Ford Ranger (2011 year). Manual — part 68

GENERAL MAINTENANCE INFORMATION

Why maintain your vehicle?

This guide describes the scheduled maintenance required for your
vehicle. Carefully following this schedule helps protect against major
repair expenses resulting from neglect or inadequate maintenance and
may also help to increase the value of your vehicle when you sell or
trade it.

It is your responsibility to see that all scheduled maintenance is
performed and that the materials used meet Ford engineering
specifications. Failure to perform scheduled maintenance specific in this
guide will invalidate warranty coverage on parts affected by the lack of
maintenance. Be sure receipts for completed maintenance are kept with
the vehicle and confirmation of the work performed is always recorded in
this guide.

Your Ford or Lincoln Mercury dealer has factory-trained technicians who
can perform the required maintenance using genuine Ford parts. They
are committed to meeting your service needs and to assuring your
continuing satisfaction.

Protecting your investment

Maintenance is an investment that will pay dividends in the form of
improved reliability, durability and resale value. To ensure the proper
performance of your vehicle and its emission control systems, it is
imperative that scheduled maintenance be completed at the designated
intervals.

Your vehicle is very sophisticated and built with multiple complex
performance systems. Every manufacturer develops these systems using
different specifications and performance features. That’s why it’s
important to rely upon your Ford or Lincoln Mercury dealership to
properly diagnose and repair your vehicle.

Ford Motor Company has recommended maintenance intervals for
various parts and component systems based upon engineering testing.
Ford Motor Company relies upon this testing to determine the most
appropriate mileage for replacement of oils and fluids to protect your
vehicle at the lowest overall cost to you and recommends against
maintenance schedules that deviate from the scheduled maintenance
information.

Scheduled Maintenance Guide

275

Ford strongly recommends the use of genuine Ford replacement parts.
Parts other than Ford, Motorcraft

威 or Ford-authorized remanufactured

Non-Ford approved chemicals or additives are not required for factory
recommended maintenance. In fact, Ford Motor Company recommends
against the use of such additive products unless specifically
recommended by Ford for a particular application.

Oil, fluids and flushing

In many cases, fluid discoloration is a normal operating characteristic
and, by itself, does not necessarily indicate a concern or that the fluid
needs to be changed. However, discolored fluids that also show signs of
overheating and/or foreign material contamination should be inspected
immediately by a qualified expert such as the factory-trained technicians
at your Ford or Lincoln Mercury Dealership. Your vehicle’s oils and fluids
should be changed at the specified intervals or in conjunction with a
repair. Flushing is a viable way to change fluid for many vehicle
sub-systems during scheduled maintenance. It is critical that systems are
flushed only with new fluid that is the same as that required to fill and
operate the system, or using a Ford-approved flushing chemical.

Genuine Ford parts and service

When planning your maintenance services, consider your Ford and
Lincoln Mercury dealership for all your vehicle’s needs.

Get the most from your service and maintenance visits

There are a lot of reasons why visiting your Ford or Lincoln Mercury
dealership for all your service needs is a great way to help keep your
vehicle running great.

Convenience

Many dealerships have extended evening and Saturday hours to make
your service visit more convenient. How’s that for quality service?

Scheduled Maintenance Guide

276

Factory-trained technicians

Ford and Lincoln Mercury service technicians participate in extensive
factory-sponsored certification training to help them become experts on
the operation of your vehicle. Ask your dealership about the training and
certification their technicians have received.

Genuine Ford and Motorcraft

姞 replacement parts

Ford and Lincoln Mercury dealerships stock Ford and Motorcraft

威

branded replacement parts. These parts meet or exceed Ford Motor
Company’s specifications, and we stand behind them. Parts installed at
your Ford or Lincoln Mercury dealership carry a nationwide, 12 months,
12,000 mile (20,000 km) parts and labor limited warranty. Your dealer
can give you details.

Value shopping for your vehicle’s maintenance needs

Your dealership recognizes the competitive landscape of maintenance and
light repair automotive services. With factory-trained technicians, and
one-stop service from routine maintenance like oil changes and tire
rotations to repairs like brake service, check out the value your Ford and
Lincoln Mercury dealers can offer.

WHICH MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE SHOULD YOU FOLLOW?

Owner checks and services

Certain basic maintenance checks and inspections should be performed
by the owner or a service technician at the intervals indicated. Service
information and supporting specifications are provided in this owner’s
guide.

Any adverse condition should be brought to the attention of your dealer
or qualified service technician as soon as possible for the proper service
advice. The owner maintenance service checks are generally not covered
by warranties so you may be charged for labor, parts or lubricants used.

Maximum oil change interval

❑

7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first

Engine coolant change interval

❑

6 years or 105,000 miles (168,000 km) - change engine coolant (whichever comes first)

❑

After initial change - change engine coolant every 3 years or 45,000 miles (72,000 km).

Scheduled Maintenance Guide

277

Multi-point inspection

In order to keep your vehicle running right, it is important to have the
systems on your vehicle checked regularly. This can help identify
potential issues and prevent major problems. Ford Motor Company
recommends the following multi-point inspection be performed at every
scheduled maintenance interval to help ensure your vehicle keeps
running great.

Check every month

❑

Check function of all interior and exterior lights

❑

Check tires for wear and correct air pressure, including spare tire

❑

Check windshield washer fluid level

❑

Check engine oil level

Check every six months

❑

Check lap/shoulder belts and seat latches for wear and function

❑

Check parking brake for proper operation

❑

Check safety warning lamps (brake, ABS, airbag, safety belt) for operation

❑

Check cooling system fluid level and coolant strength

❑

Check battery connections and clean if necessary

❑

Check washer spray, wiper operation and clean all wiper blades (replace as necessary)

❑

Check and lubricate all hinges, latches and outside locks. Inspect for correct operation

❑

Check and lubricate door rubber weatherstrips. Inspect for excessive wear

❑

Check and clean body and door drain holes. Inspect for clogs and obstructions

Scheduled Maintenance Guide

278