towing FORD EXPLORER 1998 2.G User Guide

Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on the Safety
Compliance Certification Label.
Towing trailers beyond the maximum recommended gross trailer
weight exceeds the limit of the vehicle and could result in
engine damage, transmission damage, structural damage, loss of
control, and personal injury.
Preparing to tow
Use the proper equipment for towing a trailer, and make sure it is
properly attached to your vehicle. See your dealer or a reliable trailer
dealer if you require assistance.
Hitches
Do not use hitches that clamp onto the vehicle bumper. Use a load
carrying hitch. You must distribute the load in your trailer so that
10 ± 15% of the total weight of the trailer is on the tongue.
Use a frame-mounted weight distributing hitch for trailers over
907 kg (2 000 lb).
Safety chains
Always connect the trailer's safety chains to the vehicle. To connect the
trailer's safety chains, cross the chains under the trailer tongue and allow
slack for turning corners.
If you use a rental trailer, follow the instructions that the rental agency
gives to you.
Trailer brakes
Electric brakes and manual, automatic or surge-type brakes are safe if
installed properly and adjusted to the manufacturer's specifications. The
trailer brakes must meet local and Federal regulations.
Do not connect a trailer's hydraulic brake system directly to your
vehicle's brake system. Your vehicle may not have enough
braking power and your chances of having a collision greatly increase.
Driving
131

Trailer lamps
Trailer lamps are required on most towed vehicles. Make sure your
trailer lamps conform to local and Federal regulations. See your dealer or
trailer rental agency for proper instructions and equipment for hooking
up trailer lamps.
Never connect any trailer lighting to the vehicle's taillamp
circuits, because it may damage the electrical system resulting in
fire. Contact your local Ford dealership for assistance in proper trailer
tow wiring installation. Additional electrical equipment may be
required.
Using a step bumper
The rear bumper is equipped with an integral hitch and requires only a
ball with a 19 mm (3/4 inch) shank diameter. The bumper has a 1 590 kg
(3 500 lb.) trailer weight and 159 kg (350 lb.) tongue weight capability.
Use a frame-mounted weight distributing hitch for trailers over 1 590 kg
(3 500 lb).
Driving while you tow
Do not drive faster than 88 km/h (55 mph) when towing a trailer.
Speed control may shut off if you are towing on long, steep grades.
When towing a trailer:
²Use a lower gear when towing up or down steep hills. This will
eliminate excessive downshifting and upshifting for optimum fuel
economy and transmission cooling.
²Anticipate stops and brake gradually.
Servicing after towing
If you tow a trailer for long distances, your vehicle will require more
frequent service intervals. Refer to the Severe Duty Schedule in your
``Service Guide'' for more information.
Trailer towing tips
²Practice turning, stopping and backing up in an area before starting on
a trip to get the feel of the vehicle trailer combination. When turning,
make wider turns so the trailer wheels will clear curbs and other
obstacles.
Driving
132

²Allow more distance for stopping with a trailer attached.
²The trailer tongue weight should be 10±15% of the loaded trailer
weight.
²After you have traveled 80 km (50 miles), thoroughly check your
hitch, electrical connections and trailer wheel lug nuts.
²When stopped in traffic for long periods of time in hot weather, place
the gearshift in P (Park) (automatic transmissions) or 1 (First)
(manual transmissions) and increase idle speed. This aids engine
cooling and air conditioner efficiency.
²Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade. If you must
park on a grade, place wheel chocks under the trailer's wheels.
Launching or retrieving a boat
When backing down a ramp during boat launching or retrieval,
²Do not allow the static water level to rise above the bottom edge of
the rear bumper and
²Do not allow waves to break higher than 15 cm (six inches) above the
bottom edge of the rear bumper.
Exceeding these limits may allow water to enter critical vehicle
components, adversely affecting driveability, emissions and reliability.
If the rear axle is submerged in water, the rear axle lubricant should be
checked and changed, if necessary. The rear axle is filled with a
synthetic lubricant and does not normally require a lubricant change for
the life of the vehicle. Rear axle lubricant quantities should not need to
be checked unless a leak is suspected.
Recreational towing (all wheels on the ground)
(Neutral tow kit accessory)
On vehicles equipped with a 4.0L engine, an accessory is available that
allows you to tow your vehicle, behind another vehicle, with all the
wheels on the ground. Contact your dealer for more details. Do not tow
your vehicle with all wheels on the ground unless you install the neutral
tow kit as vehicle damage may occur.
LUGGAGE RACK
Maximum load is 45 kg (100 lbs), evenly distributed. If it is not possible
to distribute the load, position it as far rearward as possible. Adjustable
tie down loops must be used to secure the load.
Driving
133

Stowing the spare
1. Lay the tire on the ground with the valve stem facing up.
2. Slide the wheel under the vehicle
and install the retainer through the
wheel center.
3. Turn the jack handle clockwise
until the tire is raised to its original
position underneath the vehicle. The
jack handle ratchets when the tire is
raised to the stowed position. It will
not allow you to overtighten.
Tire change procedure
On vehicles equipped with Air Suspension, turn OFF the Air
Suspension switch prior to jacking, hoisting or towing your
vehicle.
Refer to the instruction sheet for detailed tire change instructions.
1. Park on a level surface, activate
hazard flashers and set the parking
brake.
2. Place gearshift lever in P (Park)
or in the reverse gear (manual
transmission).
When one of the rear wheels is off
the ground, the transmission alone
will not prevent the vehicle from
moving or slipping off the jack, even
if the transmission is in P (Park)
(automatic transmission) or reverse
(manual transmission).
Roadside emergencies
145

WRECKER TOWING
If you need to have your vehicle towed, contact a professional towing
service or, if you are a member, your roadside assistance center.
If equipped with air suspension, the air suspension control must be
turned to the OFF position.
The Ford approved towing procedure is flatbed or wheel lift with
dollies.
On 4x2 vehicles, it is acceptable to tow the vehicle with the front wheels
on the ground (without dollies) and the rear wheels off the ground.
If the vehicle is towed by other means or incorrectly, vehicle
damage may occur.
Do not tow with slingbelt equipment. Ford Motor Company has not
developed or approved a slingbelt towing procedure.
Roadside emergencies
154

When calling for a tow truck, tell the operator what kind of vehicle you
have. A towing manual is available from Ford Motor Company for all
authorized tow truck operators. Have your tow truck driver refer to this
manual for proper hook-up and towing procedures for your vehicle.
Roadside emergencies
155

Engine oil recommendations
Look for this certification mark.
Ford oil specification is WSS-M2C153-G.
Use SAE 5W-30 motor oil certified for gasoline engines by the American
Petroleum Institute.
Do not use supplemental engine oil additives, oil treatments or engine
treatments. They are unnecessary and could, under certain conditions,
lead to engine damage which is not covered by your warranty.
Changing the engine oil and filter
Change your engine oil and filter according to the following mileage and
time requirements, whichever occurs first:
²Normal Schedule ± 8,000 km (5,000 miles) or six months.
²Severe Duty Schedule - 5,000 km (3,000 miles) or three months.
Severe duty operation would include extensive idling, trailer towing,
driving in severe dust and police, taxi or delivery service.
Ford production and aftermarket (Motorcraft) oil filters are designed for
added engine protection and long life. If a replacement oil filter is used
that does not meet Ford material and design specifications, startup
engine noises or knock may be experienced.
It is recommended you use the appropriate Motorcraft oil filter (or
another brand meeting Ford specifications) for your engine application.
Maintenance and care
163

IDENTIFYING YOUR VEHICLE
Safety compliance label
The National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration Regulations require
that a Safety Compliance
Certification Label be affixed to a
vehicle and prescribe where the
Safety Compliance Certification
Label may be located. The Safety
Compliance Certification Label is
located on the front door latch pillar
on the driver's side.
Vehicle identification number
The vehicle identification number is
attached to a metal tag and is
located on the driver side
instrument panel.
Engine number
The engine number (the last eight numbers of the vehicle identification
number) is stamped on the engine block, transmission, frame and
transfer case (if so equipped).
MFD. BY FORD MOTOR CO. IN U.S.A.
EXT PNT: XXXXXX XXXXXX RC: XX DSO: XXXX F0000
BAR INT TR TP/PS R AXLE TR SPR T0000
X XX XXX X XX X XXXX
UTC
ÑFOHT-15294A10-GA
MAXIMUM LOAD=OCCUPANTS + LUGGAGE=XXXKG/XXXXLB
OCCUPANTS: X TOTAL X FR X 2ND X RR OCCUPANTS LUGGAGE
XX XXXKG/XXXXLB
TIRE: XXXX/XXXXX XXX X XXXKG/XXXXLB
PRESSURE (FR) XXX kPa/33 PSI COLD
PRESSURE (RR) XXX kPa/33 PSI COLD
TRAILER TOWING - SEE OWNER GUIDE
DATE: XXXXX GVWR:XXXXX LB/ XXXXX KG
VIN: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX TYPE: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX FGAWR: XXXXXX/XXXXXXX RGAWR: XXXXXXX/XXXXXXX
THIS VEHICLE CONFORMS TO ALL APPLICABLE FEDERAL
MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARDS IN EFFECT ON THE
DATE OF MANUFACTURE SHOWN ABOVE.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
AIR BAG
Capacities and specifications
204

Floor mats ...................................55
Foglamps .....................................21
Four-Wheel Drive vehicles
control trac ........................34,116
special driving
instructions ......................118,119
Fuel
calculating fuel economy .......184
improving fuel economy ........134
octane rating ...........................183
quality ......................................184
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................182
Fuel gauge ...................................15
Fuel pump shut-off switch .......135
Fuse panels
instrument panel ....................138
power distribution box ...........141
Fuses ...................................136,137
Gauges, Mechanical ....................12
engine coolant temperature
gauge .........................................13
Hazard flashers .........................135
Head restraints ...........................74
Headlamps ...................................21
daytime running lights .............21
flashing ......................................22
high beam .................................22
Heating ........................................23
High beams
indicator light .............................9
Hood
release lever ............................157
Ignition
positions of the ignition ...........35
Instrument panel
lighting up panel and interior .22
Jump-starting
your vehicle .....................149,151
attaching cables ......................149
disconnecting cables ..............151Keyless entry system
autolock .....................................63
keypad .......................................64
locking and unlocking doors ....66
programming entry code ....65,66
Keys
key in ignition chime ...............11
Liftgate ........................................55
Lights, warning and indicator
air bag ..........................................8
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..............8
anti-theft .....................................9
brake ............................................8
charging system ..........................9
check engine ............................6,7
cruise indicator .........................11
door ajar ....................................10
fuel reset .....................................7
overdrive off ..............................11
safety belt ...................................8
turn signal indicator ...................9
Load limits
trailer towing ..........................126
Lubricant specifications ...........200
Luggage rack .............................133
Manual transmission
driving .......................113,114,115
Message center ...........................16
economy button ........................18
english/metric button ..........16,17
reset button ..............................18
system check button ...........19,20
Mirrors
cleaning ...................................196
heated ........................................53
side view mirrors (power) .......52
Moon roof ....................................45
Motorcraft parts ........................197
Odometer .....................................13
Off road driving,
4-wheel drive ......................119,122
Index
207

Overhead console
compass/temperature display ..44
storage compartment ...............44
Panic alarm feature, remote
entry system ................................60
Parking brake ............................105
Power door locks ........................51
Power steering
fluid, checking and adding ....169
Rear window
washer .......................................42
Recreational towing, all wheels
on the ground ...........................133
Refill capacities for fluids ........198
Relays ........................................136
Remote entry system .................58
illuminated entry ......................63
locking/unlocking doors ...........59
replacement/additional
transmitters ..........................62,63
replacing the batteries .............62
Reporting safety defects ..........205
Safety restraints
automatic locking mode
(retractor) ............................78,79
extension assembly ..................80
for children ...............................86
lap and shoulder belts ........77,78
maintenance ..............................81
proper use .................................76
warning light and chime .........11,
80,81
Safety seats for children
attaching with tether straps ....91
automatic locking mode
(retractor) .................................88
tether anchorage hardware .....91
Seats ............................................72
adjusting the seat, power ........72
folding rear seats ......................75
lumbar support .........................74
rear seat access ........................74Servicing your vehicle ..............156
precautions when servicing ...156
Snowplowing .................................3
Special notice
utility-type vehicles ....................3
Speed control ..............................36
canceling a set speed ...............39
indicator light ...........................40
resuming a set speed ...............40
tap up/tap down .......................38
turning off .................................36
Speedometer ...............................12
Starting your vehicle ...........99,102
Storage compartments
overhead storage
compartment .............................44
Tachometer
mechanical cluster ...................14
Tilt steering wheel ......................41
Tires ....................................177,178
checking the pressure ............178
replacing ..................................180
rotating ....................................179
snow tires and chains ............181
treadwear ................................177
Traction-lok rear axle ........124,175
Trailer towing ............................126
tips ...........................................132
Transaxle
fluid, checking and adding
(manual) .................................173
Transfer case
fluid checking .........................174
Transmission .............................170
automatic operation .......107,108,
109,110,111,112
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................170
Trip odometer .............................14
Turn signal
lever ...........................................35
Vehicle dimensions ...................202
Index
208