transmission FORD EXPLORER 2008 4.G Owner's Manual

P (Park)
This position locks the transmission
and prevents the rear wheels from
turning.
To put your vehicle in gear:
•Depress the brake pedal
•Start the engine
•Press the gearshift lever release
button (on the front of the lever)
and shift into the desired gear
To put your vehicle in P (Park):
•Come to a complete stop
•Move the gearshift lever and
securely latch it in P (Park)
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the gearshift is
latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the LOCK position and
remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle.
R (Reverse)
With the gearshift lever in R (Reverse), the vehicle will move backward.
Always come to a complete stop before shifting into and out of R
(Reverse).
N (Neutral)
With the gearshift lever in N (Neutral), the vehicle can be started and is
free to roll. Hold the brake pedal down while in this position.
D (Drive) with Overdrive
The normal driving position for the best fuel economy. Transmission
operates in gears one through six except in 4WD Low where
transmission operates in gears two through six.
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D (Drive) without Overdrive
Overdrive can be deactivated by
pressing the transmission control
switch on the side of the shift lever.
•This position allows for all
forward gears (1-4) except
overdrive.
•Provides engine braking.
•Use when driving conditions
cause excessive shifting from O/D
to other gears. Examples: city
traffic, hilly terrain, heavy loads,
trailer towing and when engine
braking is required.
•O/D OFF lamp is illuminated.
•To return to O/D (overdrive mode), press the transmission control
switch. The O/D OFF lamp will not be illuminated.
•O/D (Overdrive) is automatically returned each time the key is turned
off.
3 (Third)
Transmission operates in third gear only.
Used for improved traction on slippery roads. Selecting 3 (Third)
provides engine braking.
2 (Second)
Transmission operates in 2nd gear only.
Use 2 (Second) to start-up on slippery roads or to provide additional
engine braking on downgrades.
1 (First)
•Transmission operates in 1st gear only.
•Provides maximum engine braking.
O/D
OFF
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•Allows upshifts by moving gearshift lever.
•Will not downshift into 1 (First) at high speeds; allows for 1 (First)
when vehicle reaches slower speeds.
Forced downshifts
•Allowed in D (Drive) only.
•Depress the accelerator to the floor.
•Allows transmission to select an appropriate gear.
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow
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 minute or damage to the
transmission and tires may occur, or the engine may overheat.
REVERSE SENSING SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)
The reverse sensing system sounds a tone to warn the driver of obstacles
near the rear bumper when the R (Reverse) gear is selected.
To help avoid personal injury, please read and understand the
limitations of the reverse sensing system as contained in this
section. The park assist is only an aid for some (generally large and
fixed) objects when moving in reverse on a flat surface at “parking
speeds”. Inclement weather may also affect the function of the RSS;
this may include reduced performance or a false activation.
To help avoid personal injury, always use caution when in R
(Reverse) and when using the reverse sensing system.
This system is not designed to prevent contact with small or
moving objects. The system is designed to provide a warning to
assist the driver in detecting objects to avoid damaging the vehicle.
The system may not detect smaller objects, particularly those close to
the ground.
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4X4 HIGH (4WD High)- Provides locked four-wheel drive power to all
four wheels. This mode is not intended for use on dry pavement. This
mode is appropriate for severe winter and off-road conditions, such as
deep snow, ice or shallow sand.
4X4 LOW (4WD Low)- Provides locked four-wheel drive power when
extra power at reduced speeds is required. This mode is not recommended
for use on dry pavement. Use this mode for off-road, low-speed operation
or when extra power is required, such as climbing steep grades, going
through deep sand, or pulling a boat out of the water.
Shifting between 4X4 AUTO (4WD Auto) and 4X4 HIGH (4WD High)
•Select 4X4 AUTO (4WD Auto) or 4X4 HIGH (4WD High) at any
forward speed.
Note:Do not perform this operation if the rear wheels are slipping.
Shifting to/from 4X4 LOW (4WD Low)
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop
2. Place the transmission in N (Neutral).
3. Press the desired 4WD position.
•If shifting into 4x4 LOW (4WD Low), wait for the 4X4 LOW light in
the instrument cluster to turnonindicating the shift is complete.
•If shifting out of 4X4 LOW (4WD Low), wait for the 4X4 LOW light in
the instrument cluster to turnoffindicating the shift is complete.
If any of the above shift conditions are not met, the shift will not occur
and the message center will display the appropriate information.
Driving off-road with truck and utility vehicles
4WD vehicles are specially equipped for driving on sand, snow, mud and
rough terrain and have operating characteristics that are somewhat
different from conventional vehicles, both on and off the road.
How your vehicle differs from other vehicles
Truck and utility vehicles can differ from some other vehicles. Your
vehicle may be higher to allow it to travel over rough terrain without
getting hung up or damaging underbody components.
The differences that make your vehicle so versatile also make it handle
differently than an ordinary passenger car.
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.
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If your vehicle gets stuck
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.
Do not spin the wheels at over 35 mph (56 km/h). The tires may
fail and injure a passenger or bystander.
Emergency maneuvers
•In an unavoidable emergency situation where a sudden sharp turn
must be made, remember to avoid “over-driving” your vehicle, i.e.,
turn the steering wheel only as rapidly and as far as required to avoid
the emergency. Excessive steering will result in less vehicle control,
not more. Additionally, smooth variations of the accelerator and/or
brake pedal pressure should be utilized if changes in vehicle speed are
called for. Avoid abrupt steering, acceleration or braking which could
result in an increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover
and/or personal injury. Use all available road surface to return the
vehicle to a safe direction of travel.
•In the event of an emergency stop, avoid skidding the tires and do not
attempt any sharp steering wheel movements.
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.
•If the vehicle goes from one type of surface to another (i.e., from
concrete to gravel) there will be a change in the way the vehicle
responds to a maneuver (steering, acceleration or braking). Again,
avoid these abrupt inputs.
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Parking
On some 4WD vehicles, when the transfer case is in the N (Neutral)
position, the engine and transmission are disconnected from the rest of
the driveline. Therefore, the vehicle is free to roll even if the automatic
transmission is in P (Park) or the manual transmission is in gear. Do not
leave the vehicle unattended with the transfer case in the N (Neutral)
position. Always set the parking brake fully and turn off the ignition
when leaving the vehicle.
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the gearshift is
latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the LOCK position and
remove the key 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 authorized dealer.
4WD Systems
4WD uses all four wheels to power the vehicle. This increases traction,
enabling you to drive over terrain and road conditions that a
conventional two-wheel drive vehicle cannot.
Power is supplied to all four wheels through a transfer case. On 4WD
vehicles, the transfer case allows you to select 4WD when necessary.
Information on transfer case operation and shifting procedures can be
found in this chapter. Information on transfer case maintenance can be
found in theMaintenance and Specificationschapter. You should
become thoroughly familiar with this information before you operate
your vehicle.
Normal characteristics
On some 4WD models, the initial shift from two-wheel drive to 4x4 while
the vehicle is moving can cause some momentary clunk and ratcheting
sounds. This is the front drivetrain coming up to speed and the
automatic locking hubs engaging and is not cause for concern.
Sand
When driving over sand, try to keep all four wheels on the most solid
area of the trail. Avoid reducing the tire pressures but shift to a lower
gear and drive steadily through the terrain. Apply the accelerator slowly
and avoid spinning the wheels.
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Note:If your vehicle is equipped with the Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (TPMS), the system indicator light may illuminate depending on
how much air is released from your tires and/or how long you drive the
vehicle under these conditions.
Avoid excessive speed because vehicle momentum can work against you
and cause the vehicle to become stuck to the point that assistance may
be required from another vehicle. Remember, you may be able to back
out the way you came if you proceed with caution.
Mud and water
If you must drive through high
water, drive slowly. Traction or
brake capability may be limited.
When driving through water,
determine the depth; avoid water
higher than the bottom of the hubs
(if possible) and proceed slowly. If
the ignition system gets wet, the vehicle may stall.
Once through water, always try the brakes. Wet brakes do not stop the
vehicle as effectively as dry brakes. Drying can be improved by moving
your vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake pedal.
Be cautious of sudden changes in vehicle speed or direction when you
are driving in mud. Even 4WD vehicles can lose traction in slick mud. As
when you are driving over sand, apply the accelerator slowly and avoid
spinning your wheels. If the vehicle does slide, steer in the direction of
the slide until you regain control of the vehicle.
If the transmission, transfer case or front axle are submerged in water,
their fluids should be checked and changed, if necessary.
Driving through deep water may damage the transmission.
If the front or rear axle is submerged in water, the axle lubricant should
be replaced.
After driving through mud, clean off residue stuck to rotating driveshafts
and tires. Excess mud stuck on tires and rotating driveshafts causes an
imbalance that could damage drive components.
“Tread Lightly” is an educational
program designed to increase public
awareness of land-use regulations
and responsibilities in our nations
wilderness areas. Ford Motor
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Failure to maintain your vehicle properly may void the warranty, increase
your repair cost, reduce vehicle performance and operational capabilities
and adversely affect driver and passenger safety. Frequent inspection of
vehicle chassis components is recommended if the vehicle is subjected to
heavy off-road usage.
DRIVING THROUGH WATER
If driving through deep or standing
water is unavoidable, proceed very
slowly especially when the depth is
not known. Never drive through
water that is higher than the bottom
of the wheel rims (for cars) or the
bottom of the hubs (for trucks).
When driving through water, traction or brake capability may be limited.
Also, water may enter your engine’s air intake and severely damage your
engine or your vehicle may stall.Driving through deep water where
the transmission vent tube is submerged may allow water into the
transmission and cause internal transmission damage.
Once through the water, always dry the brakes by moving your
vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake pedal.
Wet brakes do not stop the vehicle as quickly as dry brakes.
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Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingPower Distribution Box
Description
14 30A** Memory seats (DSM)
40A** Non-memory seats
15 40A** Rear defrost, Heated mirrors
16 40A** Front blower motor
17 30A** Trailer electronic brakes
18 30A** Auxiliary blower motor
19 30A** Running boards
20 30A** Front wiper motor
21 20A* Rear power point
22 20A* Subwoofer
23 20A* 4x4
24 10A* Powertrain Control Module
(PCM) Keep Alive Power,
Canister vent
25 20A* Front power point/Cigar lighter
26 20A* 4x4 module
27 20A* 6R Transmission module (4.6L
engine only)
28 20A* Heated seats
29 15A* Headlamps (right)
30 25A* Rear wiper
31 15A* Fog lamps
32 5A* Power mirrors
33 30A* ABS valve
34 15A* Headlamps (left)
35 10A* AC clutch
36 20A* Console bin power point
37 30A* Driver window motor
38 15A* 5R Transmission (4.0L engine
only)
39 15A* PCM power
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3. Turn the wrench
counterclockwise until the tire is
lowered to the ground and the cable
has slack. When turning the wrench,
make sure that it does not scuff the
kick plate.
4. Slide the tire rearward, lift one
side and remove the retainer from
the spare tire.
Changing the spare tire
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).
To help prevent the vehicle from moving when you change a tire,
be sure the parking brake is set, then block the wheel that is
diagonally opposite (other end of the vehicle) to the tire being
changed.
If the vehicle slips off the jack, you or someone else could be
seriously injured.
Do not attempt to change a tire on the side of the vehicle close
to moving traffic. Pull far enough off the road to avoid the
danger of being hit when operating the jack or changing the wheel.
Turn off the running boards (if equipped) before working under
the vehicle, jacking, or placing any object under the vehicle.
Never place your hand in the hinge assemblies. A moving running
board may cause injury.
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