2003 Ford Ranger Owner Guide 3rd Printing - Page 212

Maintenance and Specifications Fuel quality Many of the world's automakers issued the World-wide Fuel Charter that recommends gasoline specifications to provide improved performance and emission control system protection for your vehicle. Gasolines that meet the World-wide Fuel Charter should be used when available. Ask your fuel supplier about gasolines that meet the World-wide Fuel Charter. It should not be necessary to add any aftermarket products to your fuel tank if you continue to use high quality fuel of the recommended octane rating. Aftermarket products could cause damage to the fuel system. Repairs to correct the effects of using an aftermarket product in your fuel may not be covered by your warranty. Unleaded Gasoline engines If you are experiencing starting, rough idle or hesitation driveability problems during a cold start, try a different brand of "Regular" unleaded gasoline. "Premium" unleaded gasoline is not recommended (particularly in the United States) because it may cause these problems to become more pronounced. If the problems persist, see your dealer or a qualified service technician. FFV engine (if equipped) Your FFV will operate well on ordinary "Regular" unleaded gasoline, but only the highest quality fuel ethanol will provide the same level of protection and performance. To identify if your vehicle is an FFV, check your VIN or the label on the inside of your fuel filler door. When checking the VIN, look for the engine type identifier (8th character). If your vehicle is an FFV, then the character will be labeled as a "V." If you operate your vehicle 50% or more of the time on ethanol, you should follow a different maintenance schedule. See the Scheduled Maintenance Guide for more information. If you are experiencing a rough or rolling idle after start-up with the outside temperature above 27° C (80° F), the idle should improve within 10 to 30 seconds. If the problems persist below this temperature, see your dealer or a qualified service technician. Cleaner air Ford endorses the use of reformulated "cleaner-burning" gasolines to improve air quality. Running out of fuel Avoid running out of fuel because this situation may have an adverse affect on powertrain components. 212