Page 294 of 444
294
[DR41235(ALL)02/92]
Suspension Modifications
[DR41250(ALL)03/91]
The suspension and steering systems on your vehicle have been
designed and tested to provide both safe, predictable
performance (whether loaded or empty) as well as durable load
carrying capability. Any modifications to the suspension or
steering systems can reduce your vehicle's performance
capability and adversely affect driver and passenger safety. Ford
recommends that you DO NOT make modifications such as
adding or removing parts (like lift kits, stabilizer bars or
snowplowing equipment) or by using replacement parts
non-equivalent to the original factory equipment.
%*
[DR41260(ALL)02/92]
Snowplowing
*
[DR41275(ALL)01/93]
RWARNING
Do not use this vehicle for snowplowing.
File:10undrx.ex
Update:Thu Feb 29 09:12:36 1996
Page 299 of 444
![FORD EXPLORER 1996 2.G Owners Manual Roadside Emergencies
299
*
[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 FORD EXPLORER 1996 2.G Owners Manual Roadside Emergencies
299
*
[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](/manual-img/11/4952/w960_4952-298.png)
Roadside Emergencies
299
*
[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
*
[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.
*
[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.
File:12unrex.ex
Update:Thu Feb 29 09:14:34 1996
Page 335 of 444
Servicing Your Explorer
335
*
[SV02750(ALL)03/95]
Working with the engine on:
[SV02775(ALL)03/95]1.
Set the parking brake fully, and make sure the gearshift is
securely latched in P (Park) (automatic transmission) or
Neutral (manual transmission) and block the wheels.
*
[SV02825(ALL)03/95]2.
Block the wheels. This will prevent your vehicle from
moving unexpectedly.
*
[SV02900(ALL)02/95]
RWARNING
Do not start your engine with the air cleaner removed
and do not remove it while the engine is running.
%*
[SV02950(ALL)03/95]
Opening the Hood
[SV03035(ALL)12/91]1.
Pull the hood release handle, located below the steering
column.
[SV03040(ALL)01/95]
7-1/2 pica art:0020332-B
Hood release handle
*
[SV03050( X)12/91]2.
While applying downward pressure on the hood, push the
hood latch handle located behind the grille near the center
front of the vehicle to the left.
File:15unsvx.ex
Update:Thu Feb 29 09:20:34 1996
Page 379 of 444
![FORD EXPLORER 1996 2.G Owners Manual Servicing Your Explorer
379
[SV37500(ALL)04/94]
7-1/2 pica art:0020382-C
Brake master cylinder
%*
[SV37600(ALL)03/95]
Power Steering Fluid
*
[SV37700(ALL)01/95]
Check the level of the power steering f FORD EXPLORER 1996 2.G Owners Manual Servicing Your Explorer
379
[SV37500(ALL)04/94]
7-1/2 pica art:0020382-C
Brake master cylinder
%*
[SV37600(ALL)03/95]
Power Steering Fluid
*
[SV37700(ALL)01/95]
Check the level of the power steering f](/manual-img/11/4952/w960_4952-378.png)
Servicing Your Explorer
379
[SV37500(ALL)04/94]
7-1/2 pica art:0020382-C
Brake master cylinder
%*
[SV37600(ALL)03/95]
Power Steering Fluid
*
[SV37700(ALL)01/95]
Check the level of the power steering fluid at least twice a
year (i.e., every Spring and Fall).
%*
[SV37800(ALL)03/95]
Checking and Adding Power Steering Fluid
*
[SV37900(ALL)02/95]1.
Start the engine and let it run until the power steering fluid
reaches normal operating temperature. The power steering
fluid will be at the right temperature when the engine
coolant temperature gauge in the instrument cluster is near
the center of the NORMAL operating temperature range.
*
[SV38000(ALL)01/95]2.
While the engine idles, turn the steering wheel back and
forth several times. Make sure that the cap assembly is
installed at this time.
*
[SV38100(ALL)05/95]3.
Turn the engine off.
%*
[SV38200(ALL)03/94]4.
Check the fluid level on the dipstick (which is highlighted in
yellow in your vehicle). The fluid level should be between
the arrows in the FULL HOT range, which is marked on the
side of the dipstick, opposite the side marked FULL COLD.
Do not add fluid if the level is within the FULL HOT range.
File:15unsvx.ex
Update:Thu Feb 29 09:20:34 1996
Page 380 of 444
380
[SV38250(ALL)04/94]
10-1/2 pica
art:0021195-A
Power steering dipstick
[SV38550(ALL)07/95]
10-1/2 pica
art:0090155-A
Power steering dipstick location
*
[SV38800(ALL)07/94]5.
If the power steering fluid is low, add fluid in small
amounts, continuously checking the level, until you reach the
FULL HOT range. Do not overfill.
*
[SV38850(ALL)03/95]6.
When you are finished, put the dipstick back in and make
sure that it fits snugly.
[SV38900(ALL)05/95]
Use only power steering fluid that meets Ford specification such
as MERCONHAutomatic Transmission Fluid (or equivalent).
File:15unsvx.ex
Update:Thu Feb 29 09:20:34 1996
Page 381 of 444
![FORD EXPLORER 1996 2.G Owners Manual Servicing Your Explorer
381
*
[SV39200(ALL)01/95]
If the power steering fluid is low, do not drive your vehicle for
a long period of time before adding fluid. This can damage the
power steering pump.
FORD EXPLORER 1996 2.G Owners Manual Servicing Your Explorer
381
*
[SV39200(ALL)01/95]
If the power steering fluid is low, do not drive your vehicle for
a long period of time before adding fluid. This can damage the
power steering pump.](/manual-img/11/4952/w960_4952-380.png)
Servicing Your Explorer
381
*
[SV39200(ALL)01/95]
If the power steering fluid is low, do not drive your vehicle for
a long period of time before adding fluid. This can damage the
power steering pump.
*
[SV39400(ALL)02/95]
If you check the power steering fluid when it is cold, make sure
that the fluid reaches the FULL COLD range on the dipstick.
The reading will only be accurate if the fluid temperature is
approximately 50 to85ÊF (10 to 30ÊC).
*
[SV39405(ALL)06/93]
NOTE: Do not turn the steering wheel of your vehicle with
the engine off. It could force power steering fluid out
from the reservoir cap or in extreme cases, it could
unseat the cap.
%*
[SV39495(ALL)03/95]
Fuses
[SV39600(ALL)03/95]
Fuses protect your vehicle's electrical system from overloading.
If electrical parts in your vehicle are not working, the system
may have been overloaded and blown a fuse. Before you
replace or repair any electrical parts, check the appropriate
fuses.
[SV39700(ALL)07/94]
The following charts tell you which fuses protect each electrical
part of your vehicle. If a fuse blows, all the parts of your
vehicle that use that circuit will not work.
*
[SV39800(ALL)05/95]
Once you have determined which fuses to check, follow the
procedures underChecking and replacing fuseslater in this
chapter.
File:15unsvx.ex
Update:Thu Feb 29 09:20:34 1996
Page 425 of 444

425
Index
Cleaning your vehicle (continued)
instrument panel................. 7,110
interior....................... 186
interior lamps.................... 133
leather seats.................... 186
mirrors....................... 191
plastic parts..................... 7
polishing....................... 6
rear windows.................... 126
rustproofing..................... 7
safety belts...................... 24
tail lamps..................... 132
upholstery and interior trim............. 186
washing....................... 6
waxing........................ 6
wheels....................... 370
windows...................... 126
Climate control system................. 110
Clock.....................219, 229, 241
Clutch
adjusting...................... 376
fluid........................ 376
fluid reservoir................... 376
operation while driving............... 251
recommended shift speeds.............. 253
shifting the gears.................. 251
specifications.................... 406
Cold engine starting................... 71
Combination lap and shoulder belts...........9,11
Compact disc radio (see Electronic sound system).... 209
Compass, electronic.................. 197
Compass/temperature display............. 197
Controls
instrument panel.................. 109
mirrors.....................188, 191
power seat..................... 183
steering column................... 135
File:unixx.ex
Update:Thu Feb 29 09:21:09 1996
Page 426 of 444

426
Convenience kit in cargo area............. 301
Coolant (see Engine coolant)
checking and adding................ 352
drain and flush................... 356
preparing for storage................ 410
refill capacities................... 356
specifications.................... 406
temperature gauge.................. 92
warnings...................... 352
Cooling fan...................... 334
Crankcase emission filter................ 405
Cruise control (see Speed control)............ 141
Customer Assistance Centre, Ford of Canada...... 324
D
Dashboard (see Instrument panel)............ 109
Daytime running light system............. 132
Defects, reporting................... 323
Defrost
rear window.................... 126
windshield..................... 113
Dipstick....................... 349
automatic transmission fluid...........373, 375
engine oil..................... 349
power steering fluid................. 379
Disabled vehicle (see Towing)............. 311
Dispute Settlement Board............... 319
Doors........................ 147
lubricant specifications................ 406
Driveline universal joint and slip yoke......... 377
Driving under special conditions
bad weather.................... 269
heavy load..................... 271
high speed..................... 268
high water..................... 270
slippery roads................... 269
tips for safe driving................. 267
towing a trailer................... 272
File:unixx.ex
Update:Thu Feb 29 09:21:09 1996