1998 Ford Ranger Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 128

1998 Ford Ranger Manual

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Maintenance and care BATTERY Your vehicle may be equipped with a Superstart maintenance-free battery. If the original equipment battery needs replacing, it may be replaced with a low-maintenance battery. The low-maintenance battery normally does not require additional water during its life of service. If the electrolyte level in the battery is low, you can add plain tap water to the battery, as long as you do not use hard water (water with a high alkali content). If possible, however, try to only fill the battery cells with distilled water. If the battery needs water often, have the charging system checked. For longer, trouble-free operation, keep the top of the battery clean and dry. Also, make certain the battery cables are always tightly fastened to the battery terminals. If you see any corrosion on the battery or terminals, remove the cables from the terminal(s) and clean with a wire brush. You can neutralize the acid with a solution of baking soda and water. Reinstall the cables when you are done cleaning them, and apply a small quantity of grease to the top of each battery terminal to help prevent corrosion. If your battery has a cover/shield, make sure it is reinstalled after the battery is replaced. Because your vehicle's engine is electronically controlled by a computer, some control conditions are maintained by power from the battery. When the battery is disconnected or a new battery is installed, the engine must relearn its idle conditions before your vehicle will drive properly. To begin this process: 1. Put the gearshift in P (Park) (automatic transmission) or the neutral position (manual transmission), turn off all accessories and start the engine. 2. Let the engine idle for at least one minute. 128

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BATTERY
Your vehicle may be equipped with a
Superstart maintenance-free battery.
If the original equipment battery
needs replacing, it may be replaced
with a low-maintenance battery. The
low-maintenance battery normally
does not require additional water
during its life of service.
If the electrolyte level in the battery
is low, you can add plain tap water
to the battery, as long as you do not
use hard water (water with a high
alkali content). If possible, however,
try to only fill the battery cells with
distilled water. If the battery needs
water often, have the charging system checked.
For longer, trouble-free operation, keep the top of the battery clean and
dry. Also, make certain the battery cables are always tightly fastened to
the battery terminals.
If you see any corrosion on the battery or terminals, remove the cables
from the terminal(s) and clean with a wire brush. You can neutralize the
acid with a solution of baking soda and water. Reinstall the cables when
you are done cleaning them, and apply a small quantity of grease to the
top of each battery terminal to help prevent corrosion.
If your battery has a cover/shield, make sure it is reinstalled
after the battery is replaced.
Because your vehicle’s engine is electronically controlled by a computer,
some control conditions are maintained by power from the battery. When
the battery is disconnected or a new battery is installed, the engine must
relearn its idle conditions before your vehicle will drive properly. To
begin this process:
1. Put the gearshift in P (Park) (automatic transmission) or the neutral
position (manual transmission), turn off all accessories and start the
engine.
2. Let the engine idle for at least one minute.
Maintenance and care
128