1996 Ford Ranger Owner's Manual - Page 161

Driving Your Ranger Power Braking Increasing the engine speed above idle without vehicle movement (such as holding the brake) in a forward or reverse gear causes transmission stall. NOTE: Continued operation in the stall condition can result in transmission overheat, malfunction or fluid expulsion. Manual Transmission Operation Using the Clutch Make sure the gearshift lever is in the N (Neutral) position and your right foot is holding down the brake pedal. Then press the clutch pedal to the floor with your left foot. Manual transmission vehicles have a starter interlock switch. The starter will not crank until the clutch pedal is fully depressed. Start the engine and allow it to idle for a few seconds. Move the gearshift into 1 (First) or R (Reverse). To move the vehicle, release the clutch slowly and at the same time press down slowly on the accelerator so that the vehicle accelerates. Do not drive with your foot resting on the clutch pedal and do not use the clutch to hold your vehicle at a standstill while waiting on a hill. These actions will seriously reduce clutch life. Driving with your foot resting on the clutch may cause the vehicle to jerk sharply when pressing or removing your other foot from the accelerator. 161