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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After driving through mud, clean off residue
stuck to rotating driveshafts and tires.
Excess mud stuck on tires and rotating
driveshafts can cause an imbalance that
could damage drive components.
Water
If you must drive through high water, drive
slowly. Traction or brake capability may
be limited.
When driving through water, determine the
depth and avoid water higher than the
bottom of the hubs. If the ignition system
gets wet, your vehicle may stall.
Once through water, try the brakes. Wet
brakes do not stop your vehicle as
effectively as dry brakes. Drying improves
by applying light pressure to the brake
pedal when slowly moving.
Note:
Driving through deep water may
damage the transmission. If the front or rear
axle is submerged in water, the axle
lubricant and power transfer unit lubricant
should be checked and changed if
necessary. “Tread Lightly
” is an educational program
designed to increase public awareness of
land-use regulations and responsibilities
in our nations wilderness areas. Ford Motor
Company joins the U.S. Forest Service and
the Bureau of Land Management in
encouraging you to help preserve our
national forest and other public and private
lands by “treading lightly. ” Driving on Hilly or Sloping Terrain
Although natural obstacles may make it
necessary to travel diagonally up or down
a hill or steep incline, you should drive
straight up or straight down.
Note:
Avoid turning on steep slopes or hills.
A danger lies in losing traction; slipping
sideways and possible vehicle roll over.
Whenever driving on a hill, determine
beforehand the route you intend to use. Do
not drive over the crest of a hill without
seeing what conditions are on the other side.
Do not drive in reverse over a hill without the
aid of an observer.
When climbing a steep slope or hill, start
in a lower gear rather than downshifting to
a lower gear from a higher gear once the
ascent has started. This reduces strain on
the engine and the possibility of stalling.
If your vehicle stalls, do not try to turn
around because this could cause vehicle
roll over. It is better to reverse back to a
safe location.
Apply just enough power to the wheels to
climb the hill. Too much power could cause
the tires to slip, spin or lose traction,
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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.
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(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).
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When you press the accelerator pedal, you
override the set speed and gap distance.
Use the accelerator pedal
normally to intentionally exceed
the set speed limit.
When you override the system, the green
indicator light illuminates and the vehicle
image does not appear in the information
display.
The system resumes operation when you
release the accelerator pedal. The vehicle
speed decreases to the set speed, or a
lower speed if following a slower vehicle.
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 change the
set speed in large increments. 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.
The system may apply the brakes to slow
the vehicle to the new set speed. The set
speed displays continuously in the
information display when the system is
active.
Canceling the Set Speed Press and release the button or
tap the brake pedal.
The set speed does not erase. Resuming the Set Speed Press and release the button.
Your vehicle speed returns to the
previously set speed and gap setting. The
set speed displays continuously in the
information display when the system is
active.
Note: Only use resume if you are aware of
the set speed and intend to return to it.
Automatic Cancellation
The system is not functional at vehicle
speeds below 12 mph (20 km/h). The
information display indicates low engine
speed, an audible alarm sounds and the
automatic braking releases if the vehicle
drops below this speed.
Automatic cancellation can also occur
when:
• The tires lose traction.
• You apply the parking brake.
Note: If the engine speed drops too low, an
audible warning sounds and a message
appears in the information display.
Automatic braking releases.
Hilly Condition Usage
Note: An audible alarm sounds and the
system shuts down if it applies brakes for
an extended period of time. This allows the
brakes to cool. The system functions
normally again when the brakes have
cooled.
Select a lower gear during prolonged
downhill driving on steep slopes, such as
mountainous areas, when the system is
active. In such situations, the system needs
additional engine braking to reduce the
load on the vehicle ’s regular brake system
to prevent the brakes from overheating.
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Why is the feature not available when I can see the lane markings on the road?
Driving at high speeds in curves.
The last alert warning or aid intervention occurred a short time ago.
Ambiguous lane markings, for example in construction zones.
Rapid transition from light to dark, or from dark to light.
Sudden offset in lane markings.
ABS or AdvanceTrac ™ is active.
There is a camera blockage due to dirt, grime, fog, frost or water on the windshield.
You are driving too close to the vehicle in front of you.
Transitioning between no lane markings to lane markings or vice versa.
There is standing water on the road.
Faint lane markings, for example partial yellow lane markings on concrete roads.
Lane width is too narrow or too wide.
The camera has not been calibrated after a windshield replacement.
Driving on tight roads or on uneven roads. Why does the vehicle not come back toward the middle of the lane, as expected, in the
Aid or Alert and Aid mode?
High cross winds are present.
There is a large road crown.
Rough roads, grooves or shoulder drop-offs.
Heavy uneven loading of the vehicle or improper tire inflation pressure.
The tires have been changed, or the suspension has been modified.
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•
If you are towing a trailer frequently in
hot weather, hilly conditions, at the
gross combined weight rating, or any
combination of these factors, consider
refilling your rear axle with synthetic
gear lubricant if the axle is not already
filled with it. See Capacities and
Specifications (page 324).
• Allow more distance for stopping with
a trailer attached. Anticipate stops and
brake gradually.
• Avoid parking on a grade. However, if
you must park on a grade:
1. Turn the steering wheel to point your vehicle tires away from traffic flow.
2. Set your vehicle parking brake.
3. Place the automatic transmission in park (P).
4. Place wheel chocks in front and back of the trailer wheels. Chocks are not
included with your vehicle.
Your vehicle may be equipped with a
temporary or conventional spare tire. A
temporary spare tire is different in diameter
or width, tread-type, or is from a different
manufacturer than the road tires on your
vehicle. Consult information on the tire
label or Safety Compliance label for
limitations when using.
Launching or Retrieving a Boat or
Personal Watercraft (PWC)
Note: Disconnect the wiring to the trailer
before
backing the trailer into the water.
Note: Reconnect the wiring to the trailer
after
removing the trailer 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 in (15 cm) above the bottom
edge of the rear bumper.
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 anytime
the rear axle has been submerged in water.
Water may have contaminated the rear
axle lubricant, which is not normally
checked or changed unless a leak is
suspected or other axle repair is required.
TOWING THE VEHICLE ON
FOUR WHEELS WARNING:
If your vehicle has a
steering wheel lock make sure the
ignition is in the accessory or on position
when being towed.
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