Checking the different fluid levels in your Ford Ranger is an important part of maintaining it. The longevity of your vehicle depends on monitoring and adding the proper fluids whenever needed. Checking the fluid levels can also help catch leaks that develop due to worn or failing parts. Ford Rangers are equipped with one of three different engines, so the location of the various reservoirs and dipsticks vary somewhat.
Locate the engine oil dipstick on the passenger's side of the engine bay near the firewall. With the engine off, pull the dipstick out of the tube and locate the hatched area at the end of the dipstick. If the oil level falls below the hatched area, add the appropriate amount of engine oil. To add engine oil, locate the oil filler cap on top of the engine and twist the cap open.
Locate the transmission fluid dipstick on the passenger's side of the engine bay near the firewall, aft of the engine oil dipstick. With the engine running at normal operating temperature and the vehicle in "Park," pull the dipstick out of the tube and locate the crosshatched area on the dipstick. The fluid should be at this level at normal operating temperatures. If the transmission fluid is below the low fluid level mark on the bottom of the dipstick, add Mercon transmission fluid in ½-pint increments until the fluid level is at a satisfactory level. If the fluid is above the crosshatched area, have an experienced mechanic drain away the excess fluid.
Locate the brake fluid reservoir on the driver's side of the engine bay near the firewall. Check the fluid by observing the contents through the translucent reservoir. The fluid should be between the "Min" and "Max." Only add DOT 3 brake fluid if the fluid is below the "Min" line in the reservoir.
Locate the round engine coolant reservoir on the passenger's side of the engine bay above the air filter box. Check the coolant levels by viewing the fluid through the translucent reservoir. The fluid levels should be above the "Min" level mark and below the "Max" level mark.
Locate the rounded windshield washer fluid reservoir on the passenger's side of the engine bay, underneath the engine coolant reservoir. The filler cap will be to the lower right of the engine coolant reservoir. Check the fluid levels by viewing the fluid through the translucent reservoir. Add windshield washer fluid as necessary.
Locate the power steering reservoir on the driver's side of the engine bay near the radiator. Open the filler cap and read the levels on the dipstick on the filler cap. Add power steering fluid as necessary.
Locate the engine oil dipstick on the driver's side of the engine bay near the power steering fluid reservoir. With the engine off, pull the dipstick out of the tube and locate the hatched area at the end of the dipstick. If the oil level falls below the hatched area, add the appropriate amount of engine oil needed. To add engine oil, locate the oil filler cap on the engine near the passenger's side of the hood and twist the cap open.
Locate the transmission fluid dipstick on the passenger's side of the engine bay near the firewall. With the engine running at normal operating temperature and the vehicle in "Park," pull the dipstick out of the tube and locate the crosshatched area on the dipstick. The fluid should be at this level at normal operating temperatures. If the transmission fluid is below the low fluid level mark on the bottom of the dipstick, add Mercon transmission fluid in ½-pint increments until the fluid level is at a satisfactory level. If the fluid is above the crosshatched area, have an experienced mechanic drain away the excess fluid.
Locate the brake fluid reservoir on the driver's side of the engine bay near the firewall. Check the fluid by observing the contents through the translucent reservoir. The fluid should be between the "Min" and "Max." Only add DOT 3 brake fluid if the fluid is below the "Min" line in the reservoir.
Locate the rectangular engine coolant reservoir on the passenger's side of the engine bay aft the air filter box. Check the coolant levels by viewing the fluid through the translucent reservoir. The fluid levels should be above the "Cold" and "Fill" mark. Add engine coolant as necessary.
Locate the rectangular windshield washer fluid reservoir on the passenger's side of the engine bay aft of the engine coolant reservoir. Check the fluid levels by viewing the fluid through the translucent reservoir. Add windshield washer fluid as necessary.
Locate the power steering reservoir on the driver's side of the engine bay near the battery. Open the filler cap and read the levels on the dipstick on the filler cap. Add power steering fluid as necessary.
Locate the engine oil dipstick on the driver's side of the engine bay. With the engine off, pull the dipstick out of the tube and locate the hatched area at the end of the dipstick. If the oil level falls below the hatched area, add the appropriate amount of engine oil needed. To add engine oil, locate the oil filler cap on the engine near the passenger's side of the hood and twist the cap open.
Locate the transmission fluid dipstick on the passenger's side of the engine bay near the engine oil filler cap. With the engine running at normal operating temperature and the vehicle in "Park," pull the dipstick out of the tube and locate the crosshatched area on the dipstick. The fluid should be at this level at normal operating temperatures. If the transmission fluid is below the low fluid level mark on the bottom of the dipstick, add Mercon transmission fluid in ½-pint increments until the fluid level is at a satisfactory level. If the fluid is above the crosshatched area, have an experienced mechanic drain away the excess fluid.
Locate the brake fluid reservoir on the driver's side of the engine bay near the firewall. Check the fluid by observing the contents through the translucent reservoir. The fluid should be between the "Min" and "Max." Only add DOT 3 brake fluid if the fluid is below the "Min" line in the reservoir.
Locate the rectangular engine coolant reservoir on the passenger's side of the engine bay aft the air filter box. Check the coolant levels by viewing the fluid through the translucent reservoir. The fluid levels should be above the "Cold" and "Fill" mark. Add engine coolant as necessary.
Locate the rectangular windshield washer fluid reservoir on the passenger's side of the engine bay aft of the engine coolant reservoir. Check the fluid levels by viewing the fluid through the translucent reservoir. Add windshield washer fluid as necessary.
Locate the power steering reservoir on the driver's side of the engine bay near the radiator. Open the filler cap and read the levels on the dipstick on the filler cap. Add power steering fluid as necessary.
