wheel FORD EXPLORER 2011 5.G Workshop Manual

TRAILER TOWING
Trailer towing with your vehicle may require the use of a trailer tow
option package. An optional Class III towing hitch is available and may be
required for your towing purposes.
Trailer towing puts additional loads on your vehicle’s engine,
transmission, axle, brakes, tires and suspension. For your safety and to
maximize vehicle performance, be sure to use the proper equipment
while towing.
Follow these guidelines to ensure safe towing:
•Do not tow a trailer until your vehicle has been driven at least
1,000 miles (1,600 km).
•Consult your local motor vehicle laws for towing a trailer.
•Refer to the instructions included with towing accessories for the
proper installation and adjustment specifications.
•Thoroughly prepare your vehicle for towing. Refer toPreparing to
towin this chapter.
•Stay within your vehicle’s load limits.
•Use extra caution when driving while trailer towing. Refer toDriving
while you towin this chapter.
•Service your vehicle more frequently if you tow a trailer. Refer to
Special operating conditionsin theScheduled Maintenance Guide
chapter.
For load specification terms found on the label and instructions on
calculating your vehicle’s load, refer toVehicle loading - with and
without a trailerin this chapter when figuring the total weight of your
vehicle.
WARNING:Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on
the certification label.
WARNING:Towing trailers beyond the maximum recommended
gross trailer weight exceeds the limit of the vehicle and could
result in engine damage, transmission damage, structural damage, loss
of vehicle control, vehicle rollover and personal injury.
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Engine/Passengers/Trailer Class Maximum
GCWR - lb
(kg)Maximum
Trailer Weight
- lb (kg)
FWD vehicles
3.5L/6–passenger/Class I 6870 (3116) 2000 (907)
3.5L/7–passenger/Class I 6880 (3121) 2000 (907)
3.5L/6–passenger/Class III 9910 (4495) 5000 (2268)*
3.5L/7–passenger/Class III 9920 (4500) 5000 (2268)*
4WD vehicles
3.5L/6–passenger/Class I 7040 (3193) 2000 (907)
3.5L/7–passenger/Class I 7060 (3202) 2000 (907)
3.5L/6–passenger/Class III 10076 (4570) 5000 (2268)
3.5L/7–passenger/Class III 10096 (4579) 5000 (2268)
*For towing trailers up to 3500 lb (1588 kg), use a weight-carrying
hitch and ball which uniformly spreads the trailer tongue loads through
the vehicle’s underbody structure. For towing trailers over 3500 lb
(1588 kg), up to 5000 lb (2268 kg), it is recommended to use a
weight-distributing hitch to increase front axle load while towing.
Preparing to tow
Use the proper equipment for towing a trailer and make sure it is
properly attached to your vehicle. Contact your authorized dealer or a
reliable trailer dealer as soon as possible if you require assistance.
Hitches
Do not use hitches that clamp onto the vehicle bumper; use a
load-carrying hitch. You must distribute the load in your trailer so that
10–15% of the total weight of the trailer is on the tongue, not to exceed
the maximum tongue load of 500 lb (227 kg) on a Class III receiver.
Safety chains
Always connect the trailer’s safety chains to the frame or hook retainers
of the vehicle hitch. To connect the trailer’s safety chains, cross the
chains under the trailer tongue and allow slack for turning corners.
If you use a rental trailer, follow the instructions that the rental agency
gives to you.
Class III trailer hitch safety chain loops can be used as recovery hooks.
Do not attach safety chains to the bumper.
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Trailer brakes
Electric brakes and manual, automatic or surge-type trailer brakes are
safe if installed properly and adjusted to the manufacturer’s
specifications. The trailer brakes must meet local and Federal
regulations.
WARNING:Do not connect a trailer’s hydraulic brake system
directly to your vehicle’s brake system. Your vehicle may not
have enough braking power and your chances of having a collision
greatly increase.
The braking system of the tow vehicle is rated for operation at the
GVWR not GCWR.
Trailer lamps
Trailer lamps are required on most towed vehicles. Make sure all running
lights, brake lights, turn signals and hazard lights are working. Contact
your authorized dealer or trailer rental agency for proper instructions
and equipment for hooking-up trailer lamps.
WARNING:Never connect any trailer lighting to the vehicle’s
tail lamp circuits, because it may damage the electrical system
resulting in fire. Contact your authorized dealer as soon as possible for
assistance in proper trailer tow wiring installation. Additional electrical
equipment may be required.
Driving while you tow
When towing a trailer:
•Do not drive faster than 70 mph (113 km/h) during the first 500 miles
(800 km) of trailer towing and don’t make full-throttle starts.
•Turn off the speed control. The speed control may shut off
automatically when you are towing on long, steep grades.
•Activate the tow/haul feature or the grade assist feature on your
transmission to eliminate excessive transmission shifting and assist in
transmission cooling. For additional information, refer toAutomatic
transmission operationin theDrivingchapter.
•Allow more distance for stopping with a trailer attached; anticipate
stops and brake gradually.
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Trailer towing tips
•Practice turning, stopping and backing-up before starting on a trip to
get the feel of the vehicle-trailer combination. When turning, make
wider turns so the trailer wheels will clear curbs and other obstacles.
•To aid in engine/transmission cooling and A/C efficiency during hot
weather while stopped in traffic, place the gearshift lever in P (Park).
•After you have traveled 50 miles (80 km), thoroughly check your
hitch, electrical connections and trailer wheel lug nuts.
•If you are driving down a long or steep hill, shift to a lower gear. Do
not apply the brakes continuously, as they may overheat and become
less effective.
•Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade. If you must
park on a grade, place wheel chocks under the trailer’s wheels.
RECREATIONAL TOWING
Follow these guidelines for your specific powertrain combination to tow
your vehicle for personal travel (such as behind a motor home or a
truck).
Note:Put your climate control system in recirculated air mode to
prevent exhaust fumes from entering the vehicle. Refer to theClimate
Controlschapter for more information.
In case of a roadside emergency with a disabled vehicle, please refer to
Wrecker towingin theRoadside Emergencieschapter.
These guidelines are designed to prevent damage to your vehicle after it
is hooked-up to the RV or tow dolly.
Front-wheel drive (FWD) vehiclescan be towed with all four wheels
on the ground or with the front wheels off the ground by using a tow
dolly. If you are using a tow dolly follow the instructions specified by the
equipment provider. If you are towing with all four wheels on the ground,
refer to the towing instructions found at the end of this section.
Four-wheel drive (4WD) vehiclescan be towed with all four wheels
on the ground or with all four wheels off the ground using a vehicle
transport trailer.Do not tow your 4WD vehicle with the front
wheels off the ground (by using a tow dolly) and the rear wheels
on the ground; this will cause damage to your 4WD system.If you
are using a vehicle transport trailer, follow the instruction specified by
the equipment provider. If you are towing with all four wheels on the
ground, refer to the towing instructions found at the end of this section.
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If you tow your vehicle with all four wheels on the ground:
•Tow only in the forward direction.
•Release the parking brake.
•Place the transmission shift lever in N (Neutral).
•Place the ignition in the accessory position (refer toStartingin the
Drivingchapter).
•Do not exceed 65 mph (105 km/h)
•Start the engine and allow it to run for five minutes at the beginning
of each day and every six hours thereafter. With the engine running
and your foot on the brake, shift into D (Drive) and then into R
(Reverse) before shifting back into N (Neutral).
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Note:Cranking may be stopped at any time by turning the key to the off
position.
3. After idling for a few seconds, release the parking brake, apply the
brake, shift into gear and drive.
Note:If the engine does not start on the first try, turn the vehicle to the
off position, wait 10 seconds and try Step 2 again. If the engine still fails
to start, press the accelerator to the floor and try Step 2 again, keeping
the accelerator on the floor until the engine begins to accelerate above
cranking speeds; this will allow the engine to crank with the fuel shut off
in case the engine is flooded with fuel.
Push button start system (if equipped)
If your vehicle is equipped with the
push button start system, you can
start your vehicle by pressing the
start button in combination with the
brake pedal rather than using a key.
The start button is located on the
instrument panel to the right of the
steering wheel.
In order to operate the push button
start system and start the vehicle,
your intelligent access key (IA key)
must be present inside the vehicle.
Ignition modes
1. Off — press and release the START/STOP button without applying the
brake pedal when your vehicle is in accessory or on modes or when the
engine is running.
Note:In order to switch off the engine while the vehicle is in motion,
shift to neutral and use the brakes to bring the vehicle to a safe stop.
After the vehicle has stopped, turn the engine off and shift into park.
Then, press and hold the START/STOP button for at least one second or
press the START/STOP button three times within two seconds.
2. Accessory — press and release the START/STOP button without
applying the brake pedal. This allows electrical accessories such as the
radio to operate while the engine is not running. ACCESSORY POWER
ACTIVE and PRESS BRAKE TO START will be displayed in the message
center. Refer toMessage centerin theInstrument Clusterchapter for
more information.
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•Be sure that areas where the vehicle is parked are clean and clear of
all combustibles such as petroleum products, dust, rags, paper and
similar items.
•Be sure that the engine block heater, heater cord and extension cord
are solidly connected. A poor connection can cause the cord to
become very hot and may result in an electrical shock or fire. Be sure
to check for heat anywhere in the electrical hookup once the system
has been operating for approximately a half hour.
•Finally, have the engine block heater system checked during your fall
tune-up to be sure it’s in good working order.
How to use the engine block heater
Ensure the receptacle terminals are clean and dry prior to use. To clean
them, use a dry cloth.
Depending on the type of factory installed equipment, your engine block
heater will use .4 to 1.0 kilowatt-hours of energy per hour of use. Your
factory installed block heater system does not have a thermostat; however,
maximum temperature is attained after approximately three hours of
operation. Block heater operation longer than three hours will not improve
system performance and will unnecessarily use additional electricity.
Make sure system is unplugged and properly stowed before driving the
vehicle. While not in use, make sure the protective cover seals the
prongs of the engine block heater cord plug.
BRAKES
Occasional brake noise is normal. If a metal-to-metal, continuous grinding
or continuous squeal sound is present, the brake linings may be worn-out
and should be inspected by an authorized dealer. If the vehicle has
continuous vibration or shudder in the steering wheel while braking, the
vehicle should be inspected by an authorized dealer.
Refer toWarning lights and
chimesin theInstrument Cluster
chapter for information on the brake
system warning light.
Four-wheel anti-lock brake system (ABS)
Your vehicle is equipped with an anti-lock braking system (ABS). This
system helps you maintain steering control during emergency stops by
keeping the brakes from locking. Noise from the ABS pump motor and
brake pedal pulsation may be observed during ABS braking and the
P!
BRAKE
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ADVANCETRACWITH ROLL STABILITY CONTROL™ (RSC)
STABILITY ENHANCEMENT SYSTEM
The AdvanceTracwith RSCsystem provides the following stability
enhancement features for certain driving situations:
•Traction control system (TCS), which functions to help avoid
drive-wheel spin and loss of traction.
•Electronic stability control (ESC), which functions to help avoid skids
or lateral slides.
•Roll Stability Control™ (RSC), which functions to help avoid a
vehicle roll-over.
•Curve Control, which functions to help maintain the desired turn by
reducing speed.
WARNING:Vehicle modifications involving braking system,
aftermarket roof racks, suspension, steering system, tire
construction and/or wheel/tire size may change the handling
characteristics of the vehicle and may adversely affect the performance
of the AdvanceTracwith RSCsystem. In addition, installing any
stereo loudspeakers may interfere with and adversely affect the
AdvanceTracwith RSCsystem. Install any aftermarket stereo
loudspeaker as far as possible from the front center console, the
tunnel, and the front seats in order to minimize the risk of interfering
with the AdvanceTracwith RSCsensors. Reducing the effectiveness
of the AdvanceTracwith RSCsystem could lead to an increased risk
of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal injury and death.
WARNING:Remember that even advanced technology cannot
defy the laws of physics. It’s always possible to lose control of a
vehicle due to inappropriate driver input for the conditions. Aggressive
driving on any road condition can cause you to lose control of your
vehicle increasing the risk of personal injury or property damage.
Activation of the AdvanceTracwith RSCsystem is an indication that
at least some of the tires have exceeded their ability to grip the road;
this could reduce the operator’s ability to control the vehicle,
potentially resulting in a loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover,
personal injury and death. If your AdvanceTracwith RSCsystem
activates, SLOW DOWN.
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Traction control system (TCS)
The traction control system is a driver aid feature that helps your vehicle
maintain traction of the wheels, typically when driving on slippery and/or
hilly road surfaces, by detecting and controlling wheel spin.
Excessive wheel spin is controlled in two ways, which may work
separately or in tandem: engine traction control and brake traction
control. Engine traction control works to limit drive-wheel spin by
momentarily reducing engine power. Brake traction control works to limit
wheel spin by momentarily applying the brakes to the wheel that is
slipping. Traction control is most active at low speeds.
During TCS events, the stability control light in the instrument cluster
will flash.
If the TCS is activated excessively in a short period of time, the braking
portion of the system may become temporarily disabled to allow the
brakes to cool down. In this situation, TCS will use only engine power
reduction or transfer to help control the wheels from over-spinning.
When the brakes have cooled down, the system will regain all features.
Anti-lock braking, RSC, ESC and Curve Control are not affected by this
condition and will continue to function during the cool-down period.
The engine traction control and brake traction control systems may be
deactivated in certain situations. See theTurning traction control off
section following.
Electronic stability control (ESC)
Electronic stability control (ESC) may enhance your vehicle’s directional
stability during adverse maneuvers, for example when cornering severely
or avoiding objects in the roadway. The ESC operates by applying brakes
to one or more of the wheels individually and, if necessary, reducing
engine power if the system detects that the vehicle is about to skid or
slide laterally.
During ESC events, the stability control light in the instrument cluster
will flash.
Certain adverse driving maneuvers may activate the ESC system, which
include but are not limited to:
•Taking a turn too fast
•Maneuvering quickly to avoid an accident, pedestrian or obstacle
•Driving over a patch of ice or other slippery surfaces
•Changing lanes on a snow-rutted road
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•Entering a snow-free road from a snow-covered side street, or vice
versa
•Entering a paved road from a gravel road, or vice versa
•Cornering while towing a heavily loaded trailer (refer toTrailer
towingin theTires, Wheels and Loadingchapter).
Roll Stability Control™ (RSC)
Roll Stability Control™ (RSC) may help to maintain roll stability of the
vehicle during adverse maneuvers. The RSCsystem operates by
detecting the vehicle’s roll motion and the rate at which it changes and
by applying the brakes to one or more wheels individually.
During an event that activates the RSCsystem, the stability control
light in the instrument cluster will flash.
Certain adverse driving maneuvers may activate the RSCsystem, which
include:
•Emergency lane-change
•Taking a turn too fast
•Quick maneuvering to avoid an accident, pedestrian or obstacle
Curve Control
Curve control may enhance your vehicle’s ability to follow the road
during adverse maneuvers, for example when cornering severely or
avoiding objects in the roadway. Curve Control operates by reducing
engine power and, if necessary, applying brakes to one or more of the
wheels individually. During Curve Control events, the stability control
light in the instrument cluster will flash and the brake lamps may
illuminate.
Certain adverse driving maneuvers may activate the Curve control
system, which include but are not limited to:
•Taking a turn too fast
•Maneuvering quickly to avoid an accident, pedestrian or obstacle
•Cornering while towing a heavily loaded trailer (seeTrailer towingin
theTires, Wheels and Loadingchapter). The Curve Control system
may be deactivated in certain terrain management modes. See
Terrain managementlater in this chapter.
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