steering wheel FORD EXPLORER 2001 2.G User Guide

If the steering wanders or pulls, the condition could be caused by any of
the following:
²underinflated tire(s) on any wheel(s)
²high crown in center of road
²high crosswinds
²wheels out of alignment
²loose or worn components in steering linkage
AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)
The load leveling feature of the air suspension automatically keeps the
vehicle at a constant level if a load is added or removed from the vehicle.
This system maintains the vehicle height at a constant level by
automatically adding air or releasing air from the springs to offset
changes in vehicle loads.
When ever a door is opened (including the liftgate) the system
memorizes and maintains the height of the vehicle until all doors are
closed.
It is normal to hear a buzz or clicking from the air compressor on the
vehicle when the ignition is turned off. The system stays energized for
40 minutes after the ignition is turned off to compensate for any load
changes made after the vehicle is parked.
The air suspension shut-off switch is
located in the cargo area behind the
left rear quarter trim panel.
On vehicles equipped with
Air Suspension, turn OFF
the Air Suspension switch prior to
jacking, hoisting or towing your
vehicle.
Normal vehicle operation does not
require any action by the driver.
Driving
160

Shifting from 4WD AUTO or 4WD HIGH to 4WD LOW
1. Bring the vehicle to a stop.
2. Depress the brake.
3. Place the gearshift in N (Neutral).
4. Move the 4WD control to the
4WD LOW position.
Shifting from 4WD LOW to 4WD AUTO or 4WD HIGH
1. Bring the vehicle to a stop.
2. Depress the brake.
3. Place the gearshift in N (Neutral).
4. Move the 4WD control to the
4WD AUTO or 4WD HIGH position.
Driving off-road with 4WD
Your vehicle is specially equipped for driving on sand, snow, mud and
rough terrain and has operating characteristics that are somewhat
different from conventional vehicles, both on and off the road.
Maintain steering wheel control at all times, especially in rough terrain.
Since sudden changes in terrain can result in abrupt steering wheel
motion, make sure you grip the steering wheel from the outside. Do not
grip the spokes.
Drive cautiously to avoid vehicle damage from concealed objects such as
rocks and stumps.
You should either know the terrain or examine maps of the area before
driving. Map out your route before driving in the area. For more
information on driving off-road, read the ªFour Wheelingº supplement in
your owner's portfolio.
HIGH
LOW AUTO4x4
HIGH
LOW AUTO4x4
Driving
170

ALL WHEEL DRIVE (AWD) SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)
(5.0L ENGINES ONLY)
Your vehicle is equipped with a full-time All Wheel Drive (AWD) transfer
case. Power is supplied to all four wheels all the time with no need to
shift between two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive.
For the lubricant specification and refill capacity of the AWD transfer
case refer toCapacities and specificationschapter.
Utility and four-wheel drive vehicles arenotdesigned for
cornering at speeds as high as passenger cars any more than
low-slung sports cars are designed to perform satisfactorily under
off-road conditions. Avoid sharp turns or abrupt maneuvers in these
vehicles.
Driving off-road with AWD
Your vehicle is specially equipped for driving on sand, snow, mud and
rough terrain and has operating characteristics that are somewhat
different from conventional vehicles, both on and off the road.
Maintain steering wheel control at all times, especially in rough terrain.
Since sudden changes in terrain can result in abrupt steering wheel
motion, make sure you grip the steering wheel from the outside. Do not
grip the spokes.
Drive cautiously to avoid vehicle damage from concealed objects such as
rocks and stumps.
You should either know the terrain or examine maps of the area before
driving. Map out your route before driving in the area. For more
information on driving off-road, read the ªFour Wheelingº supplement in
your owner's portfolio.
If your vehicle gets stuck
If the vehicle is stuck in mud or snow it may be rocked out by shifting
from 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.
Driving
173

CHANGING THE TIRES
If you get a flat tire while driving, do not apply the brake heavily.
Instead, gradually decrease your speed. Hold the steering wheel firmly
and slowly move to a safe place on the side of the road.
Spare tire information
Your vehicle is equipped with a 15º spare tire that must be used for
emergencies only. Vehicles equipped with 16º tires have a 16º spare tire.
The 15º spare tire is not as wide as a regular tire and is designed for
emergency use only. Replace this tire with a full-size tire as soon as
possible. The 16º spare tire is not equipped with wheel ornaments. The
wheel ornaments from the original wheel/tire may be used on the spare.
If your vehicle is equipped with 4WD or AWD, a spare tire of a
different size than the road tires should not be used. Such a tire
could result in damage to driveline components and make the
vehicle difficult to control.
Location of the spare tire and tools
The spare tire and tools for your vehicle are stowed in the following
locations:
Tool Location
Spare tire Under the vehicle, just in front of
the rear bumper
Jack, lug nut wrench Left rear quarter panel behind
interior access cover
Jack handle On the lower rear seat base
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.
Roadside emergencies
195

²4.0L V6 engine
²5.0L V8 engine
1. Start the engine and let it run until it reaches normal operating
temperature (the engine coolant temperature gauge indicator will be
near the center of the normal area between H and C).
2. While the engine idles, turn the steering wheel left and right several
times.
3. Turn the engine off.
4. Check the fluid level in the reservoir.
5. The fluid level should be between the MIN and MAX lines. Do not add
fluid if the level is in this range.
6. If the fluid is low, add fluid in small amounts, continuously checking
the level until it reaches the correct operating range. Be sure to put the
cap back on the reservoir.
DONOTOVERFILLPOWERSTEERINGFLUID
Maintenance and care
221

Cleaning the wiper blades, windshield and rear window
If the wiper blades do not wipe properly, clean the wiper blade rubber
element with undiluted windshield washer solution or a mild detergent.
To avoid damaging the blades, do not use fuel, kerosene, paint thinner or
other solvents.
If the wiper still does not wipe properly, this could be caused by
substances on the windshield or rear window such as tree sap and some
hot wax treatments used by commercial car washes. Clean the outside of
the windshield or rear window with a non-abrasive cleaner such as Ford
Ultra-Clear Spray Glass Cleaner, (E4AZ-19C507±AA), available from your
Ford Dealer.Do notuse abrasive cleansers on glass as they may cause
scratches. The windshield or rear window is clean if beads do not form
when you rinse it with water. The windshield, rear window and wiper
blades should be cleaned on a regular basis, and blades or rubber
elements replaced when worn.
Cleaning seats equipped with side air bags
Remove dust and loose dirt with a whisk broom or a vacuum cleaner.
Remove fresh spots immediately. Follow the directions that come with
the cleaner. Do not saturate the seat cover with upholstery cleaner.
Do not use chemical solvents or strong detergents when cleaning
the seat mounted side air bag. Such products could contaminate
the side air bag system and affect performance of the side air bag in a
collision.
Cleaning the instrument panel
Clean with a damp cloth, then dry with a dry cloth.
Avoid cleaner or polish that increases the gloss of the upper portion of
the instrument panel. The dull finish in this area helps protect the driver
from undesirable windshield reflection.
Do not use chemical solvents or strong detergents when cleaning
the steering wheel or instrument panel to avoid contamination of
the air bag system.
Maintenance and care
252

Certification Label ....................262
Child safety restraints ..............145
child safety belts ....................145
Child safety seats ..............145±146
attaching with tether straps ..149
in front seat ............................147
in rear seat ..............................147
Cleaning your vehicle ...............248
engine compartment ..............250
exterior ............................250±251
exterior lamps .........................251
instrument cluster lens ..........253
instrument panel ....................252
interior .............................252±253
mirrors .....................................254
plastic parts ............................251
safety belts ..............................253
washing ....................................249
waxing .....................................249
wheels ......................................251
windows ..................................254
wiper blades ............................252
woodtone trim ........................254
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ............23
Clock ..........................42, 48, 58, 71
Compass, electronic ....................94
calibration .................................96
set zone adjustment .................95
Console ......................................105
overhead ....................................92
rear ..........................................106
Controls
power seat ...............................122
steering column ........................90
Coolant
checking and adding ..............216
refill capacities ................219, 255specifications ..................258, 260
Cruise control (see Speed
control) ........................................84
Customer Assistance ................185
Ford accessories for your
vehicle .....................................270
Ford Extended Service Plan....263
Getting assistance outside the
U.S. and Canada .....................269
Getting roadside assistance ...185
Getting the service you need 263
Ordering additional owner's
literature .................................274
The Dispute Settlement
Board .......................................266
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................269
D
Daytime running lamps (see
Lamps) .........................................22
Defrost
rear window ..............................34
Dipstick
automatic transmission fluid....222
engine oil .................................210
Doors
door ajar warning .....................12
lubricant specifications ..........258
Driveline universal joint and
slip yoke ....................................225
Driving under special
conditions ..........................172, 174
mud ..........................171, 173±174
sand .................................171, 174
snow and ice ...........171±173, 175
through water .........171, 174, 178
Index
277

replacement/additional
transmitters .............................112
replacing the batteries ...........112
Reverse sensing system .............34
Roof rack ...................................184
S
Safety belts (see Safety
restraints) ....................13, 127±132
Safety defects, reporting ..........275
Safety restraints ................127±132
belt minder .............................133
cleaning the safety
belts .................................136, 253
extension assembly ................132
for adults .........................128±131
for children .....................144±145
warning light and
chime ...................10, 13, 132±133
Safety seats for children ..145±146
Seat belts (see Safety
restraints) ..................................127
Seats ..........................................121
child safety seats ............145±146
cleaning ...........................252±253
memory seat ...................111, 124
SecuriLock passive anti-theft
system ................................117±119
Servicing your vehicle ..............207
Snowplowing .................................3
Spark plugs,
specifications .....................255, 260
Special notice ................................3
ambulance conversions ..............3
utility-type vehicles ....................3Specification chart,
lubricants ...........................258, 260
Speed control ..............................84
Speedometer ...............................14
Starting your vehicle ........152, 154
jump starting ..........................199
Steering wheel
controls ......................................90
tilting .........................................89
T
Tachometer .................................15
Tires ...........................195, 228±230
changing ..........................195±196
checking the pressure ............230
replacing ..................................232
rotating ....................................230
snow tires and chains ............233
tire grades ...............................230
treadwear ................................229
Towing ...............................178, 230
recreational towing .................183
trailer towing ..........................178
wrecker ....................................206
Traction-lok rear axle ...............175
Transfer case
fluid checking .........................224
Transmission .............................161
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................222
fluid, refill capacities ..............255
lubricant specifications ..258, 260
Trip odometer .............................15
Turn signal ............................11, 83
Index
281