1996 FORD EXPLORER automatic transmission

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Driving Your Explorer
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[DR00350(ALL)06/95]
Procedures for driving your vehicle will vary depending on
which type of transmission your vehicle has.
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[DR00600(ALL)06/95]
n
a manual transmission
[DR05475( X)12/95]
n
an Automatic Overdrive Transmission 4R55E or 4R70W
[DR05700(ALL)1/96]
Automatic Transmission Operation
4R44E/4R55E/4R70W
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[DR08715(ALL)12/95]
The 4R44E, 4R55E and 4R70W transmissions are electronically
controlled four speed overdrive automatic transmissions with
lockup torque converter. Transmission operation is controlled by
the Powertrain Control Module (PCM).
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[DR08720(ALL)08/95]
The PCM will automatically adjust transmission operation to
make up for varying conditions. Several sensors located on the
engine and transmission such as throttle position, engine speed,
vehicle speed and transmission temperature are used by the
PCM to shift the transmission into a higher or lower gear when
required for the best performance and fuel economy. For
example, you may notice that the transmission will upshift to a
higher gear more quickly when the vehicle has not reached
normal operating temperature.
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[DR08730(ALL)08/95]
The PCM also controls the transmission's Torque Converter
Clutch (TCC) to further raise vehicle performance and fuel
economy. The TCC will engage when the transmission operating
temperature and other conditions determined by the PCM have
been met. Engagement of the clutch may be noted as a decrease
in engine speed.
[DR08740(ALL)03/95]
To help in troubleshooting, the PCM continually performs
self-tests on the electronic control system and, if any faults are
detected, stores them in memory. The Overdrive Off Indicator
Light (O/D OFF), which is located on the instrument cluster,
may flash steadily if a malfunction has been detected. If the
File:10undrx.ex
Update:Thu Feb 29 09:12:36 1996

248
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R (Reverse)
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[DR09300(ALL)08/95]
With the gearshift in the R (Reverse) position, the vehicle will
move backward. You should always come to a complete stop
before shifting into or out of R (Reverse).
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[DR09350(ALL)01/95]
N (Neutral)
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[DR09375(ALL)01/95]
With the gearshift in the N (Neutral) position, the vehicle can be
started and is free to roll. Hold the brake pedal down while in
this position.
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[DR09400(ALL)01/95]
Driving
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[DR09500(ALL)04/95]
When to use
j(Overdrive)
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[DR09600(ALL)04/95]
This is the normal driving position. As the vehicle picks up
speed, automatic upshifts to second, third and fourth gears will
occur when
jOverdrive is chosen on the selector and the
transmission control switch has not been pressed. The
transmission will shift into the correct gear when the right
speed is achieved, for the accelerator pedal position you have
chosen.
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[DR09700(ALL)03/94]
When to use Drive
[DR09800(ALL)06/95]
You will note there is not a drive position on your gearshift
indicator. However, you will find a transmission control switch
labeled O/D ON/OFF located on the end of the gearshift lever.
Press this switch and the O/D OFF indicator light will
illuminate on the instrument cluster. With overdrive cancelled
and the O/D OFF indicator light illuminated, the transmission
will operate in gears one through three. This is useful if you
experience frequent downshift/upshift conditions, when
operating with a heavy load or in hilly terrain, or if additional
engine braking is useful. However, shift back to
j(Overdrive)
whenever practical for optimum powertrain cooling and fuel
economy. This can be accomplished by pushing the transmission
control switch again, to cancel the O/D OFF control and light.
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Update:Thu Feb 29 09:12:36 1996

Driving Your Explorer
249
[DR09850(ALL)01/95]
quarter page
art:0021255-A
Transmission control switch (located on the end of the gearshift lever)
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[DR09900(ALL)05/95]
To return the transmission to the normal
jOverdrive
operation, press the transmission control switch again. The
Transmission Control Indicator Light will not be illuminated
when Overdrive operation resumes. This switch may be used to
select O/D ON or O/D OFF any time the vehicle is being
driven.
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[DR09950(ALL)05/94]
When starting your vehicle, the overdrive system will
automatically be in the normal overdrive mode.
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[DR10100(ALL)01/95]
When to use 2 (Second)
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[DR10200(ALL)01/95]
Use 2 (Second) to start-up on slippery roads or to provide
additional engine braking on downgrades. This position
provides 2 (Second) gear operation only.
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[DR10300(ALL)01/95]
When to use 1 (Low)
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[DR10400(ALL)04/95]
Use 1 (Low) to provide maximum engine braking on steep
downgrades. Upshifts from 1 (Low) can be made by manually
shifting to 2 (Second) or
j(Overdrive). Selection of 1 (Low)
gear provides only low gear operation from start-up. Selection
of 1 (Low) while at higher speeds provides a shift to second
gear, and a shift to first gear will occur after the vehicle
decelerates to the proper speed.
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Update:Thu Feb 29 09:12:36 1996

250
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P (Park)
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[DR10600(ALL)03/94]
Always come to a complete stop before you shift into P (Park).
This position locks the transmission and prevents the rear
wheels from turning. To securely latch the gearshift in the P
(Park) position, pull it toward you, push it completely
counterclockwise against the stop, and then push it toward the
instrument panel.
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[DR10650(ALL)03/94]
The gearshift is securely latched in P (Park) if you cannot rotate
it in a clockwise direction without lifting it toward you.
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[DR10700(ALL)06/95]
RWARNING
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the
gearshift is securely latched in P (Park).
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[DR10800(ALL)06/95]
RWARNING
Never leave your vehicle unattended while it is running.
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[DR11100(ALL)06/94]
Forced Downshifts
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[DR11200(ALL)04/95]
To gain extra acceleration injOverdrive or Drive (O/D OFF),
push the accelerator to the floor. The transmission will
automatically downshift to the appropriate gear: third, second
or first.
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[DR11235(ALL)03/94]
Power Braking
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[DR11275(ALL)03/94]
Increasing the engine speed above idle without vehicle
movement (such as holding the brake) in a forward or reverse
gear causes transmission stall.
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[DR11285(ALL)09/95]
NOTE: Continued operation in the stall condition can result
in transmission overheat, malfunction or fluid
expulsion.
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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

Driving Your Explorer
267
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[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.
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[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.
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[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.
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Driving Under Special Conditions
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Tips for Safe Driving
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[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.
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Update:Thu Feb 29 09:12:36 1996

Driving Your Explorer
269
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Driving in Bad Weather
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Slippery roads
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Drive cautiously on wet or snowy roads:
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[DR26850(ALL)03/95]
n
Do not quickly move the steering wheel unless necessary.
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[DR26901(ALL)01/95]
n
Drive slower than you normally would.
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[DR26951(ALL)01/95]
n
Give your vehicle more distance to stop.
[DR27001(ALL)01/95]
n
Pump the brake pedal steadily and evenly to avoid locking
your front wheels (except with 4WABS).
[DR27025(ALL)05/95]
n
To stop on ice, shift to N (Neutral) below 10 mph (15 km/h)
and gently pump brakes (except with 4WABS).
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[DR27050(ALL)02/93]
n
Consider using one of the lower gears.
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[DR27101(ALL)05/91]
n
For 4x4 vehicles, engage 4WD, and try to drive slowly away.
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[DR27150(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
To avoid losing control on slippery roads, do not
downshift into Low with the automatic transmission
when moving faster than 20 mph (32 km/h). Do not
downshift into First with the manual transmission when
moving faster than 5 mph (8 km/h).
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[DR27450(ALL)03/95]
Traction-Lok Rear Axle (If equipped)
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[DR27501(ALL)03/95]
This axle provides added drive away traction on slippery
surfaces, particularly when one or more wheels are on a surface
with poor traction.
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[DR27550(ALL)03/93]
Extended use of other than matching size tires on a
Traction-Lok rear axle could result in a permanent reduction in
effectiveness. This loss of effectiveness does not affect normal
driving and should not be noticeable to the driver.
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Update:Thu Feb 29 09:12:36 1996

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Automatic Transmissions
[DR34250( X)06/95]
thirty pica
chart:0090209-AFile:10undrx.ex
Update:Thu Feb 29 09:12:36 1996