2023 FORD RANGER Owners Manual

ENGINE COOLANT CHECK
WARNING: Do not remove thecoolant reservoir cap when the engine ison or the cooling system is hot. Wait 10minutes for the cooling system to cooldown. Cover the coolant reservoir capwith a thick cloth to prevent thepossibility of scalding and slowly removethe cap. Failure to follow this instructioncould result in personal injury.
WARNING: Do not dispose ofcoolant in the household refuse or thepublic sewage system. Use an authorizedwaste disposal facility.
WARNING: Do not put coolant inthe windshield washer reservoir. Ifsprayed on the windshield, coolant couldmake it difficult to see through thewindshield.
WARNING: To reduce the risk ofpersonal injury, make sure the engine iscool before unscrewing the coolantpressure relief cap. The cooling systemis under pressure. Steam and hot liquidcan come out forcefully when you loosenthe cap slightly.
When the engine is cold, check theconcentration and level of the coolant atthe intervals listed in the scheduledmaintenance information. See ScheduledMaintenance (page 416).
Note:Make sure that the coolant level isbetween the MIN and the MAX marks onthe coolant reservoir.
Note: Coolant expands when it is hot. Thelevel may extend beyond the MAX mark.
Maintain coolant concentration within48% to 50%, which equates to a freezepoint between -29°F (-34°C) and -35°F(-37°C). Coolant concentration should bechecked using a refractometer. We do notrecommend the use of hydrometers orcoolant test strips for measuring coolantconcentration.
Adding Coolant
WARNING: Do not remove thecoolant reservoir cap when the engine ison or the cooling system is hot. Wait 10minutes for the cooling system to cooldown. Cover the coolant reservoir capwith a thick cloth to prevent thepossibility of scalding and slowly removethe cap. Failure to follow this instructioncould result in personal injury.
WARNING: Do not allow the fluidto touch your skin or eyes. If thishappens, rinse the affected areasimmediately with plenty of water andcontact your physician.
WARNING: Do not add coolantfurther than the MAX mark.
Note:Automotive fluids are notinterchangeable. Take care not to put enginecoolant in the windshield washer fluidreservoir or windshield washer fluid in theengine coolant reservoir.
Note: Do not use stop leak pellets, coolingsystem sealants, or non-specified additivesas they can cause damage to the enginecooling or heating systems. Resultingcomponent damage may not be covered bythe vehicle Warranty.
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It is very important to use predilutedcoolant approved to the correctspecification in order to avoid plugging thesmall passageways in the engine coolingsystem. See Capacities andSpecifications (page 325). Do not mixdifferent colors or types of coolant in yourvehicle. Mixing of engine coolants or usingan incorrect coolant may harm the engineor cooling system components and maynot be covered by the vehicle Warranty.
Note:If prediluted coolant is not available,use the approved concentrated coolantdiluting it to 50/50 with deionized ordistilled water. See Capacities andSpecifications (page 325). Using water thathas not been deionised may contribute todeposit formation, corrosion and pluggingof the small cooling system passageways.
Note: Coolants marketed for all makes andmodels may not be approved to ourspecifications and may cause damage tothe cooling system. Resulting componentdamage may not be covered by the vehicleWarranty.
If the coolant level is at or below theminimum mark, add prediluted coolantimmediately.
To top up the coolant level do thefollowing:
1.Unscrew the cap slowly. Any pressureescapes as you unscrew the cap.
2.Add prediluted coolant approved tothe correct specification. SeeCapacities and Specifications (page325).
3.Add enough prediluted coolant toreach the correct level.
4.Replace the coolant reservoir cap. Turnthe cap clockwise until it contacts thehard stop.
5.Check the coolant level in the coolantreservoir the next few times you driveyour vehicle. If necessary, add enoughprediluted engine coolant to bring thecoolant level to the correct level.
If you have to add more than 1.1 qt (1 L) ofengine coolant per month, have yourvehicle checked as soon as possible.Operating an engine with a low level ofcoolant can result in engine overheatingand possible engine damage.
In case of emergency, you can add a largeamount of water without engine coolantin order to reach a vehicle service location.In this instance, qualified personnel:
1.Must drain the cooling system.
2.Chemically clean the coolant system.
3.Refill with engine coolant as soon aspossible.
Water alone, without engine coolant, cancause engine damage from corrosion,overheating or freezing.
Do not use the following as a coolantsubstitute:
•Alcohol.
•Methanol.
•Brine.
•Any coolant mixed with alcohol ormethanol antifreeze.
Alcohol and other liquids can cause enginedamage from overheating or freezing.
Do not add extra inhibitors or additives tothe coolant. These can be harmful andcompromise the corrosion protection ofthe coolant.
Recycled Coolant
We do not recommend the use of recycledcoolant as an approved recycling processis not yet available.
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Dispose of used engine coolant in anappropriate manner. Follow yourcommunity's regulations and standardsfor recycling and disposing of automotivefluids.
Severe Climates
If you drive in extremely cold climates:
•It may be necessary to increase thecoolant concentration above 50%.
•A coolant concentration of 60%provides improved freeze pointprotection. Coolant concentrationsabove 60% decrease the overheatprotection characteristics of thecoolant and may cause enginedamage.
If you drive in extremely hot climates:
•You can decrease the coolantconcentration to 40%.
•Coolant concentrations below 40%decrease the freeze and corrosionprotection characteristics of thecoolant and may cause enginedamage.
Vehicles driven year-round in non-extremeclimates should use prediluted coolant foroptimum cooling system and engineprotection.
Coolant Change
At specific mileage intervals, as listed inthe scheduled maintenance information,the coolant should be changed. Addprediluted coolant approved to the correctspecification. See Capacities andSpecifications (page 325).
Fail-Safe Cooling
Fail-safe cooling allows you to temporarilydrive your vehicle before any incrementalcomponent damage occurs. The fail-safedistance depends on ambienttemperature, vehicle load and terrain.
How Fail-Safe Cooling Works
If the engine begins to overheat,the coolant temperature gaugemoves toward the red zone:
A warning lamp illuminates anda message may appear in theinformation display.
If the engine reaches a presetover-temperature condition, the engineautomatically switches to alternatingcylinder operation. Each disabled cylinderacts as an air pump and cools the engine.
When this occurs, your vehicle stilloperates, however:
•Engine power is limited.
•The air conditioning system turns off.
Continued operation increases the enginetemperature, causing the engine tocompletely shut down. Your steering andbraking effort increases in this situation.
When the engine temperature cools, youcan re-start the engine. Have your vehiclechecked as soon as possible to minimizeengine damage.
When Fail-Safe Mode Is Activated
WARNING: Fail-safe mode is foruse during emergencies only. Operateyour vehicle in fail-safe mode only aslong as necessary to bring your vehicleto rest in a safe location and seekimmediate repairs. When in fail-safemode, your vehicle will have limitedpower, will not be able to maintainhigh-speed operation, and maycompletely shut down without warning,potentially losing engine power, powersteering assist, and power brake assist,which may increase the possibility of acrash resulting in serious injury.
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WARNING: Do not remove thecoolant reservoir cap when the engine ison or the cooling system is hot. Wait 10minutes for the cooling system to cooldown. Cover the coolant reservoir capwith a thick cloth to prevent thepossibility of scalding and slowly removethe cap. Failure to follow this instructioncould result in personal injury.
Your vehicle has limited engine powerwhen in the fail-safe mode, drive yourvehicle with caution. Your vehicle does notmaintain high-speed operation and theengine may operate poorly.
Remember that the engine is capable ofautomatically shutting down to preventengine damage. In this situation:
1.Pull off the road as soon as safelypossible and switch the engine off.
2.If you are a member of a roadsideassistance program, we recommendthat you contact your roadsideassistance service provider.
3.If this is not possible, wait a shortperiod for the engine to cool.
4.Check the coolant level. If the coolantlevel is at or below the minimum mark,add prediluted coolant immediately.
5.When the engine temperature cools,you can re-start the engine. Have yourvehicle checked as soon as possible tominimize engine damage.
Note:Driving your vehicle without repairincreases the chance of engine damage.
Engine Coolant TemperatureManagement (If Equipped)
WARNING: To reduce the risk ofcrash and injury, be prepared that thevehicle speed may reduce and thevehicle may not be able to acceleratewith full power until the coolanttemperature reduces.
If you tow a trailer with your vehicle, theengine may temporarily reach a highertemperature during severe operatingconditions, for example ascending a longor steep grade in high ambienttemperatures.
At this time, you may notice the coolanttemperature gauge moves toward the redzone and a message may appear in theinformation display.
You may notice a reduction in vehiclespeed caused by reduced engine power inorder to manage the engine coolanttemperature. Your vehicle may enter thismode if certain high-temperature andhigh-load conditions take place. Theamount of speed reduction depends onvehicle loading, grade and ambienttemperature. If this occurs, there is noneed to stop your vehicle. You cancontinue to drive.
The air conditioning may automaticallyturn on and off during severe operatingconditions to protect the engine fromoverheating. When the coolanttemperature decreases to the normaloperating temperature, the air conditioningturns on.
If the coolant temperature gauge movesfully into the red zone, or if the coolanttemperature warning or service enginesoon messages appear in your informationdisplay, do the following:
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1.Stop your vehicle as soon as it is safeto do so. Fully apply the parking brake,shift into park (P) or neutral (N).
2.Leave the engine running until thecoolant temperature gauge needlereturns to the normal position. If thetemperature does not drop afterseveral minutes, follow the remainingsteps.
3.Switch the engine off and wait for it tocool. Check the coolant level.
4.If the coolant level is at or below theminimum mark, add prediluted coolantimmediately.
5.If the coolant level is normal, restartthe engine and continue.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
FLUID CHECK
Note:Transmission fluid should be checkedby an authorized dealer. If required, fluidshould be added by an authorized dealer.
Have an authorized dealer check andchange the transmission fluid at thecorrect service interval. See Maintenance(page 263).Your transmission does notconsume fluid. However, the fluid levelshould be checked if the transmission isnot working properly, (i.e., if thetransmission slips or shifts slowly) or if younotice some sign of fluid leakage.
Do not use supplemental transmissionfluid additives, treatments or cleaningagents. The use of these materials mayaffect transmission operation and resultin damage to internal transmissioncomponents.
BRAKE FLUID CHECK
WARNING: Do not use any fluidother than the recommended brake fluidas this will reduce brake efficiency. Useof incorrect fluid could result in the lossof vehicle control, serious personal injuryor death.
WARNING: Only use brake fluidfrom a sealed container. Contaminationwith dirt, water, petroleum products orother materials may result in brakesystem damage or failure. Failure toadhere to this warning could result in theloss of vehicle control, serious personalinjury or death.
WARNING: Do not allow the fluidto touch your skin or eyes. If thishappens, rinse the affected areasimmediately with plenty of water andcontact your physician.
WARNING: The brake systemcould be affected if the brake fluid levelis below the MIN mark or above the MAXmark on the brake fluid reservoir.
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1.Park your vehicle on a level surface.
2.Look at the brake fluid reservoir to seewhere the brake fluid level is relativeto the MIN and the MAX marks on thereservoir.
Note:If the brake fluid level is between theMIN and the MAX marks on the reservoir, itis acceptable.
Note:If the brake fluid level is below theMIN mark or above the MAX mark, haveyour vehicle checked as soon as possible.
Note:To avoid fluid contamination, thereservoir cap must remain in place and fullytight, unless you are adding fluid.
Only use fluid that meets ourspecifications. See Capacities andSpecifications (page 325).
Brake Fluid Service Interval
Brake fluid absorbs water over time whichdegrades the effectiveness of the brakefluid. Change the brake fluid at thespecified intervals to prevent degradedbraking performance.
For detailed interval information, seeScheduled Maintenance in your Owner'sManual or your local maintenance guide.
POWER STEERING FLUID
CHECK
Your vehicle is equipped with an electricpower steering (EPS) system. There is nofluid reservoir to check or fill.
FUEL FILTER
Your vehicle is equipped with a lifetimefuel filter that is integrated with the fueltank. Regular maintenance or replacementis not needed.
CHARGING THE 12V BATTERY
Battery Management System (If
Equipped)
The battery management system monitorsbattery conditions and takes actions toextend battery life. If excessive batterydrain is detected, the system maytemporarily disable certain electricalfeatures to protect the battery. Thoseelectrical accessories affected include therear defrost, heated/cooled seats, climatecontrol fan, heated steering wheel, audioand navigation system. A message may beshown in the information displays to alertthe driver that battery protection actionsare active. These messages are only fornotification that an action is taking place,and not intended to indicate an electricalproblem or that the battery requiresreplacement.
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Electrical accessory installation
Note:Charging and replacing the batteryrequires the driver power window to bere-initialized. See Windows and Mirrors(page 83).
To ensure proper operation of the BatteryManagement System, any electricaldevices that are added to your vehicleshould not have their ground connectionmade directly at the negative battery post.
A connection at the negative batteryterminal can cause inaccuratemeasurements of the battery conditionand potential incorrect system operation.
When a battery replacement is required,you must use a recommendedreplacement battery that matches theelectrical requirements of the vehicle.
After battery replacement, or in somecases after charging the battery with theexternal charger, the Battery ManagementSystem requires eight hours of vehiclesleep time (key off with doors closed) torelearn the new battery state of charge.Prior to relearning the state of charge, theBattery Management System may disableelectrical features (to protect the battery)earlier than normal.
CHANGING THE 12V BATTERY
WARNING: Batteries normallyproduce explosive gases which cancause personal injury. Therefore, do notallow flames, sparks or lightedsubstances to come near the battery.When working near the battery, alwaysshield your face and protect your eyes.Always provide correct ventilation.
WARNING: When lifting aplastic-cased battery, excessive pressureon the end walls could cause acid to flowthrough the vent caps, resulting inpersonal injury and damage to thevehicle or battery. Lift the battery with abattery carrier or with your hands onopposite corners.
WARNING: Keep batteries out ofreach of children. Batteries containsulfuric acid. Avoid contact with skin,eyes or clothing. Shield your eyes whenworking near the battery to protectagainst possible splashing of acidsolution. In case of acid contact with skinor eyes, flush immediately with water fora minimum of 15 minutes and get promptmedical attention. If acid is swallowed,call a physician immediately.
WARNING: Battery posts,terminals and related accessoriescontain lead and lead compounds. Washhands after handling.
WARNING: This vehicle may havemore than one battery. Removing thebattery cables from only one batterydoes not disconnect your vehicleelectrical system. Make sure youdisconnect the battery cables from allbatteries when disconnecting power.Failure to do so may cause seriouspersonal injury or property damage.
WARNING: For vehicles withAuto-Start-Stop the battery requirementis different. You must replace the batterywith one of exactly the samespecification.
The battery is located in the enginecompartment. See Under HoodOverview (page 265).
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Your vehicle has a maintenance-freebattery. It does not require additionalwater during service.
If your vehicle battery has a cover, makesure you correctly install it after cleaningor replacing the battery.
For longer, trouble-free operation, keep thetop of the battery clean and dry and thebattery cables tightly fastened to thebattery terminals. If any corrosion ispresent on the battery or terminals, removethe cables from the terminals and cleanwith a wire brush. You can neutralize theacid with a solution of baking soda andwater.
We recommend that you disconnect thenegative battery cable terminal from thebattery if you plan to store your vehicle foran extended period.
To maintain correct operation of thebattery management system, if you addany electrical devices to your vehicle, donot connect the ground connection directlyto the negative battery terminal. Aconnection at the negative battery terminalcan cause inaccurate measurements ofthe battery condition and potentialincorrect system operation.
Note:Electrical accessories or componentsadded to your vehicle by you or anauthorized dealer, may adversely affectbattery performance, durability and theperformance of other electrical systems onyour vehicle.
If a replacement battery is required, werecommend you use a Ford replacementbattery that matches the electricalrequirements of your vehicle.
If you disconnect or replace the batteryand your vehicle has an automatictransmission, transmission must relearnits adaptive strategy. Because of this, thetransmission may shift firmly when firstdriven. This is normal operation while thetransmission fully updates its operation tooptimum shift feel.
Remove and Reinstall the Battery
To disconnect or remove the battery, dothe following:
1.Apply the parking brake and switch theignition off.
2.Switch all electrical equipment off, forexample lights and radio.
3.Wait a minimum of two minutes beforedisconnecting the battery.
Note:The engine management system hasa power hold function and remains poweredfor a period after you switch the ignition off.This is to allow diagnostic and adaptivetables to be stored. Disconnecting thebattery without waiting can cause damagenot covered by the vehicle Warranty.
4.Disconnect the negative (-) batterycable terminal first.
5.Disconnect the positive (+) batterycable terminal last.
6.Remove the battery securing clamp.
7.Remove the battery.
8.Install in the reverse order.
Note:Before reconnecting the battery,make sure the ignition remains switched off.
Note:If you only disconnect the negativebattery cable terminal, make sure it isisolated or placed away from the batteryterminal to avoid un-intended connectionor arcing.
Note:Make sure the battery cable terminalsare fully tightened.
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