maintenance FORD EXPLORER 1996 2.G Owners Manual

Introductory Information
3
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[IN01080(ALL)08/95]
To use theIndex, turn to the back of the book and search in the
alphabetical listing for the word that best describes the
information you need. If the word you chose is not listed, think
of other related words and look them up. We have designed the
Index so that you can find information under a technical term.
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[IN01090(ALL)08/95]
Canadian Owners Ð French Version
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[IN01100(ALL)08/95]
French Owner Guides can be obtained from your dealer or by
writing to Ford Motor Company of Canada, Limited, Service
Publications, P.O. Box 1580, Station B, Mississauga, Ontario L4Y
4G3.
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[IN02400(ALL)04/95]
Your Maintenance Schedule and Record
Booklet
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[IN02500(ALL)03/95]
TheMaintenance Schedule and Recordbooklet lists the services
that are most important for keeping your vehicle in good
condition. A record log is also provided to help you keep track
of all services performed.
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[IN02600(ALL)01/95]
About the Warranties
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[IN02700(ALL)04/95]
Your vehicle is covered by three types of warranties:Basic
Vehicle Warranty,Extended Warrantieson certain parts, and
Emissions Warranties.
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[IN03100(ALL)03/95]
Read yourWarranty Information Bookletcarefully to find out
about your vehicle's warranties and your basic rights and
responsibilities.
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[IN03250(ALL)03/95]
If you lose yourWarranty Information Booklet,you can get a new
one free of charge. Contact any Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer,
or refer to the addresses and phone numbers on the first page
of this owner guide.
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22
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[SR09790(ALL)08/95]
Use only extensions manufactured by the same supplier as the
safety belt. Manufacturer identification is located at the end of
the webbing on the label. Also, use the safety belt extension
only if the safety belt is too short for you when fully extended.
Do not use extension to change the fit of the shoulder belt
across the torso.
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[SR09800(ALL)08/95]
RWARNING
Failure to follow these instructions will affect the
performance of the safety belts and increase the risk of
personal injury.
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[SR09900(ALL)08/95]
Safety Belt Maintenance
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[SR10000(ALL)09/95]
Check the safety belt systems periodically to make sure that
they work properly and are not damaged.
[SR10020( X)06/95]
The short plastic boot on the front safety belt at the passenger
outboard anchor location covers an energy absorbing sew
pattern on the safety belt. In the event of an accident, the sew
pattern may release, and the colored label (REPLACE BELT)
may become visible. If this occurs,the safety belt must be
replaced.
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[SR13030(ALL)07/95]
RWARNING
Air bag system components get hot after inflation. Do
not touch them after inflation.
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[SR13050(ALL)05/95]
The air bag system uses a readiness light on the instrument
cluster and a tone to indicate the condition of the system. When
you turn the ignition key to the ON position, this light will
illuminate for approximately six (6) seconds and then turn off.
This indicates that the system is operating normally. NOTE:
Maintenance of the air bag system is not required.
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[SR13060(ALL)05/95]
17-1/2 pica
art:0050087-A
Inflated driver-side air bag
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52
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[SR15295( X)08/95]
Inspection after a collision
[SR15297( X)10/94]
RWARNING
All built-in child restraints, including seats, buckles,
retractors, seat latches, interlocks, and attaching hardware
should be inspected by a qualified dealer technician after
any collision. If the child seat was in use during a
collision, Ford recommends replacing it. However, if the
collision was minor and a qualified technician finds that
the child restraints do not show damage and continue to
operate properly, they do not need to be replaced.
Built-In Child Seats not in use during a collision should
also be inspected and replaced if either damage or
improper operation is noted.
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[SR15300( X)08/95]
Cleaning
[SR15302( X)01/95]
Your built-in child seat may be cleaned with mild soap and
water. Do not use household cleaners as they may weaken the
webbing or damage the plastic parts. For your convenience, the
liner is made to be machine washable and air dried (do not use
heat).
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[SR15305( X)08/95]
Built-in child seat maintenance
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[SR15307( X)05/95]
Regularly inspect the lap and shoulder belts system of your
child seat. See your Ford Dealer if the shoulder belt webbing is
frayed, or if the buckle and tongue are damaged and/or do not
function properly.
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[SR15900(ALL)01/95]
Safety Seats for Children
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[SR16000(ALL)05/95]
Use a safety seat that is recommended for the size and weight
of the child. Always follow the safety seat manufacturer's
instructions when installing and using the safety seat.
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[SR16015(ALL)08/95]
Ford recommends the use of a child safety seat having a top
tether strap. Install the child safety seat in a seating position
which is capable of providing a tether anchorage. For more
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Driving Your Explorer
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[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.
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[DR19200(ALL)12/95]
Driving Off Road with 4-Wheel Drive and AWD
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[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.
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[DR19400( X)10/94]
n
Do not use 4WD LOW on dry, hard-surfaced roads.
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[DR19600(ALL)11/89]
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Special maintenance procedures are necessary after operating
with drive components in water.
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[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.
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[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.
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292
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Servicing Your Vehicle If You Tow
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[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
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[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.
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[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.
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[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.
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[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.
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[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.
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[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.
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[RE22400(ALL)04/94]
7-1/2 pica art:0021189-A
Lug nut tightening sequence
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[RE23400(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Use of wheels or lug nuts other than original equipment
could cause damage to the wheel or mounting system
and allow the wheels to come off while the vehicle is in
motion.
*
[RE23500(ALL)07/95]7.
Replace any wheel covers, ornaments, or hub caps that your
vehicle has. Make sure that they are screwed or snapped into
place.
[RE23600(ALL)01/95]8.
Put the tire, jack, and wrench away. (Make sure jack is
securely fastened so it does not rattle when you drive.)
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[RE23700(ALL)06/95]9.
Unblock the wheels.
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[RE23800(ALL)06/93]
Retighten the wheel lug nuts to the specified torque at 500 miles
(800 km) of new vehicle operation and at intervals specified in
theMaintenance Schedule and Recordbooklet.
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[RE24200(ALL)10/89]
Also retighten to the specified torque at 500 miles (800 km) of
operation after any wheel change or any time the lug nuts are
loosened.
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[RE24301(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Failure to retighten wheel lug nuts at mileages specified
could allow wheels to come off while the vehicle is in
motion.
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318
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[HS00300(ALL)01/95]
If You Have a Service Problem
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[HS00400(ALL)01/95]
Ford Motor Company has authorized Ford and Lincoln-Mercury
dealerships that can service your vehicle for you. This chapter
tells you how to get service or maintenance for your vehicle.
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[HS00525(ALL)02/95]
Service/Maintenance Concerns (U.S. or Canada)
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[HS00600(ALL)04/95]
Ford recommends taking your vehicle to your selling dealer
who wants to ensure your continued satisfaction. You may,
however, take your vehicle to any authorized Ford or
Lincoln-Mercury dealer. In most cases, your dealer will be able
to resolve your concern.
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[HS00700(ALL)04/95]
If you are not satisfied with the service you received from your
dealership's service department, talk to the service manager at
the dealership, or if you still are not satisfied, talk to the owner
or general manager of the dealership. In most cases, you will
have your concern resolved at this level.
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[HS01000(ALL)04/95]
If you are away from home when your vehicle needs to be
serviced, or if you need more help than the dealer gave you,
contact the Ford Customer Assistance Center to find an
authorized dealership that may be able to help you.
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[HS01010(ALL)04/95]
Please have the following information available when contacting
Ford Customer Assistance:
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[HS01020(ALL)04/95]
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your telephone number (both business and home)
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[HS01030(ALL)04/95]
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the name of the dealer and the city where the dealership is
located
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[HS01040(ALL)03/95]
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the year and make of your vehicle
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[HS01050(ALL)03/95]
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the date purchased
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[HS01060(ALL)03/95]
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the current mileage on your vehicle
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[HS01070(ALL)09/95]
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your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) listed on your
owner card and/or your vehicle ownership license
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[HS04700(ALL)01/95]
How Do You Contact the Board?
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[HS04800(ALL)04/95]
Write to the Board at the following address to request a
brochure/application. You will be sent a brochure and a
one-page customer application form. The form should be
completed and mailed to the same address.
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[HS04900(ALL)09/93]
6 pica art:0040272-A
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[HS05100(ALL)04/95]
What is the Review Process?
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[HS05200(ALL)04/95]
Your application will be reviewed and if it is determined to be
eligible, you will receive an acknowledgment indicating the file
number assigned to your application and the local Board
address. At the same time, your dealer and Ford Motor
Company representative are asked to submit statements.
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[HS05300(ALL)04/95]
To review your case properly, the Board needs the following
information:
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[HS05400(ALL)04/95]
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legible copies of all documents and maintenance or repair
orders that relate to the case
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[HS05500(ALL)08/95]
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the year, make, model, and vehicle identification number
(VIN)
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[HS05600(ALL)04/95]
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the date you bought your vehicle
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[HS05700(ALL)04/95]
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the date of repair and the mileage at the time of repair
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[HS05800(ALL)04/95]
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the current mileage
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[HS05900(ALL)04/95]
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the name of the dealer who sold you the vehicle or who
serviced your vehicle
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333
Servicing Your Explorer
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[SV00300(ALL)03/95]
Service Made Easy
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[SV00400(ALL)01/95]
Ford has two goals for servicing your vehicle.
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[SV00500(ALL)01/95]1.
When we can, we design parts that do not need to be
serviced.
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[SV00600(ALL)01/95]2.
We want to make servicing your vehicle as easy as possible.
To help you:
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[SV00700(ALL)01/95]
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We highlight do-it-yourself items in yellow in the engine
compartment so that you can find them easily.
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[SV00800(ALL)01/95]
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When possible, we design parts Ð such as the headlamp
bulbs Ð that can be replaced without tools.
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[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.
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[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.
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Update:Thu Feb 29 09:20:34 1996