1996 FORD EXPLORER Owners Manual

Driving Your Explorer
249
[DR09850(ALL)01/95]
quarter page
art:0021255-A
Transmission control switch (located on the end of the gearshift lever)
*
[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.
*
[DR09950(ALL)05/94]
When starting your vehicle, the overdrive system will
automatically be in the normal overdrive mode.
*
[DR10100(ALL)01/95]
When to use 2 (Second)
*
[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.
*
[DR10300(ALL)01/95]
When to use 1 (Low)
*
[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.
File:10undrx.ex
Update:Thu Feb 29 09:12:36 1996

250
*
[DR10500(ALL)01/95]
P (Park)
*
[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.
*
[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.
*
[DR10700(ALL)06/95]
RWARNING
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the
gearshift is securely latched in P (Park).
*
[DR10800(ALL)06/95]
RWARNING
Never leave your vehicle unattended while it is running.
*
[DR11100(ALL)06/94]
Forced Downshifts
*
[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.
*
[DR11235(ALL)03/94]
Power Braking
*
[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.
*
[DR11285(ALL)09/95]
NOTE: Continued operation in the stall condition can result
in transmission overheat, malfunction or fluid
expulsion.
File:10undrx.ex
Update:Thu Feb 29 09:12:36 1996

Driving Your Explorer
251
[DR11300(ALL)08/94]
Manual Transmission Operation
%*
[DR11400(ALL)03/95]
Using the Clutch
*
[DR11500(ALL)01/95]
Make sure the gearshift lever is in the N (Neutral) position and
your right foot is holding down the brake pedal. Then press the
clutch pedal to the floor with your left foot. Manual
transmission vehicles have a starter interlock switch. The starter
will not crank until the clutch pedal is fully depressed. Start the
engine and allow it to idle for a few seconds. Move the
gearshift into 1 (First) or R (Reverse).
*
[DR11600(ALL)03/91]
To move the vehicle, release the clutch slowly and at the same
time press down slowly on the accelerator so that the vehicle
accelerates.
*
[DR11700(ALL)03/95]
Do not drive with your foot resting on the clutch pedal and do
not use the clutch to hold your vehicle at a standstill while
waiting on a hill. These actions will seriously reduce clutch life.
*
[DR11750(ALL)03/95]
Driving with your foot resting on the clutch may cause the
vehicle to jerk sharply when pressing or removing your other
foot from the accelerator.
%*
[DR11800(ALL)03/95]
Shifting the Gears
*
[DR11900(ALL)02/95]
The gearshift for a manual transmission is mounted on the floor.
The gearshift pattern consists of seven positions: Neutral, five
forward gears, and Reverse.
[DR12000(ALL)10/94]
7-1/2 pica art:0021180-B
5-Speed Overdrive manual transmission shift pattern
File:10undrx.ex
Update:Thu Feb 29 09:12:36 1996

252
*
[DR12300(ALL)03/91]
Backing up
*
[DR12400(ALL)03/95]
To shift into R (Reverse):
*
[DR12501(ALL)03/91]1.
Push the clutch pedal in all the way to the floor and hold it.
If you do not hold the clutch pedal in all the way, you may
hear a grinding noise when you shift.
*
[DR12551(ALL)03/93]2.
Bring your vehicle to a complete stop. Failure to do so may
cause synchronizer teeth damage, reducing the useful life of
your transmission.
*
[DR12600(ALL)08/94]3.
Put the gearshift in Neutral and wait at least 3 seconds
before shifting into R (Reverse) to prevent a grinding noise.
Do not release the clutch.
*
[DR12700(ALL)08/94]4.
Push the gearshift all the way to the right and pull it back
into Reverse.
*
[DR12800(ALL)01/95]
With the 5-speed transmission you can engage R (Reverse) only
by moving the gearshift from the left of 3 (Third) and 4 (Fourth)
gears before you shift into R (Reverse). This is a special lockout
feature that protects you from accidentally shifting into R when
you downshift from 5 (Fifth) gear.
*
[DR12950( X)02/92]5.
Once R (Reverse) is engaged, slowly release the clutch pedal
from the floor.
*
[DR13000(ALL)03/94]
If R (Reverse) is not engaged, continue to push the clutch pedal
in while you put the gearshift back into Neutral. Then, release
the clutch pedal for a moment and repeat steps 2 through 5.
*
[DR13100(ALL)03/91]
Upshifting/downshifting
[DR13200(ALL)01/95]
Upshift and downshift at the speeds that are specfied in the
charts.
File:10undrx.ex
Update:Thu Feb 29 09:12:36 1996

Driving Your Explorer
253
%*
[DR13250(ALL)06/95]
Recommended Shift Speeds
[DR14950(ALL)04/94]
Engines with 5-Speed Manual Overdrive Transmission
[DR15000(ALL)10/94]
thirty pica
chart:0021181-DFile:10undrx.ex
Update:Thu Feb 29 09:12:36 1996

254
*
[DR15100(ALL)03/95]
When you slow down or climb a steep hill, always downshift
before the engine starts to lose power. Downshifting reduces the
chance of stalling and gives your vehicle better acceleration to
increase speed again.
*
[DR15200(ALL)03/95]
When you drive down steep hills, downshifting helps you keep
a safe speed and helps prevent unnecessary wear on the brakes.
*
[DR15300(ALL)03/95]
When you come to a stop, do not downshift through each gear.
Disengage the clutch and use the brake as necessary.
Downshifting through the gears decreases your vehicle's fuel
economy.
*
[DR15400(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Continued use of a damaged or worn clutch, prolonged
clutch slippage or downshifting at excessive speeds can
result in a failure of the engine, transmission or clutch
components.
*
[DR15500(ALL)03/91]
Transmission Function
[DR15600(ALL)10/94]
Upshift at the speeds specified in the chart. All forward gears
are synchronized allowing you to shift into them with your
vehicle in motion. The clutch pedal should be fully depressed
when shifting.
*
[DR15625(ALL)04/94]
NOTE: Shifting during extremely low rpm's can result in a
momentary audible rattle which disappears as vehicle
rpm's are increased. Shifting at higher speeds will
eliminate this sound.
*
[DR15700(ALL)03/95]
Parking
*
[DR15800(ALL)01/95]
To park your vehicle, apply the service brake pedal, and shift
into N (Neutral) while still maintaining pressure on the service
brake. Set the parking brake fully. Shift into first and turn off
the ignition.
File:10undrx.ex
Update:Thu Feb 29 09:12:36 1996

Driving Your Explorer
255
*
[DR15900(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Do not park your vehicle in Neutral, it may move
unexpectedly and injure someone. Use 1 (First) gear and
set the parking brake fully.
%*
[DR15915(ALL)01/95]
Steering Your Vehicle
%*
[DR15945( X)01/95]
Your vehicle comes with power steering. Power steering uses
energy from the engine to help steer your vehicle.
%*
[DR15950(ALL)04/95]
If the amount of effort needed to steer your vehicle changes at a
constant vehicle speed, have the power steering system checked.
If the power steering system breaks down (or if the engine is
turned off), you can steer the vehicle manually but it takes more
effort.
*
[DR15960(ALL)01/95]
Never hold the steering wheel to the extreme right or left for
more than five seconds if the engine is running. This can
damage the power steering pump.
*
[DR15985(ALL)05/90]
NOTE: After any severe impact such as striking large
potholes, sliding into curbs on icy roads, or a collision
involving the front end, observe the steering wheel
alignment. If the spokes of the steering wheel seem to
be in a different position while going straight down
the road, have the front suspension and steering
checked for possible damage.
File:10undrx.ex
Update:Thu Feb 29 09:12:36 1996

256
%*
[DR16101(ALL)03/95]
Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) System
(If equipped)
[DR16130(ALL)10/94]
When you select the 4WD mode, your vehicle uses all four
wheels to power itself. This increases traction, enabling you to
drive your 4x4 over terrain and road conditions not travelled
normally by two-wheel drive vehicles.
*
[DR16160(ALL)10/94]
Power is supplied to all four wheels through a transfer case that
allows you to select four-wheel drive when necessary. Methods
for engaging and disengaging 4WD and low range will depend
on which system your vehicle has.
[DR17585( X)01/95]
4WD Systems Ð Control Trac
[DR17615( X)01/95]
The Control Trac 4WD system functions in three modes. In
two-wheel drive mode, power is delivered only to the rear axle.
The 4WD AUTO position provides four-wheel drive with full
power delivered to the rear axle, and to the front axle as
required for increased traction. The 4WD LOW position
provides four-wheel drive with full power delivered to the front
and rear axles when above average power is required at
reduced speeds.
[DR17645( X)01/95]
Four-wheel drive operation (4WD LOW) on dry pavement is not
recommended. Operating the vehicle in 4WD LOW on dry
pavement will increase noise, vibration, tire wear, and decrease
fuel economy.
[DR17690( X)08/94]
Control Trac system indicator lights
[DR17735( X)03/95]
A 4WD indicator light and a 4WD LOW indicator light are
located in the instrument cluster. If either light flashes, take
your vehicle in for service.
[DR17750(ALL)01/95]
n
Two-Wheel Drive mode Ð Neither the 4WD nor the 4WD
LOW lights are lit.
[DR17790( X)1/96]
n
4WD Auto mode Ð Only the 4WD light is lit.
File:10undrx.ex
Update:Thu Feb 29 09:12:36 1996