tow FORD EXPLORER 1998 2.G Owner's Manual

²Payload: Combined maximum allowable weight of cargo, passengers
and optional equipment. The payload equals the gross vehicle weight
rating minus base curb weight.
²GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight): Base curb weight plus payload
weight. The GVW is not a limit or a specification.
²GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating): Maximum total weight of
the base vehicle, passengers, optional equipment and cargo. The
GVWR is specific to each vehicle and is listed on the Safety
Compliance Label on the driver's door pillar.
²GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating): Carrying capacity for each
axle system. The GAWR is specific to each vehicle and is listed on the
Safety Compliance Label on the driver's door pillar.
²GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating): Maximum combined
weight of towing vehicle (including passengers and cargo) and the
trailer. The GCWR indicates the maximum loaded weight that the
vehicle is allowed to tow.
²Maximum Trailer Weight Rating: Maximum weight of a trailer the
vehicle is permitted to tow. The maximum trailer weight rating equals
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.
²Maximum Trailer Weight: maximum weight of a trailer the loaded
vehicle (including passengers and cargo) is permitted to tow. It is
determined by subtracting the weight of the loaded trailer towing
vehicle from the GCWR for the towing vehicle.
²Trailer Weight Range: Specified weight range that the trailer must
fall within that ranges from zero to the maximum trailer weight rating.
Remember to figure in the tongue load of your loaded trailer when
figuring the total weight.
Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on the Safety
Compliance Certification Label.
Do not use replacement tires with lower weight capacities than the
originals because they may lower the vehicle's GVWR and GAWR
limitations. Replacement tires with a higher weight limit than the
originals do not increase the GVWR and GAWR limitations.
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Calculating the load your vehicle can carry/tow
1. Use the Safety Compliance Certification Label to find the axle code
number and engine type for your vehicle.
2. Use the appropriate maximum gross combined weight rating (GCWR)
chart to find the maximum GCWR for your type engine and rear axle
ratio.
3. Weigh your vehicle as you customarily operate the vehicle without
cargo. To obtain correct weights, try taking your vehicle to a shipping
company or an inspection station for trucks.
4. Subtract your loaded vehicle weight from the maximum GCWR on the
following charts. This is the maximum trailer weight your vehicle can tow
and must fall below the maximum shown under maximum trailer weight
on the chart.
DRIVING THROUGH WATER
Do not drive quickly through standing water, especially if the depth is
unknown. Traction or brake capability may be limited and if the ignition
system gets wet, your engine may stall. Water may also enter your
engine's air intake and severely damage your engine.
If driving through deep or standing water is unavoidable, proceed very
slowly. Never drive through water that is higher than the bottom of the
hubs (truck)/wheel rims (car).
Once through the water, always try the brakes. Wet brakes do not stop
the vehicle as effectively as dry brakes. Drying can be improved by
moving your vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake
pedal.
TRAILER TOWING
Trailer towing with your vehicle may require the use of a trailer tow
option package.
Trailer towing puts additional loads on your vehicle's engine,
transmission, axle, brakes, tires, and suspension. For your safety and to
maximize vehicle performance, be sure to use the proper equipment
while towing.
Follow these guidelines to ensure safe towing procedure:
²Stay within your vehicle's load limits.
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²Thoroughly prepare your vehicle for towing. Refer toPreparing to
towin this chapter.
²Use extra caution when driving while trailer towing. Refer toDriving
while you towin this chapter.
²Service your vehicle more frequently if you tow a trailer. Refer to the
severe duty schedule in the ``Service Guide''.
²Do not tow a trailer until your vehicle has been driven at least 800 km
(500 miles).
²Refer to the instructions included with towing accessories for the
proper installation and adjustment specifications.
Do not exceed the maximum loads listed on the Safety Compliance
Certification label. For load specification terms found on the label, refer
toVehicle loadingin this chapter. Remember to figure in the tongue
load of your loaded vehicle when figuring the total weight.
Trailer towing table (4x2 manual transmission)
GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating)/Trailer weights
EngineRear
axle
ratioMaximum
GCWR-kg
(lbs.)Trailer weight
range-kg (lbs.)
(0-Maximum)Maximum
frontal area of
trailer-m
2(ft2)
2-door
4.0L EFI 3.27 2 721 (6 000) 0-907 (0-2 000) 4.64 (50)
4.0L EFI 3.73 3 175 (7 000) 0-1 424 (0-3 140) 4.64 (50)
4-door
4.0L EFI 3.27 2 721 (6 000) 0-880 (0-1 940) 4.64 (50)
4.0L EFI 3.73 3 175 (7 000) 0-1 325 (0-2 920) 4.64 (50)
Notes:-For high altitude operation, reduce GCW by 2% per 300
meters (1 800 ft) elevation. For definitions of terms used in this table
and instructions on how to calculate your vehicle load, refer toVehicle
loadingin this chapter. Maximum trailer weights shown. The combined
weight of the completed towing vehicle and the loaded trailer must not
exceed the GCWR.
Towing a trailer over 907 kg (2 000 lbs.) requires a weight distributing
hitch.
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Trailer towing table (4x4 manual transmission)
GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating)/Trailer weights
EngineRear
axle
ratioMaximum
GCWR-kg
(lbs.)Trailer weight
range-kg (lbs.)
(0-Maximum)Maximum
frontal area of
trailer-m
2(ft2)
2-door
4.0L EFI 3.27 2 721 (6 000) 0-871 (0-1 920) 4.64 (50)
4.0L EFI 3.55 2 948 (6 500) 0-1 089 (0-2 420) 4.64 (50)
4.0L EFI 3.73 3 175 (7 000) 0-1 325 (0-2 920) 4.64 (50)
4-door
4.0L EFI 3.55 2 948 (6 500) 0-998 (0-2 200) 4.64 (50)
4.0L EFI 3.73 3 175 (7 000) 0-1 225 (0-2 700) 4.64 (50)
Notes:- For high altitude operation, reduce GCW by 2% per 300
meters (1 800 ft) elevation. For definitions of terms used in this table
and instructions on how to calculate your vehicle load, refer toVehicle
loadingin this chapter. Maximum trailer weights shown. The combined
weight of the completed towing vehicle and the loaded trailer must not
exceed the GCWR.
Towing a trailer over 907 kg (2 000 lbs.) requires a weight distributing
hitch.
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Trailer towing table (4x2 automatic transmission)
GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating)/Trailer weights
EngineRear
axle
ratioMaximum
GCWR-kg
(lbs.)Trailer Weight
Range-kg (lbs.)
0-MaximumMaximum
frontal area of
trailer-m
2(ft2)
2-door
4.0L
SOHC3.27 3 402 (7 500) 0-1 361 (0-3 000) 4.64 (50)
4.0L
SOHC3.55 3 856 (8 500) 0-2 041 (0-4 500) 4.64 (50)
4.0L EFI 3.73 4 082 (9 000) 0-2 313 (0-5 100) 4.64 (50)
4.0L
SOHC3.73 4 082 (9 000) 0-2 041 (0-4 500) 4.64 (50)
4-door
4.0L
SOHC3.55 4 082 (9 000) 0-2 041 (0-4 500) 4.64 (50)
4.0L EFI 3.73 4 309 (9 500) 0-2 449 (5 400) 4.64 (50)
4.0L
SOHC3.734 535 (10
000)0-2 658 (0-5 860) 4.64 (50)
4.0L
SOHC4.104 535 (10
000)0-2 630 (0-5 800) 4.64 (50)
5.0L 3.734 990 (11
000)0-3 039 (0-6 700) 4.64 (50)
Notes:For high altitude operation, reduce GCW by 2% per 300 meters
(1 000 ft) elevation. For definition of terms and instructions on
calculating your vehicle's load, refer toVehicle loadingin this chapter.
Maximum trailer weights shown. The combined weight of the
completed towing vehicle and the loaded trailer must not exceed the
GCWR.
Towing a trailer over 907 kg (2 000 lbs.) requires a weight distributing
hitch.
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Trailer towing table
(4x4 and AWD with automatic transmission)
GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating)/Trailer Weights
EngineRear
axle
ratioMaximum
GCWR-kg
(lbs.)Trailer Weight
Range-kg (lbs.)
0-MaximumMaximum
frontal area of
trailer-m
2(ft2)
2-door
4.0L
SOHC3.27 3 402 (7 500) 0-1 524 (0-3 360) 4.64 (50)
4.0L
SOHC3.55 3 856 (8 500) 0-1 978 (0-4 360) 4.64 (50)
4.0L EFI 3.73 4 082 (9 000) 0-2 214 (0-4 880) 4.64 (50)
4.0L
SOHC3.73 4 082 (9 000) 0-2 204 (0-4 860) 4.64 (50)
4.0L EFI 4.10 4 082 (9 000) 0-2 214 (4 880) 4.64 (50)
4.0L
SOHC4.10 4 082 (9 000) 0-2 204 (4 860) 4.64 (50)
4-door
4.0L
SOHC3.55 4 082 (9 000) 0-2 041 (0-4 500) 4.64 (50)
4.0L EFI 3.73 4 309 (9 500) 0-2 341 (0-5 160) 4.64 (50)
4.0L
SOHC3.734 535
(10 000)0-2 558 (0-5 640) 4.64 (50)
4.0L
SOHC4.104 535
(10 000)0-2 558 (0-5 640) 4.64 (50)
5.0L 3.734 990
(11 000)0-2 930 (6 460) 4.64 (50)
Notes:For high altitude operation, reduce GCW by 2% per 300 meters
(1 000 ft) elevation. For definition of terms and instructions on
calculating your vehicle's load, refer toVehicle loadingin this chapter.
Maximum trailer weights shown. The combined weight of the
completed towing vehicle and the loaded trailer must not exceed the
GCWR.
Towing a trailer over 907 kg (2 000 lbs.) requires a weight distributing
hitch.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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The fuses are coded as follows:
Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingDescription
1 7.5A Power Mirror Switch, Power Antenna
2 7.5A Blower Motor Relay, Air Bag Diagnostic
Monitor
3 7.5A Left Stop/Turn Trailer Tow Connector
4 10A Left Headlamp
5 10A Data Link Connector (DLC)
6 7.5A Rear Blower Motor (Without EATC)
7 7.5A Right Stop/Turn Trailer Tow Connector
8 10A Right Headlamp, Foglamp Relay
9 7.5A Brake Pedal Position Switch
10 7.5A Speed Control/Amplifier Assembly, Brake
Pressure Switch, Generic electronic
Module (GEM), Shift Lock Actuator,
Blend Door Actuator, A/C - Heater
Assembly, Flasher
11 7.5A Instrument Cluster
12 7.5A Power Window Relay, Washer Pump
Relay
13 20A Brake Pedal Position Switch, Brake
Pressure Switch
14 10A 4 Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System
(4WABS) Module, 4WABS Main Relay
15 7.5A Instrument Cluster
16 30A Windshield Wiper Motor, Wiper Hi-Lo
Relay, Wiper Run/Park Relay
17 25A Cigar Lighter
18 25A Drivers Unlock Relay, All Unlock Relay,
All Lock Relay
19 25A PCM Power Diode
20 7.5A RAP Module, Generic Electronic Module
(GEM), Radio, Cellular Phone
Roadside emergencies
139