1997 Ford Ranger Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 172

Driving 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. Shifting the Gears The gearshift for a manual transmission is mounted on the floor. The gearshift pattern consists of seven positions: Neutral, five forward gears, and Reverse. 5-Speed Overdrive manual transmission shift pattern Backing up To shift into R (Reverse): 1. Push the clutch pedal in all the way to the floor and hold it. If you do not hold the clutch pedal in all the way, you may hear a grinding noise when you shift. 2. Bring your vehicle to a complete stop. Failure to do so may cause synchronizer teeth damage, reducing the useful life of your transmission. 171