1996 FORD EXPLORER 4WD

4
%*
[IN04000(ALL)01/95]
Buying a Ford Extended Service Plan
*
[IN04100(ALL)01/94]
If you bought your vehicle in the U.S., you can buy a Ford
Extended Service Plan for your vehicle. This optional contract
provides service protection for a longer period of time than the
basic warranty that comes with your vehicle.
*
[IN04200(ALL)01/95]
You do not have to buy this option when you buy your vehicle.
However, your option to purchase the Ford Extended Service
Plan runs out after 18 months or 18,000 miles. See your dealer
for more details about the Ford Extended Service Plan.
*
[IN04250(ALL)01/95]
If you purchased a Canadian vehicle and did not take
advantage of the Ford Extended Service Plan at the time of
purchase, you may still be eligible. See your dealer for the
details.
%*
[IN04650(ALL)06/92]
Special Notice
%*
[IN04700( X)11/89]
NOTICE TO OWNERS OF UTILITY-TYPE
VEHICLES
%*
[IN04810( X)11/89]
As with other vehicles of this type, failure to operate this
vehicle correctly may result in loss of control or an accident. Be
sure to read theAdditional Special Driving Instructions for Utility
Vehiclesin this book and the special supplement included with
four-wheel drive vehicles entitled4-Wheeling with Ford.
[IN04815( X)12/95]
Although this special supplement is primarily directed to
four-wheel drive vehicle operators, these principles of safe
driving also apply to operators of the two-wheel drive Explorer.
Even though you may not select a 4WD or AWD option for
your Explorer, many of its operating characteristics are similar
to those of a four-wheel drive vehicle. For this reason, Ford
urges you to read and understand the contents of the4-Wheeling
with Fordsupplement.
File:02uninx.ex
Update:Thu Feb 29 08:58:20 1996

Features
169
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[FV19200(ALL)02/95]
When unlocking the vehicle with a key, turn the key all the
way to the end of its travel or the system may not disarm.
*
[FV19202(ALL)09/95]
NOTE: The flashing lights and honking horn will shut off
automatically within 2 minutes 45 seconds after the
system is triggered. It will trigger again if another
intrusion occurs. However, the starter circuit remains
disabled until the system is disarmed.
*
[FV19205(ALL)05/95]
The anti-theft system is designed to work with the factory
installed remote entry system. It may not work with other
remote entry systems.
[FV19210( X)06/94]
Automatic Ride Control System
(If equipped)
[FV19213( X)03/95]
The automatic ride control system is designed to improve ride,
handling, and general vehicle performance for both on and
off-road conditions by adjusting vehicle ride height and shock
dampening (firm or soft).
[FV19216( X)08/94]
The system automatically controls the vehicle ride height over a
range of approximately two inches based on vehicle speed and
selection of two or four wheel drive modes. Also, the system
keeps the vehicle at a constant level if a load is added to or
removed from the vehicle.
[FV19218( X)03/95]
The automatic ride control system places the vehicle at its
lowest height when two wheel drive is selected. Shock
dampening is automatically set based on driver and road inputs
to optimize ride.
[FV19220( X)03/95]
The automatic ride control system raises the vehicle
approximately one inch when Auto 4WD is selected. However,
if vehicle speed exceeds 58 mph (93 km/h), the system will
lower the vehicle to its two wheel drive height to maximize ride
comfort. The vehicle will raise again if vehicle speed is less than
30 mph (48 km/h) for one minute. Like the two wheel drive
mode, shock dampening is automatically set based on driver
and road inputs.
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Update:Thu Feb 29 13:56:40 1996

170
[FV19224( X)03/95]
In 4WD Low, the automatic ride control system raises the
vehicle approximately two inches above its lowest height. Shock
dampening is locked in firm mode. The height change improves
body clearance. The combination of firm dampening and the
height change also provides maximum suspension feedback for
improved off-road safety and performance.
[FV19226( X)03/95]
The vehicle will drop to its lowest position when the ignition is
turned OFF to provide ease of entry and exit of the vehicle.
[FV19229( X)03/95]
As a safety consideration, whenever a door is opened, including
the liftgate and liftgate glass, the system memorizes and
maintains the height at the moment the door was opened. The
system will maintain this height until either the doors are all
closed or vehicle speed exceeds 10 mph (16 km/h).
[FV19234( X)03/95]
An on-board air compressor and solenoids are used to raise and
lower the vehicle. It is normal to occasionally hear a buzz or
clicking from the vehicle even when the ignition is turned off.
The system stays energized for forty minutes after ignition is
turned off to compensate for any load changes made after the
vehicle is parked.
[FV19237( X)05/95]
The automatic ride control system operation can be monitored
through the message center. Refer toMessage Centerin the
Warning Lights and Gaugeschapter for more details.
[FV19240( X)08/94]
Service Switch
[FV19243( X)08/94]
The automatic ride control service switch is mounted in the jack
storage area. The switch should be turned off to disable the
automatic ride control system during jacking, hoisting, towing,
or transport of the vehicle to avoid unexpected vehicle
movement.
File:08unfvx.ex
Update:Thu Feb 29 13:56:40 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

Driving Your Explorer
257
[DR17810(ALL)10/95]
n
4WD LOW mode Ð Only the 4WD LOW light is lit.
[DR17855( X)10/94]
To shift from Two-Wheel Drive to 4WD AUTO:
[DR17900( X)10/94]
To shift into 4WD AUTO, rotate the 4WD switch located on the
instrument panel to 4WD AUTO. This shift can be done at a
stop or on the fly.
[DR17910( X)01/95]
The initial shift from two-wheel drive to 4WD AUTO while the
vehicle is moving can cause some momentary clunks and
ratcheting sounds. This is the front drivetrain coming up to
speed and is not a cause for concern.
[DR17920( X)01/95]
Because of possible damage to drivetrain components, never
shift from two-wheel drive to 4WD with the rear wheels
slipping.
[DR17935( X)10/94]
10-1/2 pica
art:0021252-B
Electric shift switch
[DR18030( X)10/94]
To shift from 4WD AUTO to Two-Wheel Drive:
[DR18060( X)01/95]
Rotate the 4WD switch to 2WD; the light on the instrument
cluster will go out indicating the vehicle is in two-wheel drive.
This can be done at any speed.
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Update:Thu Feb 29 09:12:36 1996

258
[DR18230( X)10/94]
Toshiftfrom4WDAUTOor2WDto4WDLOW:
[DR18290( X)01/95]
Stop the vehicle, depress the brake and place the automatic
transmission in N (Neutral) or depress the clutch on vehicles
with a manual transmission. Rotate the 4WD switch on the
instrument panel to 4WD LOW. Both the 4WD and 4WD LOW
lights are now lit.
[DR18293( X)06/95]
For Explorers equipped with Automatic Ride Control:
[DR18294( X)06/95]
After shifting to 4WD LOW, wait about 90 seconds. This will
improve ground clearance and off-road handling. Refer to
Automatic Ride Controlin the Features chapter.
[DR18320( X)08/94]
To shift from 4WD LOW to 4WD AUTO or 2WD:
[DR18400( X)01/95]
Stop the vehicle, depress the brake and place the automatic
transmission into N (Neutral) or depress the clutch on vehicles
with a manual transmission. Rotate the 4WD switch on the
instrument panel to 4WD AUTO or 2WD.
[DR18500(ALL)03/95]
It is not recommended to operate the vehicle in the 4WD modes
with a temporary spare. If 4WD operation is necessary, do not
operate at speeds above 10 mph or for distances above 50 miles.
Extended operation in 4WD with a temporary spare may result
in damage to drivetrain components.
[DR18600( X)12/95]
All-Wheel Drive System (If equipped)
[DR18620( X)12/95]
If your vehicle is equipped with All-Wheel Drive (AWD), power
is constantly supplied to all four wheels through a transfer case.
The AWD system is full-time and has no external controls.
[DR18630( X)12/95]
The AWD transfer case utilizes a viscous clutch that distributes
torque to the front and rear differentials (approximately 35%
front and 65% rear). The viscous clutch is filled with a
high-viscosity fluid, see
Lubricant Specifications
in the
Servicing
Your Explorer
chapter for more information.
File:10undrx.ex
Update:Thu Feb 29 09:12:36 1996

Driving Your Explorer
259
[DR18640( X)1/96]
Vehicles equipped with AWD are more capable of superior
traction in wet and dry conditions than 2-wheel drive vehicles.
AWD vehicles are also capable of being driven on sand, snow,
mud, and rough terrain and have operating characteristics that
are the same as vehicles equipped with 4WD. For more
information on driving off-road, see
Driving Off Road with
4-Wheel Drive
and AWDand the
Four Wheeling With Ford
supplement in your owner's portfolio.
%*
[DR19200(ALL)12/95]
Driving Off Road with 4-Wheel Drive and AWD
*
[DR19300(ALL)12/95]
Vehicles equipped with four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive are
especially equipped for driving on sand, snow, mud, or rough
terrain and have operating characteristics that are somewhat
different from conventional vehicles, both off and on the road.
The driving tips below will help you learn to use four-wheel
drive.
*
[DR19400( X)10/94]
n
Do not use 4WD LOW on dry, hard-surfaced roads.
*
[DR19600(ALL)11/89]
n
Special maintenance procedures are necessary after operating
with drive components in water.
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[DR19800(ALL)12/95]
When using four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, maintain
steering wheel control at all times, especially in rough terrain.
Since sudden changes in terrain can result in abrupt steering
wheel motion, make sure you grip the steering wheel rim from
the outside. Do not grip the spokes.
*
[DR19900(ALL)05/90]
Drive cautiously to avoid vehicle damage from concealed objects
such as rocks and stumps. Know the terrain or examine maps of
the area in question before driving. Map out your route
beforehand. To maintain steering and braking control of your
vehicle, you must have all four tires on the ground, and they
must be rolling, not sliding or spinning.
[DR19925(ALL)10/94]
Transmission upshift in 4WD with transfer case in 4WD LOW
may be quite firm due to large total gear reduction. This
condition is normal.
File:10undrx.ex
Update:Thu Feb 29 09:12:36 1996

268
*
[DR25350(ALL)03/95]
Operate your vehicle within reasonable limits. Sudden
acceleration, deceleration, turning, or combinations of these
maneuvers can cause a vehicle to behave differently than
anticipated.
*
[DR25501(ALL)02/95]
Wheel Spin
*
[DR25550(ALL)11/92]
n
Extreme acceleration can cause the rear wheels to spin,
perhaps resulting in reduced steering control.
[DR26350(ALL)12/92]
If the wheels spin, use 2 (Second gear) to gain traction. Move
forward slowly and evenly. If this does not work, try rocking
the vehicle.
*
[DR26401(ALL)05/91]
For 4x4 vehicles, engage 4WD, and try to drive away.
%*
[DR26550(ALL)05/90]
High Speed Driving
*
[DR26590(ALL)07/95]
Ford Motor Company recommends obeying posted speed limits.
*
[DR26601(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Driving too fast for conditions creates the possibility of
loss of vehicle control. Driving at very high speeds for
extended periods of time may result in damage to vehicle
components.
*
[DR26625(ALL)12/91]
Speed limiter
[DR26652(ALL)01/95]
All models are equipped with a Powertrain Control Module
(PCM) which limits the maximum engine speed and thus road
speed in top gear. Vehicle operation is normal since the
controlled maximum speed is above posted highway speeds in
North America.
File:10undrx.ex
Update:Thu Feb 29 09:12:36 1996