check engine light FORD EXPLORER 1996 2.G Owners Manual

72
%*
[ST06521(ALL)05/95]
For a warm engine:
*
[ST06522(ALL)04/95]
n
Do not hold the key in the START position for more than
five (5) secondsat a time. If the engine does not start within
five (5) seconds on the first try, turn the key to the OFF
position. Wait a few seconds after the starter stops, then try
again.
*
[ST06575(ALL)08/95]
Whenever you start your vehicle, release the key as soon as the
engine starts. Excessive cranking could damage the starter.
*
[ST06601(ALL)09/95]
After starting, allow the engine to idle for a few seconds before
driving away.
%*
[ST06775(ALL)04/95]
If the engine does not start after two attempts:
*
[ST06825(ALL)04/95]1.
Turn the ignition key to the OFF position.
*
[ST06851(ALL)04/95]2.
Press the accelerator all the way to the floor and hold it.
*
[ST06876(ALL)04/95]3.
Turn the ignition key to the START position.
*
[ST06900(ALL)04/95]4.
Release the ignition key when the engine starts.
*
[ST06925(ALL)04/95]5.
Release the accelerator gradually as the engine speeds up.
Then drive away in the normal manner.
*
[ST06951(ALL)04/95]
If the engine still does not start, the fuel pump shut-off switch
may have been triggered. For directions on how to reset the
switch seeFuel Pump Shut-Off Switchlater in this chapter.
%*
[ST07300(ALL)10/95]
A computer system controls the engine's idle speed. When you
start your vehicle, the engine's idle speed normally runs high.
These faster engine speeds will make your vehicle coast slightly
faster than its normal idle speed. It should, however, slow down
after a short time. If it does not, have the idle speed checked.
*
[ST07390(ALL)07/95]
If the engine idle speed does not slow down automatically, do
not allow your vehicle to idle for more than 10 minutes. Have
the vehicle checked.
File:04unstx.ex
Update:Thu Feb 29 09:22:05 1996

Starting Your Explorer
75
*
[ST08275(ALL)10/95]
If your engine cranks but does not start after a collision or
major jolt:
*
[ST08290(ALL)03/95]1.
Turn the key in the ignition to OFF.
*
[ST08300(ALL)03/95]2.
Check under the vehicle for leaking fuel.
*
[ST08325(ALL)03/95]3.
If you do not see or smell fuel, push the red reset button
down. If the button is already set, you may have a different
mechanical problem.
*
[ST08350(ALL)01/95]4.
Turn the ignition key ON for a few seconds, then turn it
OFF.
*
[ST08375(ALL)03/95]5.
Check under the vehicle again for leaking fuel.If you see or
smell fuel, do not start your vehicle again.If you do not
see or smell fuel, you can try to start your vehicle again.
*
[ST08400(ALL)03/95]6.
Check all vehicle warning lights before driving your vehicle.
[ST08450(ALL)01/95]
7-1/2 pica art:0021144-A
Reset button for fuel pump shut-off switch
File:04unstx.ex
Update:Thu Feb 29 09:22:05 1996

84
[LG04450(ALL)10/94]
Door Ajar Warning Light (If equipped)
*
[LG04460(ALL)08/94]
If the ignition switch is in the ON position and any door or the
liftgate is not completely closed, the light will illuminate.
[LG04480(ALL)10/94]
7-1/2 pica art:0021269-A
Door ajar warning light symbol
%*
[LG04500(ALL)03/95]
Check Engine Warning Light
*
[LG04600(ALL)05/95]
The Powertrain On-Board Diagnostic II (OBD II) system consists
of the hardware and software necessary to monitor the
operation of the powertrain. The OBD II system is designed to
check the function of the vehicle's powertrain control system
during normal operation. If an emission problem is detected, the
Check Engine Warning Light (in the cluster) is turned on.
*
[LG04650(ALL)05/95]
Modification or additions to the vehicle may cause incorrect
operation of the OBD II system. Additions such as burglar
alarms, cellular phones, and CB radios must be carefully
installed. Do not install these devices by tapping into or running
wires close to powertrain control system wires or components.
[LG04675(ALL)02/95]
The light comes on briefly when you turn the ignition key to
the ON position, but it should turn off when the engine cranks.
If the light does not come on when you turn the ignition to the
ON position or if it comes on and stays on when you are
driving, have your vehicle serviced as soon as conveniently
possible. This indicates a possible problem with one of the
engine's emission control systems.You do not need to have
your vehicle towed in.
File:05unlgx.ex
Update:Thu Feb 29 09:04:08 1996

Warning Lights and Gauges
85
*
[LG04680(ALL)05/95]
If the light turns on and off at one (1) second intervals while
you are driving the vehicle, it means that the engine is
misfiring. If this condition persists, damage could occur to the
engine or catalytic convertor. Have your vehicle serviced at the
first opportunity. You do not need to have your vehicle towed
in.
*
[LG04685(ALL)05/95]
If the light turns on and off on rare occasions while you are
driving, it means that a malfunction occurred and the condition
corrected itself.
*
[LG04695(ALL)05/95]
On the fourth engine start up, the Check Engine Warning Light
will turn off as soon as the engine begins to crank. It is not
necessary to have the engine serviced.
[LG04720(ALL)03/95]
Under certain conditions, the Check Engine Warning Light may
come on if the fuel cap is not properly installed. If the light
comes on and you suspect the fuel cap is not properly installed,
pull off the road as soon as it is safely possible and turn off the
engine. Remove and replace the fuel cap, making sure it is
properly seated.
[LG04750(ALL)03/95]
After completing the three consecutive warm-up cycles and on
the fourth engine start-up, the Check Engine Warning Light
should turn off. If the light does not go off after the fourth
engine restart, have your vehicle serviced by your dealer or a
qualified technician.
[LG05300(ALL)04/94]
6 pica art:0021149-A
Check engine warning light symbol
File:05unlgx.ex
Update:Thu Feb 29 09:04:08 1996

Warning Lights and Gauges
87
[LG05890( X)03/95]
7-1/2 pica art:0090108-A
Speed control light
%*
[LG05900(ALL)01/95]
Charging System Light
*
[LG06000(ALL)03/95]
This light, shown as a battery symbol on your cluster, indicates
that your battery is not being charged and that you need to
have the electrical system checked.
[LG06050(ALL)10/94]
6 pica art:0021150-B
Charging system light symbol
*
[LG06100(ALL)07/95]
This light comes on every time you turn the ignition to the ON
or START position (engine off). The light should go off when
the engine starts and the alternator begins to charge.
*
[LG06300(ALL)01/95]
If the light stays on or comes on when the engine is running,
have the electrical system checked as soon as possible.
File:05unlgx.ex
Update:Thu Feb 29 09:04:08 1996

88
%*
[LG06310( X)04/95]
Anti-Theft Alarm Light (If equipped)
[LG06335(ALL)04/95]
This light flashes on and off when the ignition switch is OFF
and any door is opened. As soon as you lock the doors, the
light glows steadily. Within 30 seconds of closing all the doors,
the light flashes intermittently (every 2 seconds). This indicates
that the alarm system is armed.
[LG06345( X)10/94]
6 pica art:0021151-A
Anti-theft alarm light
[LG06350(ALL)10/94]
Check Gage Light (If equipped)
*
[LG06355(ALL)06/94]
This light will come on when the key is in the ON position and
the:
[LG06360(ALL)06/94]
n
engine coolant temperature is high
[LG06365(ALL)06/94]
n
engine oil pressure is low
[LG06370(ALL)06/94]
n
fuel level is near empty
[LG06375(ALL)06/94]
This light serves as a notice that a system needs your attention
and to check the engine coolant temperature gauge, the engine
oil pressure gauge, and the fuel level gauge.
[LG06380(ALL)03/95]
Please seeEngine Coolant Temperature Gauge,Engine Oil Pressure
Gauge,orFuel Gaugein this chapter for more information.
[LG06385(ALL)10/94]
6 pica art:0021250-B
Check gage light
File:05unlgx.ex
Update:Thu Feb 29 09:04:08 1996

Warning Lights and Gauges
89
[LG06390(ALL)03/95]
Fuel Reset Light (If Equipped)
[LG06393(ALL)01/95]
Your vehicle may have a fuel reset light. The fuel reset light
will come on when you turn the ignition key to ON and the
fuel pump shut-off switch has been triggered. Refer toFuel
pump shut-off switchin the Index to find additional information.
[LG06395(ALL)10/94]
6 pica art:0021372-A
Fuel reset light
%*
[LG06400(ALL)05/94]
Battery Voltage Gauge (Voltmeter)
*
[LG06601(ALL)05/94]
This gauge shows you the battery voltage when the ignition key
is in the ON position.
*
[LG06701(ALL)05/95]
If the battery is operating under cold weather conditions, the
pointer may indicate in the upper range of the NORMAL band
while the battery is charging. If you are running electrical
accessories with the engine off or idling at a low speed, or the
battery is not fully charged, the pointer may move toward the
lower end of the NORMAL band.
*
[LG06750(ALL)05/94]
If it stays outside the NORMAL band, have your vehicle's
electrical system checked as soon as it is safely possible.
[LG06850(ALL)07/95]
7-1/2 pica art:0020539-H
Battery voltage gauge Ð mechanical cluster with tachometer
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