Ford Ranger 2021-2024 Scheduled Maintenance Ford Ranger

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GENERAL MAINTENANCE
INFORMATION

Why Maintain Your Vehicle?

Carefully following the maintenance
schedule helps protect against major repair
expenses resulting from neglect or
inadequate maintenance and may help to
increase the value of your vehicle when
you sell or trade it. Keep all receipts for
completed maintenance with your vehicle.

We have established regular maintenance
intervals for your vehicle based upon
rigorous testing. It is important that you
have your vehicle serviced at the proper
times. These intervals serve two purposes;
one is to maintain the reliability of your
vehicle and the second is to keep your cost
of owning your vehicle down.

It is your responsibility to have all
scheduled maintenance performed and to
make sure that the materials used meet
the specifications identified in this owner's
manual.  See 

Capacities and

Specifications

 (page 328).

Failure to perform scheduled maintenance
invalidates warranty coverage on parts
affected by the lack of maintenance.

Why Maintain Your Vehicle at Your
Dealership?

Factory-Trained Technicians

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®
Replacement Parts

Dealerships stock Ford, Motorcraft and
Ford-authorized branded re-manufactured
replacement parts. These parts meet or
exceed our specifications. Parts installed
at your dealership carry a nationwide
24-month or unlimited mile (kilometer)
parts and labor limited warranty.

If you do not use our authorized parts, they
may not meet our specifications and
depending on the part, it could affect
emissions compliance.

Convenience

Many dealerships have extended evening
and Saturday hours to make your service
visit more convenient and they offer one
stop shopping. They can perform any
services that are required on your vehicle,
from general maintenance to collision
repairs.

Note:

Not all dealers have extended hours

or body shops. Please contact your dealer
for details.

Protecting Your Investment

Maintenance is an investment that pays
dividends in the form of improved
reliability, durability and resale value. To
maintain the proper performance of your
vehicle and its emission control systems,
make sure you have scheduled
maintenance performed at the designated
intervals.

Your vehicle has an Intelligent Oil-Life
Monitor system, a message appears in the
information display at the proper oil
change interval. This interval may be up to
one year or 10,000 mi (16,000 km), hybrid
vehicles may exceed 10,000 mi
(16,000 km).

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Scheduled Maintenance

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When the oil change message appears in
the information display, it is time for an oil
change. Make sure you perform the oil
change within two weeks or 500 mi
(800 km) of the message appearing. Make
sure you reset the Intelligent Oil-Life
Monitor after each oil change.  See 

Oil

Change Indicator Reset

 (page 267).

If your information display resets
prematurely or becomes inoperative, you
should perform the oil change interval at
six months or 5,000 mi (8,000 km) from
your last oil change. Never exceed one year
or 10,000 mi (16,000 km) between oil
change 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 is why it is important to rely upon your
dealership to properly diagnose and repair
your vehicle.

We have recommended maintenance
intervals for various parts and component
systems based upon engineering testing.
We rely 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.

We strongly recommend the use of only
genuine Ford, Motorcraft or
Ford-authorized re-manufactured
replacement parts engineered for your
vehicle.

Additives and Chemicals

This owner's manual and our Workshop
Manual list the recommended additives
and chemicals for your vehicle. We do not
recommend using chemicals or additives
not approved by us as part of your vehicle’s
normal maintenance. Please consult your
warranty information.

Oils, 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, a qualified expert, such
as the factory-trained technicians at your
dealership, should inspect discolored fluids
that also show signs of overheating or
foreign material contamination
immediately.

Make sure to change your vehicle’s oils and
fluids 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.

Owner Checks and Services

Make sure you perform the following basic
maintenance checks and inspections every
month or at six-month intervals.

Check Every Month

Engine oil level.

Function of all interior and exterior lights.

Tires (including spare) for wear and proper pressure.

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Scheduled Maintenance

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Check Every Month

Windshield washer fluid level.

Fuel and water separator. Drain if necessary (or if indicated by the information display).

Holes and slots in the tail pipe to make sure they are functional and clear of debris.

Check Every Six Months

Battery connections. Clean if necessary.

Body and door drain holes for obstructions. Clean if necessary.

Cooling system fluid level and coolant strength.

Door weatherstrips for wear. Lubricate if necessary.

Hinges, latches and outside locks for proper operation. Lubricate if necessary.

Parking brake for proper operation.

Seatbelts and seat latches for wear and function.

Safety warning lamps (brake, ABS, airbag and seatbelt) for operation.

Washer spray and wiper operation. Clean or replace blades as necessary.

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. We recommend having the
following multi-point inspection performed
at every scheduled maintenance interval
to help make sure your vehicle keeps
running great.

Multi-Point Inspection

Hazard warning system operation

Accessory drive belt(s)

Horn operation

Battery performance

Radiator, cooler, heater and air conditioning

hoses

Engine air filter

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Scheduled Maintenance

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Multi-Point Inspection

Suspension components for leaks or

damage

Exhaust system

Steering and linkage

Exterior lamps operation

Tires (including spare) for wear and proper

pressure

2

Fluid levels

1

; fill if necessary

Windshield for cracks, chips or pits

For oil and fluid leaks

Washer spray and wiper operation

Half-shaft dust boots

1

 Brake, coolant recovery reservoir, automatic transmission and window washer.

2

If your vehicle comes with a temporary mobility kit, check the tire sealant expiration Use

By date on the canister. Replace as needed.

Be sure to ask your dealership service
advisor or technician about the multi-point
vehicle inspection. It is a comprehensive
way to perform a thorough inspection of
your vehicle. Your checklist gives you
immediate feedback on the overall
condition of your vehicle.

NORMAL SCHEDULED
MAINTENANCE

Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor™

Your vehicle has an Intelligent Oil-Life
Monitor that determines when you should
change the engine oil based on how you
use your vehicle. By using several
important factors in its calculations, the
monitor helps reduce the cost of owning
your vehicle and reduces environmental
waste at the same time.

This means you do not have to remember
to change the oil on a mileage-based
schedule. Your vehicle lets you know when
an oil change is due by displaying a
message in the information display.

The following table provides examples of
vehicle use and its impact on oil change
intervals. It is a guideline only. Actual oil
change intervals depend on several factors
and generally decrease with severity of
use.

When to Expect the OIL CHANGE REQUIRED Message

Vehicle Use and Example

Interval

1

Normal

7,500–10,000 mi

(12,000–16,000 km)

Normal commuting with highway driving

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Scheduled Maintenance

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When to Expect the OIL CHANGE REQUIRED Message

Vehicle Use and Example

Interval

1

No, or moderate, load or towing
Flat to moderately hilly roads
No extended idling

Severe

5,000–7,500 mi

(8,000–12,000 km)

Moderate to heavy load or towing
Mountainous or off-road conditions
Extended idling
Extended hot or cold operation

Extreme

3,000–5,000 mi

(5,000–8,000 km)

Maximum load or towing
Extreme hot or cold operation
Extended engine idling

Hybrid vehicles may achieve longer distances between oil changes, but do not exceed

the 1 year maximum oil change interval. Remaining oil life can be accessed through the
information display.  See 

Information Displays

 (page 96).

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Scheduled Maintenance

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Normal Maintenance Intervals

At Every Oil Change Interval as Indicated by the Information Display

1

Change the engine oil and filter.

Rotate the tires, inspect tire wear and measure the tread depth.

Perform a multi-point inspection, recommended.

Inspect the automatic transmission fluid level, if your vehicle has a dipstick. Consult
your dealer for requirements.

Inspect the brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, brake linings, hoses and the parking brake.

Inspect the engine cooling system strength and hoses.

Inspect the exhaust system and heat shields.

Inspect the front axle and U-joints. Lubricate if equipped with grease fittings. Four–wheel
drive vehicles.

Inspect the half-shaft boots.

Inspect the steering linkage, ball joints, suspension, tire-rod ends, driveshaft and the U-
joints. Lubricate any areas with grease fittings.

Inspect the wheels and related components for abnormal noise, wear, looseness or
drag.

1

 Do not exceed one year or 10,000 mi (16,000 km) between service intervals.

Brake Fluid Maintenance

1

Change the brake fluid.

2

Every 3 Years

 Perform this maintenance item every 3 years. Do not exceed the designated time for

the interval.

Brake fluid servicing requires special equipment available at your authorized dealer.

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Scheduled Maintenance

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Other Maintenance Items 

1

Replace the cabin air filter.

Every 20,000 mi
(32,000 km)

Replace the engine air filter.

Every 30,000 mi
(48,000 km)

Replace the spark plugs.

Every 100,000 mi
(160,000 km)

Inspect the accessory drive belt or belts.

2

Change the automatic transmission fluid and filter.

Every 150,000 mi
(240,000 km)

Change the front axle fluid. Four-wheel drive vehicles.

Change the rear axle fluid.

Change the transfer case fluid. Four-wheel drive vehicles.

Replace the accessory drive belt or belts.

Change the engine coolant.

3

At 200,000 mi
(320,000 km)

1

 Perform these maintenance items within 3,000 mi (4,800 km) of the last engine oil and

filter change. Do not exceed the designated distance for the interval.

2

 After initial inspection, inspect every other oil change until replaced.

3

 Initial replacement at 10 years or 200,000 mi (320,000 km), then every five years or

100,000 mi (160,000 km).

SPECIAL OPERATING
CONDITIONS SCHEDULED
MAINTENANCE

If you operate your vehicle 

primarily

 in any

of the following conditions, you need to
perform extra maintenance, as indicated.
If you operate your vehicle 

occasionally

under any of these conditions, it is not
necessary to perform the extra
maintenance. For specific
recommendations, see your dealership
service advisor or technician.

Perform the services shown in the
following tables when specified or within
3,000 mi (4,800 km) of the 

OIL CHANGE

REQUIRED

 message appearing in the

information display.

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Scheduled Maintenance

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Example 1

: The 

OIL CHANGE

REQUIRED

 message comes on at

28,751 mi (46,270 km). Perform the
30,000 mi (48,000 km) automatic
transmission fluid replacement.

Example 2

: The 

OIL CHANGE

REQUIRED

 message has 

not

 come

on, but the odometer reads 30,000 mi
(48,000 km) (for example, the
Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor was reset
at 25,000 mi (40,000 km)). Perform
the engine air filter replacement.

Towing a Trailer or Using a Car-top Carrier

Change engine oil and filter as indicated by the information
display and perform services listed in the Normal Sched-
uled Maintenance chart.

As required

Inspect and lubricate U-joints.

Inspect frequently, service
as required

See axle maintenance items under 

Exceptions

.

Replace spark plugs.

Every 60,000 mi
(96,000 km)

Extensive Idling or Low-speed Driving for Long Distances, as in Heavy Commercial Use

(Such as Delivery, Taxi, Patrol Car or Livery)

Change engine oil and filter as indicated by the information
display and perform services listed in the Normal Sched-
uled Maintenance chart.

As required

Replace engine air filter.

Inspect frequently, service
as required

Replace spark plugs.

Every 60,000 mi
(96,000 km)

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Scheduled Maintenance

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Operating in Dusty or Sandy Conditions (Such as Unpaved or Dusty Roads)

Replace engine air filter.

Inspect frequently, service
as required

Inspect the wheels and related components for abnormal
noise, wear, looseness or drag.

Every 5,000 mi (8,000 km)

Rotate tires, inspect tires for wear and measure tread
depth.

Change engine oil and filter.

1

Every 5,000 mi (8,000 km)
or six months

1

Reset your Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor after each engine oil and filter change.

Off-road Operation

Inspect steering linkage, ball joints and U-joints. Lubricate
if equipped with grease fittings.

Inspect frequently, service
as required

Replace engine air filter.

Change engine oil and filter.

1

Every 5,000 mi (8,000 km)
or six months

Inspect the wheels and related components for abnormal
noise, wear, looseness or drag.

Rotate tires, inspect tires for wear and measure tread
depth.

1

Reset your Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor after each engine oil and filter change.

Exceptions

There are several exceptions to the Normal
Schedule.

Axle and Transfer Case Maintenance

Axle(s) and transfer case (Four-wheel
drive vehicles) fluid changes or level
checks are not required unless a leak is
suspected or the assembly has been
submerged in water. Contact an authorized
dealer for service.

California Fuel Filter Replacement

If you register your vehicle in California, the
California Air Resources Board has
determined that the failure to perform this
maintenance item does not nullify the
emission warranty or limit recall liability
before the completion of your vehicle's
useful life. Ford Motor Company, however,
urges you to have all recommended
maintenance services performed at the
specified intervals and to record all vehicle
service.

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Scheduled Maintenance

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Hot Climate Oil Change Intervals

Vehicles operating in the Middle East,
North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa or
locations with similar climates using an
American Petroleum Institute (API)
Certified for Gasoline Engines (Certification
mark) oil of SM or SN quality, the normal
oil change interval is 3,000 mi (4,800 km).

If the available API SM or SN oils are not
available, then the oil change interval is
1,800 mi (2,900 km).

Engine Air Filter Replacement

The life of the engine air filter is dependent
on exposure to dusty and dirty conditions.
Vehicles operated in these conditions
require frequent inspection and
replacement of the engine air filter.

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Scheduled Maintenance

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