Ford 1998 Ranger Owner's Manual

Contents

Before driving

Introduction 2

Instrumentation 4

Controls and features 16

Seating and safety restraints 37

Starting and driving

Starting 59

Driving 64

Roadside emergencies 93

Servicing

Maintenance and care 110

Capacities and specifications 147

Reporting safety defects 155

Index 156

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Copyrightr1997 Ford Motor Company

Introduction

ICONS

Indicates a warning. Read the following section on Warnings for a full explanation.

Indicates vehicle information related to recycling and other environmental concerns will follow.

Correct vehicle usage and the authorized disposal of waste cleaning and lubrication materials are significant steps towards protecting the environment.

WARNINGS

Warnings provide information which may reduce the risk of personal injury and prevent possible damage to others, your vehicle and its equipment.

BREAKING-IN YOUR VEHICLE

There are no particular breaking-in rules for your vehicle. During the first 1 600 km (1 000 miles) of driving, vary speeds frequently. This is necessary to give the moving parts a chance to break in.

If possible, you should avoid full use of the brakes for the first 1 600 km (1 000 miles).

INFORMATION ABOUT THIS GUIDE

The information found in this guide was in effect at the time of printing. Ford may change the contents without notice and without incurring obligation.

SPECIAL NOTICES Notice to owners of utility type vehicles

Before you drive your vehicle, please read this Owner’s Guide carefully. Your vehicle is not a passenger car. As with other vehicles of this type, failure to operate this vehicle correctly may result in loss of control or an accident.

Introduction

Be sure to read Driving off road in the Driving chapter as well as the “Four Wheeling” supplement included with 4WD and utility type vehicles.

Using your vehicle as a snowplow

Do not use this vehicle for snowplowing.

Using your vehicle as an ambulance

Do not use this vehicle as an ambulance.

Your vehicle is not equipped with the Ford Ambulance Preparation package.

Electric vehicles

For information on operating your Electric Vehicle, also refer to the Electric Vehicle Owner’s Guide Supplement.

Instrumentation

Headlamp control

(pg. 16)

Instrument panel

dimmer switch

(pg. 17)

OFF

Instrument cluster

(pg. 6)

0 0 0

100

120

0 0 0 0 0 0

RND21

140

160

km/h

180

101 20

MPH

CHECK ENGINE

ABS

BRAKE

SPEED CONT

O/D OFF

OFF

Turn signal and wiper/washer control

(pg. 24, 29)

SRS

Speed control

(pg. 24)

SET

ACC

COAST

Driver side

air bag

(pg. 47)

Instrumentation

Electronic sound system;

refer to Audio Guide

Auxiliary power point

(pg. 23)

(pg. 24)

SEEK

TUNE

OFF

PASSENGER AIRBAG

Passenger air bag deactivate

switch

(pg. 51)

34AM-FM

OFF

A/C

MAX

A/C

Climate control systems

(pg. 17)

Instrumentation

STANDARD INSTRUMENT CLUSTER

CHECK ENGINE

<FUEL DOOR

ABS

BRAKE

MPH

OPTIONAL INSTRUMENT CLUSTER

CHECK

FUEL RESET

CHECK ENGINE

GAGE

ABS

BRAKE

RPMx1000

0 0 0

100

0 0 0 0 0 0

RND21

DOOR AJAR

MPH

RND21

120

km/h

140

160

180

0 0 0

0 0 0 0 0 0

DOOR AJAR

101 20

100

120

km/h

140

160

180

THEFT

101 20

THEFT

SPEED CONT

O/D OFF

SPEED CONT

4WD HIGH

4WD LOW

O/D OFF

Check engine

Your vehicle is equipped with a computer that monitors the engine’s emission control system. This system is commonly known as the On Board Diagnostics System (OBD II). This OBD II system protects the environment by ensuring that your vehicle continues to meet government emission standards. The OBD II system also assists the service technician in properly servicing your vehicle.

CHECK

ENGINE

Instrumentation

The Check Engine indicator light illuminates when the ignition is first turned to the ON position to check the bulb. If it comes on after the engine is started, one of the engine’s emission control systems may be malfunctioning. The light may illuminate without a driveability concern being noted. The vehicle will usually be drivable and will not require towing.

What you should do if the check engine light illuminates

Light turns on solid:

This means that the OBD II system has detected a malfunction. Temporary malfunctions may cause your Check Engine light to

illuminate. Examples are:

1. The vehicle has run out of fuel. (The engine may misfire or run poorly.)

2. Poor fuel quality or water in the fuel.

3. The fuel cap may not have been properly installed and securely tightened.

These temporary malfunctions can be corrected by filling the fuel tank with good quality fuel and/or properly installing and securely tightening the gas cap. After three driving cycles without these or any other temporary malfunctions present, the Check Engine light should turn off. (A driving cycle consists of a cold engine startup followed by mixed city/highway driving.) No additional vehicle service is required.

If the Check Engine light remains on, have your vehicle serviced at the first available opportunity.

Light is blinking:

Engine misfire is occurring which could damage your catalytic converter. You should drive in a moderate fashion (avoid heavy acceleration and deceleration) and have your vehicle serviced at the first available opportunity.

Under engine misfire conditions, excessive exhaust temperatures could damage the catalytic converter, the fuel system, interior

floor coverings or other vehicle components, possibly causing a fire.

Instrumentation

Fuel reset (if equipped)

Illuminates when the ignition key is turned to the ON position and the fuel pump shut-off switch has been triggered. For more information, refer to Fuel pump shut-off switch in the Roadside emergencies chapter.

Air bag readiness

Momentarily illuminates when the ignition is turned ON. If the light fails to illuminate, continues to flash or remains on, have the system serviced immediately.

Safety belt

FUEL

RESET

Momentarily illuminates when the ignition is turned to the ON position to remind you to fasten your safety belts. For more information, refer to the Seating and safety restraints chapter.

Brake system warning

Momentarily illuminates when the ignition is turned to the ON position and the engine is off. Also illuminates when the parking brake is engaged. Illumination after releasing the parking brake indicates low brake fluid level.

Anti-lock brake system (ABS)

Momentarily illuminates when the ignition is turned to the ON position and the engine is off. If the light remains on, continues to flash or fails to illuminate, have the system serviced immediately.

BRAKE

ABS

Instrumentation

Turn signal

Illuminates when the left or right turn signal or the hazard lights are turned on. If one or both of the indicators stay on continuously, check for a burned-out turn signal bulb. Refer to Exterior bulbs in the Maintenance and care chapter.

High beams

Illuminates when the high beam headlamps are turned on.

Alarm system (if equipped)

Illuminates when the alarm system is pre-arming and flashes when the alarm system is active. Refer to

Perimeter alarm system in the Controls and features chapter.

Charging system

Illuminates when the ignition is turned to the ON position and the engine is off. The light also illuminates when the battery is not charging properly, requiring electrical system service.

O/D off (if equipped)

Illuminates when the transmission control switch has been pushed. When the light is on, the transmission does not shift into overdrive. If the light does not come on when the transmission control switch is depressed or if the light flashes when you are driving, have your vehicle serviced.

THEFT

O/D

OFF

Instrumentation

Check gage (if equipped)

Illuminates when the key is in the ON position and the engine coolant temperature is high, the engine oil pressure is low or the fuel level is near empty. Refer to Engine coolant temperature gauge, Engine oil pressure gauge or Fuel gauge in this chapter for more information.

Four wheel drive low (if equipped)

Illuminates when four-wheel drive low is engaged.

CHECK

GAGE

4WD

LOW

Four wheel drive high (if equipped)

Illuminates when four-wheel drive high is engaged.

4WD

HIGH

Door ajar

Illuminates when the ignition is in the ON or START position and any door is open.

Speed control (if equipped)

This light comes on when either the SET/ACCEL or RESUME controls are pressed. It turns off when the speed control OFF control is pressed, the brake is applied or the ignition is turned to the OFF position.

DOOR

AJAR

SPEED

CONT

Instrumentation

Safety belt warning chime

Chimes to remind you to fasten your safety belts. For information on the safety belt warning chime, refer to the Seating

and safety restraints chapter.

Supplemental restraint system (SRS) warning chime

For information on the SRS warning chime, refer to the Seating and safety restraints chapter.

Key-in-ignition warning chime

Sounds when the key is left in the ignition in the OFF/LOCK or ACC position and either front door is opened.

Headlamps on warning chime

Sounds when the headlamps or parking lamps are on, the ignition is off (and the key is not in the ignition) and the driver’s door is opened.

STANDARD INSTRUMENT CLUSTER GAUGES

CHECK ENGINE

<FUEL DOOR

ABS

BRAKE

MPH

0 0 0

100

120

0 0 0 0 0 0

RND21

140

160

km/h

180

101

THEFT

DOOR AJAR

SPEED CONT

O/D OFF

Instrumentation

OPTIONAL INSTRUMENT CLUSTER GAUGES

DOOR

CHECK

FUEL RESET

CHECK ENGINE

GAGE

1 0

BRAKE

ABS

RPMx1000

Fuel gauge

Displays approximately how much fuel is in the fuel tank (when the key is in the ON position). The fuel gauge may vary slightly when the vehicle is in motion. The ignition should be in the OFF position while the vehicle is being refueled. When the gauge first indicates empty, there is a small amount of reserve fuel in the tank. When refueling the vehicle from empty indication, the amount of fuel that can be added will be less than the advertised capacity due to the reserve fuel.

AJAR

RND21

MPH

0 0 0

100

0 0 0 0 0 0

120

km/h

140

160

THEFT

180

101 20

SPEED CONT

4WD HIGH

4WD LOW

O/D OFF

The FUEL DOOR icon and arrow indicates which side of the vehicle the fuel filler door is located.

Engine coolant temperature gauge

Indicates the temperature of the engine coolant. At normal operating temperature, the needle remains within the normal area (the area between the “H” and “C”). If it enters the red section, the engine is overheating. Stop the vehicle as soon as safely possible, switch off the engine immediately and let the engine cool. Refer to Engine

coolant in the Maintenance and care chapter.

Never remove the coolant recovery cap while the engine is running or hot.

Instrumentation

This gauge indicates the temperature of the engine coolant, not the coolant level. If the coolant is not at its proper level the gauge indication will not be accurate.

Tachometer (if equipped)

Indicates the engine speed in revolutions per minute.

1 0

RPMx1000

Instrumentation

Speedometer

Indicates the current vehicle speed.

Odometer

Registers the total kilometers (miles) of the vehicle.

MPH

0 0 0

100

0 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 0

100

0 0 0 0 0 0

120

140

km/h

120

km/h

140

160

180

101 20

Trip odometer

Registers the kilometers (miles) of individual journeys. To reset, depress the control.

MPH

0 0 0

100

0 0 0 0 0 0

120

km/h

140

160

180

101

Engine oil pressure gauge

This shows the engine oil pressure in the system. Sufficient pressure exists as long as the needle remains in the normal range (the area between the “H” and “L”).

If the gauge indicates low pressure, stop the vehicle as soon as safely possible and switch off the engine immediately. Check the oil level. Add oil if needed (refer to Checking and adding engine oil in the Maintenance and care chapter). If the oil level is correct, have your vehicle checked at your dealership or by a qualified technician.

Instrumentation

Battery voltage gauge

This gauge shows the battery voltage when the ignition is in the ON position. If the pointer moves and stays outside the normal operating range (as indicated), have the vehicle’s electrical system checked as soon as possible.

Controls and features

HEADLAMP CONTROL

Rotate the headlamp control to the first position to turn on the parking lamps only. Rotate to the second position to also turn on the headlamps.

Foglamp control (if equipped)

Turn on the low-beam headlamps and press the foglamp control to activate the foglamps. The foglamp control will illuminate when the foglamps are on.

OFF

Press the foglamp control a second time to deactivate the foglamps.

Daytime running lamps (DRL) (if equipped)

Turns the highbeam headlamps on with a reduced output. To activate:

• the engine must be running and

• the headlamp control is in the OFF or Parking lamps position.

The Daytime Running Light (DRL) system will not illuminate the tail lamps and parking lamps. Turn on your headlamps at dusk.

Failure to do so may result in a collision.

High beams

Push forward to activate.

Flash to pass

Pull toward you to activate and release to deactivate.

PANEL DIMMER CONTROL

Use to adjust the brightness of the instrument panel during headlamp and parklamp operation.

• Rotate up to brighten.

Controls and features

• Rotate down to dim.

CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM Heater only system (if equipped)

Fan speed control

Controls the volume of air circulated in the vehicle.

DIM

OFF

Controls and features

Temperature control knob

Controls the temperature of the airflow inside the vehicle. On heater-only systems, the air cannot be cooled below the outside temperature.

Mode selector control

Controls the direction of the airflow

OFF

to the inside of the vehicle.

•

(Vent)-Distributes outside air through the instrument panel

registers.

• (Panel and floor)-Distributes outside air through the instrument panel registers and the floor ducts.

• OFF-Outside air is shut out and the fan will not operate.

•

(Floor)-Allows for maximum heating. Distributes outside air

through the floor ducts.

• (Floor and defrost)-Distributes outside air through the floor ducts and the windshield defroster ducts.

•

-Distributes outside air through the windshield defroster ducts.

It can be used to clear ice or fog from the windshield.

Operating tips

• In humid weather, select before driving. This will help to prevent your windshield from fogging. After a few minutes, select any desired position.

• To prevent humidity buildup inside the vehicle, don’t drive with the climate control system in the OFF position.

• Don’t put objects under the front seat that will interfere with the airflow to the jumper seats (if equipped).

Controls and features

• Remove any snow, ice or leaves from the air intake area (at the bottom of the windshield under the hood).

• When placing objects on top of your instrument panel, be careful to not place them over the defroster outlets. These objects can block airflow and reduce your ability to see through your windshield. Also, avoid placing small objects on top of your instrument panel. These objects can fall down into the defroster outlets and block airflow and possibly damage your climate control system.

Manual heating and air conditioning system (if equipped)

Fan speed control

Controls the volume of air circulated in the vehicle.

Temperature control knob

Controls the temperature of the airflow inside the vehicle.

MAX A/C

OFF

A/C

Controls and features

Mode selector control

Controls the direction of the airflow to the inside of the vehicle.

MAX

A/C

OFF

A/C

The air conditioning compressor will operate in all modes except

and

. However, the air conditioning will only function if the outside

temperature is about 10°C (50°F) or above. Since the air conditioner removes considerable moisture from the air

during operation, it is normal if clear water drips on the ground under the air conditioner drain while the system is working and even after you have stopped the vehicle.

Under normal conditions, your vehicle’s climate control system should be left in any position other than MAX A/C or OFF when the vehicle is parked. This allows the vehicle to “breathe” through the outside air inlet duct.

• MAX A/C-Uses recirculated air to cool the vehicle. MAX A/C is noisier than A/C but more economical and will cool the inside of the vehicle faster. Airflow will be from the instrument panel registers. This mode can also be used to prevent undesirable odors from entering the vehicle.

• A/C-Uses outside air to cool the vehicle. It is quieter than MAX A/C but not as economical. Airflow will be from the instrument panel registers.

•

(Vent)-Distributes outside air through the instrument panel registers. However, the air will not be cooled below the outside temperature because the air conditioning does not operate in this mode.

• OFF-Outside air is shut out and the fan will not operate. For short periods of time only, use this mode to prevent undesirable odors from entering the vehicle.

•

(Panel and floor)-Distributes outside air through the instrument panel registers and the floor ducts. Heating and air conditioning capabilities are provided in this mode. For added customer comfort, when the temperature control knob is anywhere in between the full hot and full cold positions, the air distributed through the floor ducts will be slightly warmer than the air sent to the instrument panel registers.

Controls and features

• (Floor)-Allows for maximum heating by distributing outside air through the floor ducts. However, the air will not be cooled below the outside temperature because the air conditioning does not operate in this mode.

•

(Floor and defrost)-Distributes outside air through the windshield defroster ducts and the floor ducts. Heating and air conditioning capabilities are provided in this mode. For added customer comfort, when the temperature control knob is anywhere in between the full hot and full cold positions, the air distributed through the floor ducts will be slightly warmer than the air sent to the instrument panel registers. If the temperature is about 10°C (50°F) or higher, the air conditioner will automatically dehumidify the air to prevent fogging.

•

-Distributes outside air through the windshield defroster ducts. It can be used to clear ice or fog from the windshield. If the temperature is about 10°C (50°F) or higher, the air conditioner will automatically dehumidify the air to prevent fogging.

Operating tips

• In humid weather, select before driving. This will prevent your windshield from fogging. After a few minutes, select any desired position.

• To prevent humidity buildup inside the vehicle, don’t drive with the climate control system in the OFF position.

• Don’t put objects under the front seat that will interfere with the airflow to the back seats (if equipped).

• Remove any snow, ice or leaves from the air intake area (at the bottom of the windshield under the hood).

• If your vehicle has been parked with the windows closed during hot weather, the air conditioner will do a much faster job of cooling if you drive for two or three minutes with the windows open. This will force most of the hot, stale air out of the vehicle. Then operate your air conditioner as you would normally.

Controls and features

4WD CONTROL (IF EQUIPPED)

This control operates the 4WD. Refer to the Driving chapter for more information.

2WD

4X4

HIGH

4X4

LOW

AUXILIARY POWER POINT

Controls and features

SEEK

TUNE

34AM-FM

OFF

A/C

MAX

A/C

The auxiliary power point is located on the instrument panel. This outlet should be used in place of the cigarette lighter for optional electrical accessories.

PASSENGER AIR BAG DEACTIVATE SWITCH

This switch must be used to deactivate the passenger air bag whenever a child seat is used in the

OFF

right front or center front passenger seat position. Refer to Passenger

OFF

air bag deactivate switch in the Seating and safety restraints

chapter.

PASSENGER AIRBAG

Controls and features

AUDIO SYSTEM

Refer to the “Audio Guide” in your owner portfolio.

TURN SIGNAL CONTROL

• Push down to activate the left turn signal.

• Push up to activate the right turn signal.

SPEED CONTROL (IF EQUIPPED) To turn speed control on

• Press ON.

Vehicle speed cannot be controlled until the vehicle is traveling at or above 48 km/h (30 mph).

Do not use the speed control in heavy traffic or on roads that are winding, slippery, or unpaved.

Do not shift the gearshift lever into N (Neutral) with the speed control on.

OFF

Controls and features

To turn speed control off

• Press OFF or

• Turn off the vehicle ignition.

OFF

Once speed control is switched off, the previously programmed set speed will be erased.

To set a speed

• Press SET ACC/SET ACCEL. For speed control to operate, the speed control must be ON and the vehicle speed must be greater than 48 km/h (30 mph).

RSM

SET

ACC

COAST

If you drive up or down a steep hill, your vehicle speed may vary momentarily slower or faster than the set speed. This is normal.

Speed control cannot reduce the vehicle speed if it increases above the set speed on a downhill. If your vehicle speed is faster than the set speed while driving on a downhill, you may want to shift to the next lower gear or apply the brakes to reduce your vehicle speed.

If your vehicle slows down more than 16 km/h (10 mph) below your set speed on an uphill, your speed control will disengage. This is normal. Pressing RES/RSM/RESUME will re-engage it.

Do not use the speed control in heavy traffic or on roads that are winding, slippery, or unpaved.

Controls and features

To set a higher set speed

• Press and hold SET ACC/SET ACCEL. Release the control when the desired vehicle speed is reached or

• Press and release SET ACC/SET ACCEL. Each press will increase the set speed by 1.6 km/h (1 mph) or

• Accelerate with your accelerator pedal, then press and release SET ACC/SET ACCEL.

You can accelerate with the accelerator pedal at any time during speed control usage. Releasing the accelerator pedal will return your vehicle to the previously programmed set speed.

RSM

SET

ACC

COAST

To set a lower set speed

• Press and hold CST/COAST. Release the control when the desired speed is reached or

• Press and release CST/COAST. Each press will decrease the set speed by 1.6 km/h (1 mph) or

• Depress the brake pedal. When the desired vehicle speed is reached, press SET ACC/SET ACCEL.

RSM

SET

ACC

COAST

RSM

SET

ACC

COAST

To disengage speed control

• Depress the brake pedal or

• Depress the clutch pedal

(if equipped).

Disengaging the speed control will not erase the previously programmed set speed.

Controls and features

Pressing OFF will erase the previously programmed set speed.

OFF

Controls and features

To return to a previously set speed

• Press RES/RSM/RESUME. For RES/RSM/RESUME to operate, the vehicle speed must be faster than 48 km/h (30 mph).

Indicator light (if equipped)

RSM

SET ACC

COAST

This light comes on when either the SET ACC/SET ACCEL or RES/RSM/RESUME controls are

SPEED

CONT

pressed. It turns off when the speed control OFF control is pressed, the brake is applied or the ignition is turned to the OFF position.

OVERDRIVE CONTROL Activating overdrive

(Overdrive) is the normal drive position for the best fuel economy.

The overdrive function allows automatic upshifts to second, third and fourth gear.

Deactivating overdrive

Press the Transmission Control Switch (TCS) located on the end of the gearshift lever. The

O/D

ON/OFF

Transmission Control Indicator Light (TCIL) will illuminate on the instrument cluster.

The transmission will operate in gears one through three. To return to normal overdrive mode, press the Transmission Control Switch again. The TCIL will no longer be illuminated.

When you shut off and re-start your vehicle, the transmission will automatically return to normal

O/D

ON/OFF

(Overdrive) mode.

TILT STEERING (IF EQUIPPED)

Push the steering control away from you to move the steering wheel up or down. Tip the steering wheel to the desired position, then pull the control back into place to lock the steering wheel in position.

Controls and features

Never adjust the steering wheel when the vehicle is moving.

HAZARD FLASHER

For information on the hazard flasher control, refer to Hazard lights control in the Roadside emergencies chapter.

WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER CONTROLS

Rotate the windshield wiper control to the desired interval, low or high speed position.

The bars of varying length are for intermittent wipers. When in this position rotate the control upward for fast intervals and downward for slow intervals.

Push the control on the end of the stalk to activate washer. Push and hold for a longer wash cycle.

Controls and features

POWER WINDOWS (IF EQUIPPED)

Press and hold the rocker switches to open and close windows.

• Press the top portion of the rocker switch to close.

AUTO

• Press the bottom portion of the rocker switch to open.

One touch down

• Press AUTO completely down and release quickly. The window will open fully. Depress again to stop window operation.

AUTO

+ 130 hidden pages

Ford 1998 Ranger Owner's Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual