1996 FORD EXPLORER Owners Manual

Servicing Your Explorer
369
%*
[SV28800(ALL)04/95]
Wheel and Tire Matching
*
[SV28950(ALL)03/95]
See an authorized tire dealer for proper servicing procedures.
Wheels and tires must be properly removed, matched and
remounted to maintain the best possible ride.
%*
[SV31100(ALL)04/95]
Snow Tires and Chains
*
[SV31200(ALL)01/95]
The tires on your vehicle have all-weather treads that provide
traction in rain or snow. However, during the winter months in
some climates, you may need to use snow tires and occasionally
chains for your tires.
*
[SV31300(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Snow tires must be the same size and grade as the tires
you currently have on your vehicle.
[SV31350( X)05/95]
RWARNING
Do not use chains on P255/70R16 tires on vehicles
equipped with automatic ride control.
*
[SV31400(ALL)02/95]
Do not use chains when using a temporary spare. For full size
tires, use chains on the tires only in an emergency or if the law
requires them where you live. When you use the tire chains:
*
[SV31500(ALL)01/95]
n
Make sure the chains are the right size for your tires. Use
only SAE Class ªSº chains. Other types may damage your
vehicle.
*
[SV31525(ALL)08/93]
n
Tire chains may scratch or chip aluminum wheels. IT IS
RECOMMENDED THAT TIRE CHAINS ARE INSTALLED
ON STEEL WHEELS ONLY. Be sure to remove wheel
covers (if equipped) from steel rims before using tire chains
to avoid scratches or damage.
[SV31550(ALL)01/95]
n
Install tire chains on rear tires; use of chains on front tires is
not recommended.
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370
[SV31575(ALL)01/95]
n
Local regulations may prohibit or restrict the use of tire
chains. Investigate the laws and regulations in your area
before installing chains.
*
[SV31600(ALL)01/95]
n
Put the chains on tightly with the ends held down securely.
Verify that no chain touches any wiring, brake lines, or fuel
lines. Follow the chain manufacturer's instructions.
*
[SV31700(ALL)01/95]
n
Drive slowly. If you can hear the chains rub or bang against
your vehicle, stop the vehicle and tighten the chains. If you
continue to hear the chains rub or bang against your vehicle,
remove the chains to prevent damage to your vehicle.
*
[SV31800(ALL)10/94]
n
Avoid fully loading your vehicle if possible.
*
[SV31850(ALL)11/94]
n
Tire chains may affect vehicle handling. Drive carefully and
avoid hard braking.
[SV31900(ALL)03/95]
Remove tire chains at the first opportunity after using them on
snow and ice. Do not use the chains on dry roads.
*
[SV31950(ALL)05/91]
n
Make sure your suspension insulation and bumpers are not
missing or worn to avoid damage to your vehicle.
%*
[SV31960(ALL)04/95]
Cleaning the Wheels
*
[SV31970(ALL)05/95]
Wash the wheels with the same detergent you use to wash your
vehicle's body. Do not use acid-based wheel cleaners, steel wool,
abrasives, fuel, or strong detergents. These substances will
damage protective coatings. Use tar and road oil remover to
remove grease and tar.
*
[SV31975(ALL)09/95]
NOTE: Before going to a car wash, find out if the brushes are
abrasive.
[SV31980(ALL)03/95]
If you have raised white letter tires that are difficult to clean
with regular detergent, use whitewall tire cleaner. Follow the
directions on the container and rinse the tires with plenty of
clean water.
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Servicing Your Explorer
371
%*
[SV32100(ALL)03/95]
Battery
*
[SV32200(ALL)02/95]
Your vehicle may have a Motorcraft maintenance-free battery.
The Motorcraft maintenance-free battery does not require
additional water during its life of service. The vents are part of
the cover and cannot be removed. For longer, trouble-free
operation, keep the top of the battery clean and dry. Also, make
certain the battery cables are tightly fastened to the battery
terminals.
*
[SV32300(ALL)02/95]
If you see any corrosion on the battery cables or terminals,
remove the cables from the terminal and clean them both with a
wire brush. You can neutralize the acid with a solution of
baking soda and water. Reinstall the cables when you are done
cleaning them, and apply a small quantity of grease to the top
of each battery terminal to help prevent corrosion.
*
[SV32400(ALL)07/95]
Battery replacement
*
[SV32500(ALL)02/95]
If your original equipment battery requires replacement (under
warranty), it may in some cases be replaced by a Motorcraft
low-maintenance battery. The low-maintenance battery has
removable vent caps for checking the electrolyte level and for
adding water, if needed.
[SV32550(ALL)05/95]
NOTE: If your battery has a cover/shield, make sure it is
re-installed after the battery is replaced.
*
[SV32600(ALL)07/95]
Check your battery's electrolyte level, at least every 12 months
or 12,000 miles (20,000 km), in temperatures up to90ÊF (32ÊC)
and more often in temperatures above90ÊF (32ÊC).Keep the
electrolyte in each cell up to the ªlevelº indicator. Do not
overfill the battery cell.
*
[SV32700(ALL)02/95]
If the electrolyte level in your battery gets low, you can add
plain tap water to the battery, as long as you don't use hard
water, or water with a high mineral or alkali content. If
possible, however, try to only fill the battery cell with distilled
water. If the battery needs water often, have the charging
system checked.
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372
%*
[SV32725(ALL)03/95]
Help Us Protect Our Environment
*
[SV32750(ALL)04/95]
Ford Motor Company strongly recommends that used lead-acid
batteries be returned to an authorized recycling facility for
disposal.
*
[SV32775(ALL)02/95]
7-1/2 pica art:0040201-A
Battery recycling symbol
%*
[SV33000(ALL)01/95]
Because your vehicle's engine is electronically controlled by a
computer, some control conditions are maintained by power
from the battery. If you ever disconnect the battery, install a
new battery, or experience a dead battery, you must allow the
computer to ªrelearnº its idle conditions before your vehicle will
idle at its best. To let the engine do this, apply the parking
brake, put the gearshift in Park (automatic transmission) or
Neutral (manual transmission), turn off all the accessories, and
start the vehicle. Let the engine idle for at least one minute.
*
[SV33100(ALL)03/95]
If you do not let the engine relearn its idle, the idle quality of
your vehicle may be adversely affected until the idle is
relearned. Your vehicle will eventually relearn its idle while you
drive it, but it takes much longer than if you use the previous
procedure.
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Servicing Your Explorer
373
*
[SV33200(ALL)01/95]
RWARNING
Batteries normally produce explosive gases which can
cause personal injury. Therefore, do not allow flames,
sparks or lit tobacco to come near the battery. When
charging or working near a battery, always cover your
face and protect your eyes, and also provide ventilation.
%*
[SV33300(ALL)07/95]
RWARNING
Batteries contain sulfuric acid which burns skin, eyes,
and clothing.
*
[SV33310(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.
%*
[SV33400(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.
%*
[SV33500(ALL)01/95]
Automatic Transmission Fluid
*
[SV33601(ALL)06/95]
Under normal driving conditions automatic transmission fluid
should be changed every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 21,000
miles (34,000 km) if under severe duty conditions. However, if
the transmission is not working properly, for instance, the
transmission may slip or shift slowly, or you may notice some
sign of fluid leakage, the fluid level should be checked.
*
[SV33701(ALL)05/95]
It is preferable to check the transmission fluid level at normal
operating temperature, after approximately 20 miles (30 km) of
driving. However, if necessary, you can check the fluid level
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374without having to drive 20 miles to obtain a normal operating
temperature if outside temperatures are above50ÊF (10ÊC).
*
[SV33801(ALL)01/95]
NOTE: If the vehicle has been operated for an extended
period at high speeds or in city traffic during hot
weather, or pulling a trailer, the vehicle should be
turned off for about 30 minutes to allow the fluid to
cool before checking.
%*
[SV33901(ALL)02/95]
Checking the Automatic Transmission Fluid
*
[SV33910(ALL)06/95]
With the vehicle on a level surface, start the engine and move
the transmission shift selector through all of the gear ranges
allowing sufficient time for each position to engage. Securely
latch the transmission shift selector in the P (Park) position,
fully set the parking brake and leave the engine running.
*
[SV33930(ALL)10/89]
RWARNING
Your vehicle should not be driven if the fluid level is
below the bottom hole on the dipstick and outside
temperatures are above50ÊF (10ÊC).
*
[SV33940(ALL)08/95]
Wipe off the dipstick cap (located on the passenger's side of the
engine), pull the dipstick out and wipe the indicator end clean.
Put the dipstick back into the filler tube and make sure it is
fully seated. Pull the dipstick out and read the fluid level.
*
[SV33950(ALL)03/90]
When checking fluid at normal operating temperature, the fluid
level should be within the crosshatched area on the dipstick.
When the vehicle has not been driven, and outside temperature
is above50ÊF (10ÊC), thefluid level should be between the holes
on the dipstick.
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Servicing Your Explorer
375
%*
[SV33960(ALL)08/95]
Adding Automatic Transmission Fluid
*
[SV33970(ALL)03/94]
The fluid type is stamped on the dipstick.Before adding any
fluid, be sure that the correct type will be used.
*
[SV33980(ALL)10/89]
Add fluid in 1/2 pint (.25L) increments through the filler tube
to bring the level to the correct area on the dipstick. If an
overfill occurs, excess fluid should be removed by a qualified
technician.
%*
[SV33990(ALL)09/95]
NOTE: Always dispose of used automotive fluids in a
responsible manner. Follow your community's
standards for disposing of these types of fluids. Call
your local recycling center to find out about recycling
automotive fluids.
[SV34000(ALL)04/94]
7-1/2 pica art:0021193-A
Automatic transmission dipstick
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376
%*
[SV34400(ALL)06/95]
Manual Transmission and Transfer Case
Fluid
*
[SV34600(ALL)01/95]
Checking the Manual Transmission Fluid
*
[SV34700(ALL)12/91]
Clean the filler plug on the side of the case. Remove the filler
plug. The fluid level should be up to the bottom of the filler
plug hole.
*
[SV34800(ALL)03/91]
If additional fluid is required:
*
[SV34900(ALL)01/95]1.
Add enough fluid through the filler plug hole to bring the
level up to the bottom of the hole. Use only fluid certified to
meet Ford Motor Company lubricant specification as listed
underRefill Capacities, Motorcraft Parts, and Lubricant
Specifications, later in this chapter.
*
[SV35000(ALL)03/91]2.
Replace the filler plug in its original position, making sure it
is fully seated.
%*
[SV35100(ALL)02/95]
The Clutch
*
[SV35200(ALL)03/91]
The clutch on your vehicle is automatically self-adjusting and
should not require any routine service.
*
[SV35301(ALL)03/91]
During normal operation the fluid level in the clutch reservoir
will slowly rise. If for any reason the fluid level drops, maintain
the fluid level at the step in the reservoir body.
%*
[SV35400(ALL)03/94]
If it becomes necessary to remove the reservoir cap, thoroughly
clean the reservoir cap before removing it to prevent dirt or
water from entering the reservoir. Remove the internal
diaphragm and then add only a DOT 3 brake fluid such as Ford
High Performance DOT 3 Brake Fluid, meeting Ford
specification ESA-M6C25-A.
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