steering wheel FORD EXPLORER 2004 3.G Owner's Manual

Avoid sudden applications of power and quick changes of direction on
snow and ice. Apply the accelerator slowly and steadily when starting
from a full stop.
Avoid sudden braking as well. Although an AWD vehicle may accelerate
better than a two-wheel drive vehicle in snow and ice, it won’t stop any
faster, because as in other vehicles, braking occurs at all four wheels. Do
not become overconfident as to road conditions.
Make sure you allow sufficient distance between you and other vehicles
for stopping. Drive slower than usual and consider using one of the lower
gears. In emergency stopping situations, avoid locking of the wheels. Use
a “squeeze” technique, push on the brake pedal with a steadily increasing
force which allows the wheels to brake yet continue to roll so that you
may steer in the direction you want to travel. If you lock the wheels,
release the brake pedal and repeat the squeeze technique. If your vehicle
is equipped with a four wheel anti-lock brake system (ABS), apply the
brake steadily. Do not “pump” the brakes. Refer to theBrakessection of
this chapter for additional information on the operation of the anti-lock
brake system.
Never drive with chains on the front tires of AWD vehicles without also
putting them on the rear tires. This could cause the rear to slide and
swing around during braking.
Tires, Replacement Requirements
Do not use a size and type of tire and wheel other than that
originally provided by Ford Motor Company because it can affect
the safety and performance of your vehicle, which could result in an
increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, and/or serious
personal injury or death.
AWD vehicles are equipped with tires designed to provide for safe ride
and handling capability.
Make sure all tires and wheels on the vehicle are of the same size, type,
tread design and load-carrying capacity. If you have questions regarding
tire replacement, see an authorized Ford or Lincoln Mercury dealer.
If you nevertheless decide to equip your AWD for off-road use with tires
larger than what Ford Motor Company recommends, you should not use
these tires for highway driving.
If you use any tire/wheel combination not recommended by Ford Motor
Company, it may adversely affect vehicle handling and could cause
steering, suspension, axle or transfer case failure as well as the increased
risk of loss of vehicle control.
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Driving
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Do not use “aftermarket lift kits” or other suspension modifications,
whether or not they are used with larger tires and wheels.
These “aftermarket lift kits” could adversely affect the vehicle’s handling
characteristics, which could lead to loss of vehicle control or rollover and
serious injury.
Tires can be damaged during off-road use. For your safety, tires that are
damaged should not be used for highway driving because they are more
likely to blow out or fail.
You should carefully observe the recommended tire inflation pressure
found on the safety compliance certification label attached to the left
front door lock facing or door latch post pillar. Failure to follow tire
pressure recommendations can adversely affect the way your vehicle
handles. Do not exceed the Ford Motor Company recommended pressure
even if it is less than the maximum pressure allowed for the tire.
Each day before you drive, check
your tires. If one looks lower than
the others, use a tire gauge to check
pressure of all tires, and adjust if
required. Check tire pressure with a
tire gauge every few weeks
(including spare). Safe operation
requires tires that are neither
underinflated nor a vehicle which is
overloaded.
Periodically inspect the tire treads and remove stones, nails, glass or
other objects that may be wedged in the tread grooves. Check for holes
or cuts that may permit air leakage from the tire and make necessary
repairs.
Inspect the tire side walls for cuts, bruises and other damage. If internal
damage to the tire is suspected, have the tire demounted and inspected
in case it needs to be repaired or replaced.
Maintenance and Modifications
The suspension and steering systems on your vehicle have been designed
and tested to provide predictable performance whether loaded or empty
and durable load carrying capability. For this reason, Ford Motor
Company strongly recommends that you do not make modifications such
as adding or removing parts (such as lift kits or stabilizer bars) or by
using replacement parts not equivalent to the original factory equipment.
Any modifications to a vehicle that raise the center of gravity can make
it more likely the vehicle will roll over as a result of a loss of control.
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Canadian customers who require roadside assistance, call
1–800–665–2006.
If you need to arrange roadside assistance for yourself, Ford Motor
Company will reimburse a reasonable amount. To obtain reimbursement
information, U.S. Ford or Mercury vehicles customers call
1-800-241-3673; Lincoln vehicle customers call 1–800–521–4140.
Canadian customers who need to obtain reimbursement information, call
1–800–665–2006.
ROADSIDE COVERAGE BEYOND BASIC WARRANTY
In the United States, you may purchase additional roadside assistance
coverage beyond this period through the Ford Auto Club by contacting
your Ford or Lincoln Mercury dealer.
Similarly in Canada, for uninterrupted Roadside Assistance coverage, you
may purchase extended coverage prior to your Basic Warranty’s Roadside
Assistance expiring. For more information and enrollment, contact
1–877–294–2582 or visit our website at www.ford.ca.
HAZARD FLASHER
The hazard flasher is located on the
steering column, just behind the
steering wheel. The hazard flashers
will operate when the ignition is in
any position or if the key is not in
the ignition.
Push in the flasher control and all
front and rear direction signals will
flash. Press the flasher control again
to turn them off. Use it when your
vehicle is disabled and is creating a
safety hazard for other motorists.
Note:With extended use, the flasher may run down your battery.
FUEL PUMP SHUT-OFF SWITCH
FUEL
RESET
The fuel pump shut-off switch is a device intended to stop the electric
fuel pump when your vehicle has been involved in a substantial jolt.
After a collision, if the engine cranks but does not start, the fuel pump
shut-off switch may have been activated.
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USA English(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
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Auxiliary relay box (Vehicles equipped with 4x4)
The relay box is located on the front
right fender well.
The relays are coded as follows:
Fuse/Relay Location Description
Relay 64 Two-speed 4x4 motor clockwise
Relay 65 Two-speed 4x4 motor counterclockwise
Relay 66 Open
CHANGING THE TIRES
If you get a flat tire while driving:
•do not brake heavily.
•gradually decrease the vehicle’s speed.
•hold the steering wheel firmly.
•slowly move to a safe place on the side of the road.
The use of tire sealants may damage your tires. The use of tire
sealants may also damage your tire pressure monitoring system
(if equipped).
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Roadside Emergencies
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use. To restore the full functionality of the monitoring system, all road
wheels equipped with tire pressure monitoring sensors must be mounted
on the vehicle
If your vehicle is equipped with AWD, a spare tire of a different
size than the road tires should not be used. Such a tire could
make the vehicle difficult to control as well as result in damage to
driveline components.
Stopping and securing the vehicle
1. 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.
2. Park on a level surface, activate
the hazard flashers and set the
parking brake.
3. Place gearshift lever in P (Park)
and turn engine OFF.
When one of the rear wheels is off the ground, the transmission
alone will not prevent the vehicle from moving or slipping off the
jack, even if the transmission is in P (Park).
Note:Passengers should not remain
in the vehicle when the vehicle is
being jacked.
4. Block the wheel that is diagonally
opposite of the flat tire using the
wheel chock provided with your
vehicle.
2004 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
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PLASTIC (NON-PAINTED) EXTERIOR PARTS
Use only approved products to clean plastic parts. These products are
available from your dealer.
•For routine cleaning, use Motorcraft Detail Wash (ZC-3–A).
•If tar or grease spots are present, use Motorcraft Bug and Tar
Remover (ZC-42).
WINDOWS AND WIPER BLADES
The windshield, rear and side windows and the wiper blades should be
cleaned regularly. If the wipers do not wipe properly, substances on the
vehicle’s glass or the wiper blades may be the cause. These may include
hot wax treatments used by commercial car washes, tree sap, or other
organic contamination. To clean these items, please follow these tips:
•The windshield, rear windows and side windows may be cleaned with
a non-abrasive cleaner such as Motorcraft Ultra Clear Spray Glass
Cleaner (ZC-23), available from your dealer.
•Do not use abrasives, as they may cause scratches.
•Do not use fuel, kerosene, or paint thinner to clean any parts.
•Wiper blades can be cleaned with isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol or
windshield washer solution. Be sure to replace wiper blades when they
appear worn or do not function properly.
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CLUSTER LENS
Clean the instrument panel with a damp cloth, then dry with a dry cloth.
•Avoid cleaners or polish that increase 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.
•Be certain to wash or wipe your hands clean if you have been in
contact with certain products such as insect repellent and suntan
lotion in order to avoid possible damage to the interior painted
surfaces.
INTERIOR TRIM
•Clean the interior trim areas with a damp cloth, then dry by wiping
with a dry, soft, clean cloth.
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Cleaning
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•4.0L SOHC V6 engine
•4.6L 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.
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Maintenance and Specifications
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Interior style
Cell phone holders
Electrochromatic compass/temperature interior mirrors
Floor mats
Interior trim kits
Leather wrapped steering wheels
Scuff plates
Lifestyle
Bike racks
Cargo organization and management
Engine block heaters and blankets
Rear seat entertainment systems
Towing mirrors
Trailer hitches, wiring harnesses and accessories
Peace of mind
Airbag anti-theft locks
First aid and safety kits
Full vehicle covers
Locking gas cap
Navigation systems
Remote start
Vehicle security systems
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Accessories
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interior .....................................223
interior trim ............................222
plastic parts ............................222
safety belts ..............................223
washing ....................................219
waxing .....................................219
wheels ......................................220
wiper blades ............................222
Climate control
(see Air conditioning or
Heating) .......................................32
Clock adjust
6-CD in dash .............................25
AM/FM/CD .................................21
AM/FM/Tape/CD .......................29
Compass, electronic ....................64
calibration .................................65
set zone adjustment ...........64, 67
Console ........................................48
overhead ....................................49
rear ......................................49, 51
Controls
power seat .................................96
steering column ........................57
Coolant
checking and adding ..............236
refill capacities ................240, 272
specifications ..................274, 276
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................54
Customer Assistance ................181
Ford accessories for your
vehicle .....................................224
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................212
Getting assistance outside the
U.S. and Canada .....................216
Getting roadside assistance ...181
Getting the service you
need .........................................210Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................217
The Dispute Settlement
Board .......................................212
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................215
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................37
Defrost
rear window ..............................36
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................255
engine oil .................................229
Doors
lubricant specifications ..........274
Driveline universal joint and
slip yoke ....................................256
Driving under special
conditions ..151, 156, 160, 165, 167
sand .................................158, 166
snow and ice ...................161, 168
through water .........159, 167, 171
Dual automatic temperature
control (DATC) ...........................32
E
Electronic message center .........66
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................203
Emergency Flashers .................182
Emission control system ..........251
Engine ................................276–277
cleaning ...................................220
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Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Index
286

Speed control ..............................54
Starting a flex fuel vehicle .......139
Starting your vehicle ........137, 139
jump starting ..........................203
Steering wheel
controls ......................................57
tilting .........................................47
T
Tilt steering wheel ......................47
Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (TPMS)
Driving .....................................158
Roadside Emergencies ...........194
Warning Displays ......................15
Tires ...................................194, 257
changing ..................194, 199, 202
replacing ..................................199
snow tires and chains ............271
spare tire .................195, 197–198
tire grades ...............................258
treadwear ................................257
Towing .......................................175
recreational towing .................180
trailer towing ..........................175
wrecker ....................................209
Transfer case
fluid checking .........................256
Transmission .............................147brake-shift interlock (BSI) ....147
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................255
fluid, refill capacities ..............272
lubricant
specifications ..................274, 276
Trunk ...........................................83
Turn signal ..................................40
V
Vehicle dimensions ...................277
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................279
Vehicle loading ..........................171
Ventilating your vehicle ...........140
W
Warning lights (see Lights) .......10
Washer fluid ..............................229
Water, Driving through .............171
Windows
power .........................................52
rear wiper/washer .....................47
Windshield washer fluid and
wipers ..........................................46
checking and adding fluid .....229
liftgate reservoir .....................229
replacing wiper blades .............47
Wrecker towing .........................209
2004 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Index
290