
Extended idling at high engine speeds can produce very high
temperatures in the engine and exhaust system, creating the risk
of fire or other damage.
Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in dry grass or other dry
ground cover. The emission system heats up the engine
compartment and exhaust system, which can start a fire.
Do not start your vehicle in a closed garage or in other enclosed
areas. Exhaust fumes can be toxic. Always open the garage door
before you start the engine. SeeGuarding against exhaust fumesin
this chapter for more instructions.
If you smell exhaust fumes inside your vehicle, have your dealer
inspect your vehicle immediately. Do not drive if you smell
exhaust fumes.
Important safety precautions
When the engine starts, the idle RPM runs faster to warm the engine. If
the engine idle speed does not slow down automatically, have the vehicle
checked.
Before starting the vehicle:
1. Make sure all occupants buckle their safety belts. For more
information on safety belts and their proper usage, refer to theSeating
and Safety Restraintschapter.
2. Make sure the headlamps and electrical accessories are off.
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Driving
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•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. The axle may
exhibit a slight noise or vibration in tight turns with low vehicle speed.
This is normal behavior and indicates the axle is working.
PREPARING TO DRIVE
Utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover rate than
other types of vehicles.
In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is significantly more likely
to die than a person wearing a safety belt.
Your vehicle has larger tires and increased ground clearance, giving the
vehicle a higher center of gravity than a passenger car.
Vehicles with a higher center of gravity such as utility and
four-wheel drive vehicles handle differently than vehicles with a
lower center of gravity. Utility and four-wheel drive vehicles arenot
designed for cornering at speeds as high as passenger cars any more
than low-slung sports cars are designed to perform satisfactorily under
off-road conditions. Avoid sharp turns, excessive speed and abrupt
maneuvers in these vehicles. Failure to drive cautiously could result in
an increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal
injury and death.
Loaded vehicles, with a higher center of gravity, may handle
differently than unloaded vehicles. Extra precautions such as
slower speeds and increased stopping distance should be taken when
driving a heavily loaded vehicle.
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Driving
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4. Make the final connection of the negative (-) cable to an exposed
metal part of the stalled vehicle’s engine, away from the battery and the
carburetor/fuel injection system.Do notuse fuel lines, engine rocker
covers or the intake manifold asgroundingpoints.
Do not connect the end of the second cable to the negative (-)
terminal of the battery to be jumped. A spark may cause an
explosion of the gases that surround the battery.
5. Ensure that the cables are clear of fan blades, belts, moving parts of
both engines, or any fuel delivery system parts.
Jump starting
1. Start the engine of the booster vehicle and run the engine at
moderately increased speed.
2. Start the engine of the disabled vehicle.
3. Once the disabled vehicle has been started, run both engines for an
additional three minutes before disconnecting the jumper cables.
+–+–
2006 Ranger(ran)
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Roadside Emergencies
181

WRECKER TOWING
If you need to have your vehicle towed, contact a professional towing
service or, if you are a member of a roadside assistance program, your
roadside assistance service provider.
It is recommended that your vehicle be towed with a wheel lift or flatbed
equipment. Do not tow with a slingbelt. Ford Motor Company has not
approved a slingbelt towing procedure.
On 4x2 vehicles, it is acceptable to tow the vehicle with the front wheels
on the ground and the rear wheels off the ground.
On 4x4 and STX vehicles, it is recommended that your vehicle be towed
with a wheel lift and dollies or flatbed equipment with all the wheels off
the ground.
If the vehicle is towed by other means or incorrectly, vehicle
damage may occur.
Ford Motor Company produces a towing manual for all authorized tow
truck operators. Have your tow truck operator refer to this manual for
proper hook-up and towing procedures for your vehicle.
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Roadside Emergencies
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special solution in addition to alcohol which helps to remove the hot
wax deposited on the wiper blade and windshield from automated car
wash facilities. Be sure to replace wiper blades when they appear
worn or do not function properly.
•Do not use abrasives, as they may cause scratches.
•Do not use fuel, kerosene, or paint thinner to clean any parts.
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CLUSTER LENS
Clean the instrument panel with a damp cloth, then with a clean, dry
cloth, or use Motorcraft Dash & Vinyl Cleaner (ZC-38-A).
•Avoid cleaners or polish that increase the gloss of the upper portion of
the instrument panel. The dull finish in this area helps protect the
driver from undesirable windshield reflection.
Do not use chemical solvents or strong detergents when cleaning
the steering wheel or instrument panel to avoid contamination of
the airbag system.
•Be certain to wash or wipe your hands clean if you have been in
contact with certain products such as insect repellent and suntan
lotion in order to avoid possible damage to the interior painted
surfaces.
INTERIOR
For fabric, carpets, cloth seats and safety belts:
•Remove dust and loose dirt with a vacuum cleaner.
•Remove light stains and soil with Motorcraft Professional Strength
Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner (ZC-54).
•If grease or tar is present on the material, spot-clean the area first
with Motorcraft Spot and Stain Remover (ZC-14).
•If a ring forms on the fabric after spot cleaning, clean the entire area
immediately (but do not oversaturate) or the ring will set.
•Do not use household cleaning products or glass cleaners, which can
stain and discolor the fabric and affect the flame retardant abilities of
the seat materials.
Do not use cleaning solvents, bleach or dye on the vehicle’s
seatbelts, as these actions may weaken the belt webbing.
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Cleaning
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A
Air cleaner filter ...............235–236
Airbag supplemental restraint
system ..........................................78
and child safety seats ..............80
description ................................78
disposal ......................................83
driver airbag ..............................81
indicator light ...........................82
operation ...................................81
passenger airbag .......................81
passenger deactivation
switch ........................................83
Ambulance packages ....................9
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................213
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................139
Audio system
(see Radio) ..........18, 20, 23, 27, 30
Automatic transmission ............142
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................143
fluid, refill capacities ..............237
fluid, specification ..................243
Auxiliary power point .................50
Axle
lubricant specifications ..240, 243
refill capacities ........................237
traction lok ..............................141
B
Battery .......................................211
acid, treating emergencies .....211
jumping a disabled battery ....178
maintenance-free ....................211
replacement, specifications ...236
servicing ..................................211Bed extender ..............................55
BeltMinder ...................................73
Brakes ........................................139
anti-lock ...................................139
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................139
fluid, checking and adding ....231
fluid, refill capacities ..............237
fluid, specifications .........240, 243
lubricant specifications ..240, 243
parking ....................................140
shift interlock ..........................142
Bulbs ............................................43
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....237
Cargo area shade ........................55
Cargo net .....................................55
Cell phone use ..............................9
Changing a tire .........................170
Child safety restraints ................88
child safety belts ......................88
Child safety seats ........................92
attaching with tether straps ....96
in front seat ..............................93
in rear seat ................................93
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............193
instrument panel ....................196
interior .....................................196
plastic parts ............................195
safety belts ..............................196
washing ....................................192
waxing .....................................192
wheels ......................................193
wiper blades ............................195
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Index
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instrument panel, dimming .....40
interior lamps .....................43–44
replacing bulbs ...................43–44
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................42
Lights, warning and indicator ....12
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........139
Load limits .................................117
Loading instructions .................124
Lubricant specifications ...240, 243
Lug nuts ....................................178
Lumbar support, seats .........65–66
M
Manual transmission .................145
fluid capacities ........................237
lubricant specifications ..........243
reverse .....................................146
Mirrors .........................................52
fold away ...................................52
side view mirrors (power) .......52
Motorcraft parts ........197, 218, 236
O
Octane rating ............................223
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................205
P
Parking brake ............................140
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....236
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................164
Power door locks ........................57
Power mirrors .............................52Power point .................................50
Power steering ..........................140
fluid, checking and adding ....229
fluid, refill capacity ................237
fluid, specifications .........240, 243
Power Windows ...........................51
Preparing to drive your
vehicle ........................................141
R
Radio ....................18, 20, 23, 27, 30
CD-MP3 .....................................31
Relays ........................................160
Remote entry system .................58
illuminated entry ......................60
locking/unlocking doors .....57–58
Roadside assistance ..................157
S
Safety Belt Maintenance ............77
Safety belts
(see Safety restraints) .........67–71
Safety defects, reporting ..........191
Safety restraints ....................67–71
belt minder ...............................73
extension assembly ..................72
for adults .............................68–70
for children ...............................88
lap belt ......................................70
safety belt maintenance ...........77
warning light and chime ..........73
Safety seats for children ............92
Safety Compliance
Certification Label ....................245
Seat belts
(see Safety restraints) ...............67
2006 Ranger(ran)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
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Index
254