2021 FORD RANGER engine overheat

Vehicle Settings and Personalization
See General Information (page 96).
Engine Coolant Temperature
Gauge WARNING:
Do not remove the
coolant reservoir cap when the engine is
on or the cooling system is hot. Wait 10
minutes for the cooling system to cool
down. Cover the coolant reservoir cap
with a thick cloth to prevent the
possibility of scalding and slowly remove
the cap. Failure to follow this instruction
could result in personal injury.
Indicates engine coolant temperature. At
normal operating temperature, the level
indicator will be in the normal range. If the
engine coolant temperature exceeds the
normal range, stop your vehicle as soon as
safely possible, switch off the engine and
let the engine cool. Note:
Do not restart the engine until the
cause of overheating has been resolved.
Fuel Gauge
The fuel gauge indicates about how much
fuel is in the fuel tank.
The arrow adjacent to the fuel pump
symbol indicates on which side of your
vehicle the fuel filler door is located.
Note: The fuel gauge may vary slightly
when your vehicle is moving or on a slope.
Low Fuel Reminder
A low fuel level reminder displays and
sounds when the distance to empty
reaches
75 mi (120 km) to empty for
MyKey, and at 50 mi (80 km), 25 mi
(40 km), 10 mi (20 km) and 0 mi (0 km)
for all vehicle keys.
Note: The low fuel reminder can appear at
different fuel gauge positions depending on
fuel economy conditions. This variation is
normal.
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Ranger (TFG) Canada/United States of America, Vehicles Built From: 23-11-2020, MB3J 19A321 AA enUSA, Edition date: 202009, First-Printing Instrument Cluster

•
You apply the parking brake with the
ignition on.
• Your vehicle has a brake fault or low
brake fluid level, regardless of parking
brake position. If the lamp illuminates when you
are moving, you may have the
parking brake applied. Make sure
that the parking brake is off.
Have your vehicle checked as
soon as possible if the lamp
continues to illuminate.
Cruise Control Indicator (If Equipped) It illuminates when you switch
the system on.
See
Using Cruise Control
(page 190).
Direction Indicator Flashes when the left or right
direction indicator or the hazard
flasher turns on. An increase in
the rate of flashing warns of a failed
indicator bulb.
Door Ajar Warning Lamp It illuminates when you switch
the ignition on and remains on if
any door is open.
Electronic Locking Differential
(If
Equipped) Illuminates when using the
electronic locking differential. Engine Coolant Temperature
Warning Lamp If it illuminates when your vehicle
is moving, this indicates that the
engine is overheating. Stop your
vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so and
switch the engine off. Have your vehicle
checked as soon as possible.
See
Engine Coolant Check (page 268).
Fasten Seatbelt Warning Lamp It illuminates and a chime
sounds until you fasten the
seatbelts.
Fasten Rear Seatbelt Warning
Lamp
(If Equipped) It illuminates and a chime
sounds until you fasten the rear
seatbelts.
Four-Wheel Drive Indicators
(If
Equipped) Illuminates when four-wheel
drive low is engaged.
Illuminates when four-wheel
drive high is engaged.
Front Airbag If it fails to illuminate when you
start your vehicle, continues to
flash or remains on, it indicates
a malfunction. Have the system checked.
Front Fog Lamp Indicator (If Equipped) It illuminates when you switch
the front fog lamps on.
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Ranger (TFG) Canada/United States of America, Vehicles Built From: 23-11-2020, MB3J 19A321 AA enUSA, Edition date: 202009, First-Printing Instrument ClusterE270480 E71340 E163170 E71880 E206718 E181780 E181779 E67017

1. Pull the release strap up.
2. Push the seat backrest forward.
Unfolding the Seat Backrest
WARNING: Make sure that the
seats and the seat backrests are secure
and fully locked in their catches.
Note: When unfolding the seat backrest,
make sure that the seatbelts are visible to
an occupant and not caught behind the
seat.
HEATED SEATS
(IF EQUIPPED) WARNING: People who are unable
to feel pain to their skin because of
advanced age, chronic illness, diabetes,
spinal cord injury, medication, alcohol
use, exhaustion or other physical
conditions, must use caution when using
the heated seat. The heated seat may
cause burns even at low temperatures, especially if used for long periods of time.
Do not place anything on the seat that
may block the heat, such as a blanket or
cushion. This can cause the heated seat
to overheat. Do not puncture the seat
with pins, needles or other pointed
objects. This damages the heating
element and can cause the heated seat
to overheat. An overheated seat may
cause serious personal injury.
Do not do the following:
• Place heavy objects on the seat.
• Operate the heated seat if water or any
other liquid spills on the seat. Allow the
seat to dry thoroughly.
• Operate the heated seats unless the
engine is running. Doing so could drain
your vehicle battery. Press the heated seat symbol to cycle
through the various heat settings and off.
More indicator lights indicate warmer
settings.
The heated seats only operate when you
switch the ignition on.
The maximum temperature is reached
after five or six minutes. It is regulated
thermostatically.
The heated seats remain on until you either
switch the heated seats off or you switch
the ignition off.
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Ranger (TFG) Canada/United States of America, Vehicles Built From: 23-11-2020, MB3J 19A321 AA enUSA, Edition date: 202009, First-Printing SeatsE275420 E146322

3.
Locate the lower white lever (3) on the
side of the transmission selector lever.
4. Using the screwdriver, move the lower white lever (3) toward 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 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 could occur.
Note: Do not rock your vehicle for more
than a minute or damage to the
transmission and tires could occur, or the
engine could overheat.
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow,
you can 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.
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Ranger (TFG) Canada/United States of America, Vehicles Built From: 23-11-2020, MB3J 19A321 AA enUSA, Edition date: 202009, First-Printing TransmissionE269653

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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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.
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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)

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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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)E144529

Trailer Brakes
WARNING: Do not connect a
trailer's hydraulic brake system directly
to your vehicle's brake system. Your
vehicle may not have enough braking
power and your chances of having a
collision greatly increase.
Electric brakes and manual, automatic or
surge-type trailer brakes are safe if you
install them properly and adjust them to
the manufacturer's specifications. The
trailer brakes must meet local and federal
regulations.
The rating for the tow vehicle's braking
system operation is at the gross vehicle
weight rating, not the gross combined
weight rating.
Separate functioning brake systems
are required for safe control of towed
vehicles and trailers weighing more
than 1500 lb (680 kg) when loaded.
Trailer Lamps WARNING:
Never connect any
trailer lamp wiring to the vehicle's tail
lamp wiring; this may damage the
electrical system resulting in fire. Contact
your authorized dealer as soon as
possible for assistance in proper trailer
tow wiring installation. Additional
electrical equipment may be required.
Trailer lamps are required on most towed
vehicles. Make sure all running lights, brake
lights, turn signals and hazard lights are
working. Before Towing a Trailer
Practice turning, stopping and backing up
to get the feel of your vehicle-trailer
combination before starting on a trip.
When turning, make wider turns so the
trailer wheels clear curbs and other
obstacles.
When Towing a Trailer
•
Do not drive faster than
70 mph
(113 km/h) during the first 500 mi
(800 km).
• Do not make full-throttle starts.
• Check your hitch, electrical connections
and trailer wheel lug nuts thoroughly
after you have traveled 50 mi (80 km).
• When stopped in congested or heavy
traffic during hot weather, place the
transmission in park (P) to aid engine
and transmission cooling and to help
A/C performance.
• Turn off the speed control with heavy
loads or in hilly terrain. The speed
control may turn off automatically
when you are towing on long, steep
grades.
• Shift to a lower gear when driving down
a long or steep hill. Do not apply the
brakes continuously, as they may
overheat and become less effective.
• If your transmission is equipped with a
Grade Assist or Tow/Haul feature, use
this feature when towing. This provides
engine braking and helps eliminate
excessive transmission shifting for
optimum fuel economy and
transmission cooling.
• If your vehicle is equipped with
AdvanceTrac with RSC, this system
may turn on during typical cornering
maneuvers with a heavily loaded trailer.
This is normal. Turning the corner at a
slower speed while towing may reduce
this tendency.
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Ranger (TFG) Canada/United States of America, Vehicles Built From: 23-11-2020, MB3J 19A321 AA enUSA, Edition date: 202009, First-Printing Towing