The Personal Safety System provides animproved overall level of frontal crashprotection to front seat occupants and isdesigned to help further reduce the risk ofairbag-related injuries. The system is ableto analyze different occupant conditionsand crash severity before activating theappropriate safety devices to help betterprotect a range of occupants in a varietyof frontal crash situations.
The Vehicle Personal Safety Systemconsists of:
•Driver and passenger dual-stage airbagsupplemental restraints.
•Front seat outboard seatbelts withpretensioners, energy managementretractors and seatbelt usage sensors.
•Driver seat position sensor.
•Front passenger sensing system.
•Passenger airbag status indicator.
•Front crash severity sensors.
•Restraints control module with impactand safing sensors.
•Restraint system warning lamp andtone.
•The electrical wiring for the airbags,crash sensors, seatbelt pretensioners,front seatbelt usage sensors, driverseat position sensor, front passengersensing system and indicator lights.
How Does the Personal SafetySystem Work?
The Personal Safety System can adapt thedeployment strategy of the safety devicesaccording to crash severity and occupantconditions. A collection of crash andoccupant sensors provides information tothe restraints control module. During acrash, the restraints control module maydeploy the seatbelt pretensioners, one orboth stages of the dual-stage airbagsbased on crash severity and occupantconditions.
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Headlamp High Beam Indicator
It illuminates when you switchthe headlamp high beam on. Itflashes when you use theheadlamp flasher.
Hood Ajar Warning Lamp
Illuminates when the ignition ison and the hood is notcompletely closed.
Low Beam Malfunction (If Equipped)
Lights when there is amalfunction with the low beamheadlamp.
Low Fuel Level Warning Lamp
If it illuminates when you aredriving, refuel as soon aspossible.
Low Tire Pressure Warning Lamp
It illuminates when your tirepressure is low. If the lampremains on with the enginerunning or when driving, check the tirepressure as soon as possible.
It also momentarily illuminates when youswitch the ignition on to confirm the lampis functional. If it does not illuminate whenyou switch the ignition on, or begins toflash at any time, have the system checkedby your authorized dealer.
Low Washer Fluid Level WarningLamp
It illuminates when the washerfluid is low.
Oil Pressure Warning Lamp
It illuminates when you switchthe ignition on.
If it illuminates when the engineis running this indicates a malfunction.Stop your vehicle as soon as it is safe todo so and switch the engine off. Check theengine oil level. If the oil level is sufficient,this indicates a system malfunction. Haveyour vehicle checked as soon as possible.
See Engine Oil Check (page 266).
Parking Lamps
It illuminates when you switchthe parking lamps on.
Powertrain Malfunction/ReducedPower/Electronic Throttle Control
Illuminates when the system hasdetected a powertrain or afour-wheel drive fault. Contactan authorized dealer as soon as possible.
Service Engine Soon
If it illuminates when the engineis running this indicates amalfunction. The On BoardDiagnostics system has detected amalfunction of the vehicle emission controlsystem.
If it flashes, engine misfire may beoccurring. Increased exhaust gastemperatures could damage the catalyticconverter or other vehicle components.Drive in a moderate fashion, avoid heavyacceleration and deceleration and haveyour vehicle immediately serviced.
It illuminates when you switch the ignitionon prior to engine start to check the bulband to indicate whether your vehicle isready for Inspection and Maintenance(I/M) testing.
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PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
The four-wheel drive system in your vehicleis a part-time system activated using therotary switch mounted in the centerconsole. In normal rear-wheel drive, the 2Hdrive operation system directs torque tothe rear axle. Moving the switch to 4H or4L directs drive torque to both the frontand rear axles, providing four-wheel drive.
Depending on your vehicle, furtherfour-wheel drive options may be availableon the switch panel located on the centerconsole.
USING FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE
Note:There is additional importantinformation regarding the safe operation ofthis type of vehicle in this manual. SeeGeneral Information (page 292).
Note:Do not use 4H or 4L modes on dry,hard surfaced roads. Doing so can produceexcessive noise, increase tire wear and coulddamage drive components. We intend 4Hor 4L modes only for consistently slipperyor loose surfaces. Use of 4L mode on thesesurfaces could produce some noise, suchas occasional clunks, but should notdamage drive components.
Note: When you select 4L when yourvehicle is moving, it does not perform a shiftuntil your vehicle is stationary. This is normaland is no reason for concern.
Note:You can switch on and switch off theelectronic locking differential by pressingthe locking differential button. SeeElectronic Locking Differential (page 173).
4WD Indicator Lights
Note:When a 4X4 system fault is present,the system typically remains in whichever4X4 mode you selected prior to the faultcondition occurring. It should never defaultto 4X2. When the warning displays, haveyour vehicle serviced by an authorizeddealer.
4X4 HIGH
Continuously illuminates whenyou select 4H.
4X4 LOW
Continuously illuminates whenyou select 4L.
CHECK 4X4
Displays when a 4X4 fault ispresent.
Using the Electronic Shift on theFly 4WD system
2H (4X2)
For general on-road driving, this modeprovides optimal smoothness and fueleconomy. Sends power to the rear wheelsonly.
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Note: If the system activates, the brakepedal could pulse and may travel further.Maintain pressure on the brake pedal. Youmay also hear a noise from the system. Thisis normal.
PARKING BRAKE
WARNING: Always fully apply theparking brake and make sure you shiftinto park (P). Switch the ignition off andremove the key whenever you leave yourvehicle.
To apply the parking brake:
1.Firmly press the brake pedal.
2.Pull the parking brake lever upward toits fullest extent.
Note:Do not press the release button whenpulling the parking brake lever upward.
Note:If you park your vehicle on a hill andfacing uphill, shift into park (P) and turn thesteering wheel away from the curb.
Note:If you park your vehicle on a hill andfacing downhill, shift into park (P) and turnthe steering wheel toward the curb.
To release the parking brake:
1.Firmly press the brake pedal.
2.Slightly pull the parking brake leverupward.
3.Press the release button and push theparking brake lever downward.
HILL START ASSIST
WARNING: The system does notreplace the parking brake. When youleave your vehicle, always apply theparking brake.
WARNING: You must remain inyour vehicle when the system turns on.At all times, you are responsible forcontrolling your vehicle, supervising thesystem and intervening, if required.Failure to take care may result in the lossof control of your vehicle, seriouspersonal injury or death.
WARNING: The system will turnoff if a malfunction is apparent or if yourev the engine excessively. Failure to takecare may result in the loss of control ofyour vehicle, serious personal injury ordeath.
The system makes it easier to pull awaywhen your vehicle is on a slope without theneed to use the parking brake.
When the system is active, your vehicleremains stationary on the slope for two tothree seconds after you release the brakepedal. This allows time to move your footfrom the brake to the accelerator pedal.The system releases the brakesautomatically once the engine hasdeveloped sufficient torque to prevent yourvehicle from rolling down the slope. Thisis an advantage when pulling away on aslope, for example from a car park ramp,traffic lights or when reversing uphill intoa parking space.
The system activates on any slope thatcauses your vehicle to roll.
Note:There is no warning light to indicatethe system is either on or off.
Using Hill Start Assist
1.Press the brake pedal to bring yourvehicle to a complete standstill. Keepthe brake pedal pressed and shift intofirst gear when facing uphill or reverse(R) when facing downhill.
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2023 Ranger (TFG) Canada/United States of America, Vehicles Built From: 10-10-2022, enUSA, Edition date: 202208, First-PrintingBrakes
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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BLIND SPOT INFORMATION
SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)
WARNING: Do not use the blindspot information system as areplacement for using the interior andexterior mirrors or looking over yourshoulder before changing lanes. Theblind spot information system is not areplacement for careful driving.
WARNING: The system may notoperate properly during severe weatherconditions, for example snow, ice, heavyrain and spray. Always drive with duecare and attention. Failure to take caremay result in a crash.
The system is designed to detect vehiclesthat may have entered the blind spot zone.The detection area is on both sides of yourvehicle, approximately extending rearwardfrom the exterior mirrors to 13 ft (4 m)beyond the rear bumper. The detectionarea approximately extends to 59 ft (18 m)beyond the rear bumper when the vehiclespeed is greater than 30 mph (48 km/h)to alert you of faster approaching vehicles.
Note:The system does not prevent contactwith other vehicles. It is not designed todetect parked vehicles, pedestrians, animalsor other infrastructures.
Using the Blind Spot InformationSystem
Vehicles with Automatic Transmission
The system turns on when all of thefollowing occur:
•You start your vehicle.
•You shift into drive (D).
•The vehicle speed is greater than6 mph (10 km/h).
Note:The system does not operate in park(P) or reverse (R).
System Lights and Messages
When the system detects a vehicle, analert indicator illuminates in the exteriormirror on the side the approaching vehicleis coming from. If you turn the directionindicator on for that side of your vehicle,the alert indicator flashes.
Note:The system may not alert you if avehicle quickly passes through the detectionzone.
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FunctionColor
Running lightsBrown
Reverse lightsGrey
1 Your vehicle must recognize the trailerbefore the trailer can receive power.
Safety Chains
Note:Do not attach safety chains to thebumper. Always connect the safety chainsto the frame or hook retainers of your trailerhitch.
Install trailer safety chains to the trailerhitch as recommended by themanufacturer. Cross the chains under thetrailer tongue and allow enough slack forturning tight corners. Do not allow thechains to drag on the ground.
If the trailer safety chain hook has a latch,make sure the latch is fully closed.
Trailer Brakes
WARNING: Do not connect atrailer's hydraulic brake system directlyto your vehicle's brake system. Yourvehicle may not have enough brakingpower and your chances of having acollision greatly increase.
Electric brakes and manual, automatic orsurge-type trailer brakes are safe if youinstall them properly and adjust them tothe manufacturer's specifications. Thetrailer brakes must meet local and federalregulations.
The rating for the tow vehicle's brakingsystem operation is at the gross vehicleweight rating, not the gross combinedweight rating.
Separate functioning brake systemsare required for safe control of towedvehicles and trailers weighing morethan 1500 lb (680 kg) when loaded.
Trailer Lamps
WARNING: Never connect anytrailer lamp wiring to the vehicle's taillamp wiring; this may damage theelectrical system resulting in fire. Contactyour authorized dealer as soon aspossible for assistance in proper trailertow wiring installation. Additionalelectrical equipment may be required.
Trailer lamps are required on most towedvehicles. Make sure all running lights, brakelights, turn signals and hazard lights areworking.
Before Towing a Trailer
Practice turning, stopping and backing upto get the feel of your vehicle-trailercombination before starting on a trip.When turning, make wider turns so thetrailer wheels clear curbs and otherobstacles.
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.
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•Check that the exterior lights work.
•Turn the steering wheel to check thatthe steering power assist works.
FLOOR MATS
WARNING: Use a floor matdesigned to fit the footwell of yourvehicle that does not obstruct the pedalarea. Failure to follow this instructioncould result in the loss of control of yourvehicle, personal injury or death.
WARNING: Pedals that cannotmove freely can cause loss of vehiclecontrol and increase the risk of seriouspersonal injury.
WARNING: Secure the floor matto both retention devices so that itcannot slip out of position and interferewith the pedals. Failure to follow thisinstruction could result in the loss ofcontrol of your vehicle, personal injury ordeath.
WARNING: Do not place additionalfloor mats or any other covering on topof the original floor mats. This couldresult in the floor mat interfering with theoperation of the pedals. Failure to followthis instruction could result in the loss ofcontrol of your vehicle, personal injury ordeath.
WARNING: Always make sure thatobjects cannot fall into the driver footwell while your vehicle is moving. Objectsthat are loose can become trappedunder the pedals causing a loss ofvehicle control.
To install floor mats that have eyelets,position the floor mat eyelet over theretention post and press down to lock inposition. Repeat for all eyelets on the floormat.
To remove the floor mats, reverse theinstallation procedure.
Note:Regularly check the floor mats tomake sure they are secure.
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