1997 Ford Ranger Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 176

Driving WARNING Do not park your vehicle in Neutral, it may move unexpectedly and injure someone. Use 1 (First) gear and set the parking brake fully. With the transfer case in N (Neutral), the vehicle is free to move with either the automatic transmission in P (Park) or with the manual transmission in any driving gear. WARNING 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. Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) System (If equipped) When you select the 4WD mode, your vehicle uses all four wheels to power itself. This increases traction, enabling you to drive your 4x4 over terrain and road conditions not travelled normally by two-wheel drive vehicles. Power is supplied to all four wheels through a transfer case that allows you to select four-wheel drive when necessary. Methods for engaging and disengaging 4WD and low range will depend on which system your vehicle has. 4WD Systems - Select Drive Electric Shift The select drive electric shift system functions in three modes. In two-wheel drive mode, power is delivered only to the rear axle at normal road speed. The 4x4 HIGH position provides four-wheel drive with power delivered to the front and rear axles for increased traction. The 4x4 LOW position provides four-wheel drive with power delivered to the front and rear axles when above average power is required at reduced speeds. 175