1996 FORD EXPLORER light

Driving Your Explorer
257
[DR17810(ALL)10/95]
n
4WD LOW mode Ð Only the 4WD LOW light is lit.
[DR17855( X)10/94]
To shift from Two-Wheel Drive to 4WD AUTO:
[DR17900( X)10/94]
To shift into 4WD AUTO, rotate the 4WD switch located on the
instrument panel to 4WD AUTO. This shift can be done at a
stop or on the fly.
[DR17910( X)01/95]
The initial shift from two-wheel drive to 4WD AUTO while the
vehicle is moving can cause some momentary clunks and
ratcheting sounds. This is the front drivetrain coming up to
speed and is not a cause for concern.
[DR17920( X)01/95]
Because of possible damage to drivetrain components, never
shift from two-wheel drive to 4WD with the rear wheels
slipping.
[DR17935( X)10/94]
10-1/2 pica
art:0021252-B
Electric shift switch
[DR18030( X)10/94]
To shift from 4WD AUTO to Two-Wheel Drive:
[DR18060( X)01/95]
Rotate the 4WD switch to 2WD; the light on the instrument
cluster will go out indicating the vehicle is in two-wheel drive.
This can be done at any speed.
File:10undrx.ex
Update:Thu Feb 29 09:12:36 1996

258
[DR18230( X)10/94]
Toshiftfrom4WDAUTOor2WDto4WDLOW:
[DR18290( X)01/95]
Stop the vehicle, depress the brake and place the automatic
transmission in N (Neutral) or depress the clutch on vehicles
with a manual transmission. Rotate the 4WD switch on the
instrument panel to 4WD LOW. Both the 4WD and 4WD LOW
lights are now lit.
[DR18293( X)06/95]
For Explorers equipped with Automatic Ride Control:
[DR18294( X)06/95]
After shifting to 4WD LOW, wait about 90 seconds. This will
improve ground clearance and off-road handling. Refer to
Automatic Ride Controlin the Features chapter.
[DR18320( X)08/94]
To shift from 4WD LOW to 4WD AUTO or 2WD:
[DR18400( X)01/95]
Stop the vehicle, depress the brake and place the automatic
transmission into N (Neutral) or depress the clutch on vehicles
with a manual transmission. Rotate the 4WD switch on the
instrument panel to 4WD AUTO or 2WD.
[DR18500(ALL)03/95]
It is not recommended to operate the vehicle in the 4WD modes
with a temporary spare. If 4WD operation is necessary, do not
operate at speeds above 10 mph or for distances above 50 miles.
Extended operation in 4WD with a temporary spare may result
in damage to drivetrain components.
[DR18600( X)12/95]
All-Wheel Drive System (If equipped)
[DR18620( X)12/95]
If your vehicle is equipped with All-Wheel Drive (AWD), power
is constantly supplied to all four wheels through a transfer case.
The AWD system is full-time and has no external controls.
[DR18630( X)12/95]
The AWD transfer case utilizes a viscous clutch that distributes
torque to the front and rear differentials (approximately 35%
front and 65% rear). The viscous clutch is filled with a
high-viscosity fluid, see
Lubricant Specifications
in the
Servicing
Your Explorer
chapter for more information.
File:10undrx.ex
Update:Thu Feb 29 09:12:36 1996

260
*
[DR20000(ALL)11/89]
Sand
*
[DR20100(ALL)11/89]
When driving over sand, try to keep all four wheels of the
vehicle on the most solid area of the trail. Do not reduce the
tire pressures but shift to a lower gear and drive steadily
through the terrain. Apply accelerator slowly and avoid
spinning the wheels.
*
[DR20200(ALL)11/89]
Mud and Water
*
[DR20300(ALL)12/89]
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.
*
[DR20400(ALL)11/89]
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.
*
[DR20500(ALL)11/89]
After driving through mud, clean off residue stuck to rotating
driveshafts and tires. Excess mud stuck on tires and rotating
driveshafts causes an imbalance which could damage drive
components.
*
[DR20525(ALL)06/95]
NOTE: If the transmission and transfer case is submerged in
water, their fluids should be checked and changed, if
necessary.
*
[DR20650( X)11/89]
Additional Special Driving Instructions for
Utility Vehicles
*
[DR20701(ALL)11/89]
Driving on Hill or Slope Terrain
[DR20800(ALL)08/94]
When driving on a hill, avoid driving crosswise or turning on
steep slopes, you could lose traction and slip sideways. Drive
straight up, straight down or avoid the hill completely. Know
the conditions on the other side of a hill before driving over the
crest.
File:10undrx.ex
Update:Thu Feb 29 09:12:36 1996

262
*
[DR21700( X)07/93]
Rear Disc Brakes
[DR21800( X)06/94]
The rear disc brakes are self-adjusting. They do not require any
service other than periodic inspection for pad wear.
*
[DR22100(ALL)11/89]
Hydraulic Power Brakes
[DR22200(ALL)08/94]
The hydraulic brake system is made up of two independent
hydraulic circuits. One hydraulic circuit supplies fluid to the
front disc brakes and the other hydraulic circuit supplies fluid
to the rear drum or disc brakes. These two circuits are supplied
by a common hydraulic brake fluid reservoir, with a fluid level
sensor.
*
[DR22300(ALL)11/89]
The brake light in the instrument cluster will light for low brake
fluid in the common brake fluid reservoir.
*
[DR22400(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
An increase in pedal travel will result in reduced braking
capability. The brake system should be checked
immediately.
[DR22905(ALL)10/94]
Four Wheel Anti-lock Brake System
*
[DR22910( X)08/94]
Your vehicle is equipped with a Four Wheel Anti-lock Braking
System (4WABS). The 4WABS helps the driver to maintain
vehicle control by preventing wheel lockup during hard
braking.
*
[DR22915(ALL)03/94]
The 4WABS operates with a computer that is able to optimize
vehicle control during braking on varying tire and road
conditions by modulating the brake pressure at each of the front
wheels and the rear axle. This ªpumping actionº is similar to
the driver ªpumpingº the brakes but happens at a much faster
rate.
File:10undrx.ex
Update:Thu Feb 29 09:12:36 1996

Driving Your Explorer
263
*
[DR22920(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
The Anti-lock system does NOT assist the vehicle in
stopping quickly on wet or icy surfaces. Heavy braking
combined with poor road conditions could cause you to
lose steering control of your vehicle.
*
[DR22925(ALL)10/94]
Using anti-lock brakes
*
[DR22930(ALL)05/94]
The operation of a vehicle with 4WABS is not similar to the
operation of normal brakes. Some differences exist and are listed
below:
*
[DR22935(ALL)10/94]
n
Apply the brake steadily. In the event of a panic stop, do
NOT ªpumpº the brakes. ªPumpingº the brakes during an
Anti-lock stop will diminish braking effectiveness.
%*
[DR22940(ALL)10/94]
n
During an Anti-lock stop, the driver will notice a brake
pedal pulsation and hear some noise from the engine
compartment. This is an indication that the 4WABS system is
working correctly and is normal.
*
[DR22945(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
The Anti-lock system does NOT decrease the time
necessary to apply the brakes. Always leave enough room
between the vehicle in front of you and your vehicle.
*
[DR22950(ALL)05/95]
4WABS driver warning light
[DR22955(ALL)10/94]
The 4WABS computer continuously monitors the system while
driving for any electrical faults or system malfunctions. In
addition, the 4WABS computer performs an initial system check
called bulb proveout when the vehicle ignition is switched on.
During bulb proveout, the ABS light on the instrument cluster
will momentarily illuminate and then go out.
*
[DR22960(ALL)09/95]
NOTE: After starting the vehicle and upon initial drive-off,
the driver may notice a single pulse of the brake
pedal and a noise from the engine compartment. This
is part of the initial system check and is normal.
File:10undrx.ex
Update:Thu Feb 29 09:12:36 1996

264
[DR22965(ALL)05/95]
Should a malfunction in the 4WABS system occur, the ABS light
on the instrument cluster will come on and stay on indicating
that the anti-lock system has been shut down and the vehicle
needs to be serviced. Normal braking is not affected unless the
brake warning light is also illuminated.
*
[DR22970(ALL)09/95]
NOTE: It is important to note that when the ABS Warning
Light is illuminated the ABS system is disabled. The
vehicle must be serviced immediately to restore the
benefits of the Anti-lock system.
*
[DR22975(ALL)09/95]
NOTE: Mobile phones or radio transmitters not installed by
Ford Motor Company may interfere with the Anti-lock
System. Should the Anti-lock system activate
unexpectedly or the Anti-lock Warning Light
illuminate after installation of such a unit, have the
installation of the unit checked.
%*
[DR23000(ALL)12/89]
If Brakes Do Not Grip Well or Pedal is ªLowº
*
[DR23250(ALL)11/89]
If during normal operation the brake pedal seems ªlowº, it may
indicate the need for a brake system inspection and/or service.
You should have your brakes checked as soon as possible.
*
[DR23300(X)07/95]
Occasional brake squeal during light to moderate stops does not
affect the function of the brake system and is normal. However,
if the squeal becomes louder or more frequent, have your
brakes inspected by your dealer or a qualified service technician.
*
[DR23400(ALL)11/89]
RWARNING
Modifications to the suspension spring rates and/or
vehicle ride height may adversely affect vehicle stopping
ability.
File:10undrx.ex
Update:Thu Feb 29 09:12:36 1996

Driving Your Explorer
267
*
[DR24950(ALL)03/95]
RWARNING
When parking, do not use the gearshift in place of the
parking brake. Turn the key to LOCK whenever you
leave your vehicle. Always set the parking brake fully
and make sure that the gearshift is securely latched in P
(Park) (automatic transmission) or in 1 (First) (manual
transmission). Never leave your vehicle unattended while
it is running. If you do not take these precautions, your
vehicle may move unexpectedly and injure someone.
[DR25015(ALL)03/93]
To release the parking brake, press the service brake pedal with
your right foot and hold the parking brake pedal down with
your left foot while you pull the parking brake release lever.
Lift your foot from the parking brake pedal after it is released.
*
[DR25050(ALL)01/93]
RWARNING
If the parking brake is fully released, but the Brake
System light remains on, have the brakes checked
immediately. They may not be working properly.
*
[DR25100(ALL)06/95]
The parking brake is not designed to stop a moving vehicle, but
you can use the parking brake to stop your vehicle in an
emergency if the normal brakes fail. However, since the parking
brake applies only the rear brakes, the stopping distance will
increase greatly and the handling of your vehicle will be
adversely affected.
%*
[DR25200(ALL)01/95]
Driving Under Special Conditions
%*
[DR25250(ALL)01/95]
Tips for Safe Driving
*
[DR25301(ALL)07/95]
As with any new vehicle, yours may drive and handle
differently from your previous vehicle. Use care until you
become accustomed to its various features and driving
characteristics.
File:10undrx.ex
Update:Thu Feb 29 09:12:36 1996

270
*
[DR27601(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
To avoid injury, never run the engine with one wheel off
the ground, such as when changing a tire.
%*
[DR27651(ALL)01/95]
High water
*
[DR27675(ALL)06/92]
Never attempt to cross water that is fast flowing or of unknown
depth.
*
[DR27701(ALL)05/90]
Do not drive through flooded areas unless you are sure that the
water is below the bottom of the wheel hubs.
*
[DR27750(ALL)04/94]
If you must drive through high water, drive slowly. You may
have limited traction or wet brakes, so allow extra stopping
distance because your vehicle will not stop as quickly as usual.
*
[DR27801(ALL)01/95]
After you drive through the standing water, apply your brakes
gently several times as your vehicle moves slowly. This helps to
dry the brakes.
*
[DR27820(ALL)06/95]
NOTE: If the transmission and transfer case is submerged in
water, their fluids should be checked and changed, if
necessary.
*
[DR27825(ALL)03/93]
NOTE: All rear axle lube quantities must be replaced every
100,000 miles (160,000 km) or if the axle has been
submerged in water. Otherwise, the lube should not
be checked or changed unless a leak is suspected or
repair required.
*
[DR27850(ALL)11/89]
Rocking the vehicle
*
[DR27901(ALL)05/90]
For 4x4 vehicles, engage 4WD LOW, when the vehicle gets
stuck and try to drive away.
*
[DR27950(ALL)05/95]
If your vehicle gets stuck (for example, in mud or snow), you
may rock it out of the spot. Shift in a steady rhythm between
forward and reverse gears. Allow the transmission to fully
engage, then press lightly on the accelerator. Do not rock the
vehicle for more than a few minutes. This may overheat the
File:10undrx.ex
Update:Thu Feb 29 09:12:36 1996