The Bluebirds started with the side that won at Plymouth, while Rangers had former City players Gareth Ainsworth, who started on the right flank, and Richard Langley who was on the bench.
A break down the right by Cameron Jerome in the 12th minute almost brought the Bluebirds a goal but Steve Thompson failed to get the all important touch.
Five minutes later a move involving Thompson and Neal Ardley ended with Joe Ledley flashing a shot into the side netting.
Rangers' first attempt on the home goal came from an over-head kick by Sammy Youssouf in the 28th minute but it was an easy save for Neil Alexander.
Jason Koumas whipped in a cross which was met by Jerome but his header was deflected for a corner.
That was a rare moment of class in a tame first half where conditions appeared to prevent any fluid play from either side
The second half opened with a superb save from Alexander as he went down low to his left to palm behind a free-kick from Ainsworth.
At the other end Jerome had a clear sight of goal when a mis-kick presented him with an opening but Wales keeper Paul Jones came out swiftly to block.
City had a narrow escape on the hour when a Marc Nygaard's shot was pushed on to a post by Alexander following some slack home defending.
Paul Furlong joined the fray in the 72nd minute as Rangers sensed they could snatch a victory and he was straight into the action only for a great tackle from Glenn Loovens to save the Bluebirds.
Langley came on for Nygaard with three minutes remaining and was pushed up front to partner Furlong who was causing Darren Purse and Loovens a few problems but a poor game came to an end with neither side deserving victory.