FORD EXPLORER 1996 2.G Owners Manual

Page 291 of 444

Driving Your Explorer
291
*
[DR38450(ALL)08/95]
RWARNING
Always replace a fuse with one that has the specified
amperage rating. Using a fuse with a higher amperage
rating can cause severe wire damage and could start a
fire.
*
[DR38500(ALL)06/95]
Driving while you tow
*
[DR38520(ALL)05/95]
Be especially careful when driving while you tow a trailer.
Never drive faster than 45 mph (70 km/h) when you tow in
hilly country on hot days. Also, anticipate stops so that you can
brake gradually.
%*
[DR38540(ALL)01/95]
If you use the speed control while you are towing on very long,
steep grades, the speed control may shut off.
[DR38600(ALL)12/95]
When towing a trailer in hilly terrain, with a vehicle equipped
with a 4R44E/4R55E/4R70W transmission, you may wish to
operate in O/D OFF (3rd gear) rather than
j(Overdrive). This
will eliminate excessive downshifting and upshifting to maintain
speed. Shift back to
j(Overdrive) whenever practical for
optimum powertrain cooling and fuel economy. This can be
accomplished by pushing in the transmission control switch
which is located on the end of the gearshift lever.
*
[DR38800(ALL)06/95]
When descending a steep grade with a trailer, operate in Drive
rather than Overdrive. If additional braking is needed, shift the
automatic transmission gearshift into 2 (Second) gear or 1 (Low).
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292
*
[DR38925(ALL)08/95]
Servicing Your Vehicle If You Tow
*
[DR38950(ALL)08/93]
If you tow a trailer for a long distance, your vehicle will need
to be serviced more frequently than usual. Refer to the
Maintenance Schedule and Recordbooklet for additional
information.
[DR39000(ALL)08/95]
Trailer towing tips
*
[DR39100(ALL)11/89]
Before starting on a trip, practice turning, stopping and backing
in an area away from heavy traffic. Get to know the ªfeelº of
the vehicle/trailer combination.
*
[DR39200(ALL)05/90]
Practice backing up. Back up very slowly, with someone outside
at the rear of your trailer to guide you. Place your hand at the
bottom of the steering wheel and move it in the direction you
want the rear of the trailer to swing. Slight movement of the
steering wheel results in a much larger movement of the rear of
the trailer.
*
[DR39300(ALL)11/89]
Allow more room for stopping with a trailer attached. Trailer
brakes should be applied first, whether manually or
automatically controlled, when approaching a stop.
*
[DR39400(ALL)11/89]
For a good handling truck-trailer combination, the trailer tongue
load should be approximately 10-15% of the loaded trailer
weight.
*
[DR39500(ALL)05/95]
Make a thorough check of your equipment before starting out
on the road. After you have traveled about 50 miles (80 km)
stop in a protected area and double-check your hitch and
electrical connections. Also check trailer wheel lug nuts for
tightness.
*
[DR39600(ALL)11/89]
When turning, drive slightly beyond the normal turning point
so the trailer wheels will clear curbs or other obstructions.
[DR39750(ALL)01/95]
When stopped in traffic for long periods of time in hot weather,
place the gearshift selector lever in P (Park) to increase the
engine idle speed. This aids in engine cooling and air
conditioner efficiency. If the engine overheats, rotate the
function selector control knob to panel position to stop the
compressor and increase the engine speed for a short time.
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Driving Your Explorer
293
*
[DR39900(ALL)05/90]
Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade.
However, if you must park on a grade, place wheel chocks
under the trailer's wheels as follows:
*
[DR40000(ALL)05/95]
n
Apply the brake pedal and hold.
*
[DR40100(ALL)11/89]
n
Have another person place the wheel chocks under the
trailer wheels.
*
[DR40200(ALL)08/95]
n
With the chocks in place, release the brake pedal, making
sure the chocks are holding.
*
[DR40300(ALL)03/91]
n
For automatic transmissions Ð apply the parking brake by
pressing the service brake pedal down firmly with your right
foot while applying the parking brake pedal with your left
foot.
[DR40400(ALL)01/95]
n
For manual transmissions Ð apply the service brake and
shift into N (Neutral) while still maintaining pressure on the
service brake pedal. Set the parking brake fully.
*
[DR40500(ALL)12/91]
n
Shift an automatic transmission into Park (P). Put the
gearshift of a manual transmission in Reverse. If your vehicle
is equipped with four-wheel drive make sure the transfer
case is not in Neutral.
*
[DR40600(ALL)01/93]
To start, after being parked on a grade:
*
[DR40700(ALL)05/95]
n
Apply the brake pedal and hold.
*
[DR40800(ALL)08/95]
n
Start the engine.
*
[DR40900(ALL)08/95]
n
Shift transmission into gear and release the parking brake.
*
[DR41000(ALL)08/95]
n
Release the brake pedal and move the vehicle uphill to free
the wheel chocks.
*
[DR41100(ALL)05/95]
n
Apply the brake pedal and hold while another person
retrieves the chocks.
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294
[DR41235(ALL)02/92]
Suspension Modifications
[DR41250(ALL)03/91]
The suspension and steering systems on your vehicle have been
designed and tested to provide both safe, predictable
performance (whether loaded or empty) as well as durable load
carrying capability. Any modifications to the suspension or
steering systems can reduce your vehicle's performance
capability and adversely affect driver and passenger safety. Ford
recommends that you DO NOT make modifications such as
adding or removing parts (like lift kits, stabilizer bars or
snowplowing equipment) or by using replacement parts
non-equivalent to the original factory equipment.
%*
[DR41260(ALL)02/92]
Snowplowing
*
[DR41275(ALL)01/93]
RWARNING
Do not use this vehicle for snowplowing.
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295
Roadside Emergencies
%*
[RE00400(ALL)03/95]
Jump-Starting Your Vehicle
*
[RE00500(ALL)08/95]
Your vehicle's battery may die if you leave the lights on or any
electrical equipment on after you turn the engine off. If this
happens, you may be able to jump-start your vehicle with a
booster battery.
*
[RE00600(ALL)02/95]
RWARNING
The gases around the battery can explode if exposed to
flames, sparks, or lit cigarettes. An explosion could result
in injury or vehicle damage.
*
[RE00700(ALL)02/95]
RWARNING
To protect yourself when charging a battery, always
shield your face and eyes. Make sure that you can
breathe fresh air.
%*
[RE00800(ALL)06/95]
RWARNING
Applying too much pressure on the ends when lifting a
battery could cause acid to spill. Lift the battery with a
carrier or with your hands on the opposite corners.
%*
[RE00900(ALL)07/95]
RWARNING
Batteries contain sulfuric acid which burns skin, eyes,
and clothing.
*
[RE00910(ALL)07/95]
If the acid touches someone's skin, eyes, or clothing,
immediately flush the area with water for at least 15 minutes. If
someone swallows the acid, have him or her drink lots of milk
or water first, then Milk of Magnesia, a beaten egg, or vegetable
oil. Call a doctor immediately.
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296
*
[RE00950(ALL)06/95]
RWARNING
Do not push-start your vehicle. You could damage the
catalytic converter. For further information, seeJumper
Cablesin the Index.
*
[RE01000(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
To avoid damage or injury, follow these directions in the
order they are given. If in doubt, call for road service.
*
[RE01100(ALL)03/95]
Preparing Your Vehicle
*
[RE01200(ALL)03/95]1.
Your vehicle has a 12-volt starting system, so you need to
use a 12-volt jumper system. You will damage your starting
motor, ignition system, and other electrical parts if you
connect them to a 24-volt power supply (either two 12-volt
batteries in series or a 24-volt generator set).
*
[RE01300(ALL)03/95]2.
Do not disconnect the battery of the disabled vehicle. You
could damage the vehicle's electrical system.
*
[RE01400(ALL)04/95]3.
Park the booster vehicle close to the hood of the disabled
vehicle.Make sure the vehicles do not touch each other.Set
the parking brake on both vehicles and stay clear of the
engine cooling fan and other moving parts.
*
[RE01500(ALL)03/95]4.
Check all battery terminals and remove any excessive
corrosion before you attach the jumper cables.
*
[RE01600(ALL)02/95]5.
Turn on the heater fan in both vehicles. Turning on the fan
helps protect the electrical system from voltage surges. Turn
off all other switches and lights in both vehicles to prevent
possible damage to either vehicle's electrical systems.
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Roadside Emergencies
297
%*
[RE01700(ALL)05/95]
Connecting the jumper cables
*
[RE01800(ALL)03/95]1.
Connect one end of the first jumper cable to the positive (+)
terminal of the discharged battery. (You can connect either
jumper cable to the positive (+) terminal, as long as you use
the same cable for both positive terminals.) Most jumper
cables have a red cable and a black cable. The red cable is
generally used for the positive terminals and the black for
the negative ones.
*
[RE01900(ALL)04/95]2.
Connect the other end of the first cable to the positive (+)
terminal of the booster battery.
*
[RE02000(ALL)07/95]3.
Connect one end of the second cable to the negative (s)
terminal of the booster battery Ð NOT to the discharged
battery.
*
[RE02100(ALL)03/95]4.
Connect the other end of that cable to a good metallic
surface on the engine or frame of the disabled vehicle. The
following illustration shows where you can find a metallic
surface.
*
[RE02200(ALL)07/95]
RWARNING
Do not connect the end of the second cable to the
negative (s) terminal of the battery to be jumped. A
spark may cause an explosion of the gases that surround
the battery.
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298
[RE02300(ALL)08/94]
10-1/2 pica
art:0021186-B
Attaching jumper cables
*
[RE02500(ALL)03/95]
Jump-Starting
*
[RE02600(ALL)03/95]1.
Make sure that the jumper cables are not in the way of
moving engine parts, then start the booster vehicle. Run the
engine at a moderate speed.
*
[RE02700(ALL)03/95]2.
Let the discharged battery charge for a few minutes and then
start the disabled vehicle. It may take a couple of tries before
the vehicle starts. If the vehicle does not start after several
attempts, there may be a different problem.
*
[RE02800(ALL)03/95]3.
When both vehicles are running, let them idle for a few
minutes to charge the discharged battery.
%*
[RE02900(ALL)03/95]
Removing jumper cables
*
[RE03000(ALL)03/95]1.
Always remove the jumper cables in the reverse order.
Remove the negative (s) end of the jumper cable from the
metallic surface on the engine or frame of the disabled
vehicle.
*
[RE03100(ALL)06/95]2.
Remove the negative (s) cable from the booster battery.
*
[RE03200(ALL)06/95]3.
Remove the positive (+) cable from the booster battery.
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Roadside Emergencies
299
*
[RE03400(ALL)05/95]4.
Remove the other end of the positive (+) cable from the
discharged battery.
*
[RE03500(ALL)1/96]
After the vehicle is started, let it idle for a while to let the
engine ªrelearnº its idle conditions. Drive it around for a while
with all electrical accessories turned off to let the battery
recharge. Driveability may be deteriorated slightly until all drive
modes are ªrelearned.ºYou may need to use a battery charger
to fully recharge the battery.
*
[RE03525( X)01/95]
If you need to replace your battery, seeBatteryin theServicing
Your Explorerchapter.
%*
[RE03600(ALL)03/95]
Changing a Tire
*
[RE03700(ALL)01/95]
If you get a flat tire while you are driving, do not apply the
brake heavily. Instead, gradually decrease the speed. Hold the
steering wheel firmly and slowly move to a safe place on the
side of the road. Park on a level spot, turn off the ignition, set
the parking brake, and turn on the hazard flashers.
%*
[RE03800(ALL)03/95]
The Conventional Spare Tire
[RE03915( X)10/94]
Your vehicle may be equipped with a conventional spare tire,
which you can use as a spare or as a regular tire. This spare tire
is identical to the other tires that come with your vehicle,
although the wheel may not match.
*
[RE03930(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
To avoid injury, never run the engine with one wheel off
the ground, such as when changing a tire.
%*
[RE04000(ALL)03/95]
The Temporary Spare Tire
*
[RE04100(ALL)03/95]
You may have a high pressure temporary spare tire. This spare
tire is smaller than a regular tire and is designed for emergency
use only. Use it only when you get a flat tire and replace it as
soon as you can. This spare tire is marked with the words
ªTEMPORARY USE ONLYº so that you can easily identify it.
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300
[RE04150(ALL)12/95]
It is not recommended that vehicles equipped with 4WD be
operated in the 4WD modes with a temporary spare. If 4WD
operation is necessary, do not operate at speeds above 10 mph
(16 km/h) or for distances above 50 miles (80 km). Extended
operation in 4WD with a temporary spare may result in damage
to powertrain components.
*
[RE04200(ALL)01/93]
RWARNING
If you use the temporary spare tire continuously or do
not follow these precautions, the tire could fail, causing
you to lose control of the vehicle, possibly injuring
yourself or others.
*
[RE04275(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
To avoid injury, never run the engine with one wheel off
the ground, such as when changing a tire.
*
[RE04280(ALL)10/94]
Extended use of other than matching size spare tires on a
Traction-Lok axle could result in a permanent reduction in
effectiveness. This loss of effectiveness does not affect normal
driving and should not be noticeable to the driver.
*
[RE04300(ALL)01/95]
When you drive with the temporary spare tire, DO NOT:
*
[RE04400(ALL)01/95]
n
exceed 50 mph (80 km/h) under any circumstances.
*
[RE04500(ALL)01/95]
n
load your vehicle so that it is heavier than the maximum
vehicle load rating listed on the tire decal.
*
[RE04600(ALL)01/95]
n
tow a trailer.
*
[RE04700(ALL)01/95]
n
use tire chains on this tire.
*
[RE04800(ALL)01/95]
n
try to repair the temporary spare tire or remove it from its
wheel.
*
[RE04900(ALL)01/95]
n
use the wheel for any other type of vehicle.
[RE04950(ALL)10/94]
n
engage four-wheel drive on dry, hard-surfaced roads.
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