2008 FORD RANGER manual transmission

4x2 w/manual transmission
Engine Rear axle
ratioMaximum
GCWR - lb.
(kg)Maximum
trailer
weight - lb.
(kg)Maximum
frontal area
of trailer -
ft
2(m2)
Regular Cab w/6’ box
2.3L All 4800 (2177) 1580 (716) Equal to
frontal area
of vehicle
2.3L
SportAll 4800 (2177) 1520 (689) Equal to
frontal area
of vehicle
3.0L* All 6000 (2722) 2640 (1198) 50 (4.64)
3.0L*
SportAll 6000 (2722) 2580 (1170) 50 (4.64)
Regular Cab w/7’ box
2.3L All 4800 (2177) 1540 (698) Equal to
frontal area
of vehicle
3.0L* All 6000 (2722) 2600 (1179) 50 (4.64)
SuperCab
2.3L All 4800 (2177) 1420 (644) Equal to
frontal area
of vehicle
3.0L* All 6000 (2722) 2460 (1116) 50 (4.64)
3.0L*
SportAll 6000 (2722) 2280 (1034) 50 (4.64)
4.0L All 7000 (3175) 3400 (1542) 50 (4.64)
4.0L
SportAll 7000 (3175) 3220 (1460) 50 (4.64)
For high altitude operation, reduce GCW by 2% per 1,000 ft. (300
meters) elevation.
2008 Ranger(ran)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Tires, Wheels and Loading
134

4x2 w/manual transmission
Engine Rear axle
ratioMaximum
GCWR - lb.
(kg)Maximum
trailer
weight - lb.
(kg)Maximum
frontal area
of trailer -
ft
2(m2)
*When towing on roads with steep grades or moderate but long
sustained grades (5 miles [8 km] or more), or when ambient
temperatures exceed 100°F (37°C), vehicle speed should not exceed
45 mph (72 km/h) in both cases.
For definition of terms used in this table seeVehicle Loadingearlier
in this chapter.
To determine maximum trailer weight designed for your particular
vehicle, seeVehicle Loadingearlier in this chapter.
Maximum trailer weight is shown. The combined weight of the
completed towing vehicle (including hitch, passengers and cargo) and
the loaded trailer must not exceed the Gross Combined Weight Rating
(GCWR).
The Ranger is capable of pulling the maximum trailer weight(s) as
specified above. Certain states require electric trailer brakes for trailers
over a specified weight. The Ranger vehicle electrical system is not
equipped to accommodate electric trailer brakes.
4x4 w/manual transmission
Engine Rear axle
ratioMaximum
GCWR - lb.
(kg)Maximum
trailer
weight - lb.
(kg)Maximum
frontal area
of trailer -
ft
2(m2)
Regular Cab w/6’ box
3.0L* All 6000 (2722) 2360 (1070) 50 (4.64)
4.0L All 7000 (3175) 3280 (1487) 50 (4.64)
Regular Cab w/7’ box
3.0L* All 6000 (2722) 2300 (1043) 50 (4.64)
4.0L All 7000 (3175) 3240 (1469) 50 (4.64)
SuperCab
4.0L All 7000 (3175) 3140 (1424) 50 (4.64)
2008 Ranger(ran)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Tires, Wheels and Loading
135

4x4 w/manual transmission
Engine Rear axle
ratioMaximum
GCWR - lb.
(kg)Maximum
trailer
weight - lb.
(kg)Maximum
frontal area
of trailer -
ft
2(m2)
For high altitude operation, reduce GCW by 2% per 1,000 ft. (300
meters) of elevation.
*When towing on roads with steep grades or moderate but long
sustained grades (5 miles [8 km] or more), or when ambient
temperatures exceed 100°F (37°C), vehicle speed should not exceed
45 mph (72 km/h) in both cases.
For definition of terms used in this table, seeVehicle loadingearlier in
this chapter.
To determine maximum trailer weight designed for your vehicle, see
Vehicle loadingearlier in this chapter.
Maximum trailer weight is shown. The combined weight of the
completed towing vehicle (including hitch, passengers and cargo) and
the loaded trailer must not exceed the Gross Combined Weight Rating
(GCWR).
The Ranger is capable of pulling the maximum trailer weight(s) as
specified above. Certain states require electric trailer brakes for trailers
over a specified weight. The Ranger vehicle electrical system is not
equipped to accommodate electric trailer brakes.
2008 Ranger(ran)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Tires, Wheels and Loading
136

•Anticipate stops and brake gradually.
•Do not exceed the GCWR rating or transmission damage may occur.
Servicing after towing
If you tow a trailer for long distances, your vehicle will require more
frequent service intervals. Refer to yourscheduled maintenance
informationfor 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.
•If you will be towing a trailer frequently in hot weather, hilly
conditions, at GCWR, or any combination of these factors, consider
refilling your rear axle with synthetic gear lube if not already so
equipped. Refer to theMaintenance and specificationschapter for
the lubricant specification. Remember that regardless of the rear axle
lube used, do not tow a trailer for the first 500 miles (800 km) of a
new vehicle, and that the first 500 miles (800 km) of towing be done
at no faster than 70 mph (112 km/h) with no full throttle starts.
•After you have traveled 50 miles (80 km), 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 6 inches (15 cm) above the
bottom edge of the rear bumper.
2008 Ranger(ran)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Tires, Wheels and Loading
143

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.
RECREATIONAL TOWING
Follow these guidelines if you have a need for recreational towing. An
example of recreational towing would be towing your vehicle behind a
motorhome. These guidelines are designed to ensure that your
transmission is not damaged.
Vehicles equipped with a manual transmission:
Note:4x2 and 4x4 vehicles with a manual transmission follow these
guidelines for recreational towing:
Before you have your vehicle towed:
•Release the parking brake.
•Move the gearshift to the neutral position.
•Turn the key in the ignition to the OFF/UNLOCKED position.
•The maximum recommended speed is 55 mph (88 km/h).
•The maximum recommended distance is unlimited.
•Put 4x4 switch in 2WD mode (4x4 only)
•The vehicle must be towed in the forward position to ensure no
damage is done to the internal transmission components.
For 4x4 vehicles with a manual transmission, it is recommended that a
Neutral Tow Kit be purchased and installed by an authorized dealer if
the vehicle is towed frequently.
In addition, it is recommended that you follow the instructions
provided by the aftermarket manufacturer of the towing
apparatus if one has been installed.
Vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission
4x2 and 4x4 vehicles with an automatic transmission follow these
guidelines for recreational towing:
•Release the parking brake.
•Turn the key in the ignition to the OFF/UNLOCKED position.
2008 Ranger(ran)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Tires, Wheels and Loading
144

STARTING
Positions of the ignition
1. ACCESSORY, allows the electrical
accessories such as the radio to
operate while the engine is not
running.
2. LOCK, locks the steering wheel,
automatic transmission gearshift
lever and allows key removal. For
vehicles equipped with a manual
transmission, you must depress the
ignition release lever to release the
key.
3. OFF, shuts off the engine and all accessories without locking the
steering wheel. This position also allows the automatic transmission shift
lever to be moved from the P (Park) position without the brake pedal
being depressed.
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.
4. ON, all electrical circuits operational. Warning lights illuminated. Key
position when driving.
5. START, cranks the engine. Release the key as soon as the engine
starts.
Preparing to start your vehicle
Engine starting is controlled by the powertrain control system.
Note:This system meets all Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment
standard requirements regulating the impulse electrical field strength of
radio noise.
3
1
2
5
4
2008 Ranger(ran)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
146

If starting a vehicle with an automatic transmission:
•Make sure the parking brake is
set.
•Make sure the gearshift is in P
(Park).
If starting a vehicle with a manual
transmission:
1. Make sure the parking brake is
set.
2. Push the clutch pedal to the floor.
3. Turn the key to 4 (ON) without
turning the key to 5 (START).
If there is difficulty in turning the key, firmly rotate the steering wheel
left and right until the key turns freely. This condition may occur when:
•front wheels are turned
•front wheel is against the curb
•steering wheel is turned when getting in or out of the vehicle
1
2
34
5
2008 Ranger(ran)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
148

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
2008 Ranger(ran)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
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