towing FORD EXPLORER 1996 2.G User Guide

Driving Your Explorer
289
%*
[DR36600(ALL)01/93]
Hitches
*
[DR36800(ALL)12/91]
Do not install a single or multi-clamp type bumper hitch, or a
hitch which attaches to the axle. Underbody mounted hitches
are acceptable if installed properly. Follow towing instructions
of a reputable rental agency.
*
[DR37000(ALL)12/92]
Whenever a trailer hitch and hardware are removed, make sure
all mounting holes in the underbody are properly sealed to
prevent noxious gases or water from entering.
[DR37100( X)01/95]
Trailer tow/step bumper
[DR37150( X)03/93]
The rear bumper has an integral hitch and only requires a ball
with a 3/4 inch shank diameter. The bumper has a Class II
capability (3500 lb/1590 kg trailer weight and 350 lb/159 kg
tongue weight).
[DR37250( X)01/95]
Use a frame mounted weight distributing hitch for trailers over
3,500 lb. (1590 kg).
*
[DR37550(ALL)03/91]
NOTE: The rated capacities (as shown in this guide) for
trailer towing with the factory bumper are only valid
when the trailer hitch ball is installed directly into the
ball hole in the bumper. Addition of bracketry to
either lower the hitch ball position or extend the hitch
ball rearward will significantly increase the loads on
the bumper and its attachments. This can result in the
failure of the bumper or the bumper attachments. Use
of any type of hitch extensions should be considered
abuse.
*
[DR37575(ALL)03/91]
If it is necessary to relocate the trailer hitch ball position a
frame mounted trailer hitch must be installed.
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290
%*
[DR37800(ALL)07/95]
Safety Chains
[DR37925( X)03/93]
Located near the step bumper hitch ball position are two holes
in the underside of the hitch plate for a Class II trailer (max).
These holes may be used for safety chain attachment when
towing with the step bumper. Always use safety chains when
towing. Safety chains are used to retain connection between the
towing and towed vehicle in the event of separation of the
trailer coupling or ball. Cross the chains under the trailer tongue
and allow slack for turning corners. Connect the chain to the
hitch plate using a positive coupling, such as ªQuick Linksº,
with a strength rating of at least that of the safety chain rating.
[DR37950( X)12/92]
When using a frame mounted trailer hitch, do not attach the
safety chains to the step bumper. Attach the safety chains to the
frame mounted hitch using the recommendations supplied by
the hitch manufacturer.
%*
[DR38000(ALL)08/95]
Trailer Brakes
*
[DR38100(ALL)03/95]
Separate trailer brakes are required on most towed vehicles
weighing over 1,500 lb (680 kg).
*
[DR38200(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Do not connect a trailer's hydraulic brake system directly
to your vehicle's brake system. Your vehicle may not
have enough braking power and your chances of having
a collision greatly increase.
%*
[DR38300(ALL)06/95]
Trailer Lamps
*
[DR38400(ALL)11/89]
Make sure your trailer lamps conform to Federal and local
regulations.
*
[DR38425(ALL)03/91]
Class I and Class II Trailer Tow electrical wiring provides two
circuits (right hand and left hand) to operate trailer stop/turn
tail lamps. Each stop/turn circuit will operate one combination
stop/turn light bulb (# 1157, 3157, 2357, or 3357) on the trailer.
Never add more than one trailer light bulb to one circuit.
File:10undrx.ex
Update:Thu Feb 29 09:12:36 1996

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

Roadside Emergencies
303
*
[RE06200( X)10/94]2.
Install the retainer through wheel center with valve stem
facing up.
*
[RE06250( X)12/91]
NOTE: Stow aluminum wheel and tire with valve stem down.
*
[RE06350( X)10/94]3.
Rotate the handle clockwise to secure tire. Continue until the
lift mechanism ªslipsº.
*
[RE06400( X)03/91]4.
Check for proper seating against underbody supports and
retighten if necessary.
[RE06500( X)10/94]5.
To stow the largest flat tire (P255 tire on a 16 inch trispoked
wheel), place inside vehicle and secure with webbing
retainer. Raise spare tire cable until secure.
[RE06600( X)10/94]
17-1/2 pica
art:0021217-A
Stowing largest flat tire
File:12unrex.ex
Update:Thu Feb 29 09:14:34 1996

Roadside Emergencies
311
[RE24345( X)04/94]
eight pica
chart:0020591-B[RE24400(ALL)10/94]
The Fuel Pump Shut-off Switch
*
[RE24500(ALL)07/95]
If the engine cranks but does not start or if you have had a
collision, the fuel pump shut-off switch may have been
triggered. The shut-off switch is a device that stops the fuel
pump when your vehicle has been involved in a substantial jolt.
*
[RE24600(ALL)07/95]
For information on how to check and reset the fuel pump
shut-off switch, seeFuel pump shut-off switchin the Index.
%*
[RE24700(ALL)05/95]
Towing Your Vehicle
[RE24800(ALL)09/95]
If you need to have your vehicle towed, contact a professional
towing service or, if you are a member, your roadside assistance
center.
[RE24813( X)12/95]
It is recommended that your vehicle be towed with wheel lift or
flatbed equipment. Do not tow with slingbelt equipment. Ford
Motor Company has not developed or approved a T-hook or
slingbelt towing procedure.
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312
[RE24827( X)09/95]
three fourths page
art:0090197-B*
[RE24850(ALL)03/95]
When calling for a tow truck, tell the operator what kind of
vehicle you have. A towing manual is available from Ford
Motor Company for all authorized tow truck operators. Have
your tow truck driver refer to this manual for the proper
hook-up and towing procedures for your vehicle.
File:12unrex.ex
Update:Thu Feb 29 09:14:34 1996

Roadside Emergencies
313
[RE27520( X)06/95]
Neutral Tow Feature
[RE27540( X)06/95]
Neutral tow feature is an option which can be activated at any
dealership that has a Service Bay Diagnostic System (SBDS).
When activated the feature may be enabled by following the
instruction located on the visor or the headliner.
[RE27560( X)12/95]
The feature is available in vehicles with Control Trac and
automatic transmission only. It is not available on vehicles with
All-Wheel Drive.
[RE27580( X)06/95]
There are no wrecker or recreational vehicle towing restrictions
on method or distance if the above feature is activated and
enabled.
[RE27590( X)06/95]
See your dealer for more information.
[RE27600(ALL)12/91]
Recreational Towing Ð All wheels on the ground
[RE27700(ALL)05/91]
Towing your vehicle can be successfully performed by following
the appropriate guidelines for the type of powertrain on the
vehicle to be towed. The following guidelines, by powertrain
combination, are designed to ensure that the transmission is not
damaged due to insufficient lubrication.
[RE27710( X)12/95]
NOTE: Vehicles equipped with the All Wheel Drive transfer
case cannot be towed with all four wheels on the
ground.
[RE27800(ALL)12/91]
4x2ÐAutomatictransmission
*
[RE27900(ALL)03/95]
n
Release the parking brake.
[RE28000(ALL)01/95]
n
Place transmission gearshift in N (neutral).
[RE28100(ALL)10/94]
n
Maximum speed is 35 mph (56 km/h).
[RE28200(ALL)10/94]
n
Maximum distance is 50 miles (80 km).
[RE28300(ALL)06/94]
If a distance of 50 miles (80 km) or speed of 35 mph (56 km/h)
will be exceeded, youmust:
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314
[RE28400(ALL)05/91]
n
Disconnect the driveshaft at the rear differential and properly
support it under the vehicle.
[RE28500(ALL)01/95]
n
Mark the driveshaft and axle flanges to ensure proper
position when reconnecting the driveshaft. Refer to service
manual for proper driveshaft fastener torque specification.
(See theAccessorieschapter for information on ordering
service manuals.)
[RE28600(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
When disconnecting/installing the driveshaft, the parking
brake must be set and the wheels blocked to ensure the
vehicle does not roll.
[RE28700(ALL)06/94]
n
Maximum speed is 55 mph (88 km/h), unlimited distance.
[RE28720(ALL)12/91]
4x2ÐManualtransmission
*
[RE28740(ALL)03/95]
n
Release the parking brake.
[RE28750(ALL)01/95]
n
Place the transmission gearshift in the neutral position.
[RE28770(ALL)12/91]
n
Maximum speed is limited by towing equipment
manufacturer's recommendation, unlimited distance.
[RE29450( X)10/94]
CONTROL TRAC transfer case
*
[RE29500(ALL)03/95]
n
Release the parking brake.
[RE29600(ALL)01/95]
n
Place the transmission gearshift in the neutral position.
[RE29750( X)10/94]
n
Ensure the transfer case is in 2WD.
[RE29800(ALL)10/94]
NOTE: Both the 4WD and 4WD Low indicator lights in the
instrument panel will be off when the 4WD switch is
in 2WD.
[RE29850(ALL)10/92]
For automatic transmissions:
[RE29900(ALL)10/94]
n
Maximum speed is 35 mph (56 km/h).
[RE30000(ALL)10/94]
n
Maximum distance is 50 miles (80 km).
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316
[RE31200(ALL)10/94]
To return the vehicle to a towable condition, youmust:
[RE31300(ALL)10/94]
n
Place the transfer case in 2WD by rotating the 4WD switch
to 2WD.
[RE31400(ALL)10/94]
NOTE: Both the 4WD and 4WD Low indicator lights in the
instrument cluster will be off when the transfer case
is in 2WD.
[RE31500(ALL)10/94]
n
After 2WD is selected, the front hubs must be ªunlockedº by
moving the vehicle in reverse direction for a minimum of ten
feet.
[RE31600(ALL)10/94]
n
Confirm the front hubs are unlocked by inspecting the front
drive shaft to verify it does not turn when the vehicle is
towed.
[RE31700(ALL)10/94]
In addition to the above guidelines, it is recommended that you
follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer of the
towing apparatus.
File:12unrex.ex
Update:Thu Feb 29 09:14:34 1996