Using Adaptive Cruise Control
................191
Driving Aids
Driver Alert .....................................................
198
Lane Keeping System ................................
199
Blind Spot Information System ............
204
Cross Traffic Alert .......................................
207
Steering ...........................................................
210
Pre-Collision Assist ......................................
211
Load Carrying
Load Limit .......................................................
215
Roof Racks and Load Carriers ................
219
Load Retaining Fixtures .............................
219
Towing
Towing a Trailer .............................................
221
Trailer Sway Control ...................................
222
Recommended Towing Weights ...........
222
Essential Towing Checks .........................
224
Towing the Vehicle on Four Wheels ......
227
Driving Hints
Breaking-In ....................................................
230
Economical Driving ....................................
230
Cold Weather Precautions .......................
231
Off-Road Driving ..........................................
231
Driving Through Water ..............................
232
Floor Mats ......................................................
233
Roadside Emergencies
Roadside Assistance .................................
234
Hazard Flashers ...........................................
235
Fuel Shutoff ..................................................
235
Jump Starting the Vehicle .......................
236
Transporting the Vehicle ..........................
238
Towing Points ...............................................
238Customer Assistance
Getting the Services You Need
.............
240
In California (U.S. Only) .............................
241
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) Auto Line Program (U.S. Only) .....................
242
Utilizing the Mediation/Arbitration Program (Canada Only) ......................
243
Getting Assistance Outside the U.S. and Canada .......................................................
243
Ordering Additional Owner's Literature ........................................................................\
245
Reporting Safety Defects (U.S. Only) ........................................................................\
245
Reporting Safety Defects (Canada Only) ........................................................................\
245
Fuses
Fuse Box Locations ....................................
247
Fuse Specification Chart .........................
248
Changing a Fuse .........................................
260
Maintenance
General Information ..................................
262
Opening and Closing the Hood .............
263
Under Hood Overview ..............................
264
Engine Oil Dipstick .....................................
265
Engine Oil Check .........................................
265
Changing the Engine Air Filter ...............
266
Oil Change Indicator Reset ......................
267
Engine Coolant Check ..............................
268
Automatic Transmission Fluid Check ........................................................................\
.
272
Brake Fluid Check ........................................
272
Power Steering Fluid Check ....................
273
Fuel Filter ........................................................
273
Charging the 12V Battery ..........................
273
Changing the 12V Battery ........................
274
Washer Fluid Check ...................................
276
Checking the Wiper Blades .....................
276
Changing the Wiper Blades ....................
276
Adjusting the Headlamps .........................
277
4
Ranger (TFG) Canada/United States of America, Vehicles Built From: 23-11-2020, MB3J 19A321 AA enUSA, Edition date: 202009, First-Printing Table of Contents
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.
166
Ranger (TFG) Canada/United States of America, Vehicles Built From: 23-11-2020, MB3J 19A321 AA enUSA, Edition date: 202009, First-Printing Four-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)
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.
167
Ranger (TFG) Canada/United States of America, Vehicles Built From: 23-11-2020, MB3J 19A321 AA enUSA, Edition date: 202009, First-Printing Four-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)
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. Move the
transmission selector lever to a lower gear.
When descending a steep hill, avoid
sudden hard braking as you could lose
control. The front wheels have to be
turning in order to steer your vehicle.
If your vehicle has anti-lock brakes, steadily
apply the brakes. Do not pump the brakes.
Driving on Snow and Ice
WARNING: If you are driving in
slippery conditions that require tire
chains or cables, then it is critical that
you drive cautiously. Keep speeds down,
allow for longer stopping distances and
avoid aggressive steering to reduce the
chances of a loss of vehicle control
which can lead to serious injury or death.
If the rear end of your vehicle slides while
cornering, steer in the direction of the
slide until you regain control of your
vehicle.
Note: Excessive tire slippage can cause
transmission damage.
Four-wheel drive vehicles have advantages
over two-wheel drive vehicles in snow and
ice but can skid like any other vehicle.
Should you start to slide when 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. Although a
four-wheel drive vehicle may accelerate
better than a two-wheel drive vehicle in
snow and ice, it cannot stop any faster as
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. In
emergency stopping situations, apply the
brake steadily. Do not pump the brake
pedal. See
Hints on Driving With
Anti-Lock Brakes (page 173).
If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck In Mud or
Snow WARNING:
Do not spin the wheels
at over 34 mph (55 km/h). The tires may
fail and injure a passenger or bystander.
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow,
you may rock it out by shifting between
forward and reverse gears, stopping
between shifts in a steady pattern. Press
lightly on the accelerator in each gear.
Note: Do not rock your vehicle if the engine
is not at normal operating temperature,
damage to the transmission may occur.
Note: Do not rock your vehicle for more
than a minute, damage to the transmission
and tires may occur or the engine may
overheat.
Parking 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.
169
Ranger (TFG) Canada/United States of America, Vehicles Built From: 23-11-2020, MB3J 19A321 AA enUSA, Edition date: 202009, First-Printing Four-Wheel Drive
(If Equipped)
PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
WARNING: Vehicle modifications
involving braking system, aftermarket
roof racks, suspension, steering system,
tire construction and wheel and tire size
may change the handling characteristics
of your vehicle and may adversely affect
the performance of the electronic
stability control system. In addition,
installing any stereo loudspeakers may
interfere with and adversely affect the
electronic stability control system. Install
any aftermarket stereo loudspeaker as
far as possible from the front center
console, the tunnel, and the front seats
in order to minimize the risk of interfering
with the electronic stability control
sensors. Reducing the effectiveness of
the electronic stability control system
could lead to an increased risk of loss of
vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal
injury and death. WARNING:
Remember that even
advanced technology cannot defy the
laws of physics. It's always possible to
lose control of a vehicle due to
inappropriate driver input for the
conditions. Aggressive driving on any
road condition can cause you to lose
control of your vehicle increasing the risk
of personal injury or property damage.
Activation of the electronic stability
control system is an indication that at
least some of the tires have exceeded
their ability to grip the road; this could
reduce the operator's ability to control
the vehicle potentially resulting in a loss
of vehicle control, vehicle rollover,
personal injury and death. If your
electronic stability control system
activates, SLOW DOWN.
The system automatically turns on each
time you switch the ignition on. If the stability control or traction control
system detects a fault, the following may
occur:
•
The stability and traction control light
illuminates steadily.
• The stability control and traction
control systems do not enhance your
vehicle's ability to maintain traction of
the wheels.
If the stability control or traction control
system activates, the following may occur:
• The stability and traction control light
flashes.
• Your vehicle slows down.
• Reduced engine power.
• A vibration in the brake pedal.
• The brake pedal is stiffer than usual.
• If the driving condition is severe and
your foot is not on the brake pedal, the
pedal may move as the system applies
higher brake force.
The stability control system has several
features built into it to help you maintain
control of your vehicle.
Electronic Stability Control
The system helps to prevent your vehicle
skidding or laterally sliding by individually
applying the brakes to one or more wheels
and, if necessary, reducing engine power.
Roll Stability Control
The system helps to prevent rollovers by
detecting your vehicle's roll motion, and
individually applying the brakes to one or
more wheels.
Traction Control
The system enhances your vehicle's ability
to maintain traction of the wheels by
detecting and controlling wheel spin. See
Using Traction Control
(page 176).
177
Ranger (TFG) Canada/United States of America, Vehicles Built From: 23-11-2020, MB3J 19A321 AA enUSA, Edition date: 202009, First-Printing Stability Control
PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
Using the Terrain Management
System
The terrain management system optimizes
drivability and comfort by maximizing
traction when operating on different types
of terrain.
Press the TM button on the center console
to choose between the following modes:
Note:
Changing terrain modes could
automatically change your 4X4 setting for
optimal performance. Normal - For on-road
conditions. Select this mode
before driving on surfaces which
are similar to a hard road surface or once
the need for a special mode has passed.
Note: This is the default when you switch
on your vehicle and whenever you select 4x2
via the four-wheel drive control. Grass/Gravel/Snow
- For
off-road conditions. Select this
mode where loose or slippery
material such as packed snow, ice, grass,
or a thin layer of gravel or sand covers a
firm surface. If your vehicle cannot gain
traction in deep snow, switching off the
traction control system could help.
Note: Make sure you switch traction control
back on when you regain traction. Mud/Ruts
- For off-road
conditions. Select this mode for
muddy, rutted, soft or uneven
terrain. Sand
- For off-road conditions.
Select this mode in soft dry sand
or deep gravel. If crossing wet
sand that could be sufficiently deep
enough for the wheels to sink into the
surface, select Mud/Ruts mode.
Note: The Grass/Gravel/Snow, Sand and
Mud/Ruts modes are for off-road use only.
Note: The curve control portion of the
AdvanceTrac® system is unavailable when
you select Sand or Mud/Ruts. If the system
becomes inoperable, selecting some modes
may not be possible and a message
displays. If it becomes inoperable due to a
system fault, all of the mode indicators on
the control turn off and one of the following
messages appears in the information
display:
TERRAIN MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
FAULT
Switching the engine on and off may clear
the fault. If that does not work, have the
system serviced by an authorized dealer.
MODE CHANGE NOT ACCEPTED,
RETRY
This mode change cannot be made at the
time of your request. Try the mode change
again.
Off-road Screen
You can continuously monitor the
real-time status of your vehicle's off-road
systems using the information display.
180
Ranger (TFG) Canada/United States of America, Vehicles Built From: 23-11-2020, MB3J 19A321 AA enUSA, Edition date: 202009, First-Printing Terrain Control
(If Equipped)E282969 E283048 E283044 E225313 E283037
WHAT IS TRAIL CONTROL
WARNING: The system does not
control speed in low traction conditions
or extremely steep slopes. The system
is designed to be an aid and does not
relieve you of your responsibility to drive
with due care and attention. Failure to
follow this instruction could result in
personal injury. WARNING:
The system does not
replace the parking brake. When you
leave your vehicle, always apply the
parking brake and shift the transmission
into park (P) for automatic transmission
or first gear for manual transmission.
Trail control lets you focus on steering
during low-speed and off-road use by
controlling your vehicle's acceleration and
braking.
You can use trail control under the
following speeds:
• 20 mph (31 km/h)
in two-wheel or
four-wheel drive high range.
• 10 mph (15 km/h)
in four-wheel drive
low range.
• 5 mph (8 km/h)
in reverse (R).
You may hear a noise from the anti-lock
brake system pump motor when you use
the system. This is normal.
SWITCHING TRAIL CONTROL
ON AND OFF Press the button.
The system switches off if you press the
button again or exceed 42 mph (68 km/h). SETTING THE TRAIL CONTROL
SPEED
Note:
The buttons are on the steering
wheel.
Drive to the speed you prefer. Press the button to increase the
current set speed.
Press the button to decrease the
current set speed.
Note: The indicator changes color.
You can adjust the set speed in small or
large increments. Press the toggle button
upward or downward once to adjust the
set speed in small increments. Press and
hold the toggle button upward or
downward to adjust the set speed in large
increments.
You can also adjust the set speed by
braking.
Note: Pressing the brake pedal does not
switch off the system.
CANCELING THE SET SPEED Press the button.
182
Ranger (TFG) Canada/United States of America, Vehicles Built From: 23-11-2020, MB3J 19A321 AA enUSA, Edition date: 202009, First-Printing Trail Control
(If Equipped)E272858 E262918 E327441 E265298
PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
Cruise control lets you maintain a set
speed without keeping your foot on the
accelerator pedal. You can use cruise
control when your vehicle speed is greater
than 20 mph (30 km/h).
USING CRUISE CONTROL WARNING:
Do not use cruise
control on winding roads, in heavy traffic
or when the road surface is slippery. This
could result in loss of vehicle control,
serious injury or death. WARNING:
When you are going
downhill, your vehicle speed could
increase above the set speed. The
system does not apply the brakes.
Note: The system cancels if your vehicle
speed drops below 10 mph (16 km/h) under
the set speed when driving uphill. The cruise controls are on the steering
wheel.
See Cruise Control (page 73).
Switching Cruise Control On
Press
ON. The indicator appears in the
information display.
Setting the Cruise Speed
Drive to the speed you prefer. Press to set the current speed.
Press to set the current speed.
Take your foot off the accelerator pedal.
Note: The indicator changes color.
Changing the Set Speed Press and release to increase the
set speed in small increments.
Press and release to decrease
the set speed in small
increments.
Press and hold either button to accelerate
or decelerate, respectively. Release the
button when you reach the speed you
prefer.
Press the accelerator or brake pedal until
you reach the speed you prefer. Press
either button.
Note: If you accelerate by pressing only the
accelerator pedal, the set speed does not
change. When you release the accelerator
pedal, your vehicle returns to the speed that
you previously set.
Canceling the Set Speed Press the button, or tap the
brake pedal to cancel the set
speed.
Note: The system remembers the set
speed.
190
Ranger (TFG) Canada/United States of America, Vehicles Built From: 23-11-2020, MB3J 19A321 AA enUSA, Edition date: 202009, First-Printing Cruise Control
(If Equipped)E266656 E71340