1996 FORD EXPLORER service

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.
*
[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.
*
[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.
%*
[DR25200(ALL)01/95]
Driving Under Special Conditions
%*
[DR25250(ALL)01/95]
Tips for Safe Driving
*
[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

272
%*
[DR28950(ALL)02/95]
Trailer Towing (may require trailer tow option package)
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[DR29001(ALL)03/91]
Towing a trailer puts additional loads on your vehicle's engine,
transmission, axle, brakes, tires and suspension. For your safety
and for the good of your vehicle, use the right equipment for
the type of trailer you tow.
*
[DR29025(ALL)09/92]
Your trailer towing capability will vary based on the standard
and optional equipment on your vehicle. Refer to the following
Vehicle Loading/Towing Informationand the Trailer Towing Tables
to determine the specific towing capability of your vehicle.
*
[DR29050(ALL)02/92]
n
Stay within the load limits when you tow.
*
[DR29101(ALL)01/95]
n
Carefully and thoroughly prepare your vehicle for towing,
making sure to use the right equipment and to attach it
properly. (SeePreparing to Towin this chapter.)
*
[DR29151(ALL)01/95]
n
Use extra caution when driving your vehicle while you tow.
(SeeDriving while you towin this chapter.)
*
[DR29201(ALL)01/95]
n
Service your vehicle more frequently if you tow a trailer.
(SeeServicing your vehicle if you towin this chapter.)
*
[DR29350(ALL)05/94]
Do not tow a trailer until your vehicle has been driven at least
500 miles (800 km).
%*
[DR29401(ALL)06/92]
Vehicle Loading/Towing Information
*
[DR29450(ALL)03/91]
Your vehicle's load capacity is designated by weight, not
volume, so you cannot necessarily use all available space with
large or heavy loads. Maximum safe vehicle weights as well as
tire, rim sizes and inflation pressures are specified for your
vehicle at the assembly plant on the Safety Compliance
Certification Label. The Certification Label is located on the left
front door lock facing or the door latch post pillar.
File:10undrx.ex
Update:Thu Feb 29 09:12:36 1996

Driving Your Explorer
273
*
[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.
*
[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.
*
[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.
*
[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.
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[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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Update:Thu Feb 29 09:12:36 1996

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.
File:10undrx.ex
Update:Thu Feb 29 09:12:36 1996

Driving Your Explorer
293
*
[DR39900(ALL)05/90]
Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade.
However, if you must park on a grade, place wheel chocks
under the trailer's wheels as follows:
*
[DR40000(ALL)05/95]
n
Apply the brake pedal and hold.
*
[DR40100(ALL)11/89]
n
Have another person place the wheel chocks under the
trailer wheels.
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[DR40200(ALL)08/95]
n
With the chocks in place, release the brake pedal, making
sure the chocks are holding.
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[DR40300(ALL)03/91]
n
For automatic transmissions Ð apply the parking brake by
pressing the service brake pedal down firmly with your right
foot while applying the parking brake pedal with your left
foot.
[DR40400(ALL)01/95]
n
For manual transmissions Ð apply the service brake and
shift into N (Neutral) while still maintaining pressure on the
service brake pedal. Set the parking brake fully.
*
[DR40500(ALL)12/91]
n
Shift an automatic transmission into Park (P). Put the
gearshift of a manual transmission in Reverse. If your vehicle
is equipped with four-wheel drive make sure the transfer
case is not in Neutral.
*
[DR40600(ALL)01/93]
To start, after being parked on a grade:
*
[DR40700(ALL)05/95]
n
Apply the brake pedal and hold.
*
[DR40800(ALL)08/95]
n
Start the engine.
*
[DR40900(ALL)08/95]
n
Shift transmission into gear and release the parking brake.
*
[DR41000(ALL)08/95]
n
Release the brake pedal and move the vehicle uphill to free
the wheel chocks.
*
[DR41100(ALL)05/95]
n
Apply the brake pedal and hold while another person
retrieves the chocks.
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Update:Thu Feb 29 09:12:36 1996

296
*
[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.
File:12unrex.ex
Update:Thu Feb 29 09:14:34 1996

Roadside Emergencies
311
[RE24345( X)04/94]
eight pica
chart:0020591-B[RE24400(ALL)10/94]
The Fuel Pump Shut-off Switch
*
[RE24500(ALL)07/95]
If the engine cranks but does not start or if you have had a
collision, the fuel pump shut-off switch may have been
triggered. The shut-off switch is a device that stops the fuel
pump when your vehicle has been involved in a substantial jolt.
*
[RE24600(ALL)07/95]
For information on how to check and reset the fuel pump
shut-off switch, seeFuel pump shut-off switchin the Index.
%*
[RE24700(ALL)05/95]
Towing Your Vehicle
[RE24800(ALL)09/95]
If you need to have your vehicle towed, contact a professional
towing service or, if you are a member, your roadside assistance
center.
[RE24813( X)12/95]
It is recommended that your vehicle be towed with wheel lift or
flatbed equipment. Do not tow with slingbelt equipment. Ford
Motor Company has not developed or approved a T-hook or
slingbelt towing procedure.
File:12unrex.ex
Update:Thu Feb 29 09:14:34 1996