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2008 Ford Ranger Owner Guide 2nd Printing - Page 169

2008 Ford Ranger Manual

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Driving Descend a hill in the same gear you would use to climb up the hill to avoid excessive brake application and brake overheating. Do not descend in neutral; instead, disengage overdrive or manually shift to a lower gear. When descending a steep hill, avoid sudden hard braking as you could lose control. When you brake hard, the front wheels can't turn and if they aren't turning, you won't be able to steer. The front wheels have to be turning in order to steer the vehicle. Rapid pumping of the brake pedal will help you slow the vehicle and still maintain steering control. Your vehicle is equipped with a Four Wheel Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), apply the brakes steadily. Do not "pump" the brakes. Driving on snow and ice 4WD vehicles have advantages over 2WD vehicles in snow and ice but can skid like any other vehicle. Should you start to slide while driving on snowy or icy roads, turn the steering wheel in the direction of the slide until you regain control. Avoid sudden applications of power and quick changes of direction on snow and ice. Apply the accelerator slowly and steadily when starting from a full stop. Avoid sudden braking as well. Although a 4WD vehicle may accelerate better than a two-wheel drive vehicle in snow and ice, it won't stop any faster, because as in other vehicles, braking occurs at all four wheels. Do not become overconfident as to road conditions. Make sure you allow sufficient distance between you and other vehicles for stopping. Drive slower than usual and consider using one of the lower gears. Your vehicle is equipped with a Four Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS); apply the brake steadily. Do not "pump" the brakes. Refer to the Brakes section of this chapter for additional information on the operation of the anti-lock brake system. Never drive with chains on the front tires of 4WD vehicles without also putting them on the rear tires. This could cause the rear to slide and swing around during braking. 169 2008 Ranger (ran) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA (fus)

Section	Page
Table of Contents	1
Introduction	4
PERCHLORATE MATERIAL	4
CONGRATULATIONS	4
SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION	5
Warning symbols in this guide	5
Warning symbols on your vehicle	5
Protecting the environment	5
BREAKING-IN YOUR VEHICLE	5
SPECIAL NOTICES	6
New Vehicle Limited Warranty	6
Special instructions	6
Service Data Recording	6
Event Data Recording	7
Notice to owners of pickup trucks and utility type vehicles	7
Using your vehicle with a snowplow	8
Using your vehicle as an ambulance	8
Cell phone use	8
Export unique (Non–United States/Canada) vehicle specific information	9
Instrument Cluster	12
WARNING LIGHTS AND CHIMES	12
GAUGES	16
Entertainment Systems	19
AUDIO SYSTEMS	19
AM/FM stereo (if equipped)	19
AM/FM stereo single CD/MP3 Satellite Compatible system (if equipped)	21
Premium and Audiophile In-dash CD6/MP3 disc satellite compatible audio systems (if equipped)	27
Auxiliary input jack (Line in)	33
GENERAL AUDIO INFORMATION	34
Satellite radio information (if equipped)	36
Climate Controls	40
HEATER ONLY SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)	40
Operating tips	40
MANUAL HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)	41
Operating tips	42
Flash to pass	44
Daytime running lamps (DRL) (if equipped)	44
PANEL DIMMER CONTROL	44
AIMING THE HEADLAMPS	45
Headlamp aim adjustment	45
TURN SIGNAL CONTROL	47
INTERIOR LAMPS	47
Courtesy/reading lamps (if equipped)	47
BULB REPLACEMENT	47
Headlamp Condensation	47
Using the right bulbs	47
Replacing the interior bulbs	48
Replacing exterior bulbs	48
Replacing headlamp bulbs/front park bulbs/turn signal bulbs	49
Replacing front sidemarker bulbs	50
Replacing tail lamp/backup lamp bulbs	51
Replacing fog lamp bulbs (if equipped)	51
Replacing high-mount brakelamp bulb	52
Replacing license plate lamp bulbs	52
Driver Controls	53
MULTI-FUNCTION LEVER	53
TILT STEERING WHEEL (IF EQUIPPED)	54
CENTER CONSOLE (IF EQUIPPED)	54
AUXILIARY POWER POINT (12VDC)	54
	55
POWER WINDOWS (IF EQUIPPED)	56
One touch down	56
INTERIOR MIRROR	56
EXTERIOR MIRRORS	57
Power side view mirrors (if equipped)	57
Fold-away mirrors	57
SPEED CONTROL (IF EQUIPPED)	57
Setting speed control	58
Disengaging speed control	58
Resuming a set speed	59
Increasing speed while using speed control	59
Reducing speed while using speed control	59
Turning off speed control	60
BEDRAILS (IF EQUIPPED)	60
BED EXTENDER (IF EQUIPPED)	60
Locks and Security	62
KEYS	62
POWER DOOR LOCKS (IF EQUIPPED)	62
REMOTE ENTRY SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)	62
Unlocking the doors	63
Locking the doors	63
Car finder	63
Sounding a panic alarm	63
Replacing the battery	64
Replacing lost remote entry transmitters	65
How to reprogram your remote entry transmitters	65
Illuminated entry	66
SECURILOCK™ PASSIVE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)	66
Anti-theft indicator	67
Replacement keys	67
Programming spare keys	67
Seating and Safety Restraints	69
SEATING	69
Adjusting the front manual seat	69
Using the manual lumbar support (if equipped)	71
Passenger side rear access	71
REAR SEATS	71
Center facing jump seat (2 door SuperCab) (if equipped)	71
Center facing jump seat (4 door SuperCab) (if equipped)	72
SAFETY RESTRAINTS	72
Personal Safety System™	72
How does the Personal Safety System™ work?	73
Driver and passenger dual-stage airbag supplemental restraints	73
Front crash severity sensor	73
Driver’s seat position sensor	73
Front passenger sensing system	74
Front safety belt usage sensors	74
Front outboard safety belt pretensioners	75
Front outboard safety belt energy management retractors	75
Determining if the Personal Safety System™ is operational	75
Safety restraints precautions	76
Combination lap and shoulder belts	77
Lap belts	77
Adjusting the front center seat and rear center facing jump seat lap belts (if equipped)	77
Energy Management Feature	78
Vehicle sensitive mode	78
Automatic locking mode	78
How to use the automatic locking mode	79
How to disengage the automatic locking mode	79
Safety belt pretensioner	80
Front safety belt height adjustment	80
Safety belt extension assembly	81
Safety belt maintenance	81
Safety belt warning light and indicator chime	82
Conditions of operation	82
Belt-Minder	83
One time disable	85
Deactivating/activating the Belt-Minder feature	85
	87
AIRBAG SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS)	87
Important supplemental restraint system (SRS) precautions	87
Children and airbags	89
How does the airbag supplemental restraint system work?	90
Determining if the system is operational	91
Disposal of airbags and airbag equipped vehicles (including pretensioners)	91
Front passenger sensing system	91
SAFETY RESTRAINTS FOR CHILDREN	95
Important child restraint precautions	95
Children and safety belts	95
Child booster seats	96
When children should use booster seats	96
Types of booster seats	97
The importance of shoulder belts	98
SAFETY SEATS FOR CHILDREN	99
Child and infant or child safety seats	99
Installing child safety seats with combination lap and shoulder belts	100
Attaching child safety seats with tether straps	102
Center seating location	105
Tires, Wheels and Loading	106
NOTICE TO UTILITY VEHICLE AND TRUCK OWNERS	106
VEHICLE CHARACTERISTICS	106
How your vehicle differs from other vehicles	107
INFORMATION ABOUT UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADING	108
Treadwear	109
Traction AA A B C	109
Temperature A B C	109
TIRES	110
Glossary of tire terminology	110
INFLATING YOUR TIRES	111
TIRE CARE	113
Inspecting your tires	113
Tire wear	113
Damage	113
U.S. DOT Tire Identification Number (TIN)	114
Tire replacement requirements	114
Safety practices	116
Highway hazards	116
Tire and wheel alignment	116
Tire rotation	117
INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THE TIRE SIDEWALL	118
Information on “P” type tires	118
Additional information contained on the tire sidewall for “LT” type tires	121
Information on “T” type tires	122
Location of the tire label	122
TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS)	123
Understanding your Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)	125
When your temporary spare tire is installed	125
When you believe your system is not operating properly	126
When inflating your tires	127
How temperature affects your tire pressure	127
SNOW TIRES AND CHAINS	128
VEHICLE LOADING – WITH AND WITHOUT A TRAILER	128
Special loading instructions for owners of pickup trucks and utility-type vehicles	134
TRAILER TOWING	134
Preparing to tow	141
Hitches	141
Safety chains	141
Trailer brakes	141
Trailer lamps	142
Using a step bumper (if equipped)	142
Trailer tow connector	142
Driving while you tow	143
Servicing after towing	144
Trailer towing tips	144
Launching or retrieving a boat	145
RECREATIONAL TOWING	145
CAMPER BODIES	146
Important safety precautions	148
Starting the engine	150
Guarding against exhaust fumes	150
Important ventilating information	150
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER (IF EQUIPPED)	151
BRAKES	152
Four-wheel anti-lock brake system (ABS)	153
Using ABS	153
ABS warning lamp	154
Parking brake	154
STEERING	155
TRACTION-LOK AXLE (IF EQUIPPED)	156
PREPARING TO DRIVE	156
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OPERATION (IF EQUIPPED)	156
Brake-shift interlock	156
Driving with a 5–speed automatic transmission (if equipped)	158
MANUAL TRANSMISSION OPERATION (IF EQUIPPED)	160
Using the clutch	160
Recommended shift speeds	161
Reverse	161
Parking your vehicle	161
Removing the key	162
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow	162
FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE (4WD) OPERATION (IF EQUIPPED)	162
Using the electronic shift 4WD system	163
Shifting between 2H (2WD High) and 4H (4WD High)	163
Shifting to/from 4L (4WD Low)	163
Driving off-road with truck and utility vehicles	164
How your vehicle differs from other vehicles	164
Basic operating principles	164
If your vehicle goes off the edge of the pavement	165
If your vehicle gets stuck	165
Emergency maneuvers	166
Normal characteristics	167
Sand	167
Mud and water	167
Driving on hilly or sloping terrain	168
Driving on snow and ice	169
Maintenance and Modifications	170
DRIVING THROUGH WATER	170
Roadside Emergencies	171
ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE	171
Getting roadside assistance	171
Using roadside assistance	172
Roadside coverage beyond basic warranty	172
HAZARD FLASHER CONTROL	173
FUEL PUMP SHUT-OFF SWITCH	173
FUSES AND RELAYS	174
Fuses	174
Standard fuse amperage rating and color	175
Passenger compartment fuse panel	175
Power distribution box	178
CHANGING THE TIRES	184
Dissimilar spare tire/wheel information	185
Stopping and securing the vehicle	187
Location of the spare tire and tools	187
Removing the spare tire	188
Tire change procedure	190
Stowing the flat/spare tire	192
WHEEL LUG NUT TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS	193
JUMP STARTING	194
Preparing your vehicle	194
Connecting the jumper cables	195
Jump starting	196
Removing the jumper cables	197
WRECKER TOWING	199
Emergency Towing	200
Customer Assistance	201
GETTING THE SERVICES YOU NEED	201
At home	201
Away from home	201
Additional Assistance	202
IN CALIFORNIA (U.S. ONLY)	203
THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU (BBB) AUTO LINE PROGRAM (U.S. ONLY)	204
UTILIZING THE MEDIATION/ARBITRATION PROGRAM (CANADA ONLY)	205
FORD EXTENDED SERVICE PLAN	205
GETTING ASSISTANCE OUTSIDE THE U.S. AND CANADA	206
ORDERING ADDITIONAL OWNER’S LITERATURE	207
Obtaining a French owner’s guide	207
REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS (U.S. ONLY)	207
REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS (CANADA ONLY)	208
Cleaning	209
WASHING THE EXTERIOR	209
WAXING	210
PAINT CHIPS	210
ALUMINUM WHEELS AND WHEEL COVERS	210
ENGINE	211
PLASTIC (NON-PAINTED) EXTERIOR PARTS	212
WINDOWS AND WIPER BLADES	213
INSTRUMENT PANEL/INTERIOR TRIM AND CLUSTER LENS	213
INTERIOR	214
LEATHER SEATS (IF EQUIPPED)	215
UNDERBODY	215
FORD AND LINCOLN MERCURY CAR CARE PRODUCTS	215
Maintenance and Specifications	217
SERVICE RECOMMENDATIONS	217
PRECAUTIONS WHEN SERVICING YOUR VEHICLE	217
Working with the engine off	217
Working with the engine on	217
OPENING THE HOOD	218
IDENTIFYING COMPONENTS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT	219
WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID	222
CHANGING THE WIPER BLADES	223
ENGINE OIL	223
Checking the engine oil	223
Adding engine oil	227
Engine Oil Recommendations	227
Use SAE 5W-20 engine oil.	227
Use SAE 5W-30 engine oil.	228
BATTERY	229
ENGINE COOLANT	231
Checking engine coolant	231
Adding engine coolant	233
Recycled engine coolant	235
Coolant refill capacity	235
Severe climates	236
FUEL FILTER	236
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT AUTOMOTIVE FUELS	237
Important safety precautions	237
Refueling	238
Fuel Filler Cap	239
Choosing the right fuel	240
Cleaner air	240
Octane recommendations	241
Fuel quality	241
Running out of fuel	241
ESSENTIALS OF GOOD FUEL ECONOMY	242
Measuring techniques	242
Filling the tank	242
Calculating fuel economy	243
Driving style — good driving and fuel economy habits	243
Habits	243
Maintenance	244
Conditions	244
EPA window sticker	245
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM	245
On board diagnostics (OBD-II)	246
Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) testing	247
POWER STEERING FLUID	248
BRAKE FLUID	250
CLUTCH FLUID (IF EQUIPPED)	250
TRANSMISSION FLUID	251
Checking automatic transmission fluid	251
Low fluid level	252
High fluid level	252
Checking and adding manual transmission fluid (if equipped)	252
TRANSFER CASE FLUID (IF EQUIPPED)	253
DRIVELINE UNIVERSAL JOINT AND SLIP YOKE	253
AIR FILTER	253
MOTORCRAFT PART NUMBERS	255
MAINTENANCE PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS AND CAPACITIES	256
ENGINE DATA	261
Engine drivebelt routing	261
IDENTIFYING YOUR VEHICLE	263
Safety Compliance Certification Label	263
Vehicle identification number (VIN)	263
TRANSMISSION/TRANSAXLE CODE DESIGNATIONS	264
Accessories	265
GENUINE FORD ACCESSORIES FOR YOUR VEHICLE	265
Exterior style	265
Interior style	265
Lifestyle	266
Peace of mind	266

Match case Limit results 1 per page

Descend a hill in the same gear you

would use to climb up the hill to

avoid excessive brake application

and brake overheating. Do not

descend in neutral; instead,

disengage overdrive or manually

shift to a lower gear. When

descending a steep hill, avoid

sudden hard braking as you could

lose control. When you brake hard,

the front wheels can’t turn and if

they aren’t turning, you won’t be

able to steer. The front wheels have to be turning in order to steer the

vehicle. Rapid pumping of the brake pedal will help you slow the vehicle

and still maintain steering control.

Your vehicle is equipped with a Four Wheel Anti-lock Brake System

(ABS), apply the brakes steadily. Do not “pump” the brakes.

Driving on snow and ice

4WD vehicles have advantages over 2WD vehicles in snow and ice but

can skid like any other vehicle.

Should you start to slide while driving on snowy or icy roads, turn the

steering wheel in the direction of the slide until you regain control.

Avoid sudden applications of power and quick changes of direction on

snow and ice. Apply the accelerator slowly and steadily when starting

from a full stop.

Avoid sudden braking as well. Although a 4WD vehicle may accelerate

better than a two-wheel drive vehicle in snow and ice, it won’t stop any

faster, because as in other vehicles, braking occurs at all four wheels. Do

not become overconfident as to road conditions.

Make sure you allow sufficient distance between you and other vehicles

for stopping. Drive slower than usual and consider using one of the lower

gears. Your vehicle is equipped with a Four Wheel Anti-Lock Brake

System (ABS); apply the brake steadily. Do not “pump” the brakes. Refer

to the

Brakes

section of this chapter for additional information on the

operation of the anti-lock brake system.

Never drive with chains on the front tires of 4WD vehicles without also

putting them on the rear tires. This could cause the rear to slide and

swing around during braking.

2008 Ranger

(ran)

Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)

USA

(fus)

Driving

169