2008 FORD RANGER brake

Normal characteristics
On some 4WD models, the initial shift from two-wheel drive to 4x4 while
the vehicle is moving can cause some momentary clunk and ratcheting
sounds.
Sand
When driving over sand, try to keep all four wheels on the most solid
area of the trail. Avoid reducing the tire pressures but shift to a lower
gear and drive steadily through the terrain. Apply the accelerator slowly
and avoid spinning the wheels.
Note:The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) indicator light may
illuminate depending on how much air is released from your tires and/or
how long you drive the vehicle under these conditions
Avoid excessive speed because vehicle momentum can work against you
and cause the vehicle to become stuck to the point that assistance may
be required from another vehicle. Remember, you may be able to back
out the way you came if you proceed with caution.
Mud and water
If you must drive through high
water, drive slowly. Traction or
brake capability may be limited.
When driving through water,
determine the depth; avoid water
higher than the bottom of the hubs
(if possible) and proceed slowly. If
the ignition system gets wet, the
vehicle may stall.
Once through water, always try the brakes. Wet brakes do not stop the
vehicle as effectively as dry brakes. Drying can be improved by moving
your vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake pedal.
Be cautious of sudden changes in vehicle speed or direction when you
are driving in mud. Even 4WD vehicles can lose traction in slick mud. As
when you are driving over sand, apply the accelerator slowly and avoid
spinning your wheels. If the vehicle does slide, steer in the direction of
the slide until you regain control of the vehicle.
If the transmission, transfer case or front axle are submerged in water,
their fluids should be checked and changed, if necessary.
Driving through deep water may damage the transmission.
If the front or rear axle is submerged in water, the axle lubricant should
be replaced.
2008 Ranger(ran)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
166

Descend a hill in the same gear you
would use to climb up the hill to
avoid excessive brake application
and brake overheating. Do not
descend in neutral; instead,
disengage overdrive or manually
shift to a lower gear. When
descending a steep hill, avoid
sudden hard braking as you could
lose control. When you brake hard,
the front wheels can’t turn and if
they aren’t turning, you won’t be
able to steer. The front wheels have to be turning in order to steer the
vehicle. Rapid pumping of the brake pedal will help you slow the vehicle
and still maintain steering control.
Your vehicle is equipped with a Four Wheel Anti-lock Brake System
(ABS), apply the brakes steadily. Do not “pump” the brakes.
Driving on snow and ice
4WD vehicles have advantages over 2WD vehicles in snow and ice but
can skid like any other vehicle.
Should you start to slide while driving on snowy or icy roads, turn the
steering wheel in the direction of the slide until you regain control.
Avoid sudden applications of power and quick changes of direction on
snow and ice. Apply the accelerator slowly and steadily when starting
from a full stop.
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 theBrakessection 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.
2008 Ranger(ran)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
168

Maintenance and Modifications
The suspension and steering systems on your vehicle have been designed
and tested to provide predictable performance whether loaded or empty
and durable load carrying capability. For this reason, Ford Motor
Company strongly recommends that you do not make modifications such
as adding or removing parts (such as lift kits or stabilizer bars) or by
using replacement parts not equivalent to the original factory equipment.
Any modifications to a vehicle that raise the center of gravity can make
it more likely the vehicle will roll over as a result of a loss of control.
Ford Motor Company recommends that caution be used with any vehicle
equipped with a high load or device (such as ladder racks or pickup box
cover).
Failure to maintain your vehicle properly may void the warranty, increase
your repair cost, reduce vehicle performance and operational capabilities
and adversely affect driver and passenger safety. Frequent inspection of
vehicle chassis components is recommended if the vehicle is subjected to
heavy off-road usage.
DRIVING THROUGH WATER
If driving through deep or standing
water is unavoidable, proceed very
slowly especially when the depth is
not known. Never drive through
water that is higher than the bottom
of the wheel rims (for cars) or the
bottom of the hubs (for trucks).
When driving through water, traction or brake capability may be limited.
Also, water may enter your engine’s air intake and severely damage your
engine or your vehicle may stall.Driving through deep water where
the transmission vent tube is submerged may allow water into the
transmission and cause internal transmission damage.
Once through the water, always dry the brakes by moving your
vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake pedal.
Wet brakes do not stop the vehicle as quickly as dry brakes.
2008 Ranger(ran)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
169

Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingPassenger Compartment Fuse
Panel Description
9 5A Cluster air bag indicator
10 10A Cluster (RUN/START), 4x4
module (RUN/START)
11 10A Smart Junction Box (SJB) (Logic
power)
12 15A Audiophile subwoofer amplifier,
Satellite radio
13 15A Horn, Interior lamps
14 15A High beam headlamp, High beam
indicator (cluster)
15 — Not used
16 30A cartridge
fusePower windows
17 15A Turn signals/Hazards
18 — Not used
19 20A Center High-Mounted Stop Lamp
(CHMSL)/Stop lamps
20 10A Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
module, Speed control module,
Back-up lamps, Overdrive cancel
switch, Electronic flasher
(turn/hazard)
21 5A Starter relay coil
22 5A Radio (START)
23 30A Headlamps (low and high beam)
24 20A Radio battery feed (B+)
25 — Accessory relay (power windows)
26 2A Redundant cruise switch
27 10A Climate control blower relay/blend
doors
28 15A 4x4 module battery feed (B+)
2008 Ranger(ran)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
176

Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingPassenger Compartment Fuse
Panel Description
29 20A Cigar lighter, Diagnostic connector
(OBD II)
30 5A Power mirrors
31 20A Front park lamps, Rear park
lamps, License plate lamps,
Dimmer switch, Trailer tow park
lamps
32 5A Brake switch (logic), Brake-shift
interlock
33 5A Instrument cluster battery feed
(B+)
34 20A Power point
35 15A Power locks
Power distribution box
The power distribution box is
located in the engine compartment.
The power distribution box contains
high-current fuses that protect your
vehicle’s main electrical systems
from overloads.
Always disconnect the battery before servicing high current
fuses.
2008 Ranger(ran)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
177

Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingPower Distribution Box
Description
9 40A** Ignition switch
10 — Not used
11 30A** Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
relay
12 — Not used
13 30A** Blower motor (climate control)
14 — Not used
15 — Not used
16 — Not used
17 40A** Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
module
18 — Not used
19 20A** Engine fan
20 — Not used
21 10A* PCM keep alive power, Canister
purge valve solenoid
22 — Not used
23 30A* Fuel pump motor, Fuel injectors
24 — Not used
25 10A* A/C clutch solenoid
26 — Not used
27 — Not used
28 — Not used
29 30A* Wipers/washer
30 — Not used
31 15A* Fog lamps
32 — Not used
33 30A* Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
module
34 — Not used
35 — Not used
36 — Not used
2008 Ranger(ran)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
179

Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingPower Distribution Box
Description
15 — Not used
16 — Not used
17 40A** Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
module
18 — Not used
19 — Not used
20 — Not used
21 10A* PCM keep alive power, Canister
purge valve solenoid
22 — Not used
23 30A* Fuel pump motor, Fuel injectors
24 — Not used
25 10A* A/C clutch solenoid
26 — Not used
27 20A* 4x4 module
28 — Not used
29 30A* Wipers/washer
30 — Not used
31 15A* Foglamps
32 — Not used
33 30A* Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
module
34 — Not used
35 — Not used
36 — Not used
37 — Not used
38 7.5A* Trailer tow (right turn)
39 15A* PCM power
40 — Not used
41 10A* Automatic transmission
42 7.5A* Trailer tow (left turn)
2008 Ranger(ran)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
182

Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingPower Distribution Box
Description
43 20A* A/C relay coil, IAC, MAFS, HEGO,
CMS, VMV solenoid, EGR
solenoid, Heated PCV
44 15A* Ignition coil, Capacitor
45A — Not used
45B — Not used
46A — A/C clutch solenoid
46B — Not used
47 — PCM relay
48A — Fuel pump relay, Fuel injectors
relay
48B — Fog lamp relay
51 — Not used
52 — Not used
53 — Not used
54 — Not used
55 — Blower relay
56 — Starter relay
* Mini Fuses ** Maxi Fuses
CHANGING THE TIRES
If you get a flat tire while driving:
•do not brake heavily.
•gradually decrease the vehicle’s speed.
•hold the steering wheel firmly.
•slowly move to a safe place on the side of the road.
Note:The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) indicator light will
illuminate when the spare is in use. To restore the full functionality of
the monitoring system, all road wheels equipped with tire pressure
monitoring sensors must be mounted on the vehicle.
Have a flat serviced by an authorized dealer in order to prevent damage
to the TPMS sensor, refer toChanging tires with TPMSin theTires,
Wheels and Loadingchapter. Replace the spare tire with a road tire as
soon as possible.
2008 Ranger(ran)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
183