1987 Ford Ranger XLT User Manual

The 1987 Ford Ranger XLT is a compact pickup truck featuring a 2.0L or 2.3L 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual or 3-speed automatic transmission, power steering, AM/FM stereo, air conditioning, cloth bench seat, chrome bumpers, sliding rear window, and dual fuel tanks. Below are key sections for safety, features, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Vehicle Controls 3. First-Time Operation 4. Specifications 5. Instrument Panel 6. Driving Instructions 7. Maintenance Schedule 8. Fuel System 9. Care & Cleaning 10. Warranty Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 2.0L/2.3L 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual transmission, power steering, AM/FM stereo, air conditioning, dual fuel tanks.

Feature	Description
Engine	2.0L or 2.3L 4-cylinder gasoline engine
Transmission	5-speed manual or 3-speed automatic
Fuel System	Dual fuel tanks (17 gallon total capacity)
Steering	Power assisted rack and pinion
Brakes	Front disc, rear drum with power assist
Suspension	Independent front, leaf spring rear
Interior	Cloth bench seat, AM/FM stereo, air conditioning
Exterior	Chrome bumpers, sliding rear window
Payload Capacity	1,250 lbs maximum
Towing Capacity	1,600 lbs when properly equipped

Vehicle Controls

Familiarize yourself with all controls before driving.

Ignition switch: Located on steering column, positions: LOCK, ACC, ON, START.
Headlight switch: Pull out for parking lights, further for headlights.
Wiper/washer: Rotate for intermittent, low, high speed; push for washer fluid.
Climate controls: Three dials for temperature, fan speed, vent selection.
Fuel selector: Switch between main and auxiliary fuel tanks.

WARNING! Always fasten seat belts. Never leave children unattended in vehicle.

First-Time Operation

Before first drive, perform pre-operation checks.

Check fluid levels: Engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid.
Inspect tires: Proper inflation (30 PSI front, 35 PSI rear).
Adjust seating position: Ensure clear view of all mirrors and controls.
Familiarize with controls: Practice operating all switches and pedals.
Start engine: Depress clutch (manual), turn key to START position.

CAUTION! Always check surroundings before moving vehicle.

Specifications

Engine: 2.0L or 2.3L 4-cylinder, 8-valve OHV
Horsepower: 80-90 hp @ 4400 RPM
Torque: 110-120 lb-ft @ 2400 RPM
Transmission: 5-speed manual or 3-speed automatic
Fuel Capacity: Dual tanks, 17 gallons total
MPG: 21 city / 26 highway (estimated)
Wheelbase: 108 inches
Bed Length: 6-foot cargo bed
Curb Weight: 2,800 lbs
Payload: 1,250 lbs maximum

Instrument Panel

Monitor all gauges while driving for proper operation.

Gauges: Speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, temperature gauge, oil pressure, voltmeter.

Warning Lights: BRAKE (parking brake or low fluid), CHECK ENGINE, OIL, BATTERY, SEAT BELT. Controls: Headlight switch, wiper control, climate controls, radio, hazard lights. Instrument Panel Features: Glove compartment, ashtray, cigarette lighter, cup holders.

Driving Instructions

Manual transmission: Depress clutch fully when shifting gears.

Starting: Depress clutch, shift to neutral, start engine.
Shifting: Smooth clutch engagement, match engine RPM to gear.
Braking: Apply steady pressure, avoid sudden stops.
Fuel tank switching: Use selector when gauge shows 1/4 tank.
Parking: Apply parking brake, shift to reverse (manual) or park (automatic).

Tip: Allow engine to warm up for 30 seconds before driving in cold weather.

Maintenance Schedule

Follow recommended maintenance for optimal performance.

Oil change: Every 3,000 miles or 3 months
Oil filter: Replace with each oil change
Air filter: Inspect every 6,000 miles, replace as needed
Spark plugs: Replace every 30,000 miles
Coolant: Flush and replace every 30,000 miles
Brake fluid: Check level monthly, replace every 2 years
Tire rotation: Every 6,000 miles
Transmission fluid: Check level monthly, change every 30,000 miles

WARNING! Always use jack stands when working under vehicle.

Fuel System

Dual tank system requires proper operation.

Tank selector: Switch located on instrument panel.
Fuel gauge: Shows level of selected tank only.
Filling: Both tanks fill separately, 8.5 gallons each.
Switching: Allow 2-3 seconds for fuel pump to prime when switching tanks.
Filter: Replace fuel filter every 15,000 miles.

CAUTION! Never run both tanks completely empty.

Care & Cleaning

Regular cleaning maintains appearance and value.

Exterior: Wash with mild soap, rinse thoroughly. Wax every 3 months. Interior: Vacuum regularly, use vinyl protectant on dash and seats. Windows: Clean with glass cleaner and soft cloth. Underbody: Rinse to remove road salt and debris.

CAUTION! Avoid high-pressure sprays on electrical components.

Warranty Information

Basic warranty: 12 months/12,000 miles. Powertrain: 36 months/36,000 miles. Corrosion: 36 months/unlimited miles. For warranty service, contact authorized Ford dealer. Keep all maintenance records for warranty claims.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Battery, fuel, ignition	Check battery connections, fuel level, spark plugs.
Rough idle	Spark plugs, vacuum leak	Replace spark plugs, check vacuum hoses.
Poor fuel economy	Dirty air filter, tire pressure	Replace air filter, check tire inflation.
Brake pedal soft	Air in lines, low fluid	Bleed brakes, check fluid level.
Overheating	Low coolant, thermostat	Check coolant level, replace thermostat.

Service: Contact authorized Ford dealer for repairs.

Emergency: Ford Roadside Assistance 1-800-241-3673