Four-wheel drive vehicles have advantagesover two-wheel drive vehicles in snow andice but can skid like any other vehicle.Should you start to slide when driving onsnowy or icy roads, turn the steering wheelin the direction of the slide until you regaincontrol.
Avoid sudden applications of power andquick changes of direction on snow andice. Apply the accelerator slowly andsteadily when starting from a full stop.
Avoid sudden braking. Although afour-wheel drive vehicle may acceleratebetter than a two-wheel drive vehicle insnow and ice, it cannot stop any faster asbraking occurs at all four wheels. Do notbecome overconfident of road conditions.
Make sure you allow sufficient distancebetween you and other vehicles forstopping. Drive slower than usual andconsider using one of the lower gears. Inemergency stopping situations, apply thebrake steadily. Do not pump the brakepedal. See Hints on Driving WithAnti-Lock Brakes (page 175).
If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck In Mud orSnow
WARNING: Do not spin the wheelsat over 34 mph (55 km/h). The tires mayfail and injure a passenger or bystander.
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow,you may rock it out by shifting betweenforward and reverse gears, stoppingbetween shifts in a steady pattern. Presslightly on the accelerator in each gear.
Note:Do not rock your vehicle if the engineis not at normal operating temperature,damage to the transmission could occur.
Note:Do not rock your vehicle for morethan a minute, damage to the transmissionand tires could occur or the engine couldoverheat.
Parking
WARNING: If the parking brake isfully released, but the brake warninglamp remains illuminated, the brakesmay not be working properly. Have yourvehicle checked as soon as possible.
WARNING: Apply the parkingbrake, shift into park (P), switch theignition off and remove the key beforeyou leave your vehicle. Failure to followthis instruction could result in personalinjury or death.
On four-wheel drive vehicles, when thetransfer case is in the neutral (N) position,the engine and transmission disconnectfrom the rest of the driveline. Therefore,your vehicle is free to roll even if theautomatic transmission is in park (P) orthe manual transmission is in gear. Do notleave your vehicle unattended with thetransfer case in the neutral (N) position.Fully set the parking brake and turn off theignition when leaving your vehicle.
Maintenance and Modifications
We designed and tested the suspensionand steering systems on your vehicle toprovide predictable performance whetherloaded or empty. For this reason, westrongly recommend that you do not makemodifications such as adding or removingparts that include lift kits or stabilizer bars,or by using replacement parts notequivalent to the original factoryequipment.
We recommend that you use caution whenyour vehicle has either a high load or devicesuch as ladders or luggage racks. Anymodifications to your vehicle that raise thecenter of gravity could cause your vehicleto roll over when there is a loss of vehiclecontrol.
171
2023 Ranger (TFG) Canada/United States of America, Vehicles Built From: 10-10-2022, enUSA, Edition date: 202208, First-PrintingFour-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)
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.
173
2023 Ranger (TFG) Canada/United States of America, Vehicles Built From: 10-10-2022, enUSA, Edition date: 202208, First-PrintingRear AxleE277073
GENERAL INFORMATION
Note: Occasional brake noise is normal. Ifa metal-to-metal, continuous grinding orcontinuous squeal sound is present, thebrake linings may be worn-out and anauthorized dealer should check them. If thevehicle has continuous vibration or shudderin the steering wheel while braking, anauthorized dealer should check your vehicle.
Note: Brake dust may accumulate on thewheels, even under normal drivingconditions. Some dust is inevitable as thebrakes wear and does not contribute tobrake noise. See Cleaning the Wheels(page 289).
Wet brakes result in reduced brakingefficiency. Gently press the brake pedal afew times when driving from a car wash orstanding water to dry the brakes.
Brake Over Accelerator
In the event the accelerator pedalbecomes stuck or entrapped, apply steadyand firm pressure to the brake pedal toslow the vehicle and reduce engine power.If you experience this condition, apply thebrakes and bring your vehicle to a safestop. Switch the engine off, move thetransmission to park (P) and apply theparking brake. Inspect the acceleratorpedal and the area around it for any itemsor debris that may be obstructing itsmovement. If none are found and thecondition persists, have your vehicle towedto the nearest authorized dealer.
Emergency Brake Assist
Emergency brake assist detects when youbrake heavily by measuring the rate atwhich you press the brake pedal. Itprovides maximum braking efficiency aslong as you press the pedal. Emergencybrake assist can reduce stopping distancesin critical situations.
Anti-lock Brake System
This system helps you maintain steeringcontrol during emergency stops by keepingthe brakes from locking.
This lamp momentarilyilluminates when you switch theignition on. If the light does notilluminate during start up, remains on orflashes, the anti-lock braking system maybe disabled. Have the system checked byan authorized dealer. If the anti-lock brakesystem is disabled, normal braking is stilleffective.
See Warning Lamps and Indicators(page 92).
Note:Indicators vary depending on region.
This lamp also illuminatesmomentarily when you switchthe ignition on to confirm thelamp is functional. If it does notilluminate when you switch theignition on, or begins to flash atany time, have the system checked by anauthorized dealer. If the brake warninglamp illuminates with the parking brakereleased, have the system checkedimmediately.
HINTS ON DRIVING WITH
ANTI-LOCK BRAKES
The anti-lock brake system does noteliminate the risks when:
•You drive too closely to the vehicle infront of you.
•Your vehicle is hydroplaning.
•You take corners too fast.
•The road surface is poor.
175
2023 Ranger (TFG) Canada/United States of America, Vehicles Built From: 10-10-2022, enUSA, Edition date: 202208, First-PrintingBrakesE67020 E270480 E67024
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.
178
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).
179
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
180
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
WARNING: To help avoid personalinjury, always use caution when inreverse (R) and when using the sensingsystem.
WARNING: The system may notdetect objects with surfaces that absorbreflection. Always drive with due careand attention. Failure to take care mayresult in a crash.
WARNING: Traffic control systems,fluorescent lamps, inclement weather,air brakes, external motors and fans mayaffect the correct operation of thesensing system. This may cause reducedperformance or false alerts.
WARNING: The system may notdetect small or moving objects,particularly those close to the ground.
WARNING: If damage occurs in theimmediate area surrounding the sensor,have your vehicle checked as soon aspossible.
WARNING: The parking aid systemcan only assist you to detect objectswhen your vehicle is moving at parkingspeeds. To help avoid personal injury youmust take care when using the parkingaid system.
WARNING: In cold and severeweather conditions the system may notfunction. Rain, snow and spray can alllimit sensor performance.
WARNING: The system may notfunction if the sensor is blocked.
Note:If your vehicle has MyKey™, thesensing system cannot be switched offwhen a MyKey™ is present. See Principleof Operation (page 59).
Note:Do not clean the sensors with sharpobjects.
Note:If your vehicle sustains damage tothe bumper or fascia and you leave itmisaligned or bent, the sensing zone couldbe altered causing inaccurate measurementof obstacles or false alerts.
Note:Add-on devices such as large trailerhitches, bike or surfboard racks, license platebrackets, or bumper covers installed aroundthe bumper or facia can block the normaldetection zone of the system causing falsealerts. Remove the add-on devices toprevent false alerts.
Note:When you connect a trailer to yourvehicle, the rear parking aid could detect thetrailer and therefore provide an alert. Disablethe rear parking aid when you connect atrailer to prevent the alert.
The sensing system warns you of obstacleswithin a certain range of your vehicle. Thesystem turns on when you switch theignition on.
You can switch the system off through theinformation display menu or from thepop-up message that appears once youshift the transmission into reverse (R). SeeGeneral Information (page 96). If yourvehicle has a parking aid button, you canswitch the system off by pressing thebutton. The system turns on when youswitch the ignition on.
If a fault is present in the system, a warningmessage appears in the informationdisplay. See Information Messages(page 104).
186
2023 Ranger (TFG) Canada/United States of America, Vehicles Built From: 10-10-2022, enUSA, Edition date: 202208, First-PrintingParking Aids
Coverage area of up to 28 in (70 cm) fromthe front bumper. The coverage areadecreases at the outer corners.
When your vehicle approaches an object,a warning tone sounds. When your vehiclemoves closer to an object, the warningtone repeat rate increases. The warningtone sounds continuously when an objectis 12 in (30 cm) or less from the frontbumper.
You can switch the system off through theinformation display menu or from thepop-up message that appears once youshift the transmission into reverse (R). SeeGeneral Information (page 96). If yourvehicle has a parking aid button, you canswitch the system off by pressing thebutton.
Obstacle Distance Indicator (If
Equipped)
The system provides obstacle distanceindication through the information display.
The indicator displays:
•As the distance to the obstacledecreases the indicator blocksilluminate and move towards thevehicle icon.
•If there is no obstacle detected, thedistance indicator blocks turn grey.
If the transmission is in reverse (R), thefront sensing system provides audiowarnings when your vehicle is moving andthe detected obstacle is moving towardsyour vehicle. Once the vehicle is stationary,the audio warning stops after two seconds.Visual indication is always present inreverse (R).
If the transmission is in drive (D) or anyother forward gear (for example, low (L),sport (S) or any forward gear in a manualtransmission), the front sensing systemprovides audio and visual warnings whenyour vehicle is moving below a speed of5 mph (8 km/h) and an obstacle is insidethe detection area. Once the vehicle isstationary, the audio warning stops aftertwo seconds and the visual indicationstops after four seconds. If the obstaclesdetected are within 12 in (30 cm), thevisual indication remains on.
If the transmission is in neutral (N), thesystem provides visual indication onlywhen your vehicle is moving at 5 mph(8 km/h) or below and an obstacle isinside the detection area. Once your vehicleis stationary, the visual indication stopsafter four seconds.
REAR VIEW CAMERA
WARNING: The rear view camerasystem is a reverse aid supplementdevice that still requires the driver to useit in conjunction with the interior andexterior mirrors for maximum coverage.
WARNING: Objects that are closeto either corner of the bumper or underthe bumper, might not be seen on thescreen due to the limited coverage of thecamera system.
188
2023 Ranger (TFG) Canada/United States of America, Vehicles Built From: 10-10-2022, enUSA, Edition date: 202208, First-PrintingParking AidsE187330