1997 Ford Ranger Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 216

Driving When stopped in traffic for long periods of time in hot weather, place the gearshift selector lever in P (Park) to increase the engine idle speed. This aids in engine cooling and air conditioner efficiency. If the engine overheats, rotate the function selector control knob to panel position to stop the compressor and increase the engine speed for a short time. WARNING Do not tow a trailer when using a temporary spare tire. Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade. However, if you must park on a grade, place wheel chocks under the trailer's wheels as follows: s Apply the brake pedal and hold. s Have another person place the wheel chocks under the trailer wheels. s With the chocks in place, release the brake pedal, making sure the chocks are holding. s For automatic transmissions - apply the parking brake by pressing the service brake pedal down firmly with your right foot while applying the parking brake pedal with your left foot. s For manual transmissions - apply the service brake and shift into N (Neutral) while still maintaining pressure on the service brake pedal. Set the parking brake fully. s Shift an automatic transmission into Park (P). Put the gearshift of a manual transmission in Reverse. If your vehicle is equipped with four-wheel drive make sure the transfer case is not in Neutral. 215