Ford Ranger 1996 User Manual

Download

Table of Contents

Introductory Information ................ 1

Safety Restraints .................... 9

Starting Your Ranger ..................41

Warning Lights and Gauges ...............53

Instrument Panel Controls ................73

Steering Column Controls ................87

Features ........................99

Electronic Sound Systems ............... 127

Driving Your Ranger ................. 155

Roadside Emergencies ................. 219

Customer Assistance ................. 241

Reporting Safety Defects .............. 247

Accessories ...................... 251

Servicing Your Ranger ................ 257

Quick Index ..................... 337

Index......................... 349

Service Station Information .............. 372

Introductory Information

At Ford Motor Company, excellence is the continuous commitment to achieve the best result possible. It is dedication to learning what you want, determination to develop the right concept, and execution of that concept with care, precision, and attention to detail. In short, excellence means being the standard by which others are judged.

Our Guiding Principles

■ Quality comes first. For your satisfaction, the quality of our

products and services must be our number one priority.

■ You are the focus of everything we do. Our work must be

done with you in mind, providing better products and services than our competition.

■ Continuous improvement is essential to our success. We

must strive for excellence in everything we do: in our products — in their safety and value — and in our services, our human relations, our competitiveness, and our profitability.

■ Employee involvement is our way of life. We are a team.

We must treat one another with trust and respect.

■ Dealers and suppliers are our partners. We must maintain

mutually beneficial relationships with dealers, suppliers, and our other business associates.

■ Integrity is never compromised. Our conduct worldwide

must be pursued in a manner that is socially responsible and commands respect for its integrity and for its positive contributions to society.

Congratulations on the purchase of your new vehicle. This guide has information about the equipment and the options for your new vehicle. You may not have bought all of the options available to you. If you do not know which information applies to your vehicle, talk to your dealer.

This guide describes equipment and gives specifications for equipment that was in effect when this guide was approved for printing. Ford may discontinue models or change specifications or design without any notice and without incurring obligation.

NOTES and WARNINGS

NOTES give you additional information about the subject matter you are referencing.

WARNINGS remind you to be especially careful in those areas where carelessness can cause damage to your vehicle or personal injury to yourself, your passengers or other people. Please read all WARNINGS carefully.

RWARNING

Finding Information in This Guide

After you have read this guide once, you will probably return to it when you have a specific question or need additional information. To help you find specific information quickly, you can use the Quick Index, Table of Contents, or the Index.

The Quick Index at the end of the book provides a page number following each item which indicates where detailed information can be found.

Introductory Information

To use the Index, turn to the back of the book and search in the alphabetical listing for the word that best describes the information you need. If the word you chose is not listed, think of other related words and look them up. We have designed the Index so that you can find information under a technical term.

Canadian Owners — French Version

French Owner Guides can be obtained from your dealer or by writing to Ford Motor Company of Canada, Limited, Service Publications, P.O. Box 1580, Station B, Mississauga, Ontario L4Y 4G3.

Booklet

The Maintenance Schedule and Record booklet lists the services that are most important for keeping your vehicle in good condition. A record log is also provided to help you keep track of all services performed.

Your vehicle is covered by three types of warranties: Basic

Vehicle Warranty, Extended Warranties on certain parts, and Emissions Warranties.

Read your Warranty Information Booklet carefully to find out about your vehicle’s warranties and your basic rights and responsibilities.

If you lose your Warranty Information Booklet, you can get a new one free of charge. Contact any Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer, or refer to the addresses and phone numbers on the first page of this owner guide.

Buying a Ford Extended Service Plan

If you bought your vehicle in the U.S., you can buy a Ford Extended Service Plan for your vehicle. This optional contract provides service protection for a longer period of time than the basic warranty that comes with your vehicle.

You do not have to buy this option when you buy your vehicle. However, your option to purchase the Ford Extended Service Plan runs out after 18 months or 18,000 miles. See your dealer for more details about the Ford Extended Service Plan.

If you purchased a Canadian vehicle and did not take advantage of the Ford Extended Service Plan at the time of purchase, you may still be eligible. See your dealer for the details.

DRIVE VEHICLES

As with other vehicles of this type, failure to operate this vehicle correctly may result in loss of control or an accident. Be sure to read the Additional Special Driving Instructions for Four-Wheel Drive Vehicle Operators, in this book and the special supplement included with four-wheel drive vehicles entitled 4-Wheeling with Ford.

Introductory Information

Your new vehicle goes through an adjustment or break-in period during the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km) that you drive it. During the break-in period, you need to pay careful attention to how you drive your vehicle.

■ Avoid sudden stops. Because your vehicle has new brake

linings, you should take these steps: — Watch traffic carefully so that you can anticipate when to

stop. — Begin braking well in advance. — Apply the brakes gradually. The break-in period for new brake linings lasts for 100 miles

(160 km) of city driving or 1,000 miles (1,600 km) of highway driving.

■ Wheel lug nuts must be retightened to proper torque

specifications at 500 miles/800 km of new vehicle operation. Proper torque specifications are provided in this guide. Also retighten to proper torque specification at 500 miles/800 km after any wheel change or any other time the wheel lug nuts have been loosened.

■ Use only the type of engine oil that Ford recommends. See

Engine oil recommendations in the Index. Do not use special “break-in” oils.

Some vehicles are equipped with a Powertrain Control Module that limits engine speeds with a cut-out mode to promote durability.

Pollen, bird droppings and tree sap can damage the paint, especially in hot weather. Wash your vehicle as often as necessary to keep it clean.

Take similar precautions if your vehicle is exposed to chemical industrial fallout.

Paint damage resulting from fallout is not related to a defect in paint materials or workmanship and therefore is not covered by warranty. Ford, however, believes that continual improvement in customer satisfaction is a high priority. For this reason, Ford has authorized its dealers to repair, at no charge to the owner, the surfaces of new vehicles damaged by environmental fallout within 12 months or 12,000 miles (20,000 km) of purchase, whichever comes first. Customers may be required to bring their vehicle in for inspection by a Ford representative.

Washing and Polishing Your Vehicle

Wash the outside of your vehicle, including the underside, with a mild detergent.

DO NOT:

■ Wash your vehicle with hot water

■ Wash your vehicle while it sits in direct sunlight

■ Wash your vehicle while the body is hot

Polish your vehicle to remove harmful deposits and protect the finish.

Cleaning Chrome and Aluminum Parts

Wash chrome and aluminum parts with a mild detergent. Do not use steel wool, abrasive cleaners, fuel or strong detergents.

Introductory Information

Cleaning Plastic Parts

Some of your vehicle’s exterior trim parts are plastic. Clean with a tar and road oil remover if necessary. Use a vinyl cleaner for routine cleaning.

Do not clean plastic parts with thinners, solvents or petroleum-based cleaners.

If you have your vehicle rustproofed, remove oversprayed rustproofing with a tar and road oil remover. If rustproofing is not removed from plastic and rubber parts, it can cause deterioration.

Because your vehicle’s side mouldings are painted in lacquer, do not use thinners or solvents to clean them.

Safety Restraints

The use of safety belts helps to restrain you and your passengers in case of a collision. In most states and in Canada the law requires their use.

Safety belts provide best restraint when:

■ the seatback is upright

■ the occupant is sitting upright (not slouched)

■ the lap belt is snug and low on the hips

■ the shoulder belt is snug against the chest

■ the knees are straight forward

To help you remember to fasten your safety belt, a warning light may come on and a chime may sound. See Safety Belt Warning Light and Chime in the Warning Lights and Gauges chapter.

See the following sections in this chapter for directions on how to properly use these safety belts. Also see Safety Restraints for Children in this chapter for special instructions about using safety belts for children.

RWARNING

Make sure that you and your passengers wear safety belts. Always drive and ride with your seatback upright and the lap belt snug and low across the hips.

RWARNING

Never let a passenger hold a child on his or her lap while the vehicle is moving. The passenger cannot protect the child from injury in a collision.

RWARNING

Ford recommends that all safety belt assemblies and attaching hardware should be inspected by a qualified technician after any collision. Safety belt assemblies not in use during a collision should also be inspected and replaced if either damage or improper operation is noted.

RWARNING

To reduce the risk of serious injury in a collision, children should always ride with the seatback upright.

RWARNING

Never wear the shoulder belt under the arm. Never swing it around the neck over the inside shoulder. Never use a single belt for more than one person or across more than one seating position. Each seating position in your vehicle has a specific safety belt assembly which is made up of one buckle and one tongue that are designed to be used as a pair. Failure to follow these precautions could increase the risk and/or severity of injury in a collision.

RWARNING

Lock the doors of your vehicle before driving to lessen the risk of the door coming open in a collision.

Safety Restraints

While your vehicle is in motion, the combination lap and shoulder belt adjusts to your movement. However, if you brake hard, turn hard, or if your vehicle receives an impact of 5 mph (8 km/h) or more, the lap/shoulder belt locks and helps reduce your forward movement.

After you get into your vehicle, close the door and lock it. Then adjust the seat to the position that suits you best.

Pull the combination lap/shoulder belt from the retractor so that the shoulder portion of the belt crosses your shoulder and chest. Be sure the belt is not twisted. If it is, remove the twist. Insert the belt tongue into the proper buckle until you hear a snap and feel it latch. Make sure the tongue is securely fastened to the buckle by pulling on tongue.

Unfastening the outboard lap/shoulder belts

NOTE: Be sure to read and understand Important Safety Belt

Information at the beginning of this chapter.

Unfastening the outboard lap/shoulder belts

While the belt retracts, guide the tongue to its original position to prevent it from striking you or the vehicle.

Safety Belts for Front Outboard Passenger and Rear Outboard Seating Positions

Your vehicle is equipped with a dual locking mode retractor on the shoulder belt portion of the combination lap/shoulder safety belt for the front seat outboard passenger and rear outboard passengers.

Dual locking mode retractors operate in two ways:

Vehicle sensitive (emergency) locking mode

In this operating mode, the shoulder belt retractor will allow the occupant freedom of movement, locking tight only on hard braking, hard cornering or impacts of approximately 5 mph (8 km/h) or more. The retractor can also be made to lock by pulling the belt out quickly.

Safety Restraints

Automatic locking mode

In this operating mode, the shoulder belt retractor will be automatically locked and will remain locked when the combination lap/shoulder safety belt is buckled, and does not allow the occupant freedom of movement. This mode provides the following:

■ A tight lap/shoulder belt on the occupant.

■ Child safety seat installation.

This mode must be used when installing a child safety seat on the front passenger seat and rear outboard seats where dual locking retractors are provided.

To switch the retractor from the emergency locking mode to the automatic locking mode, perform the following steps:

until all of the belt is extracted and, when allowed to retract, a clicking sound is heard. At this time, the belt retractor is in the automatic locking mode (child restraint mode).

allowed to retract. This indicates that the retractor is in the automatic locking mode.

NOTE: When the combination lap/shoulder belt is unbuckled

and allowed to retract completely, the retractor will switch to the vehicle sensitive (emergency) locking mode. See the detailed instructions under Safety Seats for Children in this chapter.

Shoulder Belt Height Adjustment

Driver and right front passenger

The driver and right front passenger shoulder belt height is adjustable to one of four (4) positions (Regular cab model) or five (5) positions (Super cab model).

To adjust the belt down, push the release button on the adjuster down and slide the adjuster down. Then release the button and make sure the adjuster is firmly in one of the positions. To adjust the belt up, slide the adjuster up. (You do not have to push the release button.) Slide it up or down until the belt rests across the middle of your shoulder.

RWARNING

Position the shoulder belt height adjuster so that the belt rests across the middle of your shoulder. Be sure the shoulder belt is properly positioned on your shoulder each time you use the belt. If the shoulder belt is off your shoulder, on your upper arm or neck, there is a greater risk of severe injury in a collision.

NOTE: Be sure the belt is properly positioned on your

shoulder each time you use the belt.

Safety Restraints

Shoulder belt height adjuster — full up position (regular cab models)

Adjusting shoulder belt height (regular cab models)

Safety Restraints

Shoulder belt height adjuster — full down position (regular cab models)

Shoulder belt height adjuster — full up position (SuperCab models)

Safety Restraints

Adjusting shoulder belt height (SuperCab models)

Shoulder belt height adjuster — full down position (SuperCab models)

RWARNING

Use the shoulder belt on the outside shoulder only. Never wear the shoulder belt under the arm. Never swing it around the neck over the inside shoulder. Never use a single belt for more than one person. Failure to follow these precautions could increase the risk and/or severity of injury in a collision.

To tighten the lap portion of the belt, pull up on the shoulder belt until it fits you snugly. The belt should rest as low on your hips as possible.

Safety Restraints

Unfastening the outboard lap/shoulder belts

Center Front Lap Belt (If equipped)

The lap belt in the center of the front seat does not adjust automatically. You must adjust it to fit snugly around your hips. Do not wear it around your waist.

To fasten the belt, pull the belt across your hips and insert the tongue into the correct buckle on your seat until you hear a snap and feel it lock. Make sure the buckle is securely fastened.

If you need to lengthen the belt, unfasten it and tip the belt tongue at a right angle to the belt. Pull the belt tongue over your lap until it reaches the buckle.

If you need to shorten the belt, pull on the loose end of the webbing until the belt fits snugly.

To unfasten the belt, push the release button on the buckle. This allows the tongue to unlatch from the buckle.

Because the center front lap belt does not have a retractor, it should be shortened and fastened when not in use.

Fastening and unfastening the front center safety belt

RWARNING

The lap belts should fit snugly and as low as possible around the hips, not around the waist.

Rear Lap Belt with Retractor

Pull the belt out of the retractor with a steady motion and insert the tongue into the proper buckle until you hear a snap and feel the latch engage.

To Unfasten the Safety Belts with Retractors:

tongue to unlatch from the buckle.

position. If you do not guide the tongue, it may strike you or part of the vehicle.

Safety Restraints

Safety Belt Extension Assembly

For some people, the safety belt may be too short even when it is fully extended. You can add about eight inches (20 cm) to the belt length with a safety belt extension assembly (part number 611C22). Safety belt extensions are available at no cost from your dealer.

Use only extensions manufactured by the same supplier as the safety belt. Manufacturer identification is located at the end of the webbing on the label. Also, use the safety belt extension only if the safety belt is too short for you when fully extended. Do not use extension to change the fit of the shoulder belt across the torso.

RWARNING

Failure to follow these instructions will affect the performance of the safety belts and increase the risk of personal injury.

Check the safety belt systems periodically to make sure that they work properly and are not damaged.

The short plastic boot on the front safety belt at the outboard anchor location (Regular Cab, driver; SuperCab, driver and passenger) covers an energy absorbing sew pattern on the safety belt. In the event of an accident, the sew pattern may release, and the colored label (REPLACE BELT) may become visible. If this occurs, the safety belt must be replaced.

Energy absorbing sew pattern

Safety Restraints

RWARNING

FAILURE TO REPLACE THE SAFETY BELT ASSEMBLY UNDER THE ABOVE CONDITIONS COULD RESULT IN SEVERE PERSONAL INJURIES IN THE EVENT OF A COLLISION.

All safety belt assemblies, including retractors, buckles, front seat belt buckle support assemblies (slide bar) (if equipped), child safety seat tether bracket assemblies (if equipped), and attaching hardware, should be inspected after any collision. Ford recommends that all safety belt assemblies used in vehicles involved in a collision be replaced. However, if the collision was minor and a qualified technician finds that the belts do not show damage and continue to operate properly, they do not need to be replaced. Safety belt assemblies not in use during a collision should also be inspected and replaced if either damage or improper operation is noted.

Cleaning the Safety Belts

Clean the safety belts with any mild soap solution that is recommended for cleaning upholstery or carpets. Do not bleach or dye the belt webbing because this may weaken it.

(SRS)

The driver and right front passenger air bags are Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS), provided at these seating positions in addition to the lap/shoulder belt, and are designed to supplement the protection provided to properly belted occupants in moderate to severe frontal collisions. The supplemental air bag system does not provide restraint to the lower body.

The Importance of Wearing Safety Belts

RWARNING

Safety belts must be worn by all vehicle occupants to be properly restrained and help reduce the risk of injury in a collision.

RWARNING

All occupants of the vehicle, including the driver, should always wear their safety belts, even when an air bag Supplemental Restraint System is provided.

There are four very important reasons to use safety belts even with an air bag system. Use your safety belts to:

■ help keep you in the proper position (away from the air bag)

when it inflates

■ reduce the risk of harm in rollover, side or rear impact

collisions, because an air bag is not designed to inflate in such situations

■ reduce the risk of harm in frontal collisions that are not

severe enough to activate the supplemental air bag

■ reduce the risk of being thrown from your vehicle

RWARNING

The right front passenger air bag is not designed to restrain occupants in the center front seating position.

Safety Restraints

The Importance of Being Properly Seated

In a collision, the air bag must inflate extremely fast to help provide additional protection for you. In order to do this, the air bag must inflate with considerable force. If you are not seated in a normal riding position with your back against the seatback, the air bag may not protect you properly and could possibly hurt you as it inflates.

Important Information About the Right Front Passenger Air Bag (If equipped)

It is important for the front seat passengers’ safety that they remain properly seated whenever the vehicle is moving. This means that small children should be secured in appropriate child safety seats or infant seats, and all other occupants should sit upright, with their backs against the seatback, and restrained by lap and shoulder belts. No passenger should sit toward the front edge of the seat, or stand or lean near the air bag cover (which is near the glove box).

RWARNING

Rear-facing infant seats should not be placed in the front seat unless the passenger air bag deactivate switch is turned to OFF. In rear-facing infant seats, the infant’s head is closer to the passenger air bag. The force of the rapidly inflating air bag could push the top of the rear-facing seat against the vehicle seatback. Turning the passenger air bag deactivate switch to OFF will prevent the passenger air bag from deploying, avoiding any interaction between the passenger air bag and the rear-facing infant seat.

Passenger Air Bag Deactivate Switch

If your vehicle is equipped with the passenger air bag option, it also has a passenger air bag deactivate switch. The switch is located at the lower center of the instrument panel, next to the ashtray. The switch must be used to turn off the passenger air bag when a rear-facing infant seat is installed in the right front or center front passenger seat position. To turn the passenger air bag off:

NOTE: If the yellow peel-off label is still on the switch, pull

the tab to remove it, and discard it.

word OFF printed on the instrument panel.

RWARNING

In order to avoid inadvertent deployment of the passenger air bag, always remove the ignition key from the passenger air bag deactivate switch.

ignition switch is placed in ON.

RWARNING

If the light fails to illuminate when the passenger air bag switch is in the OFF position and the ignition switch is in ON, have the passenger air bag switch serviced at your Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer immediately.

The passenger air bag will remain off until it is turned on. When the infant seat is removed, turn the air bag on. To turn the passenger air bag on:

Safety Restraints

ON printed on the instrument panel.

ignition switch is placed in ON.

RWARNING

If the light is illuminated when the passenger air bag switch is in the ON position and the ignition switch is in ON, have the passenger air bag switch serviced at your Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer immediately.

The amber OFF light warns the driver and any passengers that the passenger air bag is turned off. The passenger air bag should be turned off ONLY when the rear-facing infant seat is installed at the right front or center front seats.

RWARNING

Keep the passenger air bag turned on unless there is a rear-facing infant seat installed in the front seat. When the passenger air bag switch is turned off, the passenger air bag will not inflate in a collision.

How the Air Bag Supplemental Restraint System Operates

The Air Bag Supplemental Restraint System consists of the driver air bag, passenger air bag (if equipped), impact sensors, a system diagnostic module, a readiness light and tone, and the electrical wiring which connects the components.

The location of the air bags and warning labels

Safety Restraints

The driver air bag is in the center of the steering wheel. The right front passenger seat air bag (if equipped) is in the upper right hand section of the instrument panel ledge above the glove compartment.

If a collision occurs, the sensors sense the severity of the impact and activate the air bags if necessary. The air bag system is designed to deploy in frontal and front-angled collisions more severe than hitting a parked vehicle (of similar size and weight) head-on at about 28 mph (45 km/h). Because the system senses the crash severity rather than vehicle speed, some frontal collisions at speeds above 28 mph (45 km/h) will not inflate the air bag.

When the sensors activate the system, the air bags inflate rapidly, filling with non-toxic nitrogen gas in a fraction of a second. Immediately after inflation, the air bags deflate by releasing the nitrogen gas through vent holes. The whole process takes place in a matter of seconds.

RWARNING

Air bag system components get hot after inflation. Do not touch them after inflation.

The air bag system uses a readiness light on the instrument cluster and a tone to indicate the condition of the system. When you turn the ignition key to the ON position, this light will illuminate for approximately six (6) seconds and then turn off. This indicates that the system is operating normally. NOTE: Maintenance of the air bag system is not required.

Inflated driver-side air bag

Safety Restraints

Inflated passenger-side air bag

RWARNING

If the air bag is inflated, THE AIR BAG WILL NOT FUNCTION AGAIN AND MUST BE REPLACED IMMEDIATELY. If the air bag is not replaced, the unrepaired area will increase the risk of injury in a collision.

To ensure that the air bag system will operate as intended in a crash, the system is equipped with a diagnostic module, which controls a readiness lamp and a warning tone. The diagnostic module monitors its own circuits, the air bag electrical system, the air bag readiness light, the air bag power, and the air bag inflators.

A problem with the system is indicated by one or more of the following:

■ the readiness light will either flash or stay lit,

■ or it will not light immediately after ignition is turned on,

■ or a group of five beeps will be heard. The tone pattern will

repeat periodically until the problem and light are repaired.

If any of these things happen, have the air bag system serviced at your Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer immediately. Unless serviced, the air bag supplemental restraint system may not function properly in the event of a collision.

RWARNING

Do not attempt to service, repair, or modify the Air Bag Supplemental Restraint System or its fuses. See your Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer.

Disposal of supplemental air bag equipped vehicles

For disposal of air bags or air bag equipped vehicles, see your local Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer. Air bags MUST be disposed of by qualified personnel.

In the U.S. and Canada, you are required by law to use safety restraints for children. If small children ride in your vehicle — this generally includes children who are four years old or younger and who weigh 40 pounds (18 kg) or less — you must put them in safety seats that are made specially for children. Safety belts alone do not provide maximum protection for these children. Check your local and state laws for specific requirements.

Safety Restraints

RWARNING

Never let a passenger hold a child on his or her lap while the vehicle is moving. The passenger cannot protect the child from injury in a collision.

RWARNING

To prevent the risk of injury, make sure children sit where they can be properly restrained.

RWARNING

It is extremely dangerous to ride in a cargo area, inside or outside of a vehicle. In a collision, people riding in these areas are more likely to be seriously injured or killed.

RWARNING

Do not allow people to ride in any area of your vehicle that is not equipped with seats and safety belts.

RWARNING

Be sure everyone in your vehicle is in a seat and using a safety belt properly.

RWARNING

Carefully follow all of the manufacturer’s instructions included with the safety seat you put in your vehicle. If you do not install and use the safety seat properly, the child may be injured in a sudden stop or collision.

When possible, put children in the rear seat of your vehicle. Accident statistics suggest that children are safer when properly restrained in the rear seating positions than in the front seating positions.

RWARNING

Do not install a child seat in a center facing jump seat.

RWARNING

Safety belts and seats can become hot in a vehicle that has been closed up in sunny weather; they could burn a small child. Check seat covers and buckles before you place a child anywhere near them.

RWARNING

Never leave a child unattended in your vehicle.

Safety Seats for Children

Use a safety seat that is recommended for the size and weight of the child. Always follow the safety seat manufacturer’s instructions when installing and using the safety seat.

Ford recommends the use of a child safety seat having a top tether strap. Install the child safety seat in a seating position which is capable of providing a tether anchorage. For more information on top tether straps see Attaching Safety Seats With Tether Straps in this chapter.

When installing a child safety seat, be sure to use the correct safety belt buckle for that seating position, and make sure the tongue is securely fastened in the buckle. For a shoulder/lap belt combination with a sliding tongue, make sure the retractor is in the automatic locking mode.

Safety Restraints

All child restraint systems are designed to be secured in vehicle seats by lap belts or by the lap portion of a lap-shoulder belt.

RWARNING

If you do not properly secure the safety seat, the child occupying the seat may be injured during a collision or sudden stop. An unsecured safety seat could also injure other passengers.

RWARNING

Seatbacks should be upright for use with child safety seats.

RWARNING

Always keep the buckle release button pointing upward and away from the child seat, with the tongue between the child seat and the release button as shown in the following illustration.

Attaching Safety Seats With Tether Straps

General Instructions

Some manufacturers make safety seats that include a tether strap that goes over the back of the vehicle seat and attaches to an anchoring point. Other manufacturers offer the tether strap as an accessory. Contact the manufacturer of your child safety seat for information about ordering a tether strap.

You can attach a tether strap anchor bracket to the cab inner back panel by using a tether anchor kit (613D74) available at no charge from any Ford dealer.

Read and follow the instructions provided with the kit carefully, for installation of the child tether strap anchor.

Safety Restraints

Follow the child seat manufacturer’s instructions to attach the tether strap to the tether bracket.

RWARNING

Only use the tether attachment hole locations shown in the illustrations. The tether anchor may not perform properly if the wrong mounting location is used.

In Super Cabs equipped with Center Facing Jump Seats, the tether strap anchor bracket should be installed only at the center of the cab’s back panel with the child seat in the front center seating position. Installing an anchor bracket at the right rear of the cab may increase risk of injury to an occupant of the right rear center facing jump seat in the event of a collision or sudden stop. If a tethered child seat is installed in the right front seating position, secure the tether strap to the webbing of the buckled right rear lap belt.

RWARNING

Do not install a child seat in a center facing jump seat.

Safety Belts for Children

Children who are too large for child safety seats should always wear safety belts. (See instructions with your child seat, or contact its manufacturer, to determine maximum size of child that will safely fit in the seat.)

RWARNING

If safety belts are not properly worn and adjusted as described, the risk of serious injury to the child in a collision will be much greater.

If the shoulder belt portion of one of the lap and shoulder belts can be positioned so that it does not cross or rest in front of the child’s face or neck, the child should wear the lap and shoulder belt. Moving the child closer to the center of the vehicle may help provide a good shoulder belt fit.

To improve the fit of lap and shoulder belts on children who have outgrown child safety seats, Ford recommends use of a belt-positioning booster seat that is labelled as conforming to all Federal motor vehicle safety standards. Belt-positioning booster seats raise the child and provide a shorter, firmer seating cushion that encourages safer seating posture and better fit of lap and shoulder belts on the child. A belt-positioning booster should be used if the shoulder belt rests in front of the child’s face or neck, or if the lap belt does not fit snugly on both thighs, or if the thighs are too short to let the child sit all the way back on the seat cushion when the lower legs hang over the edge of the seat cushion. You may wish to discuss the specific needs of your child with your pediatrician.

Lap belts and the lap belt portion of lap and shoulder belts should always be worn snugly and below the hips, touching the child’s thighs.

RWARNING

To reduce the risk of serious injury in a collision, children should always ride with the seatback upright.

Starting Your Ranger

Understanding the Positions of the Ignition

The positions of the key in the ignition lock cylinder.

ACCESSORY allows some of your vehicle’s electrical accessories such as the radio and the windshield wipers to operate while the engine is not running.

In order to turn the key from the ON or OFF position to the ACCESSORY position, you must push the key release button if your vehicle’s manual transmission gearshift is mounted on the floor.

LOCK locks the steering wheel and gearshift lever.

RWARNING

LOCK does not lock the gearshift on console or floor-mounted manual transaxle gearshifts. If the parking brake is not set and the gearshift is moved out of gear, your vehicle may move unexpectedly and injure someone.

A neutral tow feature is available on your vehicle. See your dealer for more information.

RWARNING

Do not leave the vehicle unattended with the transfer case in the N (Neutral) position. Always set the parking brake fully and turn off the ignition when leaving the vehicle.

LOCK is the only position that allows you to remove the key. The LOCK feature helps to protect your vehicle from theft.

If your key is stuck in the LOCK position and will not turn, move your steering wheel left or right until the key turns freely.

OFF allows you to shut off the engine and all accessories without locking the steering wheel or the automatic transmission gearshift lever.

ON allows you to test your vehicle’s warning lights (except the brake system warning light) to make sure they work before you start the engine. The key returns to the ON position once the engine is started and remains in this position while the engine runs.

START cranks the engine. Release the key once the engine starts so that you do not damage the starter. The key should return to ON when you release it. The START position also allows you to test the brake warning light.

Ignition Key Buzzer or Chime

The buzzer or chime will sound if you open the driver’s door while the key is in the ignition. Never leave your vehicle unattended with the key in the ignition.

Starting Your Ranger

Removing the Key From the Ignition

Procedures for removing your key from the ignition will vary, depending on the type of gearshift your vehicle has. Gearshift levers may be mounted on the steering column or on the floor or console.

If you have a manual transmission, you have a key release lever which allows you to remove your key from the ignition. The key release lever is on the upper right of the steering column, just above the key lock cylinder.

If your vehicle’s gearshift lever is mounted on the column:

the service brake. (This will avoid “binding” or “loading” the park gear if you park on a grade.)

If your vehicle’s gearshift lever is mounted on the floor:

the service brake.

RWARNING

Always set the parking brake fully and make sure that the gearshift is latched in P (Park) (automatic transmission) or 1 (First) (manual transmission).

RWARNING

Do not leave children, unreliable adults, or pets alone in your vehicle. They could accidentally injure themselves or others through inadvertent operation of the vehicle. Further, on hot, sunny days, temperatures in a closed vehicle could quickly become high enough to cause severe and possibly fatal injuries to people as well as animals.

When starting a fuel-injected engine, the most important thing to remember is to avoid pressing down on the accelerator before or during starting. Only use the accelerator when you

have problems getting your vehicle started. See Starting Your Engine in this chapter for details about when to use the

accelerator while you start your vehicle.

Preparing to Start Your Vehicle

RWARNING

Do not start your vehicle in a closed garage or other enclosed area. Never sit in a stopped vehicle for more than a short period of time with the engine running. Exhaust fumes are toxic. See Guarding Against Exhaust Fumes in this chapter for more instructions.

Starting Your Ranger

Before you start your vehicle, do the following:

belts. See Safety Restraints in the Index for more details.

off when starting.

gearshift lever is in P (Park) and the parking brake is set before you turn the key.

parking brake is fully set, push the clutch pedal to the floor, and put the gearshift into Neutral before you turn the key. (Remember, the starter will operate only if the clutch pedal is pushed in all the way).

Before you start your vehicle, you should test the warning lights on the instrument panel to make sure that they work. Refer to the Warning Lights and Gauges chapter.

Starting Your Engine

To start your engine:

beginning of this section.

engine. DO NOT use the accelerator while the vehicle is parked.

engine starts. Allow the key to return to the ON position after the engine has started.

wheel slightly because it may be binding.

For a cold engine:

■ At temperatures 10˚F (-12˚C) and below: If the engine does

not start in fifteen (15) seconds on the first try, turn the key to OFF, wait approximately ten (10) seconds so you do not flood the engine, then try again.

■ At temperatures above 10˚F (-12˚C): If the engine does not

start in five (5) seconds on the first try, turn the key to OFF, wait approximately ten (10) seconds so you do not flood the engine, then try again.

For a warm engine:

■ Do not hold the key in the START position for more than

five (5) seconds at a time. If the engine does not start within five (5) seconds on the first try, turn the key to the OFF position. Wait a few seconds after the starter stops, then try again.

Whenever you start your vehicle, release the key as soon as the engine starts. Excessive cranking could damage the starter.

After starting, allow the engine to idle for a few seconds before driving away.

If the engine does not start after two attempts:

Then drive away in the normal manner.

If the engine still does not start, the fuel pump shut-off switch may have been triggered. For directions on how to reset the switch see Fuel Pump Shut-Off Switch later in this chapter.

Starting Your Ranger

A computer system controls the engine’s idle speed. When you start your vehicle, the engine’s idle speed normally runs high. These faster engine speeds will make your vehicle coast slightly faster than its normal idle speed. It should, however, slow down after a short time. If it does not, have the idle speed checked.

If the engine idle speed does not slow down automatically, do not allow your vehicle to idle for more than 10 minutes. Have the vehicle checked.

RWARNING

Extended idling at high engine speeds can produce very high temperatures in the engine and exhaust system, creating the risk of fire or other damage.

RWARNING

Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in dry grass or other dry ground cover. The emission system heats up the engine compartment and exhaust system, which can start a fire.

If you consistently start your vehicle in subzero temperatures, use an engine block heater (if your vehicle has this option).

Engine Block Heater (If equipped)

Engine block heaters are strongly recommended if you live in a region where temperatures reach s20˚F (s29˚C) or below consistently during the winter months. An engine block heater warms the engine coolant, which improves starting, warms up the engine faster, and allows the heater-defrost system to respond quickly.

RWARNING

To prevent electrical shock, do not use your heater with ungrounded electrical systems or two-pronged (cheater) adapters.

For best results, plug the heater in at least three hours before you start your vehicle. Using the heater for longer than three hours will not damage the engine, so you can plug it in at night to start your vehicle the following morning.

NOTE: Be sure to disconnect the engine block heater before

driving your vehicle.

Does Not Start After a Collision

The Fuel Pump Shut-off Switch

If the engine cranks but does not start or does not start after a collision, the fuel pump shut-off switch may have been triggered. The shut-off switch is a device intended to stop the fuel pump when your vehicle has been involved in a major jolt.

Once the shut-off switch is triggered, you must reset the switch by hand before you can start your vehicle.

Starting Your Ranger

Fuel pump shut-off switch location

RWARNING

If you see or smell fuel, do not reset the switch or try to start your vehicle. Have all the passengers get out of the vehicle and call the local fire department or a towing service.

If your engine cranks but does not start after a collision or substantial jolt:

down. If the button is already set, you may have a different mechanical problem.

OFF.

smell fuel, do not start your vehicle again. If you do not see or smell fuel, you can try to start your vehicle again.

Reset button for fuel pump shut-off switch

Guarding Against Exhaust Fumes

Carbon monoxide, although colorless and odorless, is present in exhaust fumes. Take precautions to avoid its dangerous effects.

RWARNING

Never let your vehicle idle in an enclosed area, and do not sit in a parked vehicle, (with the engine running) for more than a short period of time. Exhaust fumes, particularly carbon monoxide, might build up. These fumes are harmful and could kill you.

RWARNING

If you smell exhaust fumes inside your vehicle, have your dealer inspect your vehicle immediately. Do not drive if you smell exhaust fumes.

Starting Your Ranger

Have the exhaust and body ventilation systems checked whenever:

■ your vehicle is raised for service

■ the sound of the exhaust system changes

■ your vehicle has been damaged in a collision

Improve your ventilation by keeping all air inlet vents clear of snow, leaves, and other debris.

If the engine is idling while you are stopped in an open area for long periods of time, open the windows at least one inch (2.5 cm). Also, adjust the heating or air conditioning system to bring in outside air.

■ HEATING — Set fan speed to medium or high, the function

control knob on any position except OFF and the temperature control knob on any desired position.

■ AIR CONDITIONING — Set fan speed to medium or high

with the function control knob on any position (except OFF or MAX A/C) and the temperature control knob at a comfortable level.

Warning Lights and Gauges

The instrument panel (dashboard) on your vehicle is divided into several different sections. The illustrations on the following pages show the major parts of the instrument panel that are described in this chapter. Some items shown may not be on all vehicles.

Your vehicle has one of the following clusters:

■ A mechanical cluster

■ A mechanical cluster with tachometer

If you are not sure which cluster your vehicle has, check the diagrams on the following pages of this section.

Mechanical Cluster

Mechanical cluster with tachometer

Warning Lights and Gauges

The following warning lights and gauges are on the mechanical cluster. All of the warning lights and gauges alert you to possible problems with your vehicle. Some of the lights listed are optional. The following sections detail what each of these indicators means.

Brake System Warning Light

The warning light for the brakes can show two things — that the parking brake is not fully released, or that the brake fluid level is low in the master cylinder reservoir. If the fluid level is low, the brake system should be checked by your dealer or a qualified service technician.

This light comes on when you turn the ignition key to START to verify that the indicator bulb is working. If the light stays on or comes on after you have released the parking brake fully, have the hydraulic brake system serviced.

RWARNING

The BRAKE light indicates that the brakes may not be working properly. Have the brakes checked immediately.

Brake warning light symbols

Warning Lights and Gauges

Anti-lock Brake Warning Light

To check the ABS brake warning light, turn the ignition key to ON. The ABS brake warning light should glow momentarily.

NOTE: If the ABS brake warning light does not glow

momentarily, have your vehicle’s electrical system checked immediately. If the light begins to flash in a repeatable flash sequence, check the anti-lock system continuous power fuse and brakelamps for proper operation.

Anti-lock warning light symbol

RWARNING

If the anti-lock brake system warning light remains on or comes on while driving, have the braking system checked by a qualified service technician as soon as possible.

NOTE: If a fault occurs in the anti-lock system, and the brake

warning light is not lit, the anti-lock system is disabled but normal brake function remains operational.

Safety Belt Warning Light and Chime

The safety belt warning light/chime reminds you to fasten your safety belt. One of the following will take place:

■ If the safety belt is not buckled when the key is turned to

the ON position, the light comes on for 60 seconds and the chime sounds for 4 to 8 seconds.

■ If the safety belt is buckled while the light is on and the

chime is sounding, both the light and chime turn off.

■ If safety belt is buckled before the key is turned to the ON

position, both the light and the chime will not turn on.

Safety belt warning light symbol

Air Bag Readiness Light

This light illuminates for approximately six seconds when the ignition key is turned to the ON position to verify that the indicator bulb is working and the air bag system is operating normally.

RWARNING

A problem with the air bag system is indicated by one or more of the following: the readiness light will either flash or stay lit, or it will not light, or a group of five beeps will be heard.

RWARNING

If any of these things happen, even intermittently, have the air bag system serviced at your Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer immediately.

Warning Lights and Gauges

Air bag readiness light symbol

Passenger Air Bag OFF Light

The passenger air bag OFF light is located in the lower center of the instrument panel next to the passenger air bag defeat switch. This yellow indicator light illuminates whenever the passenger air bag is turned off and the ignition is on. The passenger air bag should be turned off only when a rear-facing infant seat is installed in the front passenger seat.

Door Ajar Warning Light (If equipped)

If the ignition switch is in the ON position and any door or the liftgate is not completely closed, the light will illuminate.

Door ajar warning light symbol

Check Engine Warning Light

The Powertrain On-Board Diagnostic II (OBD II) system consists of the hardware and software necessary to monitor the operation of the powertrain. The OBD II system is designed to check the function of the vehicle’s powertrain control system during normal operation. If an emission problem is detected, the Check Engine Warning Light (in the cluster) is turned on.

Modification or additions to the vehicle may cause incorrect operation of the OBD II system. Additions such as burglar alarms, cellular phones, and CB radios must be carefully installed. Do not install these devices by tapping into or running wires close to powertrain control system wires or components.

The light comes on briefly when you turn the ignition key to the ON position, but it should turn off when the engine cranks. If the light does not come on when you turn the ignition to the ON position or if it comes on and stays on when you are driving, have your vehicle serviced as soon as conveniently possible. This indicates a possible problem with one of the engine’s emission control systems. You do not need to have

your vehicle towed in.

If the light turns on and off at one (1) second intervals while you are driving the vehicle, it means that the engine is misfiring. If this condition persists, damage could occur to the engine or catalytic convertor. Have your vehicle serviced at the first opportunity. You do not need to have your vehicle towed in.

If the light turns on and off on rare occasions while you are driving, it means that a malfunction occurred and the condition corrected itself.

An example of a condition which corrects itself occurs when an engine running out of fuel begins to misfire. In this case, the Check Engine Warning Light may turn on and will then set a Diagnostic Trouble Code indicating that the engine was

Warning Lights and Gauges

misfiring while the last of the fuel was being consumed. After refueling, the Check Engine Warning Light will turn off after the vehicle has completed three consecutive warm up cycles without a misfire condition occurring. A warm up cycle consists of engine start from a cold condition (engine at ambient temperature) and running until the engine reaches normal operating temperature.

On the fourth engine start up, the Check Engine Warning Light will turn off as soon as the engine begins to crank. It is not necessary to have the engine serviced.

Under certain conditions, the Check Engine Warning Light may come on if the fuel cap is not properly installed. If the light comes on and you suspect the fuel cap is not properly installed, pull off the road as soon as it is safely possible and turn off the engine. Remove and replace the fuel cap, making sure it is properly seated.

After completing the three consecutive warm-up cycles and on the fourth engine start-up, the Check Engine Warning Light should turn off. If the light does not go off after the fourth engine restart, have your vehicle serviced by your dealer or a qualified technician.

Check engine warning light symbol

Overdrive Off Indicator (If equipped)

This light tells you that the Transmission Control Switch (TCS) on the gearshift lever has been pushed. When the light is on, the transmission does not shift into overdrive. Depressing the button on the shifter once more returns the vehicle to overdrive mode. The transmission will be in the overdrive mode when the vehicle is started even if the O/D OFF mode was selected when the vehicle was last shut off.

NOTE: If the light does not come on when the TCS is

depressed or if the light flashes when you are driving, have your vehicle serviced at the first opportunity. If this condition persists, damage could occur to the transmission.

Overdrive off light (if equipped)

Charging System Light

This light, shown as a battery symbol on your cluster, indicates that your battery is not being charged and that you need to have the electrical system checked.

Charging system light symbol

Warning Lights and Gauges

This light comes on every time you turn the ignition to the ON or START position (engine off). The light should go off when the engine starts and the alternator begins to charge.

If the light stays on or comes on when the engine is running, have the electrical system checked as soon as possible.

This light flashes on and off when the ignition switch is OFF and any door is opened. As soon as you lock the doors, the light glows steadily. Within 30 seconds of closing all the doors, the light flashes intermittently (every 2 seconds). This indicates that the alarm system is armed.

Check Gage Light (If equipped)

This light will come on when the key is in the ON position and the:

■ engine coolant temperature is high

■ engine oil pressure is low

■ fuel level is near empty

This light serves as a notice that a system needs your attention and to check the engine coolant temperature gauge, the engine oil pressure gauge, and the fuel level gauge.

Please see Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge, Engine Oil Pressure Gauge,orFuel Gauge in this chapter for more information.

Check gage light

Fuel Reset Light (If Equipped)

Your vehicle may have a fuel reset light. The fuel reset light will come on when you turn the ignition key to ON and the fuel pump shut-off switch has been triggered. Refer to Fuel pump shut-off switch in the Index to find additional information.

Fuel reset light

Battery Voltage Gauge (Voltmeter)

This gauge shows you the battery voltage when the ignition key is in the ON position.

If the battery is operating under cold weather conditions, the pointer may indicate in the upper range of the NORMAL band while the battery is charging. If you are running electrical accessories with the engine off or idling at a low speed, or the battery is not fully charged, the pointer may move toward the lower end of the NORMAL band.

If it stays outside the NORMAL band, have your vehicle’s electrical system checked as soon as it is safely possible.

Warning Lights and Gauges

Battery voltage gauge — mechanical cluster

Battery voltage gauge — mechanical cluster with tachometer

Engine Oil Pressure Gauge

This gauge indicates the engine’s oil pressure, not the oil level. However, if your engine’s oil level is low, it could affect the oil pressure. With the engine running, the pointer should move into the NORMAL band. If the pointer drops below the NORMAL band while the engine is running, you have lost oil pressure and continued operation will cause severe engine damage.

If you lose engine oil pressure:

safely possible, severe engine damage could result.

checking and adding engine oil. Refer to Engine oil in the Index. If you do not follow these instructions, you or others could be injured. To assure an accurate reading, your vehicle should be on level ground.

you start the engine again. Do not overfill. Do not operate the engine if the pointer is below the NORMAL band, regardless of the oil level. Contact your nearest dealer for further service actions.

Engine oil pressure gauge — mechanical cluster

Engine oil pressure gauge — mechanical cluster with tachometer

Warning Lights and Gauges

High Beam Light

This light comes on when the headlamps are turned on high beam or when you flash the lights.

High beam indicator light symbol

“Headlamps On” Alert Chime

This chime sounds if you open the driver’s door while the headlamps or parking lamps are on, and the key is removed from the ignition.

Fuel Gauge

The fuel gauge displays approximately how much fuel is in the fuel tank only when the ignition switch is ON.

For a proper fuel gauge indication after adding fuel, the ignition switch should be in the OFF position while the vehicle is being refueled.

The fuel gauge indicator may vary slightly when the vehicle is in motion.

With ignition switch OFF, the fuel gauge indicator may drift from the ignition switch ON position.

Fuel gauge — mechanical cluster

Fuel gauge — mechanical cluster with tachometer

Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge

This gauge tells you the temperature of the engine coolant, not the coolant level. If the coolant is not at its proper level or mixture, the gauge indicator will not be accurate.

The pointer moves from the C (cold) mark into the Normal band as the engine coolant warms up. It is acceptable for the pointer to fluctuate within the Normal band under normal driving conditions. Under certain driving conditions, such as heavy stop and go traffic or driving up hills in hot weather, the pointer may move to the top of the Normal band.

If, under any circumstances, the pointer moves above the NORMAL band, the engine coolant is overheating and continued operation may cause engine damage.

If your engine coolant overheats:

Warning Lights and Gauges

safely possible, severe engine damage could result.

SYSTEM FILL CAP UNTIL THE ENGINE IS COOL.

checking and adding coolant to your engine. Refer to Engine coolant in the Index. If you do not follow these instructions,

you or others could be injured.

If the coolant continues to overheat, have the coolant system serviced as soon as possible.

Engine coolant temperature gauge — mechanical cluster

Engine coolant temperature gauge — mechanical cluster with tachometer

Speedometer

The speedometer tells you how many miles (kilometers) per hour your vehicle is moving.

Some vehicles are equipped with a vehicle speed (mph/km/h) limiting device that is contained within the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). The purpose of this device is to maintain peak vehicle speed below a specified limit. (Vehicle speed limits may vary based on engine displacement.)

If you are experiencing an “engine cut-out” condition at high speeds, it may be the result of this limiting device. It is a normal condition and can be avoided by reducing vehicle/engine speed.

Speedometer

Odometer

The odometer tells you the total number of miles (kilometers) your vehicle has been driven.

Warning Lights and Gauges

Trip Odometer

If you want to track your mileage up to 999.9 miles (kilometers), use the trip odometer. Simply set the trip odometer to zero by pressing the reset button firmly when beginning the distance you wish to measure.

Tachometer (If equipped)

The tachometer will show you the engine’s speed measured in revolutions per minute (RPM).

The tachometer may move slightly when the key is placed in the ACC or ON position, with the engine off. This is normal and does not affect the performance of the tachometer when the engine is running.

Some vehicles are equipped with an engine speed (RPM) limiting device contained within the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). The purpose of this device is to maintain peak engine speed (RPM) below a specified limit. This feature is only evident on automatic transmission vehicles when shifting manually (1, 2, D) and on all manual transmission units. (Engine speed limits may vary based on engine displacement.)

If you are experiencing an “engine cut-out” condition at high speeds, it may be the result of this limiting device. It is a normal condition and can be avoided by reducing vehicle/engine speed.

Tachometer

NOTE: If the 4.0L engine exceeds 5200 RPM, the PCM will

restrict fuel flow to maintain engine speed at or below 5200 RPM. This function is designed to protect the engine and should be considered normal operation.

Instrument Panel Controls

The main controls for the climate control system, lights, lamps, clock, and radio are on the instrument panel.

NOTE: Any cleaner or polish that increases the gloss (shine)

of the upper part of the instrument panel should be avoided. The dull finish in this area is to help protect the driver from undesirable windshield reflection.

Your vehicle is equipped with a control assembly designed to handle either a combination A/C-Heater System or a Heater-Only System.

Instrument Panel Registers

There are four registers in the instrument panel. Each of these registers contains a louver assembly which can be manually adjusted to direct airflow up, down, left and right. An illustration of the register locations follows.

Instrument panel registers

Air Conditioning (A/C) Controls (Manual Air Conditioning)

The control for your air conditioning and heater system is located at the center of the instrument panel below the radio and will operate only when the ignition key is turned to the ON position. Your air conditioner and heater will heat and/or cool your vehicle interior depending on the function position

Instrument Panel Controls

and temperature you select. The function selector control knob allows you to select heating or cooling and determine where the air will be directed. The temperature control knob setting determines the temperature of the air that flows into the vehicle.

Climate control knobs

To turn your air conditioner and heater system on, select any position except OFF. This will turn the fan on and allow airflow into the vehicle. To turn your air conditioner and heater off, select OFF. This will turn the fan off and stop airflow from coming into the vehicle.

Temperature selection

The temperature control knob is the rotating knob located at the center of the control with tapered red and blue bands surrounding most of the knob. The wide red part of the band (full right) is the heat or warmer area. The wide blue area (full left) is the cooling or cool temperature area. Any position selected between full right and full left will give a temperature between the two extreme temperatures.

Fan speed adjustment

TheH(left) knob on the control is the fan control knob which controls the volume of air flow. Rotate theHknob to the right to increase fan speed and increase the amount of air entering the vehicle. Four fan speed positions are available and are indicated by dots beside theHcontrol knob. The largest dot is high speed position.

Airflow selections

Q (Panel)

Use Q to bring outside air through the instrument panel registers. You can heat the air in this position by rotating the temperature knob into the red area. The air CANNOT be cooled below the outside temperature regardless of the temperature knob setting. Select A/C or MAX A/C to get cool air through the instrument panel registers.

A/C

Select A/C to get refrigerated outside air through the instrument panel registers. The A/C position is used for cooling except when it is extremely hot or fast cooling of the vehicle is needed. Then, select MAX A/C for fast cooling and return to A/C when you are comfortable.

MAX A/C

The MAX A/C position produces cool air more rapidly to provide faster cooling of your vehicle. This is possible because cooler air is drawn from inside the passenger area and refrigerated again instead of using warmer outside air. Using inside air will also make the fan sound louder and is normal when using MAX A/C. The air flow will be from the instrument panel registers.

Instrument Panel Controls

S (Panel and Floor)

Select S to direct airflow to the floor and through the instrument panel registers at the same time. This selection can be used to either heat or cool your vehicle. The air conditioner will operate to cool the air if the outside temperature is about 50˚F (10˚C) or warmer.

R (Floor)

Select R to direct air to the floor. The air cannot be cooled in the R position but can be heated by rotating the temperature knob into the red area.

P (Floor and Defrost)

Select P to direct air to the floor and windshield defrosters at the same time. If the outside temperature is about 50˚F (10˚C) or warmer, the air will also be dehumidified to remove moisture. This feature will help prevent fogging in humid weather. The air can be cooled or heated.

V (Defrost)

Select V to obtain maximum airflow to the windshield. Rotate the temperature knob into the red area for the air temperature required to defrost. When the outside temperature is about 50˚F (10˚C) or warmer, the air will be dehumidified to remove moisture. Rotate theHknob to increase the airflow.

Operating tips

The following tips will help you to get the most satisfaction from your air conditioning and heater system.

■ In humid weather, select V before starting your engine.

This will help to prevent windshield fogging. After a few minutes of operation, you may select another function.

■ To prevent humidity buildup inside your vehicle, always

drive with the air conditioner or heater system turned on.

■ Do not put objects under the front seats that interfere with

the flow of air to the back seat area.

■ Remove any snow, ice, or leaves from the air intake area of

your air conditioner and heater system that could block the air intake. The intake area is located at the bottom of the windshield.

Heater Controls (Heater-Only Vehicles)

The control for your heater system is located at the center of the instrument panel below the radio. The heater will operate only when the ignition key is turned to the ON position. Your heater will heat and/or ventilate your vehicle interior depending on the function position and temperature you select. The function selector control knob allows you to select heating or ventilation and determine where the air will be directed. The temperature control knob setting determines the temperature of the air that flows into the vehicle.

Climate control knobs (heater only)

To turn your heater system on, select any position except OFF. This turns the fan on and allows airflow into the vehicle. To turn your heater off, select OFF.

Instrument Panel Controls

Temperature selection

The temperature control knob is the rotating knob located at the center of the control with tapered red and blue bands surrounding most of the knob. The wide red part of the band (full right) is the heat or warmer area. The wide blue area (full left) is the cool or unheated temperature area. Any position selected between full right and full left will give a temperature between the two extreme temperatures. The cool temperature you select will not be cooler than the outside temperature.

Fan speed adjustment

TheH(left) knob on the control is the fan control knob which controls the volume of airflow. Rotate theHknob to the right to increase fan speed and increase the amount of air entering the vehicle. Four fan speed positons are available and are indicated by dots beside theHcontrol knob. The largest dot is high speed position.

Airflow selections

Q (Panel)

Use Q to bring outside air through the instrument panel registers. You can heat the air in this position by rotating the temperature knob into the RED area. The air cannot be cooled below the outside temperature regardless of the temperature knob setting.

S (Panel & Floor)

Select S to get airflow to the floor and through the instrument panel registers at the same time. This selection can be used to either heat or ventilate your vehicle.

R (Floor)

Select R to direct air to the floor. The air cannot be cooled in the R position but can be heated by rotating the temperature knob into the red area.

P (Floor & Defrost)

Select P to get air to the floor and windshield defrosters at the same time.

V (Defrost)

Select V to obtain maximum air flow to the windshield. Rotate the temperature knob into the red area for the air temperature required to defrost. Rotate theHknob to increase the air flow.

Operating tips

The following tips will help you to get the most satisfaction from your heater system.

■ To prevent humidity buildup inside your vehicle, always

drive with the heater system turned on.

■ Do not put objects under the front seats that interfere with

the flow of air to the back seat area.

■ Remove any snow, ice, or leaves from the air intake area at

the bottom of the windshield.

Turning On the Exterior Lights

To turn on your headlamps, parking lamps, marker lamps, license plate lamps and tail lamps, use the headlamp control knob to the left of the steering column.

Parking lamps, tail lamps, license plate lamps and marker lamps are now on.

Headlamps are now on in addition to the above.

Instrument Panel Controls

in an “ON” position to brighten or dim the instrument panel lamps. Rotate fully upward to operate courtesy and cargo lamps.

Headlamp control knob

Fog Lamps (If equipped)

The fog lamps switch is located on the instrument panel to the right of the radio and climate control.

■ To turn the fog lamps on, turn on the low-beam headlamps,

then push the fog lamp switch. An indicator light will glow when the lamps are on.

■ To turn off, push the switch again.

Fog lamp switch

The fog lamps act as a supplement to the low beam headlamps under limited visibility conditions such as rain, snow, dust or fog and operate only when the low beam headlamps are on.

To maximize fog lamp bulb life it is recommended that the fog lamp switch be turned off after each use prior to turning off the headlamps.

Cleaning the Exterior Lamps

Do not use dry paper towel, chemical solvents or abrasive cleaners to clean the lamps, as these may cause scratches or crack the lamps.

Daytime Running Light System

(Canadian vehicles only)

The Daytime Running Light (DRL) system turns the high beam headlamps on, with a reduced light output, when:

■ The headlamp system is in the OFF position, and

■ The vehicle has a fully released parking brake.

The high beam indicator light on the instrument cluster will not be on.

Instrument Panel Controls

RWARNING

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.

Lighting Up the Instrument Panel and the Interior of Your Vehicle

The instrument panel lights can be turned on by turning the headlamp knob toward either the first or second position. You can brighten or dim the instrument panel lights by rotating the thumb wheel.

The interior lights will shut off after 25 seconds with all the doors closed, or immediately when the ignition switch is turned to the ON position, or if the vehicle speed is above five MPH (8 km/h). The interior lights will turn off after 40 minutes if any of the doors are left open. Refer to Battery Saver in the Features section for more details.

Courtesy and Dome Lamps

The interior/courtesy lamp is automatically turned on when the driver or passenger door is opened. Turning the thumb wheel fully counterclockwise will operate the interior lamp when the doors are closed.

Interior/Courtesy lamp

Cleaning the Interior Lamps

Your interior dome lamps and map lamps are plastic and should be cleaned with a mild detergent diluted in water. Rinse them with clear water.

Combination Cargo and High-Mount Brakelamp

The combination cargo/high-mount brakelamp is located outside the vehicle, directly over the rear window. Use the thumb wheel to turn on the cargo lamp and interior courtesy lights.

Cargo/High-mount brakelamp

RWARNING

Do not drive your vehicle with the cargo/courtesy light on. Showing a white light to the rear while driving on public roads is illegal in some places.

Instrument Panel Controls

Dome/Map Lamps (If equipped)

The map lamps are located on each side of the dome light assembly. You can turn the individual map lamps on or off by sliding the switch to the left or right. To turn off, slide the switch to the middle.

Map lamps

The electronic radios have a built-in clock. For complete operating instructions, refer to Electronic Sound Systems in this Owner Guide.

Steering Column Controls

The controls on the steering column and wheel are designed to give you easy access to the controls while you are driving.

You can use the turn signal lever on the left side of the steering column to:

■ operate the turn signals and cornering lamps

■ turn the high beams on/off

■ flash the lamps

■ turn the windshield wipers and washer on/off

Turn Signals

Turn signal lever and functions

If the turn indicator light in the instrument panel does not illuminate or remains on (doesn’t flash) when you signal a turn, the turn signaling system is malfunctioning. Have this condition corrected as soon as possible, but make sure that you use the accepted hand signals in the meantime.

High Beams and Flashing the Lamps

Headlamp high beam switch and turn signal lever on steering column

To turn on the windshield wipers, the ignition key must be turned to the ON or ACC position.

Interval wiper on turn signal lever

To set the interval wipers, rotate the knob at the end of the turn signal lever toward or away from the instrument panel to the interval operation you desire.

To clean the windshield, push in the end of the wiper knob for a single wipe. For a constant spray, keep the knob pushed in. After you release the knob, the wipers operate for two to three

Steering Column Controls

cycles before turning off (if wipers were off) or returning to the interval setting selected.

Do not try to clean the windshield when the washer fluid container is empty or activate the washers at any time for more than 15 seconds continuously. This could damage the washer pump system.

NOTE: The addition of shields to the front of the vehicle, as

used to deflect bugs, may also adversely affect the washer system from delivering fluid to the windshield. Devices such as bug shields are not recommended to be added to your vehicle.

RWARNING

In freezing weather, the washer solution may freeze on the windshield and obscure your vision. Always warm up the windshield with the defroster before you use the washer fluid. If you cannot see through the windshield clearly, it can increase the risk of being involved in a collision.

For information about refilling the washer fluid or replacing your windshield wiper blades, see Windshield washer fluid and Wipers in the Index.

only)

The gearshift lever on your Ranger is mounted on the steering column. On the end of the gearshift lever is the Overdrive On/Off button. For additional information about the gearshift lever and the Overdrive On/Off button, see the Driving Your Ranger chapter.

OVERDRIVE OFF Lamp

This lamp indicates the operating range of the transmission. This lamp illuminates when the O/D ON/OFF button is depressed. For additional information, refer to the Warning Lights and Gauges chapter.

The hazard flasher is used to alert other drivers to hazardous situations.

The flashers will flash and the high-mount brakelamp will stay on steadily (not flash) with the brake pedal depressed.

The flashers work whether your vehicle is running or not. The flashers work for up to two hours when the battery is fully charged and in good condition without draining the battery excessively. If the flashers run for longer than two hours or if the battery is not fully charged, the battery power can be drained.

Steering Column Controls

To use the hazard flasher:

begin to flash.

NOTE: The flasher button will be sticking up slightly higher

when on than when off.

Hazard flasher

To sound the horn, press the center of the horn pad. Check the horn regularly to make sure it operates properly.

Horn location

RWARNING

Never adjust the steering column/wheel when the vehicle is moving. You could lose control of the vehicle and injure someone.

Tilt steering wheel lever

Steering Column Controls

To change the position of the steering wheel, push the release lever under the steering column away from you. Tip the steering wheel to the desired position. Pull the lever back into place to lock the steering wheel.

Be sure the steering wheel locks in a notch. It is not infinitely adjustable. Do not adjust the steering wheel while the vehicle is in motion.

If your vehicle has speed control, you can automatically maintain a constant speed at or above 30 mph (50 km/h).

Use of radio transmitting equipment that is not Federal Communications Commission (FCC) or in Canada the Canadian Radio and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) approved may cause the speed control to malfunction. Therefore, use only properly installed FCC (CRTC in Canada) approved radio transmitting equipment in your vehicle.

The speed control switches

To set the speed control:

using the accelerator pedal.

will set your speed. If you keep this switch pressed, your speed will continue to increase and will not be set until the switch is released.

maintain the speed you set.

If you drive up or down a steep hill, your vehicle may momentarily slow down or speed up, even though the speed control is on. This is normal.

NOTE: If your vehicle is equipped with an automatic

transmission, and if your speed increases above your set speed while driving inj(Overdrive) on a downhill grade, you may want to shift to D (Drive) to reduce vehicle speed. This can be accomplished by pushing in the Transmission Control switch which is located on the end of the gearshift lever. The speed control cannot reduce the vehicle speed if it goes above your set speed on a downhill grade. For the best fuel economy during normal driving conditions, leave the shift select inj(Overdrive), or resume as soon as practical.

NOTE: If your vehicle is equipped with a 5 speed manual

transmission, and if your speed increases above your set speed while driving in 5 (Fifth) gear on a downhill grade, you may want to shift to 4 (Fourth) gear to reduce vehicle speed. Depressing the clutch pedal cancels speed control, therefore speed control must be reset by pressing the SET ACCEL or RESUME switches. Speed control cannot reduce the vehicle speed if it goes above your set speed on a downhill grade.

Steering Column Controls

RWARNING

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

In mountainous areas, at higher elevations, or when pulling a trailer, the speed control may not be able to maintain the preset speed with the transmission inj(Overdrive).

If your vehicle comes with a 5-speed manual transmission, you may prefer to drive in 4 (Fourth) gear, in mountainous areas or at high altitudes, to improve speed control performance.

In order to downshift (with a manual transmission) with the speed control operating, you must press either the brake or clutch pedal long enough to disengage the speed control. Wait a second before depressing the clutch again and making the shift so that the speed control can fully return to the idle position.

RWARNING

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

To maintain a preset speed under the above conditions, with electronically controlled transmissions — press the Transmission Control Switch (TCS). The indicator light will turn on and illuminate the words “O/D OFF.” This will cancel “Overdrive.” You can press the Transmission Control Switch (TCS) on or off at any speed. For the best fuel economy during normal driving conditions, press the Transmission Control Switch (TCS) to turn off the light. This allows overdrive operation.

Transmission control switch

Accelerating With the Speed Control Operating

You can use the accelerator pedal to speed up momentarily. When you take your foot off the accelerator, the vehicle will return to the set speed.

Resetting the Speed Control

To reset the speed control to a lower speed, press and hold the COAST switch. Let your vehicle slow down to the desired speed and release the COAST switch.

Your vehicle has a “tap-down” feature that allows you to decrease your current speed in increments of 1 mph (1.6 km/h) by a momentary tap of the COAST switch. Multiple taps of the COAST switch will decrease your vehicle speed 1 mph (1.6 km/h) for each tap. For example, if you are currently set at 65 mph (104 km/h) and tap the COAST switch 5 times your vehicle speed will decrease and set at 60 mph (96 km/h).

To reset the speed control to a higher speed, you can follow any of these procedures:

■ Accelerate to the desired speed, then press the SET ACCEL

switch and release it immediately.

■ Press and hold the SET ACCEL switch, then accelerate to

your desired speed and release the switch.

Steering Column Controls

■ TAP-UP — This allows you to increase your current speed in

increments of 1 mph (1.6 km/h) by a momentary tap of the SET-ACCEL switch. Multiple taps of the SET-ACCEL switch will increase your vehicle speed 1 mph (1.6 km/h) for each tap. For example, if you are currently set at 60 mph (96 km/h) and tap the SET-ACCEL switch 5 times your vehicle speed will increase and set at 65 mph (104 km/h).

Turning the Speed Control Off

You can cancel the speed control while you are driving.

■ Press the OFF switch. The speed control is off. If you want

to resume speed control, press the ON switch and reset the speed control by pressing the SET ACCEL switch.

■ Press the brake or clutch pedal slightly. The speed control is

suspended, but you can reset it by pressing SET ACCEL or return to the previous set speed with the RSM switch.

In addition, the speed control is turned off each time you turn the vehicle ignition off.

Driving uphill or on a steep grade

When the speed control is on, your vehicle may significantly drop speed when driving uphill, especially with a heavy load. If the speed drops more than 8 to 14 mph (15 - 25 km/h) the automatic speed control will, by design, be canceled. You may have to temporarily resume manual speed control while driving up a steep grade in order to maintain the speed you desire.

If the speed control “dropped out” after your climb is completed, the speed of your light truck can be reset with the SET ACCEL switch, or returned to the previous set speed with the RSM switch, as long as you are driving over 30 mph (50 km/h).

Resuming a Set Speed

If you press the brake pedal, the speed control is cancelled. You can return to the speed you set by using the RSM switch, as long as you did not press the OFF switch.

To resume the speed you had before, you must be driving at least 30 mph (50 km/h).

Press and release the RSM switch. Your vehicle gradually returns to the previously set speed and then maintains it.

RWARNING

If your vehicle has speed control, do not use it on slippery roads. You could lose control of your vehicle and could injure someone.

Features

Your vehicle has a variety of features designed for your comfort, convenience and safety. Read this chapter to find out about standard and optional features.

Door Handles and Locks

Inside handles

Outside handles and locks

Anti-theft front door lock knobs

Anti-theft lock knobs are designed to preclude unlocking the door by pulling up on the bullet type lock knob. To unlock and open the front door from the inside of the vehicle, pull on the inside door handle.

Tailgate

Tailgate operation

When open, the tailgate load should not exceed 500 lbs (227 kgs). If you want to load heavy items onto your vehicle, Ford recommends that you load them one at a time, directly on the bed floor to avoid damage to the tailgate or its supports.

100

Ford Ranger 1996 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Introductory Information

Safety Restraints

Starting Your Ranger

Warning Lights and Gauges

Instrument Panel Controls

Steering Column Controls

Features