, 151
snow tires and chains ............223
spare tire .................................144
tire grades ...............................213
treadwear ................................212
Towing .......................................121 recreational towing .................130
trailer towing ..........................121
wrecker ....................................156
Traction-lok rear axle ...............102
Transfer case fluid checking .........................210
Transmission automatic operation ...............103
brake-shift interlock (BSI) ....103
fluid, checking and adding
(manual) .................................209
fluid, refill capacities ..............225
lubricant specifications ..228, 231
manual operation ....................106
Turn signal ..................................39
V
Vehicle dimensions ...................231
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................234
Vehicle loading ..........................118 camper bodies ........................131
Ventilating your vehicle ...........100
2004 Ranger (ran)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus)
Index
243