brake light FORD EXPLORER 2000 2.G Owner's Manual

Batteries normally produce explosive gases which can cause
personal injury. Therefore, do not allow flames, sparks or lighted
substances to come near the battery. When working near the battery,
always shield your face and protect your eyes. Always provide proper
ventilation.
When lifting a plastic-cased battery, excessive pressure on the
end walls could cause acid to flow through the vent caps,
resulting in personal injury and/or damage to the vehicle or battery.
Lift the battery with a battery carrier or with your hands on opposite
corners.
Keep batteries out of reach of children. Batteries contain sulfuric
acid. Avoid contact with skin, eyes or clothing. Shield your eyes
when working near the battery to protect against possible splashing of
acid solution. In case of acid contact with skin or eyes, flush
immediately with water for a minimum of 15 minutes and get prompt
medical attention. If acid is swallowed, call a physician immediately.
Battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and
lead compunds.Wash hands after handling.
Because your vehicle's engine is electronically controlled by a computer,
some control conditions are maintained by power from the battery. When
the battery is disconnected or a new battery is installed, the engine must
relearn its idle and fuel trim strategy for optimum driveability and
performance. To begin this process:
1. With the vehicle at a complete stop, set the parking brake.
2. Put the gearshift in P (Park) (automatic transmission) or the neutral
position (manual transmission), turn off all accessories and start the
engine.
3. Run the engine until it reaches normal operating temperature.
4. Allow the engine to idle for at least one minute.
5. Turn the A/C on and allow the engine to idle for at least one minute.
6. Drive the vehicle to complete the relearning process.
Maintenance and care
237

Please consult your ªWarranty Guideº for complete emission warranty
information.
Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) testing
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass an I/M test of
the on-board diagnostics system. If your ªCheck Engine/Service Engine
Soonº light is on, refer to the description in theWarning Lights and
Chimessection of theInstrumentationchapter. Your vehicle may not
pass the I/M test with the ªCheck Engine/Service Engine Soonº light on.
If the vehicle's powertrain system or its battery has just been serviced,
the on-board diagnostics system is reset to a ªnot ready for I/M testº
condition. To ready the on-board diagnostics system for I/M testing, a
minimum of 30 minutes of city and highway driving is necessary as
described below:
²First, at least 10 minutes of driving on an expressway or highway.
²Next, at least 20 minutes driving in stop-and-go, city-type traffic with
at least four idle periods.
Allow the vehicle to sit for at least eight hours without starting the
engine. Then, start the engine and complete the above driving cycle. The
engine must warm up to its normal operating temperature. Once started,
do not turn off the engine until the above driving cycle is complete.
BULBS
Replacing exterior bulbs
Check the operation of the following lamps frequently:
²Headlamps
²Foglamps
²High-mount brakelamp
²Brakelamps
²Turn signals
²License plate lamp
²Tail lamps
²Back-up lamps
Do not remove lamp bulbs unless they can be replaced immediately with
new ones. If a bulb is removed for an extended period of time,
contaminants may enter the lamp housings and affect lamp performance.
Maintenance and care
253

AIMING THE HEADLAMPS
The headlamps on your vehicle are properly aimed at the assembly plant.
If your vehicle has been in an accident the alignment of your headlamps
should be checked by a qualified service technician.
CLEANING AND CARING FOR YOUR VEHICLE
Refer to the Customer Assistance chapter for a list of Ford-approved
cleaners, polishes and waxes.
Washing your vehicle
Wash your vehicle regularly with
cold or lukewarm water. Never use
strong detergents or soap. If your
vehicle is particularly dirty, use a
quality car wash detergent. Always
use a clean sponge, washing glove
or similar device and plenty of water
for best results. To avoid spots,
avoid washing when the hood is still
warm, immediately after or during
exposure to strong sunlight.
During winter months, it is especially important to wash the vehicle on a
regular basis. Large quantities of dirt and road salt are difficult to
remove and also cause damage to the vehicle.
Any gasoline spilled on the vehicle or deposits such as bird droppings
should be washed and sponged off as soon as possible. Deposits not
removed promptly can cause damage to the vehicle's paintwork.
Remove any exterior accessories, such as antennas, before entering a car
wash. If you have wax applied to the vehicle at a commercial car wash, it
is recommended that you clean the wiper blades and windshield as
described inCleaning the wiper blades and windshield.
After washing, apply the brakes several times to dry them.
Waxing your vehicle
Waxing your vehicle on a regular basis will reduce minor scratches and
paint damage.
Wax when water stops beading on the surface. This could be every three
or four months, depending on operating conditions.
Maintenance and care
259

A
Air bag supplemental
restraint system ........135±136, 140
and child safety seats ............137
description ......................136, 140
disposal ....................................143
driver air bag ..................138, 141
indicator light ...........10, 139, 142
operation .........................138, 141
passenger air bag ...........138, 141
side air bag ..............................140
Air cleaner filter .......................266
Air conditioning ..........................22
automatic temperature
control system ..........................25
rear seat controls .....................31
Air suspension ...........................158
description ..............................158
warning light .............................12
All Wheel Drive (AWD),
driving off road .........................173
Ambulance packages ....................3
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................223
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ......................155±156
Anti-theft system
warning light .............................11
Armrests ....................................105
Audio system (see Radio) .........35
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .........................160, 163
fluid, adding ....................229, 231
fluid, checking ................229, 231
fluid, refill capacities ..............266fluid, specification ..................272
Auxiliary power point ...............104
Axle
lubricant specifications ..269, 272
refill capacities ........................266
traction lok ..............................176
B
Battery .......................................236
acid, treating emergencies .....236
charging system
warning light .............................11
jumping a disabled battery ....204
maintenance-free ....................236
replacement, specifications ...266
servicing ..................................236
voltage gauge ............................16
Belt minder ...............................131
Brakes ........................................155
anti-lock ...........................155±156
anti-lock brake system
(ABS) warning light .........10, 156
brake warning light ..................10
fluid, checking and adding ....221
fluid, refill capacities ..............266
fluid, specifications .........269, 272
lubricant specifications ..269, 272
parking ....................................156
shift interlock ..........................159
Break-in period .............................3
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....266
Cargo area shade ......................106
Cargo cover ...............................106
CD changer .................................77
Index
288

fog lamps ...................................21
headlamps .................................21
headlamps, flash to pass ..........22
instrument panel, dimming .....22
replacing bulbs ...............253±257
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................81
Liftgate ......................................105
Lights, warning and indicator ......8
air bag ........................................10
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ....10, 156
anti-theft ...................................11
brake ..........................................10
charging system ........................11
check coolant ............................11
check engine ...............................8
cruise indicator .........................13
door ajar ....................................12
fuel cap light ...............................9
high beam .................................11
overdrive off ..............................12
safety belt .................................10
speed control ............................86
turn signal indicator .................11
Load limits .................................176
GAWR ......................................176
GVWR ......................................176
trailer towing ..........................176
Loading instructions .................178
Locks
autolock ...................................114
childproof ................................102
Lubricant specifications ...269, 272
Lumbar support, seats .....122±123
M
Manual transmission .................166
fluid capacities ........................266lubricant specifications ..........272
reverse .....................................168
Message center ...........................17
english/metric button ...............17
reset button ..............................18
system check button ................19
Mirrors
automatic dimming
rearview mirror .......................100
cleaning ...................................265
fold away .................................103
heated ......................................103
side view mirrors (power) .....102
Moon roof ....................................91
Motorcraft parts ................248, 266
O
Octane rating ............................246
Odometer .....................................15
Off-Road Driving .......................174
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................217
P
Panic alarm feature, remote
entry system ..............................108
Parking brake ............................156
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....266
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................196
Power door locks ......................101
Power steering ..........................157
fluid, checking and adding ....228
fluid, refill capacity ................266
fluid, specifications .........269, 272
Index
292