brakes FORD EXPLORER 1996 2.G Owners Manual

Introductory Information
5
%*
[IN04850( X)03/95]
AMBULANCE PACKAGES
*
[IN04875( X)03/95]
RWARNING
Do not use this vehicle as an ambulance.
%*
[IN06000(ALL)01/95]
Breaking Your Vehicle In
*
[IN06100(ALL)03/95]
Your new vehicle goes through an adjustment or break-in
period during the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km) that you drive it.
During the break-in period, you need to pay careful attention to
how you drive your vehicle.
%*
[IN06300(ALL)01/95]
n
Avoid sudden stops.Because your vehicle has new brake
linings, you should take these steps:
*
[IN06400(ALL)01/95]
Ð Watch traffic carefully so that you can anticipate when to
stop.
*
[IN06500(ALL)01/95]
Ð Begin braking well in advance.
*
[IN06600(ALL)01/95]
Ð Apply the brakes gradually.
*
[IN06700(ALL)01/95]
The break-in period for new brake linings lasts for 100 miles
(160 km) of city driving or 1,000 miles (1,600 km) of
highway driving.
*
[IN06750(ALL)12/93]
n
Wheel lug nuts must be retightened to proper torque
specifications at 500 miles/800 km of new vehicle operation.
Proper torque specifications are provided in this guide. Also
retighten to proper torque specification at 500 miles/800 km
after any wheel change or any other time the wheel lug nuts
have been loosened.
%*
[IN06800(ALL)01/95]
n
Use only the type of engine oil that Ford recommends.See
Engine oil recommendationsin the Index. Do not use special
ªbreak-inº oils.
File:02uninx.ex
Update:Thu Feb 29 08:58:20 1996

Warning Lights and Gauges
81
%*
[LG03000(ALL)06/94]
The Mechanical Cluster
*
[LG03100(ALL)06/93]
The following warning lights and gauges are on the mechanical
cluster. All of the warning lights and gauges alert you to
possible problems with your vehicle. Some of the lights listed
are optional. The following sections detail what each of these
indicators means.
%*
[LG03200(ALL)06/95]
Brake System Warning Light
*
[LG03300(ALL)03/95]
The warning light for the brakes can show two things Ð that
the parking brake is not fully released, or that the brake fluid
level is low in the master cylinder reservoir. If the fluid level is
low, the brake system should be checked by your dealer or a
qualified service technician.
*
[LG03400(ALL)05/94]
This light comes on when you turn the ignition key to START
to verify that the indicator bulb is working. If the light stays on
or comes on after you have released the parking brake fully,
have the hydraulic brake system serviced.
*
[LG03500(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
The BRAKE light indicates that the brakes may not be
working properly. Have the brakes checked immediately.
[LG03600(ALL)04/94]
6 pica art:0021145-A
Brake warning light symbols
File:05unlgx.ex
Update:Thu Feb 29 09:04:08 1996

86
%*
[LG05835(ALL)10/94]
Overdrive Off Indicator (If equipped)
[LG05850(ALL)05/95]
This light tells you that the Transmission Control Switch (TCS)
on the gearshift lever has been pushed. When the light is on,
the transmission does not shift into overdrive. Depressing the
button on the shifter once more returns the vehicle to overdrive
mode. The transmission will be in the overdrive mode when the
vehicle is started even if the O/D OFF mode was selected when
the vehicle was last shut off.
*
[LG05855(ALL)05/95]
NOTE: If the light does not come on when the TCS is
depressed or if the light flashes when you are driving,
have your vehicle serviced at the first opportunity. If
this condition persists, damage could occur to the
transmission.
[LG05865(ALL)10/94]
6 pica art:0021226-B
Overdrive off light (if equipped)
[LG05870( X)03/95]
Speed Control Light (If equipped)
*
[LG05875( X)07/95]
This light comes on when you turn on the speed control system
and set the speed. The light will be on whenever the speed
control is set, even if you override the set speed by pressing the
accelerator pedal or by pressing the coast button. The light will
go off when the brakes are used or the speed control system is
turned off.
[LG05885( X)07/95]
This light does not indicate any problems with the speed control
system, but is only a convenience to tell you when the speed
control system is active and ready to maintain a set speed.
File:05unlgx.ex
Update:Thu Feb 29 09:04:08 1996

254
*
[DR15100(ALL)03/95]
When you slow down or climb a steep hill, always downshift
before the engine starts to lose power. Downshifting reduces the
chance of stalling and gives your vehicle better acceleration to
increase speed again.
*
[DR15200(ALL)03/95]
When you drive down steep hills, downshifting helps you keep
a safe speed and helps prevent unnecessary wear on the brakes.
*
[DR15300(ALL)03/95]
When you come to a stop, do not downshift through each gear.
Disengage the clutch and use the brake as necessary.
Downshifting through the gears decreases your vehicle's fuel
economy.
*
[DR15400(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Continued use of a damaged or worn clutch, prolonged
clutch slippage or downshifting at excessive speeds can
result in a failure of the engine, transmission or clutch
components.
*
[DR15500(ALL)03/91]
Transmission Function
[DR15600(ALL)10/94]
Upshift at the speeds specified in the chart. All forward gears
are synchronized allowing you to shift into them with your
vehicle in motion. The clutch pedal should be fully depressed
when shifting.
*
[DR15625(ALL)04/94]
NOTE: Shifting during extremely low rpm's can result in a
momentary audible rattle which disappears as vehicle
rpm's are increased. Shifting at higher speeds will
eliminate this sound.
*
[DR15700(ALL)03/95]
Parking
*
[DR15800(ALL)01/95]
To park your vehicle, apply the service brake pedal, and shift
into N (Neutral) while still maintaining pressure on the service
brake. Set the parking brake fully. Shift into first and turn off
the ignition.
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
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

264
[DR22965(ALL)05/95]
Should a malfunction in the 4WABS system occur, the ABS light
on the instrument cluster will come on and stay on indicating
that the anti-lock system has been shut down and the vehicle
needs to be serviced. Normal braking is not affected unless the
brake warning light is also illuminated.
*
[DR22970(ALL)09/95]
NOTE: It is important to note that when the ABS Warning
Light is illuminated the ABS system is disabled. The
vehicle must be serviced immediately to restore the
benefits of the Anti-lock system.
*
[DR22975(ALL)09/95]
NOTE: Mobile phones or radio transmitters not installed by
Ford Motor Company may interfere with the Anti-lock
System. Should the Anti-lock system activate
unexpectedly or the Anti-lock Warning Light
illuminate after installation of such a unit, have the
installation of the unit checked.
%*
[DR23000(ALL)12/89]
If Brakes Do Not Grip Well or Pedal is ªLowº
*
[DR23250(ALL)11/89]
If during normal operation the brake pedal seems ªlowº, it may
indicate the need for a brake system inspection and/or service.
You should have your brakes checked as soon as possible.
*
[DR23300(X)07/95]
Occasional brake squeal during light to moderate stops does not
affect the function of the brake system and is normal. However,
if the squeal becomes louder or more frequent, have your
brakes inspected by your dealer or a qualified service technician.
*
[DR23400(ALL)11/89]
RWARNING
Modifications to the suspension spring rates and/or
vehicle ride height may adversely affect vehicle stopping
ability.
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