check engine light FORD EXPLORER 1996 2.G User Guide

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

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

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.
File:12unrex.ex
Update:Thu Feb 29 09:14:34 1996

333
Servicing Your Explorer
%*
[SV00300(ALL)03/95]
Service Made Easy
*
[SV00400(ALL)01/95]
Ford has two goals for servicing your vehicle.
*
[SV00500(ALL)01/95]1.
When we can, we design parts that do not need to be
serviced.
*
[SV00600(ALL)01/95]2.
We want to make servicing your vehicle as easy as possible.
To help you:
*
[SV00700(ALL)01/95]
n
We highlight do-it-yourself items in yellow in the engine
compartment so that you can find them easily.
*
[SV00800(ALL)01/95]
n
When possible, we design parts Ð such as the headlamp
bulbs Ð that can be replaced without tools.
*
[SV00900(ALL)05/94]
n
We give you a Maintenance Schedule that makes tracking
routine service for your vehicle easy. The maintenance
schedule is located in theMaintenance Schedule and Record
booklet.
*
[SV01000(ALL)01/95]
This chapter tells you about the basic parts that you need to
check and service regularly.
*
[SV01050(ALL)02/95]
If your vehicle needs professional servicing, your dealership can
provide the parts and service required. Check yourWarranty
Information Bookletto find out which parts and services are
covered. Also see theCustomer Assistancechapter of this Owner
Guide.
*
[SV01300(ALL)03/95]
Ford Motor Company recommends that the Owner Maintenance
Checks listed in theMaintenance Schedule and Recordbooklet be
performed for the proper operation of your vehicle. In addition
to the conditions listed in theOwner Maintenance Checklist,be
alert for any unusual noise, vibration, or other indication that
your vehicle may need service. If you do notice something
unusual, see that your vehicle is serviced promptly.
File:15unsvx.ex
Update:Thu Feb 29 09:20:34 1996

Servicing Your Explorer
349
%*
[SV13775(ALL)01/95]
Checking and Adding Engine Oil
*
[SV13800(ALL)03/95]
Since the proper amount of engine oil is important for safe
engine operation, check the oil using the dipstick each time you
put fuel in your vehicle. Remember the engine must be off, the
oil must be warm and the vehicle must be parked on level
ground.
%*
[SV13900(ALL)04/95]
Checking the engine oil level:
*
[SV14000(ALL)02/95]1.
Turn the engine off after it has warmed up and allow a few
minutes for the engine oil to drain back into the oil pan.
*
[SV14050(ALL)06/95]2.
Set the parking brake, making sure the gearshift is securely
latched in P (Park) or 1 (manual transmission).
*
[SV14100(ALL)02/95]3.
Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine heat.
*
[SV14200(ALL)03/95]4.
Locate the engine oil dipstick (highlighted in yellow) and
carefully pull it out of the engine.
*
[SV14300(ALL)01/95]5.
Wipe the dipstick clean and put it back into position, making
sure it is fully seated.
[SV14400(ALL)10/94]
7-1/2 pica art:0021256-B
Engine oil dipstick
File:15unsvx.ex
Update:Thu Feb 29 09:20:34 1996

350
[SV14425( X)12/95]
7-1/2 pica art:0090215-B
Engine oil dipstick Ð 5.0L engine
[SV14500(ALL)10/94]6.
Carefully, pull the dipstick out again. If the oil level is below
the ªADDº line, add engine oil as necessary. If the oil level
is beyond the letter ªFº in Full, engine damage or high oil
consumption may occur and some oil must be removed from
the engine.
*
[SV14600(ALL)01/95]7.
Put the dipstick back in and make sure it is fully seated.
*
[SV14800(ALL)01/95]
It may be necessary to add some oil between oil changes. Make
sure you use a CERTIFIED engine oil of the preferred viscosity.
Your vehicle's warranty coverage may not apply if engine
damage is caused by the use of improper engine oil.
*
[SV15000(ALL)03/95]
Add engine oil through the oil filler cap highlighted in yellow.
To add oil, remove the filler cap and use a funnel to pour oil
into the opening. Be careful not to overfill the engine. Recheck
the oil level after you finish adding oil.
File:15unsvx.ex
Update:Thu Feb 29 09:20:34 1996

364
*
[SV26470(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
To avoid injury, never run the engine with one wheel off
the ground, such as when changing a tire.
%*
[SV26500(ALL)02/95]
Tire Rotation
*
[SV26600(ALL)03/95]
Because your vehicle's front and rear tires perform different
jobs, they often wear differently. To make sure your tires wear
evenly and last longer, rotate them at the mileage shown in the
Maintenance Schedule and Recordbooklet which came with your
vehicle.
*
[SV26700(ALL)07/92]
Rotate the tires according to the following diagram. If you
notice that the tires wear unevenly, have them checked. If your
light truck has a temporary spare tire, do not include it in the
tire rotation pattern.
*
[SV26750(ALL)03/90]
In situations where the tires differ from front to rear
(snow/traction), simply rotate using a side to side pattern.
File:15unsvx.ex
Update:Thu Feb 29 09:20:34 1996

Servicing Your Explorer
379
[SV37500(ALL)04/94]
7-1/2 pica art:0020382-C
Brake master cylinder
%*
[SV37600(ALL)03/95]
Power Steering Fluid
*
[SV37700(ALL)01/95]
Check the level of the power steering fluid at least twice a
year (i.e., every Spring and Fall).
%*
[SV37800(ALL)03/95]
Checking and Adding Power Steering Fluid
*
[SV37900(ALL)02/95]1.
Start the engine and let it run until the power steering fluid
reaches normal operating temperature. The power steering
fluid will be at the right temperature when the engine
coolant temperature gauge in the instrument cluster is near
the center of the NORMAL operating temperature range.
*
[SV38000(ALL)01/95]2.
While the engine idles, turn the steering wheel back and
forth several times. Make sure that the cap assembly is
installed at this time.
*
[SV38100(ALL)05/95]3.
Turn the engine off.
%*
[SV38200(ALL)03/94]4.
Check the fluid level on the dipstick (which is highlighted in
yellow in your vehicle). The fluid level should be between
the arrows in the FULL HOT range, which is marked on the
side of the dipstick, opposite the side marked FULL COLD.
Do not add fluid if the level is within the FULL HOT range.
File:15unsvx.ex
Update:Thu Feb 29 09:20:34 1996

388
%*
[SV42200(ALL)06/95]
Checking and Replacing Fuses
*
[SV42300(ALL)02/95]
If you need to check a fuse, follow these steps:
[SV43000(ALL)01/95]1.
Find the fuse panel, which is located in the left end of the
instrument panel. The power distribution box (described
earlier in this section) is found in the engine compartment,
mounted on a bracket attached to the left fender apron.
[SV43100(ALL)10/94]
To access the fuse panel, remove the fuse panel cover by
inserting your finger in the divot and pulling on the cover.
The underside of the cover contains four spare fuses. A fuse
pulling tool is located in the lower right corner of the fuse
panel in case you need to replace a blown fuse.
*
[SV43200(ALL)03/94]
The spare fuses for your vehicle are color coded as follows:
10 amp Ð red, 15 amp Ð light blue, 20 amp Ð natural, 30
amp Ð light green.
*
[SV43300(ALL)06/95]2.
On the fuse panel cover, find the number of the fuse you
want to check. The diagram on the cover tells you where to
locate the fuse on the panel.
*
[SV43400(ALL)06/95]3.
Check the fuse to see if it is blown. Look through the clear
side of the fuse to see if the metal wire inside is separated. If
it is, the fuse is blown and should be replaced.
[SV43500(ALL)04/94]
7-1/2 pica art:0021196-A
The side view of a fuse
File:15unsvx.ex
Update:Thu Feb 29 09:20:34 1996