1996 FORD EXPLORER tires

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.
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[DR19200(ALL)12/95]
Driving Off Road with 4-Wheel Drive and AWD
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[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.
*
[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.
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Update:Thu Feb 29 09:12:36 1996

260
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[DR20000(ALL)11/89]
Sand
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[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
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[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
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[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

Driving Your Explorer
269
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[DR26701(ALL)01/95]
Driving in Bad Weather
%*
[DR26750(ALL)01/95]
Slippery roads
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[DR26801(ALL)03/95]
Drive cautiously on wet or snowy roads:
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[DR26850(ALL)03/95]
n
Do not quickly move the steering wheel unless necessary.
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[DR26901(ALL)01/95]
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Drive slower than you normally would.
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[DR26951(ALL)01/95]
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Give your vehicle more distance to stop.
[DR27001(ALL)01/95]
n
Pump the brake pedal steadily and evenly to avoid locking
your front wheels (except with 4WABS).
[DR27025(ALL)05/95]
n
To stop on ice, shift to N (Neutral) below 10 mph (15 km/h)
and gently pump brakes (except with 4WABS).
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[DR27050(ALL)02/93]
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Consider using one of the lower gears.
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[DR27101(ALL)05/91]
n
For 4x4 vehicles, engage 4WD, and try to drive slowly away.
*
[DR27150(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
To avoid losing control on slippery roads, do not
downshift into Low with the automatic transmission
when moving faster than 20 mph (32 km/h). Do not
downshift into First with the manual transmission when
moving faster than 5 mph (8 km/h).
%*
[DR27450(ALL)03/95]
Traction-Lok Rear Axle (If equipped)
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[DR27501(ALL)03/95]
This axle provides added drive away traction on slippery
surfaces, particularly when one or more wheels are on a surface
with poor traction.
*
[DR27550(ALL)03/93]
Extended use of other than matching size tires on a
Traction-Lok rear 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.
File:10undrx.ex
Update:Thu Feb 29 09:12:36 1996

Driving Your Explorer
271 engine and transmission, causing damage to both. In addition,
other vehicle systems and components may also be damaged.
*
[DR27975(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Do not spin the wheels at over 35 mph (55 km/h). The
tires may fail and injure a passenger or bystander.
%*
[DR28050(ALL)03/95]
Driving With a Heavy Load
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[DR28101(ALL)01/95]
There are limits to the amount of weight your vehicle can carry
or tow. The total weight of your vehicle, plus the weight of the
passengers and cargo, should never be more than the Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). Also, the weight that your
vehicle carries over the front axle and rear axle should never be
more than the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for the
respective axle.
*
[DR28150(ALL)08/95]
The weight limits of your vehicle's tires affect the GVWR or
GAWR limitations. Usage of replacement tires with higher
weight limits than originals does not increase GVWR or GAWR.
Usage of lower capacity replacement tires may lower GVWR
and GAWR limitations.
*
[DR28201(ALL)02/95]
RWARNING
If the GVWR or the GAWR specified on the Safety
Compliance Certification Label is exceeded, your vehicle
may be damaged or you may lose control and injure
someone.
*
[DR28750(ALL)01/93]
Vehicle/Trailer Loads
*
[DR28801(ALL)06/92]
All vehicles may tow a Class I trailer provided the Gross
Combined Weight (GCW) is less than or equal to the GVWR
shown on the Safety Compliance Certification Label. For heavier
trailer applications, refer to the towing information found later
in this chapter.
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Update:Thu Feb 29 09:12:36 1996

272
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[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.
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[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.)
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[DR29151(ALL)01/95]
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Use extra caution when driving your vehicle while you tow.
(SeeDriving while you towin this chapter.)
*
[DR29201(ALL)01/95]
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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.
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Update:Thu Feb 29 09:12:36 1996

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

Roadside Emergencies
299
*
[RE03400(ALL)05/95]4.
Remove the other end of the positive (+) cable from the
discharged battery.
*
[RE03500(ALL)1/96]
After the vehicle is started, let it idle for a while to let the
engine ªrelearnº its idle conditions. Drive it around for a while
with all electrical accessories turned off to let the battery
recharge. Driveability may be deteriorated slightly until all drive
modes are ªrelearned.ºYou may need to use a battery charger
to fully recharge the battery.
*
[RE03525( X)01/95]
If you need to replace your battery, seeBatteryin theServicing
Your Explorerchapter.
%*
[RE03600(ALL)03/95]
Changing a Tire
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[RE03700(ALL)01/95]
If you get a flat tire while you are driving, do not apply the
brake heavily. Instead, gradually decrease the speed. Hold the
steering wheel firmly and slowly move to a safe place on the
side of the road. Park on a level spot, turn off the ignition, set
the parking brake, and turn on the hazard flashers.
%*
[RE03800(ALL)03/95]
The Conventional Spare Tire
[RE03915( X)10/94]
Your vehicle may be equipped with a conventional spare tire,
which you can use as a spare or as a regular tire. This spare tire
is identical to the other tires that come with your vehicle,
although the wheel may not match.
*
[RE03930(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
To avoid injury, never run the engine with one wheel off
the ground, such as when changing a tire.
%*
[RE04000(ALL)03/95]
The Temporary Spare Tire
*
[RE04100(ALL)03/95]
You may have a high pressure temporary spare tire. This spare
tire is smaller than a regular tire and is designed for emergency
use only. Use it only when you get a flat tire and replace it as
soon as you can. This spare tire is marked with the words
ªTEMPORARY USE ONLYº so that you can easily identify it.
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Update:Thu Feb 29 09:14:34 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:
*
[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