2023 FORD RANGER traction control

Maintain steering wheel control at alltimes, especially in rough terrain. Sincesudden changes in terrain can result inabrupt steering wheel motion, make sureyou grip the steering wheel from theoutside. Do not grip the spokes of thesteering wheel.
Drive cautiously to avoid vehicle damagefrom concealed objects such as rocks andstumps.
Either know the terrain or examine mapsof the area before driving. Map out yourroute before driving in the area. Tomaintain steering and braking control ofyour vehicle, have all four wheels on theground and they need to be rolling, notsliding or spinning.
Driving Off-Road With Truck andUtility Vehicles
Note:Your vehicle may have a front airdam. Due to low ground clearance, you candamage it when taking your vehicle off-road.You can take the air dam off by removingthe bolts that secure it.
We design four-wheel drive vehicles fordriving on sand, snow, mud and roughterrain and they have operatingcharacteristics that are somewhatdifferent from conventional vehicles, bothon and off the road.
The transfer case supplies power to all fourwheels. On four-wheel drive vehicles, thetransfer case allows you to select different4WD modes when necessary. Becomethoroughly familiar with this informationbefore you operate your vehicle.
Four-wheel drive uses all four wheels topower your vehicle. This increases traction,enabling you to drive over terrain and roadconditions that a conventional two-wheeldrive vehicle cannot.
Basic Operating Principles
•Drive slower in strong crosswinds whichcan affect the normal steeringcharacteristics of your vehicle.
•When driving your vehicle on surfacesmade slippery by loose sand, water,gravel, snow or ice, proceed with care.
•Do not use 4H or 4L on dry, hardsurfaced roads. Doing so can produceexcessive noise, increase tire wear andcould damage drive components. Use4H or 4L modes for consistentlyslippery or loose surfaces.
If Your Vehicle Leaves the Road
If your vehicle leaves the road, reduce yourvehicle speed and avoid severe braking.When your vehicle speed decreases, easeyour vehicle back onto the road. Do notsharply turn the steering wheel whenreturning your vehicle to the road.
It may be safer to stay on the shoulder ofthe road and gradually slow down beforereturning to the road. You may lose controlif you do not slow down or if you toosharply or abruptly turn the steering wheel.
It may be less risky to strike small objects,such as freeway reflectors, with minordamage to your vehicle rather thanattempt a sudden return to the road whichcould cause your vehicle to slide sidewaysout of control or roll over. Remember, yoursafety and the safety of others should beyour primary concern.
Emergency Maneuvers
In an unavoidable emergency situationwhere you must make a sudden sharp turn,remember to avoid over-driving yourvehicle and turn the steering wheel only asrapidly and as far as required to avoid theemergency. Excessive steering can resultin loss of vehicle control. Apply smoothpressure to the accelerator pedal or brakepedal when you require changes in vehicle
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2023 Ranger (TFG) Canada/United States of America, Vehicles Built From: 10-10-2022, enUSA, Edition date: 202208, First-PrintingFour-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)

•Shifting the transmission to neutral andback to drive.
•Shifting the transmission to reverseand back to drive.
•Driving the vehicle around a tight turnat a slow speed.
Driving in Special Conditions withFour-Wheel Drive
Four-wheel drive vehicles are suitable fordriving on sand, snow, mud and roughroads and have operating characteristicsthat are somewhat different fromconventional vehicles, both on and off thefreeway.
When driving at slow speeds off road underhigh load conditions, use a low gear whenpossible. Low gear operation maximizesthe engine and transmission coolingcapability.
Basic Operating Principles
When driving your vehicle on surfacesmade slippery by loose sand, water, gravel,snow or ice, proceed with care.
Sand
When driving over sand, try to keep all fourwheels on the most solid area of the trail.Shift to a lower gear and drive steadilythrough the terrain. Apply the acceleratorslowly and avoid excessive wheel slip.
Do not drive your vehicle in deep sand foran extended period of time. This can causethe system to overheat.
To resume operation, switch the ignitionoff and allow the system to cool down fora minimum of 15 minutes.
When driving at slow speeds in deep sandunder high outside temperatures, use a lowgear when possible. Low gear operationmaximizes the engine and transmissioncooling capability.
Avoid driving at excessive speeds, thiscauses vehicle momentum to work againstyou and your vehicle could become stuckto the point that you could requireassistance from another vehicle.Remember, you may be able to back outthe way you came if you proceed withcaution.
Mud and Water
Mud
Be cautious of sudden changes in vehiclespeed or direction when you are driving inmud. Even four-wheel drive vehicles canlose traction in slick mud. If your vehicledoes slide, steer in the direction of the slideuntil you regain control of your vehicle.
After driving through mud, clean off residuestuck to rotating driveshafts and tires.Excess mud stuck on tires and rotatingdriveshafts can cause an imbalance thatcould damage drive components.
Water
If you must drive through high water, driveslowly. Water may limit traction or brakecapability.
When driving through water, determine thedepth and avoid water higher than thebottom of the hubs. If the ignition systemgets wet, your vehicle could stall.
Once through water, try the brakes. Wetbrakes do not stop your vehicle aseffectively as dry brakes. Drying improvesby applying light pressure to the brakepedal when slowly moving.
Note:Driving through deep water maydamage the transmission. If you submergethe front or rear axle in water, have the axlelubricant and power transfer unit lubricantchecked, and change if necessary.
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2023 Ranger (TFG) Canada/United States of America, Vehicles Built From: 10-10-2022, enUSA, Edition date: 202208, First-PrintingFour-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)

“Tread Lightly” is an educational programdesigned to increase public awareness ofland-use regulations and responsibilitiesin our nation's wilderness areas. We jointhe U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau ofLand Management in encouraging you tohelp preserve our national forest and otherpublic and private lands by “treadinglightly.”
Driving on Hilly or Sloping Terrain
Although natural obstacles may make itnecessary to travel diagonally up or downa hill or steep incline, you should drivestraight up or straight down.
Note: Avoid turning on steep slopes or hills.A danger lies in losing traction, slippingsideways and possible vehicle roll over. Donot drive over the crest of a hill withoutseeing what conditions are on the other side.Do not drive in reverse over a hill without theaid of an observer. Whenever driving on ahill, determine beforehand the route youintend to use.
When climbing a steep slope or hill, startin a lower gear rather than downshifting toa lower gear from a higher gear once theascent has started. This reduces strain onthe engine and the possibility of stalling.
If your vehicle stalls, do not try to turnaround because this could cause vehicleroll over. It is better to reverse back to asafe location.
Apply just enough power to the wheels toclimb the hill. Too much power could causethe tires to slip, spin or lose traction,resulting in loss of vehicle control.
Descend a hill in the same gear you woulduse to climb up the hill to avoid excessivebrake application and brake overheating.Do not descend in neutral (N). Move thetransmission selector lever to a lower gear.When descending a steep hill, avoidsudden hard braking as you could losecontrol. Make sure the front wheels areturning so you can steer your vehicle.
If your vehicle has anti-lock brakes, steadilyapply the brakes. Do not pump the brakes.
Driving on Snow and Ice
WARNING: If you are driving inslippery conditions that require tirechains or cables, then it is critical thatyou drive cautiously. Keep speeds down,allow for longer stopping distances andavoid aggressive steering to reduce thechances of a loss of vehicle controlwhich can lead to serious injury or death.If the rear end of your vehicle slides whilecornering, steer in the direction of theslide until you regain control of yourvehicle.
Note:Excessive tire slippage can causetransmission damage
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2023 Ranger (TFG) Canada/United States of America, Vehicles Built From: 10-10-2022, enUSA, Edition date: 202208, First-PrintingFour-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)E143950 E143949

ELECTRONIC LOCKING
DIFFERENTIAL (IF EQUIPPED)
Note:Do not operate the system on dryhard surface roads. Doing so could lead toexcessive tire noise and wear. Use thesystem only on consistently slippery or loosesurfaces.
The system locks the left and right portionsof the rear axle together to form a soliddriving axle, resulting in increased rearwheel traction in certain conditions.
Press and hold the electronic differentiallock button for 2 seconds to activate thesystem.
Note:The lock button is on the centerconsole.
Note:Do not perform this operation whencruise control or trail control are selectedand active. The system may not engage asexpected.
The electronic differential lock can lockand unlock when the internal gears arealigned and no torque load is placed onthe differential. To aid alignment, drive thevehicle in a straight line with theaccelerator pedal released. Alternatively,drive slowly forward and backward whilemoving the steering wheel from side to sideto allow the electronic differential lock tolock.
High vehicle speed and high acceleratorpedal application inhibit the electroniclocking differential system engagement.Follow the instruction on the instrumentcluster for engagement anddisengagement.
Note:You can use the system in any drivemode 2H, 4H or 4L.
Note:When you engage the system, theElectronic Stability Program (ESP) functionssuch as Stability Control, Traction Control,Hill Descent Control, Emergency stop signal,Hill Start Assist and Trailer Sway Controlare deactivated, the ESP Off indicatorilluminates, and the HDC on indicator turnsoff.
Note:When the anti-lock braking systemis operating, the system disengages.
The electronic locking differential systemcan affect various terrain modes. SeePrinciple of Operation (page 182).
Operating Electronic LockingDifferential with Spare orMismatched Tires
The size of the spare tire can affect theperformance of the electronic lockingdifferential system. When there is asignificant size difference between the tworear tires, you could have limited electroniclocking differential functionality. If yourelectronic locking differential has difficultydisengaging, release your accelerator pedaland turn the steering wheel in the oppositedirection while rolling forward.
Note:We recommend that you engage anddisengage the electronic locking differentialwhen stopped, and a spare tire is mountedon the rear axle.
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2023 Ranger (TFG) Canada/United States of America, Vehicles Built From: 10-10-2022, enUSA, Edition date: 202208, First-PrintingRear AxleE277073

PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
The traction control system helps avoiddrive wheel spin and loss of traction.
If your vehicle begins to slide, the systemapplies the brakes to individual wheelsand, when needed, reduces engine powerat the same time. If the wheels spin whenaccelerating on slippery or loose surfaces,the system reduces engine power in orderto increase traction.
USING TRACTION CONTROL
WARNING: Operating your vehiclewith the traction control disabled couldlead to an increased risk of loss of vehiclecontrol, vehicle rollover, personal injuryand death.
The system automatically turns on eachtime you switch the ignition on.
If your vehicle is stuck in mud or snow,switching traction control off may bebeneficial as this allows the wheels to spin.
Note:When you switch traction control off,stability control remains fully active.
Switching the System Off
The switch for the stability and tractioncontrol system is on the console.
When you switch the system off, amessage and an illuminated icon appearon the instrument cluster.
Use the switch again to return the tractioncontrol system to normal operation.
Your vehicle may have MyKey restrictionsregarding this feature. See Principle ofOperation (page 59).
System Indicator Lights andMessages
The stability and traction controllight temporarily illuminates onengine start-up and flashes:
•When a driving condition activateseither of the systems.
•If a problem occurs in either of thesystems.
The stability and traction controloff light temporarily illuminateson engine start-up and stays on:
•When you switch the traction controlsystem off.
•When you select an alternative stabilitycontrol mode.
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2023 Ranger (TFG) Canada/United States of America, Vehicles Built From: 10-10-2022, enUSA, Edition date: 202208, First-PrintingTraction ControlE166706 E138639 E130458

PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
WARNING: Vehicle modificationsinvolving braking system, aftermarketroof racks, suspension, steering system,tire construction and wheel and tire sizemay change the handling characteristicsof your vehicle and may adversely affectthe performance of the electronicstability control system. In addition,installing any stereo loudspeakers mayinterfere with and adversely affect theelectronic stability control system. Installany aftermarket stereo loudspeaker asfar as possible from the front centerconsole, the tunnel, and the front seatsin order to minimize the risk of interferingwith the electronic stability controlsensors. Reducing the effectiveness ofthe electronic stability control systemcould lead to an increased risk of loss ofvehicle control, vehicle rollover, personalinjury and death.
WARNING: Remember that evenadvanced technology cannot defy thelaws of physics. It's always possible tolose control of a vehicle due toinappropriate driver input for theconditions. Aggressive driving on anyroad condition can cause you to losecontrol of your vehicle increasing the riskof personal injury or property damage.Activation of the electronic stabilitycontrol system is an indication that atleast some of the tires have exceededtheir ability to grip the road; this couldreduce the operator's ability to controlthe vehicle potentially resulting in a lossof vehicle control, vehicle rollover,personal injury and death. If yourelectronic stability control systemactivates, SLOW DOWN.
The system automatically turns on eachtime you switch the ignition on.
If the stability control or traction controlsystem detects a fault, the following mayoccur:
•The stability and traction control lightilluminates steadily.
•The stability control and tractioncontrol systems do not enhance yourvehicle's ability to maintain traction ofthe wheels.
If the stability control or traction controlsystem activates, the following may occur:
•The stability and traction control lightflashes.
•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 andyour foot is not on the brake pedal, thepedal may move as the system applieshigher brake force.
The stability control system has severalfeatures built into it to help you maintaincontrol of your vehicle.
Electronic Stability Control
The system helps to prevent your vehicleskidding or laterally sliding by individuallyapplying the brakes to one or more wheelsand, if necessary, reducing engine power.
Roll Stability Control
The system helps to prevent rollovers bydetecting your vehicle's roll motion, andindividually applying the brakes to one ormore wheels.
Traction Control
The system enhances your vehicle's abilityto maintain traction of the wheels bydetecting and controlling wheel spin. SeeUsing Traction Control (page 178).
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2023 Ranger (TFG) Canada/United States of America, Vehicles Built From: 10-10-2022, enUSA, Edition date: 202208, First-PrintingStability Control

Vehicle without stability controlskidding off its intended route.A
Vehicle with stability controlmaintaining control on a slipperysurface.
B
USING STABILITY CONTROL
AdvanceTrac™ with Roll StabilityControl™ (RSC™)
The system automatically turns on eachtime you switch the ignition on.
You can switch the electronic stabilitycontrol systems off.
When you shift the transmission intoreverse (R), the systems are disabled.
You can switch the traction control systemoff or on independently. See UsingTraction Control (page 178).
AdvanceTrac with RSC Features
Tractioncontrol systemElectronicstabilitycontrol
Roll stabilitycontrolStabilitycontrol OFFlight
Button func-tions
EnabledEnabledEnabledIlluminatedduring bulbcheck
Default at start-up
DisabledEnabledEnabledIlluminatedButton pressedmomentarily
DisabledDisabledAfter Enabled1IlluminatedButton pressedand held formore than 5seconds
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2023 Ranger (TFG) Canada/United States of America, Vehicles Built From: 10-10-2022, enUSA, Edition date: 202208, First-PrintingStability ControlE72903 E385188

PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
Using the Terrain ManagementSystem
The terrain management system optimizesdrivability and comfort by maximizingtraction when operating on different typesof terrain.
Press the TM button on the center consoleto choose between the following modes:
Note:Changing terrain modes couldautomatically change your 4X4 setting foroptimal performance.
Normal - For on-roadconditions. Select this modebefore driving on surfaces whichare similar to a hard road surface or oncethe need for a special mode has passed.
Note:This is the default when you switchon your vehicle and whenever you select 4x2via the four-wheel drive control.
Grass/Gravel/Snow - Foroff-road conditions. Select thismode where loose or slipperymaterial such as packed snow, ice, grass,or a thin layer of gravel or sand covers afirm surface. If your vehicle cannot gaintraction in deep snow, switching off thetraction control system could help.
Note:Make sure you switch traction controlback on when you regain traction.
Mud/Ruts - For off-roadconditions. Select this mode formuddy, rutted, soft or uneventerrain.
Sand - For off-road conditions.Select this mode in soft dry sandor deep gravel. If crossing wetsand that could be sufficiently deepenough for the wheels to sink into thesurface, select Mud/Ruts mode.
Note:The Grass/Gravel/Snow, Sand andMud/Ruts modes are for off-road use only.
Note:The curve control portion of theAdvanceTrac® system is unavailable whenyou select Sand or Mud/Ruts. If the systembecomes inoperable, selecting some modesmay not be possible and a messagedisplays. If it becomes inoperable due to asystem fault, all of the mode indicators onthe control turn off and one of the followingmessages appears in the informationdisplay:
TERRAIN MANAGEMENT SYSTEMFAULT
Switching the engine on and off may clearthe fault. If that does not work, have thesystem serviced by an authorized dealer.
MODE CHANGE NOT ACCEPTED,RETRY
This mode change cannot be made at thetime of your request. Try the mode changeagain.
Off-road Screen
You can continuously monitor thereal-time status of your vehicle's off-roadsystems using the information display.
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2023 Ranger (TFG) Canada/United States of America, Vehicles Built From: 10-10-2022, enUSA, Edition date: 202208, First-PrintingTerrain Control (If Equipped)E282969 E283048 E283044 E225313 E283037