trailer FORD EXPLORER 1996 2.G Owners Manual

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.
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Update:Thu Feb 29 09:04:08 1996

Steering Column Controls
143
*
[SC08700(ALL)08/95]
RWARNING
Do not use the speed control in heavy traffic or on roads
that are winding, slippery, or unpaved.
*
[SC08801(ALL)05/95]
In mountainous areas, at higher elevations, or when pulling a
trailer, the speed control may not be able to maintain the preset
speed with the transmission in
j(Overdrive).
*
[SC08850(ALL)06/92]
If your vehicle comes with a 5-speed manual transmission, you
may prefer to drive in 4 (Fourth) gear, in mountainous areas or
at high altitudes, to improve speed control performance.
*
[SC09275(ALL)12/91]
In order to downshift (with a manual transmission) with the
speed control operating, you must press either the brake or
clutch pedal long enough to disengage the speed control. Wait a
second before depressing the clutch again and making the shift
so that the speed control can fully return to the idle position.
*
[SC09325(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Do not shift the transmission into N (Neutral) with the
speed control on.
[SC09350(ALL)03/95]
To maintain a preset speed under the above conditions, with
electronically controlled transmissions Ð press the Transmission
Control Switch (TCS). The indicator light will turn on and
illuminate the words ªO/D OFF.º This will cancel ªOverdrive.º
You can press the Transmission Control Switch (TCS) on or off
at any speed. For the best fuel economy during normal driving
conditions, press the Transmission Control Switch (TCS) to turn
off the light. This allows overdrive operation.
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Driving Your Explorer
271 engine and transmission, causing damage to both. In addition,
other vehicle systems and components may also be damaged.
*
[DR27975(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Do not spin the wheels at over 35 mph (55 km/h). The
tires may fail and injure a passenger or bystander.
%*
[DR28050(ALL)03/95]
Driving With a Heavy Load
*
[DR28101(ALL)01/95]
There are limits to the amount of weight your vehicle can carry
or tow. The total weight of your vehicle, plus the weight of the
passengers and cargo, should never be more than the Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). Also, the weight that your
vehicle carries over the front axle and rear axle should never be
more than the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for the
respective axle.
*
[DR28150(ALL)08/95]
The weight limits of your vehicle's tires affect the GVWR or
GAWR limitations. Usage of replacement tires with higher
weight limits than originals does not increase GVWR or GAWR.
Usage of lower capacity replacement tires may lower GVWR
and GAWR limitations.
*
[DR28201(ALL)02/95]
RWARNING
If the GVWR or the GAWR specified on the Safety
Compliance Certification Label is exceeded, your vehicle
may be damaged or you may lose control and injure
someone.
*
[DR28750(ALL)01/93]
Vehicle/Trailer Loads
*
[DR28801(ALL)06/92]
All vehicles may tow a Class I trailer provided the Gross
Combined Weight (GCW) is less than or equal to the GVWR
shown on the Safety Compliance Certification Label. For heavier
trailer applications, refer to the towing information found later
in this chapter.
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272
%*
[DR28950(ALL)02/95]
Trailer Towing (may require trailer tow option package)
*
[DR29001(ALL)03/91]
Towing a trailer puts additional loads on your vehicle's engine,
transmission, axle, brakes, tires and suspension. For your safety
and for the good of your vehicle, use the right equipment for
the type of trailer you tow.
*
[DR29025(ALL)09/92]
Your trailer towing capability will vary based on the standard
and optional equipment on your vehicle. Refer to the following
Vehicle Loading/Towing Informationand the Trailer Towing Tables
to determine the specific towing capability of your vehicle.
*
[DR29050(ALL)02/92]
n
Stay within the load limits when you tow.
*
[DR29101(ALL)01/95]
n
Carefully and thoroughly prepare your vehicle for towing,
making sure to use the right equipment and to attach it
properly. (SeePreparing to Towin this chapter.)
*
[DR29151(ALL)01/95]
n
Use extra caution when driving your vehicle while you tow.
(SeeDriving while you towin this chapter.)
*
[DR29201(ALL)01/95]
n
Service your vehicle more frequently if you tow a trailer.
(SeeServicing your vehicle if you towin this chapter.)
*
[DR29350(ALL)05/94]
Do not tow a trailer until your vehicle has been driven at least
500 miles (800 km).
%*
[DR29401(ALL)06/92]
Vehicle Loading/Towing Information
*
[DR29450(ALL)03/91]
Your vehicle's load capacity is designated by weight, not
volume, so you cannot necessarily use all available space with
large or heavy loads. Maximum safe vehicle weights as well as
tire, rim sizes and inflation pressures are specified for your
vehicle at the assembly plant on the Safety Compliance
Certification Label. The Certification Label is located on the left
front door lock facing or the door latch post pillar.
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Driving Your Explorer
275
*
[DR30310(ALL)06/92]
n
GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating)
*
[DR30320(ALL)06/92]
n
Maximum Trailer Weight Rating
*
[DR30330(ALL)06/92]
n
Maximum Trailer Weight
*
[DR30340(ALL)06/92]
n
Trailer Weight Range
*
[DR30351(ALL)03/91]
Base Curb Weight
*
[DR30401(ALL)03/94]
The Base Curb Weight is the weight of the vehicle including
fuel, coolants, lubricants, emergency tools, spare wheel and tire.
It also includes any equipment that isstandardon that model. It
does not include passengers, cargo or optional equipment
installed by factory, dealer, aftermarket supplier or customer.
*
[DR30451(ALL)03/91]
Payload
*
[DR30501(ALL)03/91]
Payload is the combined, maximum allowable weight of cargo,
occupants and optional equipment that the truck is designed to
carry. It is Gross Vehicle Weight Rating minus the base curb
weight.
*
[DR30550(ALL)03/91]
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
*
[DR30601(ALL)05/95]
If you add base curb weight and the weight of a load (including
passengers, cargo and optional equipment) being carried at a
particular time, you get the Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW).
*
[DR30650(ALL)08/95]
It is important to remember that GVWis not a limit or a
specification.If an owner loads up a vehicle and weighs it, that's
the GVW at that moment. If the owner piles on more of a load
and weighs it again, that becomes the GVW.
%*
[DR30701(ALL)03/91]
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
*
[DR30750(ALL)10/94]
To avoid overloading a vehicle, the owner should observe the
manufacturer's specified Gross Vehicle Weight Rating. The
GVWR is the maximum total weight of base vehicle, passengers,
optional components and cargo that a particular vehicle was
designed to carry.
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Driving Your Explorer
277
*
[DR31120(ALL)06/92]
GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating)
*
[DR31130(ALL)06/92]
GCWR is the maximum combined weight of the towing
vehicle (including passengers and cargo) and the loaded trailer.
The GCWR is specified by the manufacturer to indicate the
combined maximum loaded weight that the vehicle is designed
to tow.
*
[DR31140(ALL)06/92]
Maximum Trailer Weight Rating
*
[DR31150(ALL)05/95]
The maximum trailer weight rating is the maximum weight of a
trailer the vehicle is permitted to tow. It is specified by the
manufacturer and is determined by subtracting the vehicle curb
weight for each engine/transmission combination, any required
option weight for trailer towing and the weight of the driver
from the GCWR for the towing vehicle.
*
[DR31160(ALL)06/92]
Maximum Trailer Weight
*
[DR31170(ALL)05/95]
The maximum trailer weight is the maximum weight of a trailer
the loaded vehicle is permitted to tow. It is determined by
subtracting the weight of the loaded towing vehicle (including
passengers and cargo) from the GCWR for the towing vehicle.
*
[DR31180(ALL)06/92]
Trailer Weight Range
*
[DR31190(ALL)06/92]
The trailer weight range is a specified range by weight, which
the trailer must fall within, ranging from zero to the maximum
trailer weight rating.
%*
[DR31301(ALL)03/91]
Calculating The Load
*
[DR31350(ALL)03/91]
To know how much weight your vehicle can carry:
*
[DR31401(ALL)12/91]
n
Obtain ratings from your Safety Compliance Certification
Label, and the Trailer towing specifications in the owner
guide (refer to the Index)
*
[DR31450(ALL)07/95]
Ð Refer to the following sample illustration to locate the
various ratings on your Safety Compliance Certification
Label.
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278
*
[DR31501(ALL)03/91]
Ð If you do not plan on pulling a trailer, do not include
these ratings into your calculations.
*
[DR31550(ALL)08/95]
n
Weigh your vehicle as you customarily operate the vehicle
(without cargo).
*
[DR31601(ALL)03/91]
n
Subtract the total weight of passengers, driver and optional
equipment added by the factory, dealer or aftermarket
supplier to determine how much cargo weight you can carry.
[DR31650(ALL)04/94]
17-1/2 pica
art:0021184-A
Sample label
*
[DR31702(ALL)03/91]
If you suspect that your payload is excessive, have your vehicle
weighed at a highway weigh station or appropriate commercial
facility. Weigh the total vehicle and trailer (if applicable), then
separately weigh the vehicle at the front and rear wheels. And
finally, weigh the trailer separately if applicable.
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280
*
[DR31901(ALL)08/95]
Front Axle Reserve Capacity in Pounds (kgs): If this value is
given as 83 pounds (38 kgs) on the label, does this mean that
you are limited to adding only 83 pounds (38 kgs) of
accessories to the front end capacity? Not exactly. This says that
you can load 83 pounds (38 kgs) of options on the front axle,
add 150 pound (68 kgs) passengers to all seating positions, and
add evenly distributed cargo in the box without exceeding the
GAWR F.
*
[DR31950(ALL)06/92]
It is possible to hang heavier equipment on the front as long as
the vehicle owner/operator compensates. This can be
accomplished, if necessary, by carrying fewer passengers, less
cargo or positioning cargo more toward the rear, which has the
effect of reducing the load on the front. Keep in mind that the
GAWR F, GAWR R, nor the GVWR should ever be exceeded.
*
[DR32001(ALL)08/95]
Total Accessory Reserve Capacity in Pounds (kgs): If, for
example, this value is given as 112 pounds (51 kgs), does this
mean that you are limited to adding 112 pounds (51 kgs) of
accessories to your vehicle? Not exactly. This is a number that is
related to government crash test standards, and only indirectly
reflects on the amount of accessory weight that can be carried.
*
[DR32050(ALL)06/94]
In the case of both these numbers (83 and 112 pounds) (38 and
51 kgs), the important thing to remember is that for safe
operation, an owner/operator should calculate the amount and
the distribution of all weights (passengers, accessory equipment
and cargo). These combined weights should fall below the
vehicle's GVWR and GAWR.
*
[DR32201(ALL)01/93]
Trailers
*
[DR32251(ALL)10/94]
Towing a trailer safely means having the proper weight on the
tongue (usually 10% of the trailer weight). Load-equalizing
hitches on large rigs may transfer weight to each of the vehicle's
axles. This weight must be included in capacity calculations
when determining if the vehicle is loaded within safe limits.
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Driving Your Explorer
281
*
[DR32301(ALL)01/95]
If your vehicle exceeds the GVWR, remove cargo from your
vehicle accordingly. If your vehicle exceeds the GAWR for
either axle, shift the load or remove cargo accordingly.
*
[DR32350(ALL)02/95]
RWARNING
If the GVWR or the GAWR specified on the Safety
Compliance Certification Label is exceeded, your vehicle
may be damaged or you may lose control and injure
someone.
*
[DR32401(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Towing trailers beyond the maximum recommended
gross trailer weight could result in engine damage,
transmission/axle damage, structural damage, loss of
control, and personal injury.
*
[DR32450(ALL)05/95]
Use the Safety Compliance Certification Label to find the axle
code number and the engine type for your vehicle.
*
[DR32500(ALL)03/91]
Use the appropriate Maximum Gross Combined Weight Rating
(GCWR) chart to find the Maximum GCWR for your type
engine and rear axle ratio.
*
[DR32551(ALL)03/91]
Subtract your Loaded Vehicle Weight from the Maximum
GCWR found in the chart. This is the maximum trailer weight
your vehicle can tow and must fall below the maximum shown
under Trailer Weight on the chart.
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288
[DR34300( X)12/95]
20 pica
chart:0090217-A*
[DR36500(ALL)01/95]
Preparing to Tow
*
[DR36550(ALL)01/95]
For your safety and for the good of your vehicle, use the right
equipment for the type of trailer you tow. Also, make sure that
all towing equipment is properly attached to your vehicle. If
you are not certain that you are using the right equipment in
the proper manner, see your Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer.
File:10undrx.ex
Update:Thu Feb 29 09:12:36 1996