Maintenance Information Ford Ranger

VIN LOCATION

The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is located on the left side of the dash panel at the base of the windshield. The VIN chart explains the code characters.

VIN CODE ID EXPLANATION

Numbers preceding the explanations in the legend below refer to the sequence of characters as listed on VIN identification label. See VIN example below.

VIN Code ID Explanation. Scheme 3

SEVERE & NORMAL SERVICE DEFINITIONS

Service is recommended at mileage intervals based on vehicle operation. Normal Service and Severe Service are based on the following primary operating conditions

Normal Service

1. Driven More Than 10 Miles Daily
2. No Operating Conditions From Severe Service List

Severe Service

1. Short Trips (About 10 Miles) In Freezing Temperatures
2. Towing Or Heavily Loaded.
3. Severe Dust Conditions
4. Hot Weather, Stop-And-Go Driving
5. Extensive Idling Conditions (Taxi Or Delivery Type Service)
6. Snow Plowing
7. High Speed Operation With Fully Loaded Vehicle

Note. Diesel-powered models require additional servicing. Refer to the Maintenance Schedules for diesel engines.

CAMSHAFT TIMING BELT

The condition of camshaft drive belts should always be checked on vehicles which have more than 50,000 miles. Although some manufacturers do not recommend belt replacement at a specified mileage, others require it at 60,000-100,000 miles. A camshaft drive belt failure may cause extensive damage to internal engine components on most engines, although some designs do not allow piston-to-valve contact. These designs are often called "Free Wheeling".

Many manufacturers changed their maintenance and warranty schedules in the mid-1980's to reflect timing belt inspection and/or replacement at 50,000-60,000 miles. Most service interval schedules in this manual reflect these changes.

Belts or components should be inspected and replaced if any of the following conditions exist

1. Cracks Or Tears In Belt Surface
2. Missing, Damaged, Cracked Or Rounded Teeth
3. Oil Contamination
4. Damaged Or Faulty Tensioners
5. Incorrect Tension Adjustment

Replace camshaft timing belt (including balance shaft belt) every 50,000 miles on diesel engines. Replace timing belt every 60,000 miles on 2.0L & 2.3L 4-cylinder engines.

ADDITIONAL MAINTENANCE

The following maintenance items should be performed every 6 months or 7500 miles on gasoline engines and every 6 months or 5000 miles on diesel engines: check wheel lug nut torque, inspect clutch reservoir fluid level, inspect exhaust system shielding, lubricate automatic transmission shift linkage and inspect fluid level (cable system), lubricate steering linkage joints and driveshaft if equipped with fittings, lubricate rear driveshaft double cardan joint centering ball (Ranger SWB 4WD).

REAR AXLE LUBRICATION

Rear axle lube quantities must be replaced every 100,000 miles, or if the axle has been submerged in water. Otherwise lube should not be checked unless a leak is suspected or repair required.

OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLES

If vehicle is operated off-highway, perform the following items every 1000 miles. If vehicle is operated in mud and/or water, perform the following items daily.

1. Lubricate Front Axle, Steering And Clutch Linkages, Axle And Driveshaft U-Joints, And Slip Yoke If Equipped With Fittings.
2. Lubricate Automatic Transmission External Controls (Cable System).
3. Inspect Front Wheel Bearings And Lubrication.
4. Inspect Disc And Drum Brake Systems, Hoses And Lines, And Lube Caliper Slide Rails.
5. Inspect Exhaust System For Leaks, Damage, Or Loose Parts And Remove Any Foreign Material Trapped By Shielding.

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TIRE INFLATION

Inflation pressure and recommended tire size can be found on the Safety Compliance Certification Label decal attached to the rear face of the left door or door pillar.

WHEEL TIGHTENING

Tighten all wheel lug nuts to 100 ft. lbs. (136 N.m). If wheels are equipped with locking type lug nuts, ALWAYS position the keyed nut opposite the valve stem.

BATTERY SPECIFICATIONS

BATTERY REMOVAL

DO NOT use excessive pressure on end walls of a plastic-cased battery. Acid could be forced through the vent caps resulting in injury. Lift battery with a battery carrier or with hands on opposite corners.

FUEL PUMP SHUT-OFF SWITCH

This switch stops the fuel pump after a collision. The impact does not have to be great to trigger the switch. To reset, press the White reset button on the switch located under the instrument panel, to the right of the transmission hump.

ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM

On models with anti-lock brake systems, ALWAYS observe the following cautions

1. DO NOT attempt to bleed or add hydraulic fluid to system without first referring to the appropriate ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM article in the BRAKES Section.
2. Use ONLY recommended brake fluids. DO NOT use silicone brake fluids in ABS-equipped vehicles.
3. DO NOT mix tire sizes. As long as tires remain close to the original diameter, increasing the width is acceptable. Rolling diameter must be identical on all 4 tires.

CHECKING AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID

When checking ATF level, always have the 4WD gear selector in any position other than Neutral.

FUEL CONDITIONER (DIESEL ENGINES)

Allowing water to remain in the fuel conditioner could result in extensive damage to or failure of the fuel injection system. Diesel fuel can damage asphalt and other surfaces. Always place a drain pan under the fuel conditioner to collect the fuel, and dispose of fuel properly.

WARRANTY INFORMATION

BASIC NEW CAR LIMITED WARRANTY

All parts of the vehicle, except tires, are covered against defects in factory-supplied materials and workmanship for 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever occurs first.

POWERTRAIN WARRANTY

Note. Powertrain Warranty varies in coverage length (either 4 years/50,000 miles or 6 years/60,000 miles) depending on model year.

Under this warranty, certain parts of the engine, transmission, axle and driveline are warranted against defects in materials and workmanship. This coverage begins after 12 months or 12,000 miles. See copy of warranty for specific components covered and length of coverage.

BATTERY COVERAGE

Begins at warranty start date and lasts up to 3 years or 36,000 miles, whichever occurs first. For the first 12 months in service (less than 36,000 miles), battery will be replaced at no charge. After that, battery will be replaced on a customer-participation basis: For the 13th-24th month in service, Ford will pay 50%; for the 25th-36th month, Ford will pay 25%. Labor is covered for 3 years or 36,000 miles, whichever occurs first.

SAFETY RESTRAINT SYSTEM COVERAGE

Begins at warranty start date and lasts for 5 years or 50,000 miles, whichever occurs first. Covers safety restraint problems not related to comfort or appearance. Coverage for model years earlier than 1990 is 3 years with unlimited miles.

CORROSION COVERAGE

Begins at warranty start date and lasts for 6 years or 60,000 miles, whichever occurs first. Covers any holes in body sheet metal caused by corrosion.

EMISSIONS DEFECT & PERFORMANCE WARRANTIES (EXCEPT CALIFORNIA)

Defect Warranty ensures that vehicle meets applicable EPA regulations and that vehicle's emission control system is free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of 5 years or 50,000 miles, whichever occurs first.

The Performance Warranty covers all costs of repairing or adjusting any components or parts as needed for the vehicle to pass a Federally required state or local emissions test.

Other emission control parts related to these components are covered by the Performance Warranty, where applicable. If another part fails due to the failure of one of these components, both parts are covered. See customer's copy of warranty information for specific items covered. Performance Warranty coverage is limited to fewer components after 2 years or 24,000 miles.

EMISSIONS PERFORMANCE WARRANTY (CALIFORNIA)

If vehicle fails a Smog Check inspection, all necessary repairs and adjustments will be made by manufacturer to ensure that vehicle passes the inspection. Warranty begins at warranty start date and lasts for a period of 3 years or 50,000 miles, whichever occurs first.

EMISSIONS DEFECT WARRANTY (CALIFORNIA)

If any emission-related part on the vehicle is defective, the part will be repaired or replaced by manufacturer. Warranty begins at warranty start date and lasts for a period of 3 years or 50,000 miles, whichever occurs first.

Some emission-related parts are warranted for 7 years or 70,000 miles whichever occurs first, and will be repaired or replaced by manufacturer if found to be defective in material or workmanship. See customer's copy of warranty information for specific items covered.

FUSE PANEL LOCATIONS

The 1983-88 Ranger has a fuse panel only. The fuse panel is located under the instrument panel to the left of the steering column.

Scheme 9

Fuse & Circuit Breaker Identification

1. 1 - 15 Amp - Brakelights, Emergency Warning Lights
2. 2 - 6 Amp (Circuit Breaker) - Windshield Wiper/Washer
3. 3 - 15 Amp - Taillights, Parking Lights, License Light, Headlights Warning Buzzer
4. 4 - 15 Amp - Turn Signal Flasher, Back-Up Lights
5. 5 - 15 Amp - Accessory Feed, Speed Control
6. 6 - 15 Amp - Courtesy Lights, Dome Lights, Glove Box Light, Under Hood Light, Clock, Key Warning Buzzer, Headlight ON Buzzer, Electric Mirror
7. 7 - 30 Amp - Heater & A/C Blower, A/C Clutch
8. 8 - 10 Amp - Radio
9. 9 - 30 Amp (Circuit Breaker) - Power Lumbar Supports, Power Locks
10. 10 - 20 Amp - Power Windows
11. 11 - 20 Amp - Cigarette Lighter, Horns
12. 12 - 5 Amp - Instrument Panel Lights, Climate Control Illumination, Ashtray Light, Radio Illumination
13. 13 - 15 Amp - Warning Lights & Buzzer, Electric Shift, Overhead Console, 4WD Indicator