2023 FORD RANGER suspension

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.
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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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DRIVER ALERT (IF EQUIPPED)
PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
WARNING: You are responsible forcontrolling your vehicle at all times. Thesystem is designed to be an aid and doesnot relieve you of your responsibility todrive with due care and attention. Failureto follow this instruction could result inthe loss of control of your vehicle,personal injury or death.
WARNING: The system may notfunction if the sensor is blocked.
WARNING: Take regular restbreaks if you feel tired. Do not wait forthe system to warn you.
WARNING: Certain driving stylesmay result in the system warning youeven if you are not feeling tired.
WARNING: In cold and severeweather conditions the system may notfunction. Rain, snow and spray can alllimit sensor performance.
WARNING: The system will notoperate if the sensor cannot track theroad lane markings.
WARNING: If damage occurs in theimmediate area surrounding the sensor,have your vehicle checked as soon aspossible.
WARNING: The system may notcorrectly operate if your vehicle is fittedwith a suspension kit not approved byus.
Note:The system may not operate correctlyif you modify the ride height.
Note:Keep the windshield free fromobstructions. For example, bird droppings,insects, snow or ice.
Note:If the camera is blocked or if thewindshield is damaged, the system may notfunction.
Note:If enabled in the menu, the systemactivates at speeds above 40 mph(64 km/h). When below the activationspeed, the information display informs thedriver that the system is unavailable.
The system automatically monitors yourdriving behavior using various inputsincluding the front camera sensor.
If the system detects that your drivingalertness is reduced below a certainthreshold, the system alerts you using achime and a message in the informationdisplay.
USING DRIVER ALERT
Switching the System On and Off
Switch the system on or off using theinformation display. See GeneralInformation (page 96).
When active, the system monitors youralertness level based upon your drivingbehavior in relation to the lane markingsand other factors.
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WARNING: In cold and severeweather conditions the system may notfunction. Rain, snow and spray can alllimit sensor performance.
WARNING: The system will notoperate if the sensor cannot track theroad lane markings.
WARNING: The sensor mayincorrectly track lane markings as otherstructures or objects. This can result ina false or missed warning.
WARNING: The system may notoperate properly if the sensor is blocked.Keep the windshield free fromobstruction.
WARNING: If damage occurs in theimmediate area surrounding the sensor,have your vehicle checked as soon aspossible.
WARNING: The system may notcorrectly operate if your vehicle is fittedwith a suspension kit not approved byus.
Note:The system works above 40 mph(64 km/h).
Note:The system works as long as thecamera can detect one lane marking.
Note:When you select aid or alert and aidmode and the system detects no steeringactivity for a short period, the system alertsyou to put your hands on the steering wheel.The system may detect a light grip ortouch on the steering wheel as hands offdriving.
Note:The system may not function with ablocked camera, or if the windshield isdamaged or dirty.
When you switch the system on and itdetects an unintentional drift out of yourlane is likely to occur, the system notifiesor assists you to stay in your lane throughthe steering system and informationdisplay. In Alert mode, the system providesa warning by vibrating the steering wheel.In Aid mode, the system provides steeringassistance by gently counter steering yourvehicle back into the lane.
When the system is functioning in thecombined Alert and Aid mode, the systemfirst provides steering assistance by gentlycounter steering your vehicle back into thelane, followed by a warning that vibratesthe steering wheel if the vehicle is still outof the lane markings.
Switching the System On and Off
Note:The system on or off setting is storeduntil it is manually changed, unless a MyKeyis detected. If the system detects a MyKey,it defaults to on and the mode sets to alert.
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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 theAid 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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2023 Ranger (TFG) Canada/United States of America, Vehicles Built From: 10-10-2022, enUSA, Edition date: 202208, First-PrintingDriving Aids

STEERING
Electric Power Steering
WARNING: The electric powersteering system has diagnostic checksthat continuously monitor the system. Ifa fault is detected, a message displaysin the information display. Stop yourvehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.Switch the ignition off. After at least 10seconds, switch the ignition on andwatch the information display for asteering system warning message. If asteering system warning messagereturns, have the system checked assoon as possible.
WARNING: If the system detectsan error, you may not feel a difference inthe steering, however a serious conditionmay exist. Have your vehicle checked assoon as possible. Failure to do so mayresult in loss of steering control.
If your vehicle loses electrical power whileyou are driving (or if the ignition is turnedoff), you can steer the vehicle manually,but it takes more effort. You must adaptyour speed and driving behavior to reducedsteering assist. Extreme continuoussteering may increase the effort it takesfor you to steer. This occurs to preventinternal overheating and permanentdamage to your steering system. If thisshould occur, you will neither lose theability to steer the vehicle manually norwill it cause permanent damage. Typicalsteering and driving maneuvers will allowthe system to cool down and steeringassist will return to normal.
Steering Tips
If the steering wanders or pulls, check for:
•An improperly inflated tire.
•Uneven tire wear.
•Loose or worn suspensioncomponents.
•Loose or worn steering components.
•Improper vehicle alignment.
A high crown in the road or high crosswindsmay also make the steering seem towander or pull.
PRE-COLLISION ASSIST (IF
EQUIPPED)
WARNING: You are responsible forcontrolling your vehicle at all times. Thesystem is designed to be an aid and doesnot relieve you of your responsibility todrive with due care and attention. Failureto follow this instruction could result inthe loss of control of your vehicle,personal injury or death.
WARNING: The system does notdetect vehicles that are driving in adifferent direction, pedestrians, cyclistsor animals. Apply the brakes whennecessary. Failure to follow thisinstruction could result in the loss ofcontrol of your vehicle, personal injury ordeath.
WARNING: The system does notoperate during hard acceleration orsteering. Failure to take care may leadto a crash or personal injury.
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If you feel a sudden vibration orride disturbance while driving, oryou suspect your tire or vehiclehas been damaged, immediatelyreduce your speed. Drive withcaution until you can safely pulloff the road. Stop and inspect thetires for damage. If a tire isunder-inflated or damaged,deflate it, remove wheel andreplace it with your spare tire andwheel. If you cannot detect acause, have the vehicle towed tothe nearest repair facility or tiredealer to have the vehicleinspected.
Tire and Wheel Alignment
A bad jolt from hitting a curb orpothole can cause the front endof your vehicle to become
misaligned or cause damage toyour tires. If your vehicle seems topull to one side when you aredriving, the wheels could be out ofalignment. Have an authorizeddealer check the wheel alignmentperiodically.
Wheel misalignment in the frontor the rear can cause uneven andrapid treadwear of your tires andshould be corrected by anauthorized dealer. Front-wheeldrive vehicles and those with anindependent rear suspensioncould require alignment of all fourwheels.
The tires should also be balancedperiodically. An unbalanced tireand wheel assembly could resultin irregular tire wear.
Tire Rotation
WARNING: If the tire labelshows different tire pressures forthe front and rear tires and thevehicle has a tire pressuremonitoring system, then youneed to update the settings forthe system sensors. Alwaysperform the system resetprocedure after tire rotation. Ifyou do not reset the system, itmay not provide a low tirepressure warning whennecessary.
Note:If your tires show unevenwear ask an authorized dealer tocheck for and correct any wheelmisalignment, tire imbalance ormechanical problem involvedbefore tire rotation.
Note:Your vehicle could beequipped with a dissimilar sparewheel and tire assembly. Adissimilar spare wheel and tireassembly is defined as a sparewheel and tire assembly that isdifferent in brand, size orappearance from the road tires andwheels. If you have a dissimilarspare wheel and tire assembly it isintended for temporary use onlyand should not be used in a tirerotation.
Note:After having your tiresrotated, inflation pressure must bechecked and adjusted to the
vehicle requirements.
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2023 Ranger (TFG) Canada/United States of America, Vehicles Built From: 10-10-2022, enUSA, Edition date: 202208, First-PrintingWheels and Tires

Note:Uneven tread depthbetween the front and rear tirescould lead to degradation in 4WDengagement and disengagementperformance, additional noise fromthe 4WD system or damage.
Rotating your tires at therecommended interval (asindicated in the ScheduledMaintenance chapter) will helpyour tires wear more evenly,providing better tire performanceand longer tire life.
Rear-wheel drive vehicles andfour-wheel drive vehicles (fronttires at left of diagram)
Sometimes irregular tire wear canbe corrected by rotating the tires.
USING SNOW CHAINS
WARNING: Do not exceed 30 mph(50 km/h). Failure to follow thisinstruction could result in the loss ofcontrol of your vehicle, personal injury ordeath.
WARNING: Do not use snow chainson snow-free roads.
WARNING: Only fit snow chains tospecified tires.
WARNING: If your vehicle is fittedwith wheel trims, remove them beforefitting snow chains.
WARNING: Snow tires must be thesame size, load index and speed ratingas those originally provided by Ford. Useof any tire or wheel not recommendedby Ford can affect the safety andperformance of your vehicle, which couldresult in an increased risk of loss ofcontrol, vehicle rollover, personal injuryand death. Additionally, the use ofnon-recommended tires and wheels cancause steering, suspension, axle, transfercase or power transfer unit failure.Follow the Ford recommended tireinflation pressure found on the SafetyCompliance Certification Label (on thedoor hinge pillar, door latch post or thedoor edge that meets the door latchpost, next to the driver seat), or TireLabel on the B-Pillar or the edge of thedriver door. Failure to follow the tirepressure recommendations can causeuneven treadwear patterns andadversely affect the way your vehiclehandles.
Note:The suspension insulation andbumpers help prevent vehicle damage. Donot remove these components from yourvehicle when using snow tires and chains.
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