towing FORD EXPLORER 1999 2.G User Guide

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)0-1 533
(0-3 380)4.64
(50)
4.0L
SOHC3.55 3 856
(8 500)0-1 978
(0-4 380)4.64
(50)
4.0L OHV3.73 4 082
(9 000)0-2 214
(0-4 880)4.64
(50)
4.0L
SOHC3.73 4 082
(9 000)0-2 214
(0-4 880)4.64
(50)
4.0L OHV4.10 4 082
(9 000)0-2 214
(4 880)4.64
(50)
4.0L
SOHC4.10 4 082
(9 000)0-2 214
(4 880)4.64
(50)
4-door
4.0L
SOHC3.554 082
(9 000)0-2 041
(0-4 500)4.64
(50)
4.0L OHV 3.734 082
(9 000)0-2 123
(0-4 680)4.64
(50)
4.0L
SOHC3.734 535
(10 000)0-2 576
(0-5 680)4.64
(50)
4.0L
SOHC4.104 535
(10 000)0-2 576
(0-5 680)4.64
(50)
5.0L 3.734 990
(11 000)0-2 957
(6 520)4.64
(50)
Driving
172

Trailer towing table (4x4 and AWD with automatic
transmission)
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 1 588 kg (3 500 lbs.) requires a weight
distributing hitch.
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% of
the total weight of the trailer is on the tongue.
Use a frame-mounted weight distributing hitch for trailers over
1 588 kg (3 500 lb).
Driving
173

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.
Exceeding the GCWR rating may cause internal transmission
damage and void your warranty coverage.
Servicing after towing
If you tow a trailer for long distances, your vehicle will require more
frequent service intervals. Refer to your Scheduled Maintenance 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.
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 N (Neutral)
(manual transmissions). 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.
Driving
175

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, reliability and
causing internal transmission damage.
Replace the rear axle lubricant anytime the axle has been submerged in
water. Rear axle lubricant quantities are not to be checked or changed
unless a leak is suspected or repair required.
Disconnect the wiring to the trailer before backing the trailer into the
water. Reconnect the wiring to the trailer after the trailer is removed
from the water.
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.
Driving
176

Removing the spare tire
1. Insert the jack handle into the
rear bumper opening.
The handle will stop moving and
forward resistance to turning will be
felt when properly engaged.
2. Turn the handle counterclockwise
until tire is lowered to the ground,
the tire can be slid rearward and the
cable is slightly slack.
3. Remove the retainer from the spare tire.
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
To prevent the vehicle from moving when you change a tire, be
sure the parking brake is set, then block (in both directions) the
wheel that is diagonally opposite (other side and end of the vehicle) to
the tire being changed.
If the vehicle slips off the jack, you or someone else could be
seriously injured.
On vehicles equipped with Air Suspension, turn OFF the Air
Suspension switch prior to jacking, hoisting or towing your
vehicle.
Roadside emergencies
188

4. Remove the jumper cable from the positive (+) terminal of the
disabled vehicle's battery.
After the disabled vehicle has been started and the jumper cables
removed, allow it to idle for several minutes so the engine computer can
relearnits idle conditions.
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.
+–+–
Roadside emergencies
198

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.
On 4x4 vehicles, it is recommended that your vehicle be towed with a
wheel lift and dollies or flatbed equipment with all the wheels off the
ground.
If the vehicle is towed by other means or incorrectly, vehicle
damage may occur.
Do not tow with a slingbelt. Ford Motor Company has not approved a
slingbelt towing procedure.
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
199

Conditions
²Heavily loading a vehicle or towing a trailer may reduce fuel economy
at any speed.
²Carrying unnecessary weight may reduce fuel economy (approximately
2 km/h [1 mpg] is lost for every 180 kg [400 lb] of weight carried).
²Adding certain accessories to your vehicle (for example bug
deflectors, rollover/light bars, running boards, ski/luggage racks) may
reduce fuel economy.
²Use of fuel blended with alcohol may lower fuel economy.
²Fuel economy may decrease with lower temperatures during the first
12±16 km (8±10 miles) of driving.
²Flat terrain driving improves fuel economy over hilly roads.
²Transmissions give their best fuel economy when operated in the top
cruise gear and with steady pressure on the gas pedal.
²Four-wheel-drive operation (if equipped) is less fuel efficient than
two-wheel-drive operation.
²Close windows for high speed driving.
EPA window sticker
Every new vehicle should have the EPA window sticker. Contact your
dealer if the window sticker is not supplied with your vehicle. The EPA
window sticker should be your guide for the fuel economy comparisons
with other vehicles.
It is important to note the box in the lower left corner of the window
sticker. These numbers represent the Range of Km/L (MPG) expected on
the vehicle, depending upon the driver's method of operation and
conditions.
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with various emission control components and a
catalytic converter which will enable your vehicle to comply with
applicable exhaust emission standards. To make sure that the catalytic
converter and other emission control components continue to work
properly:
²Use only unleaded fuel.
²Avoid running out of fuel.
Maintenance and care
234

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.
3
5
2
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.
Capacities and specifications
254

speed control ............................84
turn signal indicator ...................8
Locks
childproof ................................100
Lumbar support, seats ......116,118
Manual transmission
reverse .....................................156
Message center ...........................15
economy button ........................16
english/metric button ..........15,16
reset button ..............................16
system check button ...........17,18
Mirrors
automatic dimming rearview
mirror ........................................98
cleaning ...................................246
heated ......................................101
side view mirrors (power) .....100
Moon roof ....................................89
Motorcraft parts ........................231
Octane rating ............................229
Odometer .....................................13
Panic alarm feature, remote
entry system ..............................106
Parking brake ............................146
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................184
Power door locks ........................99
Power steering ..........................147
fluid, checking and adding ....213
Radio ...33,34,35,36,37,38,40,41,42,
43,44,46,47,48,49,50,51,52,
53,54,56,57,58,59,60,61,62,
63,64,65,66,67,68
Relays ........................................179
Remote entry system .105,113,114
illuminated entry ....................109
locking/unlocking doors .........106
replacement/additional
transmitters .............................109
replacing the batteries ...........108
Reverse sensing system .............31Roof rack ...................................177
Safety belts
(see Safety restraints) ...............11
Safety restraints
cleaning the safety belts .126,246
extension assembly ................125
for children .............................133
warning light and chime ...11,125
Seat belts (see Safety
restraints) ......120,121,122,123,124
Seats ..........................................116
child safety seats ....................134
cleaning ............................245,246
memory seat ....................107,118
Servicing your vehicle .......200,201
Snowplowing .................................3
Spark plugs, specifications .......247
Special notice ................................3
ambulance conversions ..............3
utility-type vehicles ....................3
Specification chart, lubricants .250
Speed control ..............................80
Speedometer ...............................12
Starting your vehicle .........140,142
jump starting ............192,193,195
Steering wheel ............................86
tilting .........................................85
Tachometer .................................13
Tires .............................222,223,224
changing ...........................187,188
checking the pressure ............224
replacing ..................................225
rotating ....................................224
snow tires and chains ............226
tire grades ...............................223
treadwear ................................223
Towing ...........168,173,174,175,176
recreational towing .................176
wrecker ....................................198
Traction-lok rear axle ...............165
Transfer case
fluid checking .........................218
Index
259