1997 FORD EXPLORER Owners Manual

Do not connect the end of
the second cable to the
negative ([-]) terminal of the
battery to be jumped. A spark
may cause an explosion of the
gases that surround the battery.
Jump starting
1. Start the booster vehicle and
run the engine at moderately
increased speed.
2. Start the engine of the vehicle
with the discharged battery.
3. Once the engine has been
started, run both vehicles for a
further three minutes before
disconnecting the cable leads.
Removing the jumper cables
1. Remove the jumper cables in
reverse order. Take the cable off
the metallic surface (1) first,
followed by the cable on the
negative (-) booster battery
terminal (2).
2. Remove the cable from the
positive (+) terminal of the booster
battery (3) and then the
discharged battery (4).
3. After the disabled vehicle has
been started, allow it to idle for a
while so the engine can ªrelearnº
its idle conditions.
+–
+–
2
3
4
1
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WRECKER TOWING
Ford recommends that your
vehicle be towed with wheel lift
and dollies or flatbed equipment.
Do not tow with slingbelt
equipment. Ford Motor Company
has not developed or approved a
T-hook or slingbelt towing
procedure.
For vehicles equipped with control
trac, the ignition must be in the
OFF position when towing.
When calling for a tow truck, tell
the operator what kind of vehicle
you have. A towing manual is
available for Ford Motor Company
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163

for all authorized tow truck
operators. Have your tow truck
driver refer to this manual for
proper hook-up and towing
procedures.
Neutral tow kit accessory
Neutral tow feature is an option
which can be activated at any
dealership that has a Service Bay
Diagnostic System (SBDS). When
activated the feature may be
enabled by following the
instruction located on the visor or
the headliner.
The feature is available on vehicles
with Control Trac and automatic
transmission only. It is not
available on vehicles with
All-Wheel Drive.
There are no wrecker or
recreational vehicle towing
restrictions on method or distance
if the above feature is activated
and enabled.
See your dealer for more
information.
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SERVICE RECOMMENDATIONS
To help you service your vehicle:
²We highlight do-it-yourself items
in the engine compartment for
easy location.
²As possible, we design parts that
can be replaced without tools.
²We provide you with a ªService
Guideº which makes tracking
routine service for your vehicle
easy.
If your vehicle requires
professional service, your
dealership can provide necessary
parts and service. Check your
ªWarranty Information Bookletº to
find out which parts and services
are covered.
Use only recommended fuels,
lubricants, fluids and service parts
conforming to specifications.
Motorcraft parts are designed and
built to provide the best
performance in your vehicle.
Steps to take before performing
maintenance
Precautions when servicing
your vehicle
Be especially careful when
inspecting or servicing your
vehicle. Here are some general
precautions for your safety:
²Do not work on a hot engine.
²If you must work with the
engine running, avoid wearing
loose clothing or jewelry that
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165

could get caught in moving
parts. Take precautions with
long hair.
²Do not work on a vehicle with
the engine running in an
enclosed space, unless you are
sure you have enough
ventilation.
²Keep all lit cigarettes, open
flames and other lit material
away from the battery and all
fuel related parts.
If you disconnect the battery, the
engine must ªrelearnº its idle
conditions before your vehicle will
drive properly, as explained in
Batteryin this chapter.
Working with the engine off
²Automatic transmission:
1. Set the parking brake fully and
ensure the gearshift is securely
latched in P (Park).
2. Turn off the engine and remove
the key.
3. Block the wheels to prevent the
vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
²Manual transmission:
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1. Set the parking brake, depress
the clutch and place the gearshift
in 1 (First).
2. Turn off the engine and remove
the key.
3. Block the wheels to prevent the
vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
13D
24R
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Working with the engine on
²Automatic transmission:
1. Set the parking brake fully and
ensure the gearshift is securely
latched in P (Park).
2. Block the wheels to prevent the
vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
Do not start your engine
with the air cleaner
removed and do not remove it
while the engine is running.
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168

²Manual transmission:
1. Set the parking brake fully, and
make sure the gearshift is securely
latched in Neutral.
2. Block the wheels to prevent the
vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
Opening the hood
To open the hood:
1. Inside the vehicle, pull the hood
release handle located under the
steering column on the instrument
panel.
2. Outside the vehicle, release the
auxiliary latch located in the grille
opening.
3. Lift the hood and secure it in
the upright position.
4. To close the hood shut it so that
the auxiliary latch and primary
latches are closed.
After closing the hood, try lifting it
to ensure that it is closed securely.
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