warning FORD EXPLORER 2000 2.G Owner's Manual

The BRAKE warning lamp in the
instrument cluster illuminates and
remains illuminated (when the
ignition is turned ON) until the
parking brake is released.
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure that the
gearshift is securely latched in P (Park) (automatic
transmission) or in 1 (First) (manual transmission).
The parking brake is not recommended to stop a moving vehicle.
However, if the normal brakes fail, the parking brake can be used to stop
your vehicle in an emergency. Since the parking brake applies only the
rear brakes, the vehicle's stopping distance will increase greatly and the
handling of your vehicle will be adversely affected.
Pull the release lever to release the
brake. Driving with the parking
brake on will cause the brakes to
wear out quickly and reduce fuel
economy.
STEERING
Your vehicle is equipped with power steering. Power steering uses energy
from the engine to help steer the vehicle.
To prevent damage to the power steering pump:
²Never hold the steering wheel to the extreme right or the extreme left
for more than a few seconds when the engine is running.
²Do not operate the vehicle with a low power steering pump fluid level
(below the MIN mark on the reservoir).
If the power steering system breaks down (or if the engine is turned
off), you can steer the vehicle manually, but it takes more effort.
If the steering wanders or pulls, the condition could be caused by any of
the following:
!
BRAKE
Driving
157

2. Insert the key and turn it to OFF. Apply the brake pedal and shift to N
(Neutral).
3. Start the vehicle.
If it is necessary to use the above procedure to move the gearshift lever,
it is possible that a fuse has blown or the vehicle's brakelamps are not
operating properly. Refer toFuses and relaysin theRoadside
emergencieschapter.
Do not drive your vehicle until you verify that the brakelamps
are working.
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow it may be rocked out by
shifting between forward and reverse gears, stopping between shifts, in a
steady pattern. Press lightly on the accelerator in each gear.
Do not rock the vehicle if the engine is not at normal operating
temperature or damage to the transmission may occur.
Do not rock the vehicle for more than a few minutes or damage
to the transmission and tires may occur or the engine may
overheat.
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the gearshift is
latched in P (Park). Turn off the ignition whenever you leave
your vehicle.
If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake warning lamp
remains illuminated, the brakes may not be working properly.
See your dealer or a qualified service technician.
Driving with a 4±speed automatic transmission (if equipped)
To put your vehicle in gear, start the engine, depress the brake pedal,
then move gearshift lever out of P (Park).
Hold the brake pedal down while you move the gearshift lever
from P (Park) to another position. If you do not hold the brake
pedal down, your vehicle may move unexpectedly and injure someone.
Driving
160

²Engine coolant concentrations above 60% or below 40% will
decrease the freeze protection characteristics of the engine
coolant and may cause engine damage.
Plain water may be added in an emergency, but youmustreplace it with
a 50/50 mixture of engine coolant and distilled water as soon as possible.
Check the coolant level in the reservoir before you drive your vehicle the
next few times (with the engine cool). If necessary, add a50/50
mixtureof engine coolant and distilled water to the engine coolant
reservoir until the coolant level is at the ªcold fill levelº or within the
ªcold fill rangeº as listed on the reservoir (depending upon application).
Have your dealer check the engine cooling system for leaks if you have
to add more than 1.0 liter (1.0 quart) of engine coolant per month.
To avoid scalding hot steam or coolant from being released from
the engine cooling system, never remove the reservoir cap while
the engine is running or hot. Failure to follow this warning may result
in damage to the engine's cooling system and possible severe personal
injury.
If you must remove the coolant cap, follow these steps to avoid personal
injury:
1. Before you remove the cap, turn the engine off and let it cool.
2. When the engine is cool, wrap a thick cloth around the cap. Slowly
turn cap counterclockwise until pressure begins to release.
3. Step back while the pressure releases.
4. When you are sure that all the pressure has been released, use the
cloth to turn it counterclockwise and remove the cap.
Recycled engine coolant
Ford Motor Company recommends the use of a recycled engine coolant
produced by Ford-approved processes.
Not all coolant recycling processes produce coolant which meets Ford
specification ESE-M97B44-A. Use of a recycled engine coolant which
does not meet the Ford specification may harm engine and cooling
system components.
Maintenance and care
226

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 the specified fuel listed.
²Avoid running out of fuel.
²Do not turn off the ignition while your vehicle is moving, especially at
high speeds.
²Have the items listed in your scheduled maintenance guide performed
according to the specified schedule.
The scheduled maintenance items listed in the scheduled maintenance
guide are essential to the life and performance of your vehicle and to its
emissions system.
If other than Ford, Motorcraft or Ford-authorized parts are used for
maintenance replacements or for service of components affecting
emission control, such non-Ford parts should be equivalent to genuine
Ford Motor Company parts in performance and durability.
Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in dry grass or other dry
ground cover. The emission system heats up the engine
compartment and exhaust system, which can start a fire.
Illumination of the ªCheck Engineº light, charging system warning light
or the temperature warning light, fluid leaks, strange odors, smoke or
loss of engine power, could indicate that the emission control system is
not working properly.
Exhaust leaks may result in entry of harmful and potentially
lethal fumes into the passenger compartment.
Do not make any unauthorized changes to your vehicle or engine. By
law, vehicle owners and anyone who manufactures, repairs, services,
sells, leases, trades vehicles, or supervises a fleet of vehicles are not
permitted to intentionally remove an emission control device or prevent
it from working. Information about your vehicle's emission system is on
the Vehicle Emission Control Information Decal located on or near the
engine. This decal identifies engine displacement and gives some tune up
specifications.
Maintenance and care
252

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

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

Certification Label ....................274
Child safety restraints ..............143
child safety belts ....................143
Child safety seats ......................144
in front seat ............................146
in rear seat ..............................146
tether anchorage hardware ...148
Cleaning your vehicle ...............259
engine compartment ..............260
exterior ............................260, 262
exterior lamps .........................263
instrument cluster lens ..........264
instrument panel ....................263
interior .............................263±264
mirrors .....................................265
plastic parts ............................262
safety belts ..............................264
washing ....................................259
waxing .....................................259
wheels ......................................262
windows ..................................265
wiper blades ............................263
woodtone trim ........................265
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ............22
Clock ..........................41, 47, 57, 70
Clutch
fluid ..........................................222
operation while driving ..........166
recommended shift speeds ....167
Compass, electronic ....................92
calibration .................................94
set zone adjustment .................93
Console ......................................103
overhead ....................................90
rear ..........................................104
Controls
power seat ...............................120steering column ........................89
Coolant
checking and adding ..............223
refill capacities ................227, 266
specifications ..................269, 272
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................82
Customer Assistance ................189
Ford accessories for your
vehicle .....................................282
Ford Extended Service Plan...275
Getting assistance outside
the U.S. and Canada ..............281
Getting roadside assistance ...189
Getting the service
you need .................................275
Ordering additional owner's
literature .................................286
The Dispute Settlement
Board .......................................278
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................281
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................21
Defrost
rear window ..............................33
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..................................229, 231
engine oil .................................217
Doors
door ajar warning .....................12
lubricant specifications ..........269
Driveline universal joint
and slip yoke .............................235
Index
289

odometer ...................................15
speedometer .............................14
tachometer ................................15
trip odometer ............................15
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight
Rating) .......................................176
calculating ...............................178
definition .................................176
driving with a heavy load ......176
location ....................................176
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating) .......................................176
calculating .......................176, 178
definition .................................176
driving with a heavy load ......176
location ....................................176
H
Hazard flashers .........................190
Head restraints .................119, 123
Headlamps ...................................21
aiming ......................................259
autolamp system .......................99
bulb specifications ..................258
daytime running lights .............21
flash to pass ..............................22
high beam ...........................11, 21
replacing bulbs .......................254
turning on and off ....................21
warning chime ..........................13
Heating ........................................22
heating and air conditioning
system .......................................22
HomeLink universal
transceiver (see Garage
door opener) .........................94±98
Hood ..........................................213I
Ignition .................................81, 272
Infant seats
(see Safety seats) .....................144
Inspection/maintenance
(I/M) testing ..............................253
Instrument panel
cleaning ...................................263
cluster ..................................8, 264
lighting up panel
and interior ...............................22
location of components ..............8
J
Jack ............................................199
positioning ...............................199
storage .....................................199
Jump-starting your vehicle ......204
K
Keyless entry system ...............112
autolock ...................................114
keypad .....................................112
locking and unlocking
doors ................................113±114
programming entry code .......113
Keys
key in ignition chime ...............13
positions of the ignition ...........81
L
Lamps
bulb replacement
specifications chart ................258
cargo lamps ...............................22
daytime running light ...............21
Index
291

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

Preparing to drive
your vehicle ...............................158
R
Radio ............................................35
Relays ........................................191
Remote entry system .......107±108
illuminated entry ....................112
locking/unlocking doors .........108
panic alarm .............................108
replacement/additional
transmitters .............................111
replacing the batteries ...........110
Reverse sensing system .............33
Roof rack ...................................188
S
Safety belts (see Safety
restraints) ....................13, 125±130
Safety defects, reporting ..........287
Safety restraints ................125±130
belt minder .............................131
cleaning the safety belts .......135,
264
extension assembly ................130
for adults .........................126±129
for children .............................143
warning light and
chime ...................10, 13, 130±131
Safety seats for children ..........144
Seat belts (see Safety
restraints) ..................................125
Seats ..........................................119
child safety seats ....................144
cleaning ...........................263±264
memory seat ...................109, 122SecuriLock passive
anti-theft system ...............116±117
Servicing your vehicle ..............212
Snowplowing .................................3
Spark plugs, specifications ......266,
272
Special notice ................................3
ambulance conversions ..............3
utility-type vehicles ....................3
Specification chart,
lubricants ...........................269, 272
Speed control ..............................82
Speedometer ...............................14
Starting your vehicle ........150, 152
jump starting ..........................204
Steering wheel
controls ......................................89
tilting .........................................87
T
Tachometer .................................15
Tires ...........................199, 239±241
changing ..........................199±200
checking the pressure ............241
replacing ..................................242
rotating ....................................241
snow tires and chains ............243
tire grades ...............................240
treadwear ................................240
Towing ...............................179, 241
recreational towing .................187
trailer towing ..........................179
wrecker ....................................211
Traction-lok rear axle ...............176
Transfer case
fluid checking .........................235
Index
293