1996 FORD EXPLORER brake fluid

Warning Lights and Gauges
81
%*
[LG03000(ALL)06/94]
The Mechanical Cluster
*
[LG03100(ALL)06/93]
The following warning lights and gauges are on the mechanical
cluster. All of the warning lights and gauges alert you to
possible problems with your vehicle. Some of the lights listed
are optional. The following sections detail what each of these
indicators means.
%*
[LG03200(ALL)06/95]
Brake System Warning Light
*
[LG03300(ALL)03/95]
The warning light for the brakes can show two things Ð that
the parking brake is not fully released, or that the brake fluid
level is low in the master cylinder reservoir. If the fluid level is
low, the brake system should be checked by your dealer or a
qualified service technician.
*
[LG03400(ALL)05/94]
This light comes on when you turn the ignition key to START
to verify that the indicator bulb is working. If the light stays on
or comes on after you have released the parking brake fully,
have the hydraulic brake system serviced.
*
[LG03500(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
The BRAKE light indicates that the brakes may not be
working properly. Have the brakes checked immediately.
[LG03600(ALL)04/94]
6 pica art:0021145-A
Brake warning light symbols
File:05unlgx.ex
Update:Thu Feb 29 09:04:08 1996

100Fuel Economy cannot be reset. That is, these three features are
unaffected by pushing the RESET switch.
%*
[LG36750( X)01/95]
System Check
*
[LG36800( X)01/95]
A press of the SYSTEM CHECK switch causes the M/C to cycle
through a status of each of the systems being monitored. For
each of the monitored systems, the M/C will indicate either an
OK message or a warning message for two seconds. The
sequence of the system check report is as follows:
*
[LG36850( X)01/95]
n
Engine Oil Life Left
*
[LG36900( X)01/95]
n
Engine Oil Level
*
[LG37000( X)01/95]
n
Voltage Level
*
[LG37050( X)01/95]
n
Engine Coolant Temperature
*
[LG37100( X)01/95]
n
Washer Fluid Level
[LG37150( X)04/94]
n
Head Lamps
[LG37200( X)04/94]
n
Tail Lamps
[LG37250( X)04/94]
n
Brake Lamps
[LG37300( X)06/94]
n
Air Ride System (if equipped)
*
[LG37350( X)01/95]
n
Fuel Level
*
[LG37400( X)01/95]
At normal conclusion of the system check sequence, the M/C
will display the last displayed feature before pressing the
SYSTEM CHECK switch or the warnings that are active.
*
[LG37450( X)01/95]
For two of the systems reported in the system check (Engine Oil
Life Left and Fuel Level), there are two messages to describe the
status of the system. For Engine Oil Life Left, the first message
will indicate the oil change status (OK, SOON, REQUIRED) and
the second message will indicate the oil life remaining as a
percentage. If the second message is ªOIL TEMP SIGNAL
ERRORº, this means that there is a problem with the oil
temperature sender system and you should contact your dealer
File:05unlgx.ex
Update:Thu Feb 29 09:04:08 1996

250
*
[DR10500(ALL)01/95]
P (Park)
*
[DR10600(ALL)03/94]
Always come to a complete stop before you shift into P (Park).
This position locks the transmission and prevents the rear
wheels from turning. To securely latch the gearshift in the P
(Park) position, pull it toward you, push it completely
counterclockwise against the stop, and then push it toward the
instrument panel.
*
[DR10650(ALL)03/94]
The gearshift is securely latched in P (Park) if you cannot rotate
it in a clockwise direction without lifting it toward you.
*
[DR10700(ALL)06/95]
RWARNING
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the
gearshift is securely latched in P (Park).
*
[DR10800(ALL)06/95]
RWARNING
Never leave your vehicle unattended while it is running.
*
[DR11100(ALL)06/94]
Forced Downshifts
*
[DR11200(ALL)04/95]
To gain extra acceleration injOverdrive or Drive (O/D OFF),
push the accelerator to the floor. The transmission will
automatically downshift to the appropriate gear: third, second
or first.
*
[DR11235(ALL)03/94]
Power Braking
*
[DR11275(ALL)03/94]
Increasing the engine speed above idle without vehicle
movement (such as holding the brake) in a forward or reverse
gear causes transmission stall.
*
[DR11285(ALL)09/95]
NOTE: Continued operation in the stall condition can result
in transmission overheat, malfunction or fluid
expulsion.
File:10undrx.ex
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

260
*
[DR20000(ALL)11/89]
Sand
*
[DR20100(ALL)11/89]
When driving over sand, try to keep all four wheels of the
vehicle on the most solid area of the trail. Do not reduce the
tire pressures but shift to a lower gear and drive steadily
through the terrain. Apply accelerator slowly and avoid
spinning the wheels.
*
[DR20200(ALL)11/89]
Mud and Water
*
[DR20300(ALL)12/89]
When driving through water, determine the depth; avoid water
higher than the bottom of the hubs (if possible) and proceed
slowly. If the ignition system gets wet, the vehicle may stall.
*
[DR20400(ALL)11/89]
Once through water, always try the brakes. Wet brakes do not
stop the vehicle as effectively as dry brakes. Drying can be
improved by moving your vehicle slowly, while applying light
pressure on the brake pedal.
*
[DR20500(ALL)11/89]
After driving through mud, clean off residue stuck to rotating
driveshafts and tires. Excess mud stuck on tires and rotating
driveshafts causes an imbalance which could damage drive
components.
*
[DR20525(ALL)06/95]
NOTE: If the transmission and transfer case is submerged in
water, their fluids should be checked and changed, if
necessary.
*
[DR20650( X)11/89]
Additional Special Driving Instructions for
Utility Vehicles
*
[DR20701(ALL)11/89]
Driving on Hill or Slope Terrain
[DR20800(ALL)08/94]
When driving on a hill, avoid driving crosswise or turning on
steep slopes, you could lose traction and slip sideways. Drive
straight up, straight down or avoid the hill completely. Know
the conditions on the other side of a hill before driving over the
crest.
File:10undrx.ex
Update:Thu Feb 29 09:12:36 1996

262
*
[DR21700( X)07/93]
Rear Disc Brakes
[DR21800( X)06/94]
The rear disc brakes are self-adjusting. They do not require any
service other than periodic inspection for pad wear.
*
[DR22100(ALL)11/89]
Hydraulic Power Brakes
[DR22200(ALL)08/94]
The hydraulic brake system is made up of two independent
hydraulic circuits. One hydraulic circuit supplies fluid to the
front disc brakes and the other hydraulic circuit supplies fluid
to the rear drum or disc brakes. These two circuits are supplied
by a common hydraulic brake fluid reservoir, with a fluid level
sensor.
*
[DR22300(ALL)11/89]
The brake light in the instrument cluster will light for low brake
fluid in the common brake fluid reservoir.
*
[DR22400(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
An increase in pedal travel will result in reduced braking
capability. The brake system should be checked
immediately.
[DR22905(ALL)10/94]
Four Wheel Anti-lock Brake System
*
[DR22910( X)08/94]
Your vehicle is equipped with a Four Wheel Anti-lock Braking
System (4WABS). The 4WABS helps the driver to maintain
vehicle control by preventing wheel lockup during hard
braking.
*
[DR22915(ALL)03/94]
The 4WABS operates with a computer that is able to optimize
vehicle control during braking on varying tire and road
conditions by modulating the brake pressure at each of the front
wheels and the rear axle. This ªpumping actionº is similar to
the driver ªpumpingº the brakes but happens at a much faster
rate.
File:10undrx.ex
Update:Thu Feb 29 09:12:36 1996

270
*
[DR27601(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
To avoid injury, never run the engine with one wheel off
the ground, such as when changing a tire.
%*
[DR27651(ALL)01/95]
High water
*
[DR27675(ALL)06/92]
Never attempt to cross water that is fast flowing or of unknown
depth.
*
[DR27701(ALL)05/90]
Do not drive through flooded areas unless you are sure that the
water is below the bottom of the wheel hubs.
*
[DR27750(ALL)04/94]
If you must drive through high water, drive slowly. You may
have limited traction or wet brakes, so allow extra stopping
distance because your vehicle will not stop as quickly as usual.
*
[DR27801(ALL)01/95]
After you drive through the standing water, apply your brakes
gently several times as your vehicle moves slowly. This helps to
dry the brakes.
*
[DR27820(ALL)06/95]
NOTE: If the transmission and transfer case is submerged in
water, their fluids should be checked and changed, if
necessary.
*
[DR27825(ALL)03/93]
NOTE: All rear axle lube quantities must be replaced every
100,000 miles (160,000 km) or if the axle has been
submerged in water. Otherwise, the lube should not
be checked or changed unless a leak is suspected or
repair required.
*
[DR27850(ALL)11/89]
Rocking the vehicle
*
[DR27901(ALL)05/90]
For 4x4 vehicles, engage 4WD LOW, when the vehicle gets
stuck and try to drive away.
*
[DR27950(ALL)05/95]
If your vehicle gets stuck (for example, in mud or snow), you
may rock it out of the spot. Shift in a steady rhythm between
forward and reverse gears. Allow the transmission to fully
engage, then press lightly on the accelerator. Do not rock the
vehicle for more than a few minutes. This may overheat the
File:10undrx.ex
Update:Thu Feb 29 09:12:36 1996

334
%*
[SV01400(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.
%*
[SV01600(ALL)06/95]
Precautions When Servicing Your Vehicle
*
[SV01700(ALL)06/95]
Be especially careful when inspecting or servicing your vehicle.
Here are some general precautions for your safety:
*
[SV01900(ALL)06/95]
n
If you must work with the engine running, avoid wearing
loose clothing or jewelry that could get caught in moving
parts. Take appropriate precautions with long hair.
*
[SV02000(ALL)06/95]
n
Do not work on a vehicle in an enclosed space with the
engine running, unless you are sure you have enough
ventilation.
*
[SV02100(ALL)08/95]
n
Never get under a vehicle while it is supported only by a
jack. If you must work under a vehicle, use safety stands.
*
[SV02200(ALL)06/95]
n
Keep all lit cigarettes and other smoking materials away
from the battery and all fuel-related parts.
*
[SV02500(ALL)03/95]
If you disconnect the battery, the engine must ªrelearnº its idle
conditions before your vehicle will drive properly. To find out
how the engine does this, seeBatteryin this chapter.
*
[SV02600(ALL)03/95]
Working with the engine off:
*
[SV02660(ALL)03/95]1.
Set the parking brake fully and make sure that the gearshift
is securely latched in P (Park).
*
[SV02700(ALL)06/95]2.
Remove the key from the ignition after you turn the engine
off.
*
[SV02725(ALL)06/95]3.
Block the wheels. This will prevent your vehicle from
moving unexpectedly.
File:15unsvx.ex
Update:Thu Feb 29 09:20:34 1996