2020 FORD RANGER Owners Manual

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
WARNING: Always fully apply the
parking brake and make sure you shift
into park (P). Failure to follow this
instruction could result in personal injury
or death. WARNING:
Do not apply the brake
pedal and accelerator pedal
simultaneously. Applying both pedals
simultaneously for more than a few
seconds will limit engine performance,
which may result in difficulty maintaining
speed in traffic and could lead to serious
injury.
Note: A cold engine has a higher idle
speed. This increases the tendency for your
vehicle to creep when you have selected a
drive gear.
Transmission Selector Lever
Positions Park.
P
Reverse.
R
Neutral.
N
Drive.
D
Sport mode and manual shifting.
S Press the button (1) on the transmission
selector lever (2) to select reverse (R) or
drive (D). After the transmission is in drive
(D), you can then press the button (1) on
the transmission selector lever (2) again
to select sport (S). The current gear
displays on the instrument panel.
Park (P)
Note:
To move the transmission selector
lever from park (P), apply the brake with
ignition key in position II.
Note: An audible warning sounds if you
open the driver door and you have not
moved the selector lever to park (P). The
battery saver deactivates the audible
warning after a period of time.
In this position, power is not transmitted
to the driven wheels and the transmission
is locked. You can start the engine with the
transmission selector lever in this position.
Reverse (R)
Shift the selector lever to reverse (R) to
allow your vehicle to move backward.
Neutral (N)
In this position, power is not transmitted
to the driven wheels but the transmission
is not locked. You can start the engine with
the transmission selector lever in this
position.
Drive (D)
Drive (D) is the normal driving position for
the best fuel economy and smoothness.
Shift the transmission selector lever to
drive (D) to allow your vehicle to move
forward and shift automatically through
the forward gears.
The transmission shifts to the appropriate
gear for optimum performance based on
ambient temperature, road gradient,
vehicle load and your input.
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Sport Mode (S)
Switch on sport mode by shifting the
transmission selector lever to sport (S). In
sport mode the transmission selects the
optimum gear for best performance. This
gear selection is typically lower than that
of drive (D) and the shifts are faster.
Tow Mode
To switch on tow mode, press
the button on the center console
until tow mode is active. The
indicator light illuminates in the instrument
cluster when the system becomes active.
The tow mode feature:
• Moves upshifts to higher engine speeds
to reduce the frequency of
transmission shifting.
• Provides engine braking in all forward
gears, which slows your vehicle and
assists you in controlling your vehicle
when descending a slope.
• Depending on driving conditions and
load conditions, may downshift the
transmission, slow your vehicle and
control your vehicle speed when
descending a hill, without pressing the
accelerator pedal. The amount of
downshift braking provided varies
based upon the amount you press the
brake pedal.
The tow mode feature improves
transmission operation when towing a
trailer or a heavy load. All transmission
gear ranges are available when using tow
mode.
To switch off the tow mode feature and
return to normal driving mode, press the
button on the center console twice. The
indicator light turns off when the system
turns off. Tow mode also turns off when
you power down your vehicle. SelectShift™ Automatic
Transmission
This feature gives you the ability to change
gears up or down as desired.
As long as the engine speed does not
exceed the maximum allowable limit,
downshifts are allowed. SelectShift
automatically downshifts at low engine
speeds in order to prevent engine stalls.
Note:
Engine damage may occur if you
maintain excessive engine revving without
shifting.
SelectShift does not automatically upshift,
even if the engine is approaching the RPM
limit.
For 10 speed transmissions - with the
transmission selector lever in sport (S)
position:
• Press the (+) button on the
transmission selector lever to upshift.
• Press the (-) button on the
transmission selector lever to
downshift. To exit SelectShift mode, return the
transmission selector lever to drive (D).
When your vehicle is stationary, only the
1st and 2nd gears can be selected. Manual
shifting is sequential, therefore gears
cannot be skipped.
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Progressive Range Selection
Progressive Range Selection gives you the
ability to lockout gears from the automatic
shifting range. This may provide you with
an improved driving experience for
example, in slippery conditions or when
experiencing a steep slope.
With the transmission in drive (D), press
the – button to active PRS. The available
and selected gears appear on the
instrument cluster.
All available gears display with the current
gear indicated. Press the – button again to
lock out gears beginning with the highest
gear. For example, press the – button or
twice to lock out 10th and 9th gears. Only
the available gears display and the
transmission shifts between the available
gears. Press the + button to unlock gears
to allow the transmission to shift to higher
gears. The transmission shifts within the
gear range you select.
Brake-Shift Interlock
WARNING: When doing this
procedure, you need to take the
transmission out of park (P) which
means your vehicle can roll freely. To
avoid unwanted vehicle movement,
always fully apply the parking brake prior
to doing this procedure. Use wheels
chocks if appropriate. WARNING:
If the parking brake is
fully released, but the brake warning
lamp remains illuminated, the brakes
may not be working properly. Have your
vehicle checked as soon as possible.
Note: For some markets this feature is
disabled. Your vehicle has a brake-shift interlock
feature that prevents moving the gearshift
lever from park (P) when the ignition is on
and you do not press the brake pedal.
The system requires service if you cannot
move the gearshift lever out of park (P)
with the ignition on and the brake pedal
pressed. It is possible that a fuse has blown
or your vehicle
’s brake lamps are not
operating properly. See Fuses (page 246).
If the fuse is not blown and the brake
lamps are properly working, the following
procedure allows you to move the selector
lever from park (P):
Note: See an authorized dealer as soon as
possible if this procedure is used.
10 Speed Transmission
Apply the parking brake and switch the
ignition off before performing this
procedure. 1.
Insert a screwdriver between the shifter
boot material and the trim ring (1) to
release the retainer tabs from the top
panel trim ring.
2. Lift the shifter boot (2) upwards.
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3. Locate the lower white lever (3)
located on the side of the transmission
selector lever.
4. Using the screwdriver, move the lower white lever (3) towards the front of the
transmission selector lever.
5. When holding the lower white lever (3)
in the forward position, move the
transmission selector lever out of the
park (P) position and into another gear.
Automatic Transmission Adaptive
Learning
This feature may increase durability and
provide consistent shift feel over the life
of your vehicle. A new vehicle or
transmission may have firm shifts, soft
shifts or both. This operation is considered
normal and does not affect function or
durability of the transmission. Over time,
the adaptive learning process fully updates
transmission operation. If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck In Mud
or Snow
Note:
Do not rock your vehicle if the engine
is not at normal operating temperature or
damage to the transmission may occur.
Note: Do not rock your vehicle for more
than a minute or damage to the
transmission and tires may occur, or the
engine may overheat.
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow,
it may be rocked out by shifting between
forward and reverse gears, stopping
between shifts in a steady pattern. Press
lightly on the accelerator in each gear.
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PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
The four-wheel drive system in your vehicle
is a part-time system activated using the
rotary switch mounted in the center
console. In normal rear-wheel drive, the 2H
drive operation system directs torque to
the rear axle. Moving the switch to 4H or
4L directs drive torque to both the front
and rear axles, providing four-wheel drive.
Depending on your vehicle, further
four-wheel drive options may be available
on the switch panel located on the center
console.
USING FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE
Note:
For important information regarding
the safe operation of this type of vehicle,
see General Information in the Wheels and
Tires chapter.
Note: Do not use 4H or 4L mode on dry,
hard surfaced roads. Doing so can produce
excessive noise, increase tire wear and may
damage drive components. 4H or 4L mode
is only intended for consistently slippery or
loose surfaces. Use of 4L mode on these
surfaces may produce some noise, such as
occasional clunks, but should not damage
drive components.
Note: Selecting 4L when your vehicle is
moving, should not perform a shift until your
vehicle is stationary. This is normal and
should be no reason for concern. Refer to
Shifting to or from 4L (4X4 Low) for proper
operation.
Note: You can switch on and switch off the
electronic locking differential by pressing
the locking differential button. See
Electronic Locking Differential (page 169). 4WD Indicator Lights
Note:
When a 4X4 system fault is present,
the system can typically remain in whichever
4X4 mode was selected prior to the fault
condition occurring. It should not default to
4X2 in all circumstances. When the warning
displays, have your vehicle serviced by an
authorized dealer.
4X2 Momentarily illuminates when
you select 2H.
4X4 HIGH Continuously illuminates when
you select 4H.
4X4 LOW Continuously illuminates when
you select 4L.
CHECK 4X4 Displays when a 4X4 fault is
present.
Using the Electronic Shift on the
Fly 4WD system 162
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2H (4X2)
For general on-road driving, this mode
provides optimal smoothness and fuel
economy. Sends power to the rear wheels
only.
Note:
2H may engage or disengage based
on terrain mode selection. See Principle of
Operation (page 162).
4H (4X4 HIGH)
Provides mechanically locked four-wheel
drive power to both the front and rear
wheels for use in off-road or winter
conditions such as deep snow, sand or
mud. This mode is not for use on dry
pavement.
Note: 4H may engage or disengage based
on terrain mode selection. See Principle of
Operation
(page 162).
4L (4X4 LOW)
Provides mechanically locked four-wheel
drive power to both the front and rear
wheels with additional gearing for
increased torque multiplication. Intended
only for off-road applications such as deep
sand, steep grades, or pulling heavy
objects.
Note: 4L may engage or disengage based
on terrain mode selection. See Principle of
Operation
(page 162).
Shifting Between 4WD System Modes
Note: Momentarily releasing the accelerator
pedal when performing a shift aids the
performance of engagement or
disengagement.
Note: Do not perform this operation if the
rear wheels are slipping or when applying
the accelerator pedal.
Note: You may hear some noise as the
system shifts or engages; this is normal. You can move the control between 2H to
4H at a stop or when driving up to 68 mph
(110 km/h)
. The information display may
display a message indicating a 4X4 shift
and the LED for the selected mode flashes.
Once the shift is complete, the LED light
for the selected mode remains illuminated.
Shifting To or From 4L (4X4 low)
Note: You may hear some noise as the
system shifts or engages; this is normal.
1. Stop your vehicle when it is safe to do so.
2. Place the transmission in neutral (N).
3. Turn the transfer shift switch from 2H to 4L or 4L to 2H.
The information display should display a
message indicating a 4X4 shift is in
progress followed by the system mode
selected. If any of the above shift
conditions are not present, the shift should
not occur and the information display
shows information guiding you through the
proper shifting procedures.
How Your Vehicle Differs From
Other Vehicles WARNING:
Vehicles with a higher
center of gravity (utility and four-wheel
drive vehicles) handle differently than
vehicles with a lower center of gravity
(passenger cars). Avoid sharp turns,
excessive speed and abrupt steering in
these vehicles. Failure to drive cautiously
increases the risk of losing control of your
vehicle, vehicle rollover, personal injury
and death.
Truck and utility vehicles can differ from
some other vehicles. Your vehicle may be
higher to allow it to travel over rough
terrain without getting hung up or
damaging underbody components.
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(If Equipped)

The differences that make your vehicle so
versatile also make it handle differently
than an ordinary passenger car.
Maintain steering wheel control at all
times, especially in rough terrain. Since
sudden changes in terrain can result in
abrupt steering wheel motion, make sure
you grip the steering wheel from the
outside. Do not grip the spokes of the
steering wheel.
Drive cautiously to avoid vehicle damage
from concealed objects such as rocks and
stumps.
You should either know the terrain or
examine maps of the area before driving.
Map out your route before driving in the
area. To maintain steering and braking
control of your vehicle, you must have all
four wheels on the ground and they must
be rolling, not sliding or spinning.
Driving Off-Road With Truck and
Utility Vehicles
Note:
On some models, the initial shift from
two-wheel drive to four-wheel drive when
your vehicle is moving can cause some
momentary clunk or ratchet sounds. This is
the front drivetrain coming up to speed.
Note: Your vehicle may have a front air
dam. Due to low ground clearance, you can
damage it when taking your vehicle off-road.
You can take the air dam off by removing
the bolts that secure it.
Note: Momentarily releasing the
accelerator pedal when a shift in progress
message displays, should improve
engagement or disengagement
performance.
Four-wheel drive vehicles are specially
designed for driving on sand, snow, mud
and rough terrain and have operating
characteristics that are somewhat
different from conventional vehicles, both
on and off the road. The transfer case supplies power to all four
wheels. On four-wheel drive vehicles, the
transfer case allows you to select different
4WD modes when necessary. You can find
information on transfer case operation and
shifting procedures in this chapter. You can
find information on transfer case
maintenance in the Maintenance chapter.
You should become thoroughly familiar
with this information before you operate
your vehicle.
Four-wheel drive uses all four wheels to
power your vehicle. This increases traction,
enabling you to drive over terrain and road
conditions that a conventional two-wheel
drive vehicle cannot.
Basic Operating Principles
•
Drive slower in strong crosswinds which
can affect the normal steering
characteristics of your vehicle.
• When driving your vehicle on surfaces
made slippery by loose sand, water,
gravel, snow or ice proceed with care.
• Do not use 4H or 4L on dry, hard
surfaced roads. Doing so can produce
excessive noise, increase tire wear and
may damage drive components. 4H or
4L modes are only for consistently
slippery or loose surfaces.
If Your Vehicle Leaves the Road
If your vehicle leaves the road, reduce your
vehicle speed and avoid severe braking.
When your vehicle speed decreases, ease
your vehicle back onto the road. Do not
sharply turn the steering wheel when
returning your vehicle to the road.
It may be safer to stay on the shoulder of
the road and gradually slow down before
returning to the road. You may lose control
if you do not slow down or if you too
sharply or abruptly turn the steering wheel.
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It may be less risky to strike small objects,
such as freeway reflectors, with minor
damage to your vehicle rather than
attempt a sudden return to the road which
could cause your vehicle to slide sideways
out of control or roll over. Remember, your
safety and the safety of others should be
your primary concern.
Emergency Maneuvers
In an unavoidable emergency situation
where a sudden sharp turn must be made,
remember to avoid over-driving your
vehicle and turn the steering wheel only as
rapidly and as far as required to avoid the
emergency. Excessive steering can result
in loss of vehicle control. Apply smooth
pressure to the accelerator pedal or brake
pedal when you require changes in vehicle
speed. Avoid abrupt steering, acceleration
and braking. This could result in an
increased risk of vehicle roll over, loss of
vehicle control and personal injury. Use the
available road surface to bring your vehicle
to a safe direction of travel.
In the event of an emergency stop, avoid
skidding the tires and do not attempt any
sharp steering wheel movements.
If your vehicle goes from one type of
surface to another such as concrete to
gravel there can be a change in the way
your vehicle responds to a maneuver using
steering, acceleration or braking.
Driving in Special Conditions with
Four-Wheel Drive
Four-wheel drive vehicles are suitable for
driving on sand, snow, mud and rough
roads and have operating characteristics
that are somewhat different from
conventional vehicles, both on and off the
freeway.
When driving at slow speeds off road under
high load conditions, use a low gear when
possible. Low gear operation maximizes
the engine and transmission cooling
capability.
Basic Operating Principles
When driving your vehicle on surfaces
made slippery by loose sand, water, gravel,
snow or ice proceed with care.
Sand
When driving over sand, try to keep all four
wheels on the most solid area of the trail.
Shift to a lower gear and drive steadily
through the terrain. Apply the accelerator
slowly and avoid excessive wheel slip.
Do not drive your vehicle in deep sand for
an extended period of time. This can cause
the system to overheat.
To resume operation, switch the ignition
off and allow the system to cool down for
a minimum of 15 minutes.
When driving at slow speeds in deep sand
under high outside temperatures, use a low
gear when possible. Low gear operation
maximizes the engine and transmission
cooling capability.
Avoid driving at excessive speeds, this
causes vehicle momentum to work against
you and your vehicle could 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
Mud
Be cautious of sudden changes in vehicle
speed or direction when you are driving in
mud. Even four-wheel drive vehicles can
lose traction in slick mud. If your vehicle
does slide, steer in the direction of the slide
until you regain control of your vehicle.
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