snow chains FORD EXPLORER 2004 3.G Owners Manual

Driving on snow and ice
4WD vehicles have advantages over 2WD vehicles in snow and ice but
can skid like any other vehicle.
Should you start to slide while driving on snowy or icy roads, turn the
steering wheel in the direction of the slide until you regain control.
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 a 4WD 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 4WD 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.
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 4WD for off-road use with tires
larger than what Ford Motor Company recommends, you should not use
these tires for highway driving.
2004 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driving
161

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.
2004 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driving
169

If your vehicle is equipped with a tire pressure monitoring
system, refer toTire Pressure Monitoring System (if
equipped)in theMaintenance and specificationssection for
important information. If the tire pressure monitor sensor becomes
damaged, it will no longer function.
Spare tire information
Failure to follow these guidelines could result in an increased
risk of tire failure, loss of vehicle control, injury or death.
Your vehicle may be equipped with a dissimilar spare tire/wheel. A
dissimilar spare tire/wheel is defined as a spare tire and/or wheel that is
different in diameter and/or width from the road tires and wheels listed
on the vehicle’s certification label or the tire label. If you have a
dissimilar spare tire/wheel, then it is intended for temporary use only.
This means that if you need to use it, you should replace it as soon as
possible with a road tire/wheel that is the same size and type as the road
tires and wheels that were originally provided by Ford. If the dissimilar
spare tire or wheel is damaged, it should be replaced rather than
repaired.
When driving with the dissimilar spare tire/wheeldo not:
•Use more than one dissimilar spare tire/wheel at a time
•Use commercial car washing equipment
•Use snow chains on the end of the vehicle with the dissimilar spare
tire/wheel
The usage of a dissimilar spare tire/wheel can lead to impairment of the
following:
•Handling, stability and braking performance
•Trailer tow performance
•Comfort and noise
•Ground clearance and parking at curbs
•Winter weather driving capability
•Wet weather driving capability
Drive cautiously when using a dissimilar spare tire/wheel and seek
service as soon as possible.
Note:If your vehicle is equipped with the tire pressure monitoring
system, the system indicator light will illuminate when the spare is in
2004 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
195

USING SNOW TIRES AND TRACTION DEVICES
Snow tires must be the same size and grade as the tires you
currently have on your vehicle.
The tires on your vehicle have all-weather treads to provide traction in
rain and snow. However, in some climates, using snow tires or traction
devices may be necessary. Ford offers tire cables as a Ford approved
accessory and recommends use of these or SAE class “S” tire cables. See
your dealer or qualified service technician for more information on tire
cables for your vehicle.
Follow these guidelines when using snow tires and traction devices:
•Cables or chains should only be used on the rear wheels.
•Install cables or chains securely, verifying that the cables or chains do
not touch any wiring, brake lines or fuel lines.
•Drive cautiously. If you hear the cables or chains rub or bang against
the vehicle, stop and retighten them. If this does not work, remove the
cables or chains to prevent vehicle damage.
•Avoid overloading your vehicle.
•Remove the cables or chains when they are no longer needed.
•Do not use cables or chains on dry roads.
•Do not exceed 48 km/h (30 mph) with tire cables or chains on your
vehicle.
Consult your dealer for information on other Ford approved methods of
traction control.
MOTORCRAFT PART NUMBERS
Component 4.0L SOHC V6 engine 4.6L V8 engine
Air filter element FA-1695 FA-1695
Fuel filter 2C5E-9155-BB 2C5E-9155-BB
Battery BXT-65-650 BXT-65-650
Oil filter FL-820S FL-820S
PCV valve EV-261 EV-266
Spark plugs* AGSF-22PP ** AGSF-32PM
* Refer to Vehicle Emissions Control Information (VECI) decal for spark
plug gap information.
** If a spark plug is removed for inspection, it must be reinstalled in the
same cylinder. If a spark plug needs to be replaced, use only spark plugs
with the service number suffix letter as shown on the engine decal.
2004 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
271

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