Four-wheel anti-lock brake system (ABS)
This vehicle is equipped with an anti-lock braking system (ABS). A noise
from the hydraulic pump motor and pulsation in the pedal may be
observed during ABS braking events and the brake pedal may suddenly
travel a little farther as soon as ABS braking is done and normal brake
operation resumes. Pedal pulsation coupled with noise while braking
under panic conditions or on loose gravel, bumps, wet or snowy roads is
normal and indicates proper functioning of the vehicle’s anti-lock brake
system.
NOTE:The ABS performs a self-check after you start the engine and
begin to drive away.
A brief mechanical noise may be heard during this test. This is normal. If
a malfunction is found, the ABS warning light will come on. If the vehicle
has continuous vibration or shudder in the steering wheel while braking,
the vehicle should be inspected by an authorized dealer.
The ABS operates by detecting the
onset of wheel lockup during brake
applications and compensates for
this tendency. The wheels are
prevented from locking even when
the brakes are firmly applied. The
accompanying illustration depicts
the advantage of an ABS equipped
vehicle (on bottom) to a non-ABS
equipped vehicle (on top) during hard braking with loss of front braking
traction.
The Anti-Lock system does not decrease the time necessary to
apply the brakes or always reduce stopping distance. Always
leave enough room between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of
you to stop.
Using ABS
When hard braking is required, apply continuous force on the brake
pedal; do not pump the brake pedal since this will reduce the
effectiveness of the ABS and will increase your vehicle’s stopping
distance. The ABS will be activated immediately, allowing you to retain
steering control during hard braking and on slippery surfaces. However,
the ABS does not decrease stopping distance.
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Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
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Driving
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ABS warning lamp
The ABS lamp in the instrument
cluster momentarily illuminates
when the ignition is turned on. If
the light does not illuminate during
start up, remains on or flashes, the
ABS may be disabled and may need to be serviced.
Even when the ABS is disabled,
normal braking is still effective. (If
your BRAKE warning lamp
illuminates with the parking brake
released, have your brake system
serviced immediately by an authorized dealer.)
Parking brake
Apply the parking brake whenever
the vehicle is parked. To set the
parking brake, press the parking
brake pedal down until the pedal
stops.
The BRAKE warning lamp in the
instrument cluster illuminates and
remains illuminated (when the
ignition is turned ON) until the
parking brake is released.
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure that the
gearshift is securely latched in P (Park) (automatic
transmission) or in 1 (First) (manual transmission).
Note:The parking brake is not recommended to stop a moving vehicle.
However, if the normal brakes fail, the parking brake can be used to stop
your vehicle in an emergency. Since the parking brake applies only the
ABS
P!
BRAKE
P!
BRAKE
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Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
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Driving
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If you cannot move the gearshift lever out of P (Park) with ignition in
the ON position and the brake pedal depressed:
1. Apply the parking brake, turn ignition key to LOCK, then remove the
key.
2. Insert the key and turn it to OFF.Apply the brake pedal and shift
to N (Neutral).
When the key is in the ignition and in the OFF position, the
automatic transmission shift lever can be moved from the P
(Park) position without the brake pedal depressed. To avoid unwanted
vehicle movement, always set the parking brake.
Note:On some vehicles, when the key is in the OFF position, the
brake-shift interlock feature will prevent the automatic transmission shift
lever from being moved out of the P (Park) position without the brake
pedal being depressed.
3. Start the vehicle.
If it is necessary to use the above procedure to move the gearshift lever,
it is possible that a fuse has blown or the vehicle’s brakelamps are not
operating properly. Refer toFuses and relaysin theRoadside
Emergencieschapter.
Do not drive your vehicle until you verify that the brakelamps
are working.
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the gearshift is
latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the LOCK position and
remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle.
If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake warning lamp
remains illuminated, the brakes may not be working properly.
See your authorized dealer.
2008 Ranger(ran)
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•Normally, adding 1 gallon (3.8L) of fuel is enough to restart the
engine. If the vehicle is out of fuel and on a steep grade, more than 1
gallon (3.8L) may be required.
•The
indicator may come on. For more information on the “check
engine” or the “service engine soon” indicator, refer toWarning lights
and chimesin theInstrument Clusterchapter.
ESSENTIALS OF GOOD FUEL ECONOMY
Measuring techniques
Your best source of information about actual fuel economy is you, the
driver. You must gather information as accurately and consistently as
possible. Fuel expense, frequency of fill-ups or fuel gauge readings are
NOT accurate as a measure of fuel economy. We do not recommend taking
fuel economy measurements during the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km) of
driving (engine break-in period). You will get a more accurate
measurement after 2,000 miles–3,000 miles (3,000 km–5,000 km).
Filling the tank
The advertised fuel capacity of the fuel tank on your vehicle is equal to
the rated refill capacity of the fuel tank as listed in theMaintenance
product specifications and capacitiessection of this chapter.
The advertised capacity is the amount of the indicated capacity and the
empty reserve combined. Indicated capacity is the difference in the
amount of fuel in a full tank and a tank when the fuel gauge indicates
empty. Empty reserve is the small amount of fuel remaining in the fuel
tank after the fuel gauge indicates empty.
The amount of usable fuel in the empty reserve varies and should
not be relied upon to increase driving range. When refueling your
vehicle after the fuel gauge indicates empty, you might not be
able to refuel the full amount of the advertised capacity of the
fuel tank due to the empty reserve still present in the tank.
For consistent results when filling the fuel tank:
•Turn the engine/ignition switch to the off position prior to refueling,
an error in the reading will result if the engine is left running.
•Use the same filling rate setting (low — medium — high) each time
the tank is filled.
•Allow no more than two automatic click-offs when filling.
•Always use fuel with the recommended octane rating.
2008 Ranger(ran)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
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Maintenance and Specifications
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Illumination of theindicator, charging system warning light or the
temperature warning light, fluid leaks, strange odors, smoke or loss of
engine power could indicate that the emission control system is not
working properly.
An improperly operating or damaged exhaust system may allow exhaust
to enter the vehicle. Have a damaged or improperly operating exhaust
system inspected and repaired immediately.
Exhaust leaks may result in entry of harmful and potentially
lethal fumes into the passenger compartment.
Do not make any unauthorized changes to your vehicle or engine. By
law, vehicle owners and anyone who manufactures, repairs, services,
sells, leases, trades vehicles, or supervises a fleet of vehicles are not
permitted to intentionally remove an emission control device or prevent
it from working. Information about your vehicle’s emission system is on
the Vehicle Emission Control Information Decal located on or near the
engine. This decal identifies engine displacement and gives some tune up
specifications.
Please consult yourWarranty Guidefor complete emission warranty
information.
On board diagnostics (OBD-II)
Your vehicle is equipped with a computer that monitors the engine’s
emission control system. This system is commonly known as the On
Board Diagnostics System (OBD-II). The OBD-II system protects the
environment by ensuring that your vehicle continues to meet
government emission standards. The OBD-II system also assists your
authorized dealer in properly servicing your vehicle. When the
indicator illuminates, the OBD-II system has detected a malfunction.
Temporary malfunctions may cause the
indicator to illuminate.
Examples are:
1. The vehicle has run out of fuel—the engine may misfire or run poorly.
2. Poor fuel quality or water in the fuel—the engine may misfire or run
poorly.
3. The fuel cap may not have been securely tightened. SeeFuel filler
capin this chapter.
4. Driving through deep water—the electrical system may be wet.
2008 Ranger(ran)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
244
A
ABS (see Brakes) .....................152
Air cleaner filter ...............251, 253
Airbag supplemental restraint
system ..........................................86
and child safety seats ..............88
description ................................86
disposal ......................................90
driver airbag ........................86, 89
indicator light ...........................90
operation .............................86, 89
passenger airbag .................86, 89
Ambulance packages ....................8
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................229
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................152
Anti-theft system ........................65
Audio system
(see Radio) ......................19, 21, 27
Automatic transmission ............155
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................157
fluid, refill capacities ..............254
fluid, specification ..................254
Auxiliary input jack (Line in) ....33
Auxiliary power point .................54
Axle
lubricant specifications ..........254
refill capacities ........................254
traction lok ..............................155
B
Battery .......................................227
acid, treating emergencies .....227
jumping a disabled battery ....192maintenance-free ....................227
replacement, specifications ...253
servicing ..................................227
Belt-Minder...............................82
Booster seats ...............................94
Brakes ........................................151
anti-lock ...................................152
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................153
fluid, checking and adding ....248
fluid, refill capacities ..............254
fluid, specifications .................254
lubricant specifications ..........254
parking ....................................153
shift interlock ..........................155
Bulbs ............................................47
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....254
Cargo cage ...................................59
Cell phone use ..............................8
Changing a tire .........................183
Child safety restraints ................94
child safety belts ......................94
Child safety seats ........................98
attaching with tether straps ..101
in front seat ..............................99
in rear seat ................................99
Child safety seats - booster
seats .............................................94
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............209
instrument panel ....................211
interior .....................................212
plastic parts ............................210
safety belts ..............................212
washing ....................................207
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Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
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Index
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headlamps, flash to pass ..........44
instrument panel, dimming .....44
interior lamps .....................47–48
replacing bulbs .........................49
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................47
Lights, warning and indicator ....12
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........153
Load limits .................................127
Loading instructions .................133
Locks
doors ..........................................61
Lubricant specifications ...........254
Lug nuts ....................................192
Lumbar support, seats ...............70
M
Manual transmission .................159
fluid capacities ........................254
lubricant specifications ..........254
reverse .....................................160
Mirrors .........................................56
fold away ...................................57
side view mirrors
(power) ...............................56–57
Motorcraft parts ........213, 234, 253
O
Octane rating ............................239
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................221
P
Parking brake ............................153
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....253Passenger Occupant
Classification Sensor ...................73
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................177
Power door locks ........................61
Power mirrors .......................56–57
Power point .................................54
Power steering ..........................154
fluid, checking and adding ....246
fluid, refill capacity ................254
fluid, specifications .................254
Power Windows ...........................55
Preparing to drive your
vehicle ........................................155
R
Radio ................................19, 21, 27
Relays ........................................173
Remote entry system ...........61–62
illuminated entry ......................65
locking/unlocking doors ...........62
panic alarm ...............................62
replacing the batteries .............63
Roadside assistance ..................170
S
Safety Belt Maintenance ............80
Safety belts
(see Safety restraints) ...71, 75–79
Safety defects, reporting ..205–206
Safety restraints ..............71, 75–79
Belt-Minder.............................82
extension assembly ..................80
for adults .............................76–78
for children .........................93–94
lap belt ......................................76
2008 Ranger(ran)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
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Occupant Classification
Sensor ........................................73
safety belt maintenance ...........80
warning light and chime ..........81
Safety seats for children ............98
Safety Compliance
Certification Label ....................261
Satellite Radio Information ........36
Seats ............................................68
child safety seats ......................98
SecuriLock passive anti-theft
system ..........................................65
Servicing your vehicle ..............215
Setting the clock
AM/FM stereo ...........................20
AM/FM stereo CD .....................22
Premium AM/FM stereo
CD6/MP3 ...................................28
Snowplowing .................................8
Spark plugs,
specifications .....................253, 259
Special notice
ambulance conversions ..............8
utility-type vehicles ....................7
Specification chart,
lubricants ...................................254
Speed control ..............................57
Starting your
vehicle ........................146–147, 149
jump starting ..........................192
Steering wheel
tilting .........................................54
T
Tilt steering wheel ......................54Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (TPMS)
Roadside Emergencies ...........183
Tires, Wheels and Loading ....122
Tires ...........................107–109, 183
alignment ................................116
care ..........................................112
changing ..........................183, 189
checking the pressure ............112
inflating ...................................110
label .........................................121
replacing ..................................113
rotating
....................................116
safety practices
.......................115
sidewall information
...............117
snow tires and chains
............126
spare tire
.................................184
terminology
.............................109
tire grades
...............................108
treadwear
........................108, 112
Towing
.......................................133
recreational towing
.................144
trailer towing
..........................133
wrecker
....................................198
Traction-lok rear axle
...............155
Transfer case
fluid checking
.........................251
Transmission
automatic operation
...............155
brake-shift interlock (BSI)
....155
fluid, checking and adding
(manual)
.................................250
fluid, refill capacities
..............254
lubricant specifications
..........254
manual operation
....................159
Turn signal
..................................47
2008 Ranger(ran)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
269