1996 FORD EXPLORER light

Driving Your Explorer
273
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[DR29501(ALL)12/91]
Trucks, unlike passenger cars, are basically custom vehicles
designed to carry a load. Most owners start with a base vehicle
and add production and dealer installed and/or aftermarket
components to suit their tastes and purposes. Even trucks that
are purchased for personal transportation only are likely to have
considerable optional equipment, such as step bumpers and
light bars, for example.
*
[DR29525(ALL)09/95]
RWARNING
It is extremely dangerous to ride in a cargo area, inside
or outside of a vehicle. In a collision, people riding in
these areas are more likely to be seriously injured or
killed.
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[DR29530(ALL)09/95]
RWARNING
Do not allow people to ride in any area of your vehicle
that is not equipped with seats and safety belts.
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[DR29535(ALL)09/95]
RWARNING
Be sure everyone in your vehicle is in a seat and using a
safety belt properly.
*
[DR29551(ALL)03/91]
Each additional item of equipment affects how much cargo a
vehicle can carry. If a vehicle is overloaded, performance will
suffer and service concerns may arise.
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[DR29601(ALL)04/95]
The following is a typical example of a Safety Compliance
Certification Label and an explanation of how this information
should be used:
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276
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[DR30801(ALL)01/93]
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
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[DR30850(ALL)03/91]
We have all seen a car or a truck that is loaded down in the
rear and riding high in the front. This is a dangerous condition
that usually means that the rear suspension components are
under severe strain and that vehicle handling is impaired. There
is more to carrying a load than just payload or GVWR.
*
[DR30901(ALL)03/91]
Your Safety Compliance Certification Label not only gives the
GVWR, it also gives the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
which is the carrying capacity for each axle system. For trucks,
the rear axle will be designed to carry more weight than the
front.
*
[DR30950(ALL)06/92]
The rating is based on the carrying capacity of thelowest rated
axle and suspension component as well as other factors. This is
why it's so important to observe vehicle loading ratings.
Overloading a vehicle punishes components and can lead to
shortened service life or outright failure.
*
[DR31001(ALL)06/92]
The capacity of the tires is included as part of the axle and
suspension system, which is to be considered when determining
the lowest rated component. Tires are rated to carry a specific
maximum load at a specific maximum tire pressure.
*
[DR31050(ALL)06/92]
Passenger car type tires when installed on light trucks and
multipurpose passenger vehicles are rated at 10% lower load
carrying capacity due to the differences in vehicle usages.
*
[DR31101(ALL)05/95]
The vehicle must not be loaded to both the front and rear
GAWR because the GVWR will be exceeded. The GAWR of the
front and rear axles exceeds the GVWR when added together to
allow flexibility in fore and aft loading of cargo.
*
[DR31110(ALL)06/92]
With the tires inflated to the specified pressure the total weight
of your vehicle must not exceed the GVWR and GAWR
specified on the Safety Compliance Certification Label. This
includes full fuel tank(s), vehicle equipment, and occupants as
well as the cargo load.
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290
%*
[DR37800(ALL)07/95]
Safety Chains
[DR37925( X)03/93]
Located near the step bumper hitch ball position are two holes
in the underside of the hitch plate for a Class II trailer (max).
These holes may be used for safety chain attachment when
towing with the step bumper. Always use safety chains when
towing. Safety chains are used to retain connection between the
towing and towed vehicle in the event of separation of the
trailer coupling or ball. Cross the chains under the trailer tongue
and allow slack for turning corners. Connect the chain to the
hitch plate using a positive coupling, such as ªQuick Linksº,
with a strength rating of at least that of the safety chain rating.
[DR37950( X)12/92]
When using a frame mounted trailer hitch, do not attach the
safety chains to the step bumper. Attach the safety chains to the
frame mounted hitch using the recommendations supplied by
the hitch manufacturer.
%*
[DR38000(ALL)08/95]
Trailer Brakes
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[DR38100(ALL)03/95]
Separate trailer brakes are required on most towed vehicles
weighing over 1,500 lb (680 kg).
*
[DR38200(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
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.
%*
[DR38300(ALL)06/95]
Trailer Lamps
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[DR38400(ALL)11/89]
Make sure your trailer lamps conform to Federal and local
regulations.
*
[DR38425(ALL)03/91]
Class I and Class II Trailer Tow electrical wiring provides two
circuits (right hand and left hand) to operate trailer stop/turn
tail lamps. Each stop/turn circuit will operate one combination
stop/turn light bulb (# 1157, 3157, 2357, or 3357) on the trailer.
Never add more than one trailer light bulb to one circuit.
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292
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[DR38925(ALL)08/95]
Servicing Your Vehicle If You Tow
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[DR38950(ALL)08/93]
If you tow a trailer for a long distance, your vehicle will need
to be serviced more frequently than usual. Refer to the
Maintenance Schedule and Recordbooklet for additional
information.
[DR39000(ALL)08/95]
Trailer towing tips
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[DR39100(ALL)11/89]
Before starting on a trip, practice turning, stopping and backing
in an area away from heavy traffic. Get to know the ªfeelº of
the vehicle/trailer combination.
*
[DR39200(ALL)05/90]
Practice backing up. Back up very slowly, with someone outside
at the rear of your trailer to guide you. Place your hand at the
bottom of the steering wheel and move it in the direction you
want the rear of the trailer to swing. Slight movement of the
steering wheel results in a much larger movement of the rear of
the trailer.
*
[DR39300(ALL)11/89]
Allow more room for stopping with a trailer attached. Trailer
brakes should be applied first, whether manually or
automatically controlled, when approaching a stop.
*
[DR39400(ALL)11/89]
For a good handling truck-trailer combination, the trailer tongue
load should be approximately 10-15% of the loaded trailer
weight.
*
[DR39500(ALL)05/95]
Make a thorough check of your equipment before starting out
on the road. After you have traveled about 50 miles (80 km)
stop in a protected area and double-check your hitch and
electrical connections. Also check trailer wheel lug nuts for
tightness.
*
[DR39600(ALL)11/89]
When turning, drive slightly beyond the normal turning point
so the trailer wheels will clear curbs or other obstructions.
[DR39750(ALL)01/95]
When stopped in traffic for long periods of time in hot weather,
place the gearshift selector lever in P (Park) to increase the
engine idle speed. This aids in engine cooling and air
conditioner efficiency. If the engine overheats, rotate the
function selector control knob to panel position to stop the
compressor and increase the engine speed for a short time.
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295
Roadside Emergencies
%*
[RE00400(ALL)03/95]
Jump-Starting Your Vehicle
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[RE00500(ALL)08/95]
Your vehicle's battery may die if you leave the lights on or any
electrical equipment on after you turn the engine off. If this
happens, you may be able to jump-start your vehicle with a
booster battery.
*
[RE00600(ALL)02/95]
RWARNING
The gases around the battery can explode if exposed to
flames, sparks, or lit cigarettes. An explosion could result
in injury or vehicle damage.
*
[RE00700(ALL)02/95]
RWARNING
To protect yourself when charging a battery, always
shield your face and eyes. Make sure that you can
breathe fresh air.
%*
[RE00800(ALL)06/95]
RWARNING
Applying too much pressure on the ends when lifting a
battery could cause acid to spill. Lift the battery with a
carrier or with your hands on the opposite corners.
%*
[RE00900(ALL)07/95]
RWARNING
Batteries contain sulfuric acid which burns skin, eyes,
and clothing.
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[RE00910(ALL)07/95]
If the acid touches someone's skin, eyes, or clothing,
immediately flush the area with water for at least 15 minutes. If
someone swallows the acid, have him or her drink lots of milk
or water first, then Milk of Magnesia, a beaten egg, or vegetable
oil. Call a doctor immediately.
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Update:Thu Feb 29 09:14:34 1996

296
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[RE00950(ALL)06/95]
RWARNING
Do not push-start your vehicle. You could damage the
catalytic converter. For further information, seeJumper
Cablesin the Index.
*
[RE01000(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
To avoid damage or injury, follow these directions in the
order they are given. If in doubt, call for road service.
*
[RE01100(ALL)03/95]
Preparing Your Vehicle
*
[RE01200(ALL)03/95]1.
Your vehicle has a 12-volt starting system, so you need to
use a 12-volt jumper system. You will damage your starting
motor, ignition system, and other electrical parts if you
connect them to a 24-volt power supply (either two 12-volt
batteries in series or a 24-volt generator set).
*
[RE01300(ALL)03/95]2.
Do not disconnect the battery of the disabled vehicle. You
could damage the vehicle's electrical system.
*
[RE01400(ALL)04/95]3.
Park the booster vehicle close to the hood of the disabled
vehicle.Make sure the vehicles do not touch each other.Set
the parking brake on both vehicles and stay clear of the
engine cooling fan and other moving parts.
*
[RE01500(ALL)03/95]4.
Check all battery terminals and remove any excessive
corrosion before you attach the jumper cables.
*
[RE01600(ALL)02/95]5.
Turn on the heater fan in both vehicles. Turning on the fan
helps protect the electrical system from voltage surges. Turn
off all other switches and lights in both vehicles to prevent
possible damage to either vehicle's electrical systems.
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Update:Thu Feb 29 09:14:34 1996

Roadside Emergencies
299
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[RE03400(ALL)05/95]4.
Remove the other end of the positive (+) cable from the
discharged battery.
*
[RE03500(ALL)1/96]
After the vehicle is started, let it idle for a while to let the
engine ªrelearnº its idle conditions. Drive it around for a while
with all electrical accessories turned off to let the battery
recharge. Driveability may be deteriorated slightly until all drive
modes are ªrelearned.ºYou may need to use a battery charger
to fully recharge the battery.
*
[RE03525( X)01/95]
If you need to replace your battery, seeBatteryin theServicing
Your Explorerchapter.
%*
[RE03600(ALL)03/95]
Changing a Tire
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[RE03700(ALL)01/95]
If you get a flat tire while you are driving, do not apply the
brake heavily. Instead, gradually decrease the speed. Hold the
steering wheel firmly and slowly move to a safe place on the
side of the road. Park on a level spot, turn off the ignition, set
the parking brake, and turn on the hazard flashers.
%*
[RE03800(ALL)03/95]
The Conventional Spare Tire
[RE03915( X)10/94]
Your vehicle may be equipped with a conventional spare tire,
which you can use as a spare or as a regular tire. This spare tire
is identical to the other tires that come with your vehicle,
although the wheel may not match.
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[RE03930(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
To avoid injury, never run the engine with one wheel off
the ground, such as when changing a tire.
%*
[RE04000(ALL)03/95]
The Temporary Spare Tire
*
[RE04100(ALL)03/95]
You may have a high pressure temporary spare tire. This spare
tire is smaller than a regular tire and is designed for emergency
use only. Use it only when you get a flat tire and replace it as
soon as you can. This spare tire is marked with the words
ªTEMPORARY USE ONLYº so that you can easily identify it.
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Update:Thu Feb 29 09:14:34 1996

314
[RE28400(ALL)05/91]
n
Disconnect the driveshaft at the rear differential and properly
support it under the vehicle.
[RE28500(ALL)01/95]
n
Mark the driveshaft and axle flanges to ensure proper
position when reconnecting the driveshaft. Refer to service
manual for proper driveshaft fastener torque specification.
(See theAccessorieschapter for information on ordering
service manuals.)
[RE28600(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
When disconnecting/installing the driveshaft, the parking
brake must be set and the wheels blocked to ensure the
vehicle does not roll.
[RE28700(ALL)06/94]
n
Maximum speed is 55 mph (88 km/h), unlimited distance.
[RE28720(ALL)12/91]
4x2ÐManualtransmission
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[RE28740(ALL)03/95]
n
Release the parking brake.
[RE28750(ALL)01/95]
n
Place the transmission gearshift in the neutral position.
[RE28770(ALL)12/91]
n
Maximum speed is limited by towing equipment
manufacturer's recommendation, unlimited distance.
[RE29450( X)10/94]
CONTROL TRAC transfer case
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[RE29500(ALL)03/95]
n
Release the parking brake.
[RE29600(ALL)01/95]
n
Place the transmission gearshift in the neutral position.
[RE29750( X)10/94]
n
Ensure the transfer case is in 2WD.
[RE29800(ALL)10/94]
NOTE: Both the 4WD and 4WD Low indicator lights in the
instrument panel will be off when the 4WD switch is
in 2WD.
[RE29850(ALL)10/92]
For automatic transmissions:
[RE29900(ALL)10/94]
n
Maximum speed is 35 mph (56 km/h).
[RE30000(ALL)10/94]
n
Maximum distance is 50 miles (80 km).
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Update:Thu Feb 29 09:14:34 1996