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
2
Page 5 of 248

SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION
Warning symbols in this guide
How can you reduce the risk of personal injury and prevent possible
damage to others, your vehicle and its equipment? In this guide, answers
to such questions are contained in comments highlighted by the warning
triangle symbol. These comments should be read and observed.
Warning symbols on your vehicle
When you see this symbol, it is
imperative that you consult the
relevant section of this guide before
touching or attempting adjustment
of any kind.
Protecting the environment
We must all play our part in
protecting the environment. Correct
vehicle usage and the authorized
disposal of waste, cleaning and
lubrication materials are significant
steps towards this aim. Information in this respect is highlighted in this
guide with the tree symbol.
BREAKING-IN YOUR VEHICLE
Your vehicle does not need an extensive break-in. Try not to drive
continuously at the same speed for the first 1,600 km (1,000 miles) of
new vehicle operation. Vary your speed to allow parts to adjust
themselves to other parts.
Drive your new vehicle at least 800 km (500 miles) before towing a
trailer.
Do not add friction modifier compounds or special break-in oils during
the first few thousand kilometers (miles) of operation, since these
additives may prevent piston ring seating. See Engine oilin the
Maintenance and specifications chapter for more information on oil
usage.
2004 Ranger (ran)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus)
Introduction
5
Page 31 of 248

16.SEEK: In radio, CD and MP3
flat file mode, press
/to
access the previous/next strong
station or track. In MP3 directory mode, press to select the next/previous
track in the current directory.
17. AM/FM: Press to select
AM/FM1/FM2 frequency band.
18. LOAD: To load a CD/MP3 disc
to a specific slot, press LOAD and
select the slot number by pressing
the Memory Preset buttons. Press
and hold to autoload up to six discs.
19. CD slot: Insert a CD, label side
up.
RADIO FREQUENCIES
AM and FM frequencies are established by the Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) and the Canadian Radio and Telecommunications
Commission (CRTC). Those frequencies are:
AM - 530, 540 –1700, 1710 kHz
FM- 87.7, 87.9 –107.7, 107.9 MHz
RADIO RECEPTION FACTORS
There are three factors that can affect radio reception:
• Distance/strength: The further you travel from an FM station, the
weaker the signal and the weaker the reception.
• Terrain: Hills, mountains, tall buildings, power lines, electric fences,
traffic lights and thunderstorms can interfere with your reception.
• Station overload: When you pass a broadcast tower, a stronger signal
may overtake a weaker one and play while the weak station frequency
is displayed.
2004 Ranger (ran)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus)
Entertainment Systems
31
Page 34 of 248

To aid in side window defogging/demisting in cold weather:
1. Select
2. Adjust the temperature control to maintain comfort.
3. Set the fan speed to HI
4. Direct the outer instrument panel vents towards the side windows
To increase airflow to the outer instrument panel vents, close the vents
located in the middle of the instrument panel.
Do not place objects on top of the instrument panel as these
objects may become projectiles in a collision or sudden stop.
MANUAL HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM
(IF EQUIPPED)
1. Fan speed adjustment: Controls
the volume of air circulated in the
vehicle.
2. Temperature selection:
Controls the temperature of the
airflow in the vehicle.
3. Air flow selections: Controls
the direction of the airflow in the vehicle. See the following for a brief
description on each control.
MAX A/C: Uses recirculated air to cool the vehicle. Air flows from the
instrument panel vents only. Temperature of airflow not adjustable.
A/C: Uses outside air to cool the vehicle. Air flows from the instrument
panel vents only.
: Distributes outside air through the instrument panel vents.
OFF: Outside air is shut out and the fan will not operate.
:Distributes outside air through the instrument panel vents and the
floor vents.
: Distributes outside air through the floor vents.
:Distributes outside air through the windshield defroster vents and
floor vents.
: Distributes outside air through the windshield defroster vents.
2004 Ranger (ran)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus)
Climate Controls
34
Page 35 of 248

OPERATING TIPS
•To reduce fog build up on the windshield during humid weather, place
the air flow selector in the
position.
• To reduce humidity build up inside the vehicle: do not drive with the
air flow selector in the OFF position.
• Under normal weather conditions, do not leave the air flow selector in
MAX A/C or OFF when the vehicle is parked. This allows the vehicle
to “breathe ”using the outside air inlet vents.
• Do not put objects under the front seats that will interfere with the
airflow to the back seats.
• Remove any snow, ice or leaves from the air intake area at the base of
the windshield.
To aid in side window defogging/demisting in cold weather:
1. Select
2. Adjust the temperature control to maintain comfort.
3. Set the fan speed to HI
4. Direct the outer instrument panel vents towards the side windows
To increase airflow to the outer instrument panel vents, close the vents
located in the middle of the instrument panel.
Do not place objects on top of the instrument panel as these
objects may become projectiles in a collision or sudden stop.
2004 Ranger (ran)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus)
Climate Controls
35
Page 37 of 248
High beams
Push the lever toward the
instrument panel to activate. Pull
the lever towards you to deactivate.
Flash to pass
Pull toward you slightly to activate
and release to deactivate.
PANEL DIMMER CONTROL
Use to adjust the brightness of the
instrument panel and all applicable
switches in the vehicle during
headlamp and parklamp operation.
Move the control up or down to
adjust the intensity of the panel
lighting.
Move the control to the full upright
position, past detent, to turn on the interior lamps.
AIMING THE HEADLAMPS
The headlamps on your vehicle are properly aimed before leaving the
assembly plant. If your vehicle is involved in an accident or if you have
problems fixing the alignment of your headlamps, have them checked by
a qualified service technician.
DIM
2004 Ranger(ran)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus)
Lights
37
Page 45 of 248

MULTI-FUNCTION LEVER
Windshield wiper:Rotate the end
of the control away from you to
increase the speed of the wipers
(from desired interval to low or high
speed position); rotate towards you
to decrease the speed of the wipers.
Windshield washer: Push the end
of the stalk:
• briefly: causes a single swipe of
the wipers without washer fluid.
• a quick push and hold: the wipers
will swipe three times with
washer fluid.
• a long push and hold: the wipers
and washer fluid will be activated
for up to ten seconds.
Changing the wiper blades
1. Pull the wiper arm away from the
vehicle. Turn the blade at an angle
from the wiper arm. Push the lock
pin manually to release the blade
and pull the wiper blade down
toward the windshield to remove it
from the arm.
2. Attach the new wiper to the
wiper arm and press it into place
until a click is heard.
3. Replace wiper blades every 6 months for optimum performance.
2004 Ranger (ran)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus)
Driver Controls
Driver Controls
45
Page 46 of 248

TILT STEERING WHEEL (IF EQUIPPED)
To adjust the steering wheel:
1. Pull and hold the steering wheel
release control toward you.
2. Move the steering wheel up or
down until you find the desired
location.
3. Release the steering wheel
release control. This will lock the
steering wheel in position.
Never adjust the steering wheel when the vehicle is moving.
AUXILIARY POWER POINT
Power outlets are designed for
accessory plugs only. Do not
hang any type of accessory or
accessory bracket from the
plugs. Improper use of the
power outlets can cause damage
not covered by your warranty.
The auxiliary power points are
located on the instrument panel. Do
not plug optional electrical
accessories into the cigarette lighter.
Use the power points.
Do not use the power points for operating the cigarette lighter element.
The Maximum power each power point can supply depends on the fuse
rating. For example: a 20A fuse should supply a maximum of 240 Watts,
a 15A fuse should supply a maximum of 180 Watts and a 10A fuse should
supply a maximum of 120 Watts. Exceeding these limits will result in a
blown fuse. Refer to Passenger Compartment Fuse Panel in the
Roadside Emergencies chapter for fuse ratings in your vehicle.
Always keep the power point caps closed when not being used.
2004 Ranger (ran)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus)
Driver Controls
46