check engine FORD EXPLORER 1996 2.G User Guide

100Fuel Economy cannot be reset. That is, these three features are
unaffected by pushing the RESET switch.
%*
[LG36750( X)01/95]
System Check
*
[LG36800( X)01/95]
A press of the SYSTEM CHECK switch causes the M/C to cycle
through a status of each of the systems being monitored. For
each of the monitored systems, the M/C will indicate either an
OK message or a warning message for two seconds. The
sequence of the system check report is as follows:
*
[LG36850( X)01/95]
n
Engine Oil Life Left
*
[LG36900( X)01/95]
n
Engine Oil Level
*
[LG37000( X)01/95]
n
Voltage Level
*
[LG37050( X)01/95]
n
Engine Coolant Temperature
*
[LG37100( X)01/95]
n
Washer Fluid Level
[LG37150( X)04/94]
n
Head Lamps
[LG37200( X)04/94]
n
Tail Lamps
[LG37250( X)04/94]
n
Brake Lamps
[LG37300( X)06/94]
n
Air Ride System (if equipped)
*
[LG37350( X)01/95]
n
Fuel Level
*
[LG37400( X)01/95]
At normal conclusion of the system check sequence, the M/C
will display the last displayed feature before pressing the
SYSTEM CHECK switch or the warnings that are active.
*
[LG37450( X)01/95]
For two of the systems reported in the system check (Engine Oil
Life Left and Fuel Level), there are two messages to describe the
status of the system. For Engine Oil Life Left, the first message
will indicate the oil change status (OK, SOON, REQUIRED) and
the second message will indicate the oil life remaining as a
percentage. If the second message is ªOIL TEMP SIGNAL
ERRORº, this means that there is a problem with the oil
temperature sender system and you should contact your dealer
File:05unlgx.ex
Update:Thu Feb 29 09:04:08 1996

Warning Lights and Gauges
103
*
[LG38150( X)01/95]
The following is a list of warning messages and their associated
reset category:
[LG38200( X)04/94]
fourteen pica
chart:0021147-A*
[LG38250( X)01/95]
Check Engine Temp
*
[LG38300( X)01/95]
This warning message is displayed when the engine coolant is
overheating. Stop the vehicle as soon as safely possible, turn off
engine and let it cool. Check the coolant and level following the
instructions in theServicing Your Vehiclechapter. If you do not
follow these instructions, you or others could be injured.
*
[LG38350( X)01/95]
Check Charging System
*
[LG38400( X)03/95]
This warning message is displayed when the electrical system is
not maintaining a proper voltage. If you are running electrical
accessories when the engine is idling at a low speed, turn off as
many of the electrical loads as soon as safely possible. If this
warning stays on or comes on when the engine is operating at
normal speeds, have the electrical system checked as soon as it
is safely possible.
File:05unlgx.ex
Update:Thu Feb 29 09:04:08 1996

104
*
[LG38450( X)01/95]
Low Fuel Level
*
[LG38500( X)01/95]
This warning message is displayed when you have
approximately 50 miles (80 km) left before you run out of fuel.
*
[LG38550( X)01/95]
Low Oil Level
*
[LG38600( X)01/95]
This warning message is displayed when your engine oil level is
low. If this warning message is displayed, check the level of the
engine oil.
*
[LG38650( X)02/95]
To check your oil:
*
[LG38700( X)05/95]1.
Park your vehicle on level ground, turn off the engine and
wait at least 5 minutes for the oil to drain back into the oil
pan.
*
[LG38750( X)01/95]2.
Use the dipstick to check the oil. If the level is low, add oil,
but do not overfill.
*
[LG38800( X)01/95]
If you are parked on a steep incline, the LOW OIL LEVEL
warning may come on when you start your vehicle, even
though the oil is at the correct level.
*
[LG38850( X)01/95]
For information about adding oil, seeEngine oilin the Index.
%*
[LG38900( X)05/95]
Low Washer Fluid Light
*
[LG38950( X)04/95]
This warning message is displayed when the washer fluid
reservoir is less than one quarter full.
[LG39000( X)01/95]
Check Head Lamps
[LG39050( X)08/94]
This warning message is displayed when you turn on your
headlamps and at least one of them is burned out. A high beam
headlamp burn out is not monitored.
[LG39100( X)04/94]
Check Tail Lamps
[LG39150( X)04/94]
This warning message is displayed when you turn on your rear
parking (tail) lamps and at least one of them is burned out.
File:05unlgx.ex
Update:Thu Feb 29 09:04:08 1996

Warning Lights and Gauges
105
[LG39200( X)04/94]
Check Brake Lamps
[LG39250( X)03/95]
This warning message is displayed when you turn on your
brakelamps by pressing the brake pedal and at least one of the
lamps is burned out.
[LG39300( X)04/94]
If you use additional lights, such as trailer lights, or if you
replace the headlamps or bulbs with equipment that is not equal
to the original equipment from Ford, you may get a false
ªCHECK LAMPSº warning or no warning at all.
[LG39350( X)06/94]
Air Ride Switch Off (If equipped)
[LG39400( X)03/95]
This warning message is displayed when the air suspension
switch, located in the rear jack stowage area on the left side, is
off. For information about the operation of the air suspension
switch, seeAutomatic ride control systemin the Index.
[LG39450( X)06/94]
Check Air Ride System (If equipped)
[LG39500( X)03/95]
This warning message is displayed when an air suspension
system fault has been detected. If this warning message is
displayed while driving, safely pull off the road at your earliest
convenience. If the vehicle is loaded beyond the recommended
maximum payload, the CHECK AIR RIDE SYSTEM message
may be displayed. This is a normal condition if the vehicle is
overloaded. To correct this condition, remove or redistribute the
payload per the recommended maximum requirements. Turn the
ignition switch from ON to OFF and ON again. If the warning
message reappears, turn the air suspension switch (located in
the rear jack stowage area on the left side) OFF and take your
vehicle to a dealership for service as soon as possible.
*
[LG39550( X)01/95]
Change Oil Soon or Oil Change Required
*
[LG39600( X)01/95]
One of these warning messages is displayed when the engine oil
life remaining is 5% or less. When Oil Life Left is between 5%
and 0%, the ªCHANGE OIL SOONº message will be displayed.
When Oil Life Left reaches 0%, the ªOIL CHANGE REQUIREDº
message will be displayed.
File:05unlgx.ex
Update:Thu Feb 29 09:04:08 1996

106
*
[LG39650( X)01/95]
An oil change is required whenever indicated by the M/C. USE
ONLY RECOMMENDED ENGINE OILS (SeeEngine oilin the
Index).
*
[LG39700( X)01/95]
The M/C will tell you the percent of oil life left during System
Check. This percentage is based on your driving history and the
time since your last oil change. In order to ensure accurate oil
life left indications, you should only perform the following OIL
CHANGE RESET Procedure after you have the oil changed.
*
[LG39801( X)01/95]
Oil Change Reset
[LG39901( X)08/94]
A press of the OIL CHANGE RESET switch will allow you to
reset the oil life feature to 100% (or your Personalized Oil Reset
Percentage). After you have the oil changed, you must execute
the following procedure. Press the OIL CHANGE RESET switch
and hold for five seconds as the M/C counts down for five
seconds. After a successful reset the Message Center will display
ªOIL LIFE RESET TO 100%.º If you have established a
Personalized Oil Reset Percentage, the display will show that
percentage instead of 100%. To ensure accurate oil life
indicators, perform this reset procedure only after an oil change.
[LG40001( X)08/94]
Your Personalized Oil Reset Percentage allows you to establish a
smaller oil change interval than the manufacturer's
recommended interval. To establish your Personalized Oil Reset
Percentage perform the following procedure:
[LG40101( X)08/94]1.
Press and hold the OIL CHANGE RESET switch and press
the RESET switch while the display is still counting down
the 5 seconds to reset. The display will change to ªSTART
OIL LIFE AT XXX%.º
[LG40201( X)08/94]2.
Press the OIL CHANGE RESET switch until the displayed
percentage is the Personalized Oil Reset Percentage that you
desire. Your choices are 100%, 90%, 80%, 70%, 60%, 50%,
40% and 30%.
File:05unlgx.ex
Update:Thu Feb 29 09:04:08 1996

Driving Your Explorer
255
*
[DR15900(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Do not park your vehicle in Neutral, it may move
unexpectedly and injure someone. Use 1 (First) gear and
set the parking brake fully.
%*
[DR15915(ALL)01/95]
Steering Your Vehicle
%*
[DR15945( X)01/95]
Your vehicle comes with power steering. Power steering uses
energy from the engine to help steer your vehicle.
%*
[DR15950(ALL)04/95]
If the amount of effort needed to steer your vehicle changes at a
constant vehicle speed, have the power steering system checked.
If the power steering system breaks down (or if the engine is
turned off), you can steer the vehicle manually but it takes more
effort.
*
[DR15960(ALL)01/95]
Never hold the steering wheel to the extreme right or left for
more than five seconds if the engine is running. This can
damage the power steering pump.
*
[DR15985(ALL)05/90]
NOTE: After any severe impact such as striking large
potholes, sliding into curbs on icy roads, or a collision
involving the front end, observe the steering wheel
alignment. If the spokes of the steering wheel seem to
be in a different position while going straight down
the road, have the front suspension and steering
checked for possible damage.
File:10undrx.ex
Update:Thu Feb 29 09:12:36 1996

Driving Your Explorer
263
*
[DR22920(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
The Anti-lock system does NOT assist the vehicle in
stopping quickly on wet or icy surfaces. Heavy braking
combined with poor road conditions could cause you to
lose steering control of your vehicle.
*
[DR22925(ALL)10/94]
Using anti-lock brakes
*
[DR22930(ALL)05/94]
The operation of a vehicle with 4WABS is not similar to the
operation of normal brakes. Some differences exist and are listed
below:
*
[DR22935(ALL)10/94]
n
Apply the brake steadily. In the event of a panic stop, do
NOT ªpumpº the brakes. ªPumpingº the brakes during an
Anti-lock stop will diminish braking effectiveness.
%*
[DR22940(ALL)10/94]
n
During an Anti-lock stop, the driver will notice a brake
pedal pulsation and hear some noise from the engine
compartment. This is an indication that the 4WABS system is
working correctly and is normal.
*
[DR22945(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
The Anti-lock system does NOT decrease the time
necessary to apply the brakes. Always leave enough room
between the vehicle in front of you and your vehicle.
*
[DR22950(ALL)05/95]
4WABS driver warning light
[DR22955(ALL)10/94]
The 4WABS computer continuously monitors the system while
driving for any electrical faults or system malfunctions. In
addition, the 4WABS computer performs an initial system check
called bulb proveout when the vehicle ignition is switched on.
During bulb proveout, the ABS light on the instrument cluster
will momentarily illuminate and then go out.
*
[DR22960(ALL)09/95]
NOTE: After starting the vehicle and upon initial drive-off,
the driver may notice a single pulse of the brake
pedal and a noise from the engine compartment. This
is part of the initial system check and is normal.
File:10undrx.ex
Update:Thu Feb 29 09:12:36 1996

Driving Your Explorer
265
*
[DR23500(ALL)07/92]
If Brakes Pull
*
[DR23600(ALL)05/95]
n
Check tire pressure.
[DR23710( X)07/95]
n
If pull occurs during the first 500 miles (800 km), make 10
moderatley fast stops from 40 mph (64 km/h). It may be
necessary to repeat this operation to properly seat new
brakes.
*
[DR23800(ALL)05/95]
If pull occurs during the first 500 miles (800 km), make 10
moderately fast stops from 40 mph (65 km/h) and then
perform the self-adjustment procedure above. It may be
necessary to repeat this operation to properly seat new brake
linings and pads.
%*
[DR24000(ALL)01/93]
Stopping Distances
*
[DR24100(ALL)11/89]
Stopping distances vary with different loads and driving
conditions. Use caution when encountering new conditions and
acquaint yourself with vehicle performance. Take full advantage
of engine braking power when slowing down.
%*
[DR24200(ALL)01/95]
Applying the Brakes
*
[DR24300(ALL)05/95]
Apply the brake pedal gradually. Use the ªsqueezeº technique
Ð push on the brake pedal with a steadily increasing force. This
allows the wheels to continue to roll while you are slowing
down, which lets you steer properly.
*
[DR24400(ALL)07/95]
Do not drive with your foot resting on the brake pedal. This
will increase your vehicle's stopping distance and may also
cause brake damage.
*
[DR24500(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
If you are driving down a long or steep hill, shift to a
lower gear. Do not apply your brakes continuously, as
they may overheat and become less effective.
File:10undrx.ex
Update:Thu Feb 29 09:12:36 1996

270
*
[DR27601(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
To avoid injury, never run the engine with one wheel off
the ground, such as when changing a tire.
%*
[DR27651(ALL)01/95]
High water
*
[DR27675(ALL)06/92]
Never attempt to cross water that is fast flowing or of unknown
depth.
*
[DR27701(ALL)05/90]
Do not drive through flooded areas unless you are sure that the
water is below the bottom of the wheel hubs.
*
[DR27750(ALL)04/94]
If you must drive through high water, drive slowly. You may
have limited traction or wet brakes, so allow extra stopping
distance because your vehicle will not stop as quickly as usual.
*
[DR27801(ALL)01/95]
After you drive through the standing water, apply your brakes
gently several times as your vehicle moves slowly. This helps to
dry the brakes.
*
[DR27820(ALL)06/95]
NOTE: If the transmission and transfer case is submerged in
water, their fluids should be checked and changed, if
necessary.
*
[DR27825(ALL)03/93]
NOTE: All rear axle lube quantities must be replaced every
100,000 miles (160,000 km) or if the axle has been
submerged in water. Otherwise, the lube should not
be checked or changed unless a leak is suspected or
repair required.
*
[DR27850(ALL)11/89]
Rocking the vehicle
*
[DR27901(ALL)05/90]
For 4x4 vehicles, engage 4WD LOW, when the vehicle gets
stuck and try to drive away.
*
[DR27950(ALL)05/95]
If your vehicle gets stuck (for example, in mud or snow), you
may rock it out of the spot. Shift in a steady rhythm between
forward and reverse gears. Allow the transmission to fully
engage, then press lightly on the accelerator. Do not rock the
vehicle for more than a few minutes. This may overheat the
File:10undrx.ex
Update:Thu Feb 29 09:12:36 1996

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.
File:10undrx.ex
Update:Thu Feb 29 09:12:36 1996