tires FORD EXPLORER 1997 2.G User Guide

necessary. To check the tire
pressure, insert the tire pressure
gauge into the valve stem.
The cold pressure amount is listed
on the Safety Compliance
Certification label.
Improperly inflated tires
can affect vehicle handling
and can fail suddenly, possibly
resulting in loss of vehicle
control.
Rotating tires
Rotate your tires at regular
intervals for even wear. Rotation
intervals are listed in the ªService
Guideº.
²Four tire rotation
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Maintenance and care
198

²Five tire rotation
Replacing tires
Replace the tires when the wear
band is visible through the tire
treads.
When replacing full size
tires, never mix radial,
bias-belted, or bias-type tires.
Use only the tire sizes that are
listed on the tire pressure decal.
Make sure that all tires are the
same size, speed rating, and
load-carrying capacity. Use only
the tire combinations
recommended on the decal. If
you do not follow these
precautions, your vehicle may
not drive properly and safely.
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Maintenance and care
199

Make sure that all
replacement tires are of
the same size, type, load-carrying
capacity and tread design (e.g.,
ªAll Terrainº, etc.), as originally
offered by Ford.
Do not replace your tires
with ªhigh performanceª
tires or larger size tires.
Failure to follow these
precautions may adversely
affect the handling of the vehicle
and make it easier to lose control
and roll over.
Refer to the Safety Compliance
Certification label to determine the
specific size tire and wheel Ford
Motor Company recommends for
use on this vehicle.
When purchasing replacement tires
for your vehicle, consult your
dealer or qualified service
technician to ensure that the
correct tire types are used.
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Maintenance and care
200

Using snow tires and chains
Snow tires must be the
same size and grade as the
tires you currently have on your
vehicle.
The tires on your vehicle have
all-weather treads to provide
traction in rain and snow. However,
in some climates, using snow tires
and chains may be necessary. Ford
offers snow chains as a Ford
approved accessory and
recommends use of these or their
equivalents. See your dealer or
qualified service technician for
more information on tire chains for
your vehicle. Follow these
guidelines when using snow tires
and chains:
²Install chains securely, verifying
that the chains do not touch any
wiring, brake lines or fuel lines.
²Install the chains on the rear
tires only.
²Drive cautiously. If you hear the
chains rub or bang against the
vehicle, stop and retighten
Maintenance and care
201

them. If this does not work,
remove the chains to prevent
vehicle damage.
²Avoid overloading your vehicle.
²Remove the tire chains when
they are no longer needed. Do
not use chains on dry roads.
²The suspension insulation and
bumpers will help prevent
vehicle damage. Do not remove
these components from the
vehicle when using snow tires
and chains.
If equipped with 110 cm (17 inch)
tires, your vehicle will not
accommodate snow chains. Consult
your dealer for information on
other Ford approved methods of
traction control.
IMPORTANT FUEL
INFORMATION
Important safety precautions
Do not overfill the fuel
tank. The pressure in an
overfilled tank may cause
leakage and lead to fuel spray
and fire.
If you do not use the
proper fuel cap, the
pressure in the fuel tank can
damage the fuel system or cause
it to work improperly in a
collision.
uno_fuel_info_title
com_important_precautions.06
Maintenance and care
202

Power door locks ........................54
Power steering
fluid, checking and adding ....184
Rear window
wiper .....................................37,38
Refill capacities for fluids ........223
Relays ..........................149,150,153
Remote entry system .................69
locking/unlocking doors ......69,70
panic alarm ...............................70
replacement/additional
transmitters ...............................73
replacing the batteries .............72
Reporting safety defects ..........232
Restraints, safety (see Safety
restraints)
head ...........................................78
Safety restraints
adjusting the safety belts ....86,87
energy absorbing sew
pattern ..................................88,89
for children ...............................95
proper use ..................83,84,85,86
Safety seats for children
attaching with tether straps ..101
automatic locking mode
(retractor) ............................97,98
Seats ............................................79
adjusting the seat, power ........80
bench (60-40 split) ..................79
Servicing your vehicle ..............165
precautions when servicing ...165
servicing when you tow .........145
Snowplowing .................................4
Special notice ................................3
ambulance conversions ..............3
utility-type vehicles ....................3
Specification chart, lubricants .225
Speed control ..............................40
indicator light ........................8,43
Speedometer ...............................14
Starting your vehicle ................110preparing to start your
vehicle .....................................112
starting a warm engine ..........115
Steering wheel
tilting .........................................44
Storage compartments
overhead storage
compartment .............................52
Tachometer
mechanical cluster ...................15
Tires
changing ..................................156
checking the pressure ............197
inspection and maintenance ..195
replacing ..................................199
rotating ....................................198
snow tires and chains ............201
spare tire .................................156
tire grades ...............................195
treadwear ................................196
Traction-lok rear axle ...............119
Trailer towing ............................138
safety chains ...........................143
tips ....................................139,144
trailer brakes ...........................143
trailer lamps ............................143
Transfer case (see Differential
fluid) ..........................................188
Transmission
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................186
Trip odometer .............................14
Turn signal
indicator lights ............................9
Two step lock ..............................54
Vehicle dimensions ...................228
Vehicle headlamp aiming
device (VHAD) .........................214
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................230
Ventilating your vehicle ...........111
Index
235