belt FORD EXPLORER 2004 3.G Owner's Guide

4. Clip the tether strap to the
anchor.
If the tether strap is clipped incorrectly, the child safety seat
may not be retained properly in the event of a collision.
5. Install the child safety seat tightly using the LATCH anchors or safety
belts. Follow the instructions in this chapter.
6. Tighten the child safety seat tether strap according to the
manufacturer’s instructions.
If the safety seat is not anchored properly, the risk of a child
being injured in a collision greatly increases.
Attaching safety seats with LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for
Children) attachments for child seat anchors
Some child safety seats have two rigid or webbing mounted attachments
that connect to two anchors at certain seating positions in your vehicle.
This type of child seat eliminates the need to use seat belts to attach the
child seat. For forward-facing child seats, the tether strap must also be
attached to the proper tether anchor. SeeAttaching safety seats with
tether strapsin this chapter.
2004 Explorer(exp)
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Seating and Safety Restraints
134

STARTING
Positions of the ignition
1. OFF/LOCK, shuts off the engine
and all accessories/locks the steering
wheel, gearshift lever and allows key
removal.
2. ACC, allows the electrical
accessories such as the radio to
operate while the engine is not
running. This position also unlocks
the steering wheel.
3. ON, all electrical circuits
operational. Warning lights illuminated. Key position when driving.
4. START, cranks the engine. Release the key as soon as the engine
starts.
Important safety precautions
When the engine starts, the idle RPM runs faster to warm the engine. If
the engine idle speed does not slow down automatically, have the vehicle
checked.
Before starting the vehicle:
1. Make sure all occupants buckle their safety belts. For more
information on safety belts and their proper usage, refer to theSeating
and Safety Restraintschapter.
2. Make sure the headlamps and electrical accessories are off.
•Make sure the parking brake is
set.
4
3
2
1
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Driving
Driving
137

•Make sure the gearshift is in P
(Park).
3. Turn the key to 3 (ON) without
turning the key to 4 (START).
Make sure the corresponding lights illuminate or illuminate briefly. If a
light fails to illuminate, have the vehicle serviced.
•If the driver’s safety belt is fastened, the
light may not illuminate.
4
3
2
1
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Driving
138

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, check for:
•an improperly inflated tire
•uneven tire wear
•loose or worn suspension components
•loose or worn steering components
•improper steering alignment
A high crown in the road or high crosswinds may also make the steering
seem to wander/pull.
PREPARING TO DRIVE YOUR VEHICLE
Utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover rate than
other types of vehicles.
In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is significantly more likely
to die than a person wearing a safety belt.
Your vehicle has larger tires and increased ground clearance, giving the
vehicle a higher center of gravity than a passenger car.
Vehicles with a higher center of gravity such as utility and
four-wheel drive vehicles handle differently than vehicles with a
lower center of gravity. Utility and four-wheel drive vehicles arenot
designed 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, excessive speed and abrupt
maneuvers in these vehicles. Failure to drive cautiously could result in
an increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal
injury and death.
Loaded vehicles, with a higher center of gravity, may handle
differently than unloaded vehicles. Extra precautions, such as
slower speeds and increased stopping distance, should be taken when
driving a heavily loaded vehicle.
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Driving
146

•Jump starting stud: 4.0L Engine
•Jump starting stud: 4.6L Engine
5. Ensure that the cables are clear of fan blades, belts, moving parts of
both engines, or any fuel delivery system parts.
Jump starting
1. Start the engine of the booster vehicle and run the engine at
moderately increased speed.
2. Start the engine of the disabled vehicle.
3. Once the disabled vehicle has been started, run both engines for an
additional three minutes before disconnecting the jumper cables.
Removing the jumper cables
Remove the jumper cables in the reverse order that they were
connected.
1. Remove the jumper cable from thegroundmetal surface.
2004 Explorer(exp)
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USA English(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
206

WRECKER TOWING
If you need to have your vehicle towed, contact a professional towing
service or, if you are a member of a roadside assistance program, your
roadside assistance service provider.
It is recommended that your vehicle be towed with a wheel lift or flatbed
equipment. Do not tow with a slingbelt. Ford Motor Company has not
approved a slingbelt towing procedure.
If the vehicle’s battery is discharged, refer toAutomatic transmission
operationin theDrivingchapter for directions on how to move the
gearshift lever out of the P (Park) position, for proper towing.
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/AWD 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.
Ford Motor Company produces a towing manual for all authorized tow
truck operators. Have your tow truck operator refer to this manual for
proper hook-up and towing procedures for your vehicle.
2004 Explorer(exp)
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USA English(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
209

•Do not use household or glass cleaners as these may damage the
finish.
INTERIOR
For fabric, carpets, cloth seats and safety belts:
•Remove dust and loose dirt with a vacuum cleaner.
•Remove light stains and soil with Motorcraft Extra Strength
Upholstery Cleaner (ZC-41).
•If grease or tar is present on the material, spot-clean the area first
with Motorcraft Spot and Stain Remover (ZC-14).
•Never saturate the seat covers with cleaning solution.
•Do not use household cleaning products or glass cleaners, which can
stain and discolor the fabric and affect the flame retardant abilities of
the seat materials.
Do not use cleaning solvents, bleach or dye on the vehicle’s
seatbelts, as these actions may weaken the belt webbing.
LEATHER SEATS (IF EQUIPPED)
Your leather seating surfaces have a clear, protective coating over the
leather.
•To clean, use a soft cloth with Motorcraft Deluxe Leather and Vinyl
Cleaner (ZC-11–A). Dry the area with a soft cloth.
•To help maintain its resiliency and color, use the Motorcraft Deluxe
Leather Care Kit (ZC-11–D), available from your authorized dealer.
•Do not use household cleaning products, alcohol solutions, solvents or
cleaners intended for rubber, vinyl and plastics, or oil/petroleum-based
leather conditioners. These products may cause premature wearing of
the clear, protective coating.
Note:In some instances, color or dye transfer can occur when wet
clothing comes in contact with leather upholstery. If this occurs, the
leather should be cleaned immediately to avoid permanent staining.
UNDERBODY
Flush the complete underside of your vehicle frequently. Keep body and
door drain holes free from packed dirt.
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Cleaning
223

A
Accessory delay ..........................52
AdvanceTrac ..............................143
Air bag supplemental restraint
system ................................116, 120
and child safety seats ............118
description ......................116, 120
disposal ....................................123
driver air bag ..................118, 121
indicator light .................120, 123
operation .........................118, 121
passenger air bag ...........118, 121
Air cleaner filter .......................271
Air conditioning ..........................32
All Wheel Drive (AWD),
driving off road .........................163
Ambulance packages ....................7
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................236
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................141
Audio system
(see Radio) ......................18, 21, 25
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................149
fluid, adding ............................255
fluid, checking ........................255
fluid, refill capacities ..............272
fluid, specification ..................276
Auxiliary power point .................51
Axle
lubricant
specifications ..................274, 276
refill capacities ........................272
B
Battery .......................................234acid, treating
emergencies ............................234
jumping a disabled
battery .....................................203
maintenance-free ....................234
replacement,
specifications ..........................271
servicing ..................................234
BeltMinder .................................112
Brakes ........................................140
anti-lock ...................................141
anti-lock brake system
(ABS) warning light ...............141
fluid, checking and adding ....255
fluid, refill capacities ..............272
fluid, specifications .........274, 276
lubricant
specifications ..................274, 276
parking ....................................142
shift interlock ..........................147
C
Calculating load ........................174
Capacities for refilling fluids ....272
Cargo cover .................................78
Cell phone use ............................48
Certification Label ....................278
Changing a tire .........................194
Child safety restraints ..............124
child safety belts ....................124
Child safety seats ......................127
attaching with tether
straps .......................................131
in front seat ............................129
in rear seat ..............................129
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............220
instrument panel ....................222
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USA English(fus)
Index
Index
285

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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Index
286

Motorcraft parts ................247, 271
O
Octane rating ............................245
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................229
P
Parking brake ............................142
Parts
(see Motorcraft parts) ..............271
Pedals
(see Power adjustable foot
pedals) .........................................54
Power adjustable foot
pedals ...........................................54
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................189
Power door locks ........................81
Power point .................................51
Power steering ..........................145
fluid, checking and adding ....253
fluid, refill capacity ................272
fluid, specifications .........274, 276
Power Windows ...........................52
Preparing to drive your
vehicle ........................................146
R
Radio ................................18, 21, 25
Rear window defroster ...............36
Relays ................................183, 192
Remote entry system .................83
illuminated entry ......................86
opening the trunk .....................83
Reverse sensing system ...........151Roadside assistance ..................181
Roof rack .....................................79
S
Safety Belt Maintenance ..........115
Safety belts (see Safety
restraints) ..........103, 106–109, 111
Safety Canopy ...................120–121
Safety defects, reporting ..........218
Safety restraints ........103, 106–111
belt minder .............................112
extension assembly ................111
for adults .........................107–109
for children .............................124
safety belt maintenance .........115
warning light and
chime
...............................111–112
Safety seats for children ..........127
Seat belts
(see Safety restraints) .............103
Seats ............................................94
child safety seats ....................127
front seats .................................95
heated ........................................98
memory seat .......................84, 97
Setting the clock
AM/FM/CD .................................21
AM/FM/In-dash 6 CD ................25
AM/FM/Tape/CD .......................29
Snowplowing .................................7
Spark plugs,
specifications .............271, 276–277
Special notice
ambulance conversions ..............7
utility-type vehicles ....................7
Specification chart,
lubricants ...........................274, 276
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USA English(fus)
Index
289