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restrained or are otherwise out of position at the time of air bag
deployment. Thus, it is extremely important that occupants be properly
restrained as far away from the air bag module as possible while
maintaining vehicle control.
Several air bag system components get hot after inflation. Do not
touch them after inflation.
If the air bag has deployed,the air bag will not function
again and must be replaced immediately. If the air bag is not
replaced, the unrepaired area will increase the risk of injury in a
collision.
The SRS consists of:
• driver and passenger air bag modules (which include the inflators and
air bags),
• one or more impact and safing sensors, passenger air bag deactivation
switch and diagnostic monitor (RCM)
• a readiness light and tone,
• and the electrical wiring which connects the components.
The RCM (restraints control module) monitors its own internal circuits
and the supplemental air bag electrical system wiring (including the
passenger air bag deactivation switch, the impact sensors, the system
wiring, the air bag system readiness light, the air bag back up power and
the air bag ignitors).
Determining if the system is operational
The SRS uses readiness lights in the instrument cluster and the
passenger air bag deactivate switch or a tone to indicate the condition of
the system. Refer to the Air bag readinesssection in theInstrument
cluster chapter or Passenger air bag on/off switch section in this
chapter. Routine maintenance of the air bag is not required.
A difficulty with the system is indicated by one or more of the following:
• The readiness lights will either
flash or stay lit.
• The readiness lights will not
illuminate immediately after
ignition is turned on.
2004 Ranger (ran)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus)
Seating and Safety Restraints
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Servicing after towing
If you tow a trailer for long distances, your vehicle will require more
frequent service intervals. Refer to your scheduled maintenance guide for
more information.
Trailer towing tips
•Practice turning, stopping and backing up before starting on a trip to
get the feel of the vehicle trailer combination. When turning, make
wider turns so the trailer wheels will clear curbs and other obstacles.
• Allow more distance for stopping with a trailer attached.
•
The trailer tongue weight should be 10 –15% of the loaded trailer weight.
• After you have traveled 80 km (50 miles), thoroughly check your
hitch, electrical connections and trailer wheel lug nuts.
• To aid in engine/transmission cooling and A/C efficiency during hot
weather while stopped in traffic, place the gearshift lever in P (Park)
(automatic transmission) or N (Neutral) (manual transmissions).
• Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade. If you must
park on a grade, place wheel chocks under the trailer ’s wheels.
Launching or retrieving a boat
Disconnect the wiring to the trailer before backing the trailer
into the water. Reconnect the wiring to the trailer after the
trailer is removed from the water.
When backing down a ramp during boat launching or retrieval:
• do not allow the static water level to rise above the bottom edge of
the rear bumper.
• do not allow waves to break higher than 15 cm (6 inches) above the
bottom edge of the rear bumper.
Exceeding these limits may allow water to enter vehicle components:
• causing internal damage to the components.
• affecting driveability, emissions and reliability.
Replace the rear axle lubricant any time the axle has been submerged in
water. Rear axle lubricant quantities are not to be checked or changed
unless a leak is suspected or repair required.
2004 Ranger (ran)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus)
Driving
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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
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Splash guards
Step bars
Tonneau covers
Truck caps
Wheels
Interior style
Cell phone holders
Consoles
Electrochromatic compass/temperature interior mirrors
Floor mats
Interior trim kits
Leather wrapped steering wheels
Scuff plates
Speed control
Lifestyle
Bedliners and bedmats
Bed tents
Bike racks
Cargo organization and management
Diamond plate accessories
Engine block heaters and blankets
Rear seat entertainment systems
Toolboxes
Towing mirrors
TracRac and accessories
Trailer hitches, wiring harnesses and accessories
2004 Ranger(ran)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus)
Accessories
237