1996 FORD EXPLORER tow

288
[DR34300( X)12/95]
20 pica
chart:0090217-A*
[DR36500(ALL)01/95]
Preparing to Tow
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[DR36550(ALL)01/95]
For your safety and for the good of your vehicle, use the right
equipment for the type of trailer you tow. Also, make sure that
all towing equipment is properly attached to your vehicle. If
you are not certain that you are using the right equipment in
the proper manner, see your Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer.
File:10undrx.ex
Update:Thu Feb 29 09:12:36 1996

Driving Your Explorer
289
%*
[DR36600(ALL)01/93]
Hitches
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[DR36800(ALL)12/91]
Do not install a single or multi-clamp type bumper hitch, or a
hitch which attaches to the axle. Underbody mounted hitches
are acceptable if installed properly. Follow towing instructions
of a reputable rental agency.
*
[DR37000(ALL)12/92]
Whenever a trailer hitch and hardware are removed, make sure
all mounting holes in the underbody are properly sealed to
prevent noxious gases or water from entering.
[DR37100( X)01/95]
Trailer tow/step bumper
[DR37150( X)03/93]
The rear bumper has an integral hitch and only requires a ball
with a 3/4 inch shank diameter. The bumper has a Class II
capability (3500 lb/1590 kg trailer weight and 350 lb/159 kg
tongue weight).
[DR37250( X)01/95]
Use a frame mounted weight distributing hitch for trailers over
3,500 lb. (1590 kg).
*
[DR37550(ALL)03/91]
NOTE: The rated capacities (as shown in this guide) for
trailer towing with the factory bumper are only valid
when the trailer hitch ball is installed directly into the
ball hole in the bumper. Addition of bracketry to
either lower the hitch ball position or extend the hitch
ball rearward will significantly increase the loads on
the bumper and its attachments. This can result in the
failure of the bumper or the bumper attachments. Use
of any type of hitch extensions should be considered
abuse.
*
[DR37575(ALL)03/91]
If it is necessary to relocate the trailer hitch ball position a
frame mounted trailer hitch must be installed.
File:10undrx.ex
Update:Thu Feb 29 09:12:36 1996

290
%*
[DR37800(ALL)07/95]
Safety Chains
[DR37925( X)03/93]
Located near the step bumper hitch ball position are two holes
in the underside of the hitch plate for a Class II trailer (max).
These holes may be used for safety chain attachment when
towing with the step bumper. Always use safety chains when
towing. Safety chains are used to retain connection between the
towing and towed vehicle in the event of separation of the
trailer coupling or ball. Cross the chains under the trailer tongue
and allow slack for turning corners. Connect the chain to the
hitch plate using a positive coupling, such as ªQuick Linksº,
with a strength rating of at least that of the safety chain rating.
[DR37950( X)12/92]
When using a frame mounted trailer hitch, do not attach the
safety chains to the step bumper. Attach the safety chains to the
frame mounted hitch using the recommendations supplied by
the hitch manufacturer.
%*
[DR38000(ALL)08/95]
Trailer Brakes
*
[DR38100(ALL)03/95]
Separate trailer brakes are required on most towed vehicles
weighing over 1,500 lb (680 kg).
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[DR38200(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Do not connect a trailer's hydraulic brake system directly
to your vehicle's brake system. Your vehicle may not
have enough braking power and your chances of having
a collision greatly increase.
%*
[DR38300(ALL)06/95]
Trailer Lamps
*
[DR38400(ALL)11/89]
Make sure your trailer lamps conform to Federal and local
regulations.
*
[DR38425(ALL)03/91]
Class I and Class II Trailer Tow electrical wiring provides two
circuits (right hand and left hand) to operate trailer stop/turn
tail lamps. Each stop/turn circuit will operate one combination
stop/turn light bulb (# 1157, 3157, 2357, or 3357) on the trailer.
Never add more than one trailer light bulb to one circuit.
File:10undrx.ex
Update:Thu Feb 29 09:12:36 1996

Driving Your Explorer
291
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[DR38450(ALL)08/95]
RWARNING
Always replace a fuse with one that has the specified
amperage rating. Using a fuse with a higher amperage
rating can cause severe wire damage and could start a
fire.
*
[DR38500(ALL)06/95]
Driving while you tow
*
[DR38520(ALL)05/95]
Be especially careful when driving while you tow a trailer.
Never drive faster than 45 mph (70 km/h) when you tow in
hilly country on hot days. Also, anticipate stops so that you can
brake gradually.
%*
[DR38540(ALL)01/95]
If you use the speed control while you are towing on very long,
steep grades, the speed control may shut off.
[DR38600(ALL)12/95]
When towing a trailer in hilly terrain, with a vehicle equipped
with a 4R44E/4R55E/4R70W transmission, you may wish to
operate in O/D OFF (3rd gear) rather than
j(Overdrive). This
will eliminate excessive downshifting and upshifting to maintain
speed. Shift back to
j(Overdrive) whenever practical for
optimum powertrain cooling and fuel economy. This can be
accomplished by pushing in the transmission control switch
which is located on the end of the gearshift lever.
*
[DR38800(ALL)06/95]
When descending a steep grade with a trailer, operate in Drive
rather than Overdrive. If additional braking is needed, shift the
automatic transmission gearshift into 2 (Second) gear or 1 (Low).
File:10undrx.ex
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
*
[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

300
[RE04150(ALL)12/95]
It is not recommended that vehicles equipped with 4WD be
operated in the 4WD modes with a temporary spare. If 4WD
operation is necessary, do not operate at speeds above 10 mph
(16 km/h) or for distances above 50 miles (80 km). Extended
operation in 4WD with a temporary spare may result in damage
to powertrain components.
*
[RE04200(ALL)01/93]
RWARNING
If you use the temporary spare tire continuously or do
not follow these precautions, the tire could fail, causing
you to lose control of the vehicle, possibly injuring
yourself or others.
*
[RE04275(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
To avoid injury, never run the engine with one wheel off
the ground, such as when changing a tire.
*
[RE04280(ALL)10/94]
Extended use of other than matching size spare tires on a
Traction-Lok 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.
*
[RE04300(ALL)01/95]
When you drive with the temporary spare tire, DO NOT:
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[RE04400(ALL)01/95]
n
exceed 50 mph (80 km/h) under any circumstances.
*
[RE04500(ALL)01/95]
n
load your vehicle so that it is heavier than the maximum
vehicle load rating listed on the tire decal.
*
[RE04600(ALL)01/95]
n
tow a trailer.
*
[RE04700(ALL)01/95]
n
use tire chains on this tire.
*
[RE04800(ALL)01/95]
n
try to repair the temporary spare tire or remove it from its
wheel.
*
[RE04900(ALL)01/95]
n
use the wheel for any other type of vehicle.
[RE04950(ALL)10/94]
n
engage four-wheel drive on dry, hard-surfaced roads.
File:12unrex.ex
Update:Thu Feb 29 09:14:34 1996

Roadside Emergencies
301
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[RE05000(ALL)01/95]
n
drive through an automatic car wash with this tire. Because
the temporary spare tire is smaller than a conventional tire,
it reduces the ground clearance. Your vehicle may get caught
in the rails and it could be damaged.
%*
[RE05100(ALL)03/95]
Spare Tire Location
*
[RE05250(ALL)06/94]
The spare tire for your vehicle is stowed at the rear under the
frame.
*
[RE05550( X)03/91]
To remove the spare tire:
[RE05650( X)10/94]1.
Open the liftgate. Assemble the jack handle (stowed behind
the rear seats under the carpet) to the lug wrench (stowed in
driver's side rear quarter trim panel). Insert drive section of
the handle into the actuator hole and turn counterclockwise
until the cable is slack enough to allow the spare tire to be
pulled rearward from under the vehicle.
*
[RE05700( X)10/94]2.
Slide the spare tire to the rear and remove the retainer from
the wheel.
*
[RE05850( X)10/94]3.
To stow the cable/retainer with spare removed, turn jack
handle wrench clockwise until slack is removed.
[RE05875( X)10/94]
7-1/2 pica art:0021216-A
Assembling the jack handle
File:12unrex.ex
Update:Thu Feb 29 09:14:34 1996

302
[RE05950( X)02/95]
27-1/2 pica art:0020558-F
The spare tire location and assembly
*
[RE06050( X)03/91]
To stow spare tire:
*
[RE06150( X)10/94]1.
Insert the jack handle or lug nut wrench into the actuator
hole and turn counterclockwise until the cable/retainer is
extended for insertion into the wheel.
File:12unrex.ex
Update:Thu Feb 29 09:14:34 1996