Ford Ranger (2011 year). Manual — part 37

WARNING: Do not start your vehicle in a closed garage or in
other enclosed areas. Exhaust fumes can be toxic. Always open

the garage door before you start the engine. See Guarding against
exhaust fumes in this chapter for more instructions.

WARNING: If you smell exhaust fumes inside your vehicle, have
your dealer inspect your vehicle immediately. Do not drive if you

smell exhaust fumes.

Important safety precautions

When the engine starts, the idle RPM runs faster to warm the engine. If
the engine idle speed does not slow down automatically, have the vehicle
checked.

Before starting the vehicle:

1. Make sure all occupants buckle their safety belts. For more
information on safety belts and their proper usage, refer to the Seating
and Safety Restraints chapter.

2. Make sure the headlamps and electrical accessories are off.

If starting a vehicle with an automatic transmission:
• Make sure the parking brake is

set.

• Make sure the gearshift is in P

(Park).

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If starting a vehicle with a manual
transmission:
• Make sure the parking brake is

set.

• Press and hold the clutch pedal

to the floor, then put the
gearshift lever in the N (Neutral)
position.

3. Turn the key to 4 (on) without
turning the key to 5 (start).

If there is difficulty in turning the key, firmly rotate the steering wheel
left and right until the key turns freely. This condition may occur when:
• the front wheels are turned,
• the front wheel is against the curb, or
• the steering wheel is turned when getting in or out of the vehicle.
Some warning lights will briefly illuminate. See Warning lights and
chimes in the Instrument Cluster chapter for more information
regarding the warning lights.

Starting the engine

Note: Whenever you start your vehicle, release the key as soon as the
engine starts. Excessive cranking could damage the starter.

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2

3

4

5

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1. Turn the key to 4 (on) without
turning the key to 5 (start). If there
is difficulty in turning the key,
rotate the steering wheel until the
key turns freely. This condition may
occur when:

• the front wheels are turned, or

• a front wheel is against the curb.
2. Turn the key to 5 (start), then
release the key as soon as the
engine starts. Excessive cranking
could damage the starter.

Note: If the engine does not start within five seconds on the first try,
turn the key to off, wait 10 seconds and try again. If the engine still fails
to start, press the accelerator to the floor and try again. This will allow
the engine to crank with the fuel shut off in case the engine is flooded
with fuel.

Guarding against exhaust fumes

Carbon monoxide is present in exhaust fumes. Take precautions to avoid
its dangerous effects.

WARNING: If you smell exhaust fumes inside your vehicle, have
your dealer inspect your vehicle immediately. Do not drive if you

smell exhaust fumes.

Important ventilating information

If the engine is idling while the vehicle is stopped for a long period of
time, open the windows at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) or adjust the heating or
air conditioning to bring in fresh air.

ENGINE BLOCK HEATER (IF EQUIPPED)

An engine block heater warms the engine coolant which aids in starting
and allows the heater/defroster system to respond quickly. If your vehicle
is equipped with this system, your equipment includes a heater element
which is installed in your engine block and a wire harness which allows
the user to connect the system to a grounded 120 volt A/C electrical
source. The block heater system is most effective when outdoor
temperatures reach below 0°F (-18°C).

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5

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WARNING: Failure to follow engine block heater instructions
could result in property damage or physical injury.

WARNING: To reduce the risk of electrical shock, do not use
your heater with ungrounded electrical systems or two-pronged

(cheater) adapters.

Prior to using the engine block heater, follow these recommendations for
proper and safe operation:
• For your safety, use an outdoor extension cord that is product

certified by Underwriter’s Laboratory (UL) or Canadian Standards
Association (CSA). Use only an extension cord that can be used
outdoors, in cold temperatures, and is clearly marked “Suitable for Use
with Outdoor Appliances.” Never use an indoor extension cord
outdoors; it could result in an electric shock or fire hazard.

• Use a 16-gauge outdoor extension cord, minimum.
• Use as short an extension cord as possible.
• Do not use multiple extension cords. Instead, use one extension cord

which is long enough to reach from the engine block heater cord to
the outlet without stretching.

• Make certain that the extension cord is in excellent condition (not

patched or spliced). Store your extension cord indoors at
temperatures above 32°F (0°C). Outdoor conditions can deteriorate
extension cords over a period of time.

• To reduce the risk of electrical shock, do not use your heater with

ungrounded electrical systems or two pronged (cheater) adapters.
Also ensure that the block heater, especially the cord, is in good
condition before use.

• Make sure that when in operation, the extension cord plug/engine

block heater cord plug connection is free and clear of water in order
to prevent possible shock or fire.

• Be sure that areas where the vehicle is parked are clean and clear of

all combustibles such as petroleum products, dust, rags, paper and
similar items.

• Be sure that the engine block heater, heater cord and extension cord

are solidly connected. A poor connection can cause the cord to
become very hot and may result in an electrical shock or fire. Be sure
to check for heat anywhere in the electrical hookup once the system
has been operating for approximately a half hour.

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