wheel FORD EXPLORER 1996 2.G Owner's Manual

250
*
[DR10500(ALL)01/95]
P (Park)
*
[DR10600(ALL)03/94]
Always come to a complete stop before you shift into P (Park).
This position locks the transmission and prevents the rear
wheels from turning. To securely latch the gearshift in the P
(Park) position, pull it toward you, push it completely
counterclockwise against the stop, and then push it toward the
instrument panel.
*
[DR10650(ALL)03/94]
The gearshift is securely latched in P (Park) if you cannot rotate
it in a clockwise direction without lifting it toward you.
*
[DR10700(ALL)06/95]
RWARNING
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the
gearshift is securely latched in P (Park).
*
[DR10800(ALL)06/95]
RWARNING
Never leave your vehicle unattended while it is running.
*
[DR11100(ALL)06/94]
Forced Downshifts
*
[DR11200(ALL)04/95]
To gain extra acceleration injOverdrive or Drive (O/D OFF),
push the accelerator to the floor. The transmission will
automatically downshift to the appropriate gear: third, second
or first.
*
[DR11235(ALL)03/94]
Power Braking
*
[DR11275(ALL)03/94]
Increasing the engine speed above idle without vehicle
movement (such as holding the brake) in a forward or reverse
gear causes transmission stall.
*
[DR11285(ALL)09/95]
NOTE: Continued operation in the stall condition can result
in transmission overheat, malfunction or fluid
expulsion.
File:10undrx.ex
Update:Thu Feb 29 09:12:36 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

256
%*
[DR16101(ALL)03/95]
Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) System
(If equipped)
[DR16130(ALL)10/94]
When you select the 4WD mode, your vehicle uses all four
wheels to power itself. This increases traction, enabling you to
drive your 4x4 over terrain and road conditions not travelled
normally by two-wheel drive vehicles.
*
[DR16160(ALL)10/94]
Power is supplied to all four wheels through a transfer case that
allows you to select four-wheel drive when necessary. Methods
for engaging and disengaging 4WD and low range will depend
on which system your vehicle has.
[DR17585( X)01/95]
4WD Systems Ð Control Trac
[DR17615( X)01/95]
The Control Trac 4WD system functions in three modes. In
two-wheel drive mode, power is delivered only to the rear axle.
The 4WD AUTO position provides four-wheel drive with full
power delivered to the rear axle, and to the front axle as
required for increased traction. The 4WD LOW position
provides four-wheel drive with full power delivered to the front
and rear axles when above average power is required at
reduced speeds.
[DR17645( X)01/95]
Four-wheel drive operation (4WD LOW) on dry pavement is not
recommended. Operating the vehicle in 4WD LOW on dry
pavement will increase noise, vibration, tire wear, and decrease
fuel economy.
[DR17690( X)08/94]
Control Trac system indicator lights
[DR17735( X)03/95]
A 4WD indicator light and a 4WD LOW indicator light are
located in the instrument cluster. If either light flashes, take
your vehicle in for service.
[DR17750(ALL)01/95]
n
Two-Wheel Drive mode Ð Neither the 4WD nor the 4WD
LOW lights are lit.
[DR17790( X)1/96]
n
4WD Auto mode Ð Only the 4WD light is lit.
File:10undrx.ex
Update:Thu Feb 29 09:12:36 1996

Driving Your Explorer
257
[DR17810(ALL)10/95]
n
4WD LOW mode Ð Only the 4WD LOW light is lit.
[DR17855( X)10/94]
To shift from Two-Wheel Drive to 4WD AUTO:
[DR17900( X)10/94]
To shift into 4WD AUTO, rotate the 4WD switch located on the
instrument panel to 4WD AUTO. This shift can be done at a
stop or on the fly.
[DR17910( X)01/95]
The initial shift from two-wheel drive to 4WD AUTO while the
vehicle is moving can cause some momentary clunks and
ratcheting sounds. This is the front drivetrain coming up to
speed and is not a cause for concern.
[DR17920( X)01/95]
Because of possible damage to drivetrain components, never
shift from two-wheel drive to 4WD with the rear wheels
slipping.
[DR17935( X)10/94]
10-1/2 pica
art:0021252-B
Electric shift switch
[DR18030( X)10/94]
To shift from 4WD AUTO to Two-Wheel Drive:
[DR18060( X)01/95]
Rotate the 4WD switch to 2WD; the light on the instrument
cluster will go out indicating the vehicle is in two-wheel drive.
This can be done at any speed.
File:10undrx.ex
Update:Thu Feb 29 09:12:36 1996

258
[DR18230( X)10/94]
Toshiftfrom4WDAUTOor2WDto4WDLOW:
[DR18290( X)01/95]
Stop the vehicle, depress the brake and place the automatic
transmission in N (Neutral) or depress the clutch on vehicles
with a manual transmission. Rotate the 4WD switch on the
instrument panel to 4WD LOW. Both the 4WD and 4WD LOW
lights are now lit.
[DR18293( X)06/95]
For Explorers equipped with Automatic Ride Control:
[DR18294( X)06/95]
After shifting to 4WD LOW, wait about 90 seconds. This will
improve ground clearance and off-road handling. Refer to
Automatic Ride Controlin the Features chapter.
[DR18320( X)08/94]
To shift from 4WD LOW to 4WD AUTO or 2WD:
[DR18400( X)01/95]
Stop the vehicle, depress the brake and place the automatic
transmission into N (Neutral) or depress the clutch on vehicles
with a manual transmission. Rotate the 4WD switch on the
instrument panel to 4WD AUTO or 2WD.
[DR18500(ALL)03/95]
It is not recommended to operate the vehicle in the 4WD modes
with a temporary spare. If 4WD operation is necessary, do not
operate at speeds above 10 mph or for distances above 50 miles.
Extended operation in 4WD with a temporary spare may result
in damage to drivetrain components.
[DR18600( X)12/95]
All-Wheel Drive System (If equipped)
[DR18620( X)12/95]
If your vehicle is equipped with All-Wheel Drive (AWD), power
is constantly supplied to all four wheels through a transfer case.
The AWD system is full-time and has no external controls.
[DR18630( X)12/95]
The AWD transfer case utilizes a viscous clutch that distributes
torque to the front and rear differentials (approximately 35%
front and 65% rear). The viscous clutch is filled with a
high-viscosity fluid, see
Lubricant Specifications
in the
Servicing
Your Explorer
chapter for more information.
File:10undrx.ex
Update:Thu Feb 29 09:12:36 1996

Driving Your Explorer
259
[DR18640( X)1/96]
Vehicles equipped with AWD are more capable of superior
traction in wet and dry conditions than 2-wheel drive vehicles.
AWD vehicles are also capable of being driven on sand, snow,
mud, and rough terrain and have operating characteristics that
are the same as vehicles equipped with 4WD. For more
information on driving off-road, see
Driving Off Road with
4-Wheel Drive
and AWDand the
Four Wheeling With Ford
supplement in your owner's portfolio.
%*
[DR19200(ALL)12/95]
Driving Off Road with 4-Wheel Drive and AWD
*
[DR19300(ALL)12/95]
Vehicles equipped with four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive are
especially equipped for driving on sand, snow, mud, or rough
terrain and have operating characteristics that are somewhat
different from conventional vehicles, both off and on the road.
The driving tips below will help you learn to use four-wheel
drive.
*
[DR19400( X)10/94]
n
Do not use 4WD LOW on dry, hard-surfaced roads.
*
[DR19600(ALL)11/89]
n
Special maintenance procedures are necessary after operating
with drive components in water.
*
[DR19800(ALL)12/95]
When using four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, maintain
steering wheel control at all times, especially in rough terrain.
Since sudden changes in terrain can result in abrupt steering
wheel motion, make sure you grip the steering wheel rim from
the outside. Do not grip the spokes.
*
[DR19900(ALL)05/90]
Drive cautiously to avoid vehicle damage from concealed objects
such as rocks and stumps. Know the terrain or examine maps of
the area in question before driving. Map out your route
beforehand. To maintain steering and braking control of your
vehicle, you must have all four tires on the ground, and they
must be rolling, not sliding or spinning.
[DR19925(ALL)10/94]
Transmission upshift in 4WD with transfer case in 4WD LOW
may be quite firm due to large total gear reduction. This
condition is normal.
File:10undrx.ex
Update:Thu Feb 29 09:12:36 1996

260
*
[DR20000(ALL)11/89]
Sand
*
[DR20100(ALL)11/89]
When driving over sand, try to keep all four wheels of the
vehicle on the most solid area of the trail. Do not reduce the
tire pressures but shift to a lower gear and drive steadily
through the terrain. Apply accelerator slowly and avoid
spinning the wheels.
*
[DR20200(ALL)11/89]
Mud and Water
*
[DR20300(ALL)12/89]
When driving through water, determine the depth; avoid water
higher than the bottom of the hubs (if possible) and proceed
slowly. If the ignition system gets wet, the vehicle may stall.
*
[DR20400(ALL)11/89]
Once through water, always try the brakes. Wet brakes do not
stop the vehicle as effectively as dry brakes. Drying can be
improved by moving your vehicle slowly, while applying light
pressure on the brake pedal.
*
[DR20500(ALL)11/89]
After driving through mud, clean off residue stuck to rotating
driveshafts and tires. Excess mud stuck on tires and rotating
driveshafts causes an imbalance which could damage drive
components.
*
[DR20525(ALL)06/95]
NOTE: If the transmission and transfer case is submerged in
water, their fluids should be checked and changed, if
necessary.
*
[DR20650( X)11/89]
Additional Special Driving Instructions for
Utility Vehicles
*
[DR20701(ALL)11/89]
Driving on Hill or Slope Terrain
[DR20800(ALL)08/94]
When driving on a hill, avoid driving crosswise or turning on
steep slopes, you could lose traction and slip sideways. Drive
straight up, straight down or avoid the hill completely. Know
the conditions on the other side of a hill before driving over the
crest.
File:10undrx.ex
Update:Thu Feb 29 09:12:36 1996

Driving Your Explorer
261
*
[DR20900(ALL)11/89]
When climbing a steep hill, start in a lower gear, rather than
finding it necessary to downshift from a higher gear after the
ascent has started. This reduces strain on the engine and the
possibility of stalling.
*
[DR21000(ALL)11/89]
When descending a steep hill avoid sudden braking. Rapid
pumping of the brake pedal will help slow the vehicle and still
maintain steering control.
*
[DR21101(ALL)11/89]
Driving on Snow or Ice
*
[DR21200(ALL)12/95]
A four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive vehicle has advantages
over two-wheel drive vehicles in snow and ice but can skid like
any other vehicle. If so equipped, keep the vehicle in four-wheel
drive if icy or slippery conditions exist.
*
[DR21300(ALL)11/89]
Avoid sudden applications of power and quick changes of
direction on snow or ice. Apply the accelerator slowly and
steadily when starting from a full stop.
*
[DR21310(ALL)05/95]
All utility-type and Four-Wheel Drive vehicles have special
design and equipment features to make them capable of
performing in a wide variety of off-road applications. Specific
design characteristics give them higher centers of gravity than
ordinary passenger cars.
*
[DR21325(ALL)08/95]
RWARNING
Utility and four-wheel drive vehicles are NOT designed
for cornering at speeds as high as passenger cars any
more than low-slung sports cars are designed to perform
satisfactorily under off-road conditions. Avoid sharp
turns or abrupt maneuvers in these vehicles.
%*
[DR21400(ALL)03/95]
Brakes
*
[DR21500(ALL)01/93]
Front Disc Brakes
*
[DR21600(ALL)06/95]
The front disc brakes are self-adjusting. They do not require
service other than periodic inspection for pad wear.
File:10undrx.ex
Update:Thu Feb 29 09:12:36 1996

262
*
[DR21700( X)07/93]
Rear Disc Brakes
[DR21800( X)06/94]
The rear disc brakes are self-adjusting. They do not require any
service other than periodic inspection for pad wear.
*
[DR22100(ALL)11/89]
Hydraulic Power Brakes
[DR22200(ALL)08/94]
The hydraulic brake system is made up of two independent
hydraulic circuits. One hydraulic circuit supplies fluid to the
front disc brakes and the other hydraulic circuit supplies fluid
to the rear drum or disc brakes. These two circuits are supplied
by a common hydraulic brake fluid reservoir, with a fluid level
sensor.
*
[DR22300(ALL)11/89]
The brake light in the instrument cluster will light for low brake
fluid in the common brake fluid reservoir.
*
[DR22400(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
An increase in pedal travel will result in reduced braking
capability. The brake system should be checked
immediately.
[DR22905(ALL)10/94]
Four Wheel Anti-lock Brake System
*
[DR22910( X)08/94]
Your vehicle is equipped with a Four Wheel Anti-lock Braking
System (4WABS). The 4WABS helps the driver to maintain
vehicle control by preventing wheel lockup during hard
braking.
*
[DR22915(ALL)03/94]
The 4WABS operates with a computer that is able to optimize
vehicle control during braking on varying tire and road
conditions by modulating the brake pressure at each of the front
wheels and the rear axle. This ªpumping actionº is similar to
the driver ªpumpingº the brakes but happens at a much faster
rate.
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