1997 FORD EXPLORER service

TRAILER TOWING
Trailer towing with your vehicle
may require the use of a trailer
tow option package.
Trailer towing puts additional loads
on your vehicle's engine,
transmission, axle, brakes, tires,
and suspension. For your safety
and to maximize vehicle
performance, be sure to use the
proper equipment while towing.
Follow these guidelines to ensure
safe towing procedure:
²Stay within your vehicle's load
limits.
²Thoroughly prepare your vehicle
for towing. Refer toPreparing
to towin this chapter.
²Use extra caution when driving
while trailer towing. Refer to
Driving while towingin this
chapter.
²Service your vehicle more
frequently if you tow a trailer.
Refer to the severe duty
schedule in the ªService Guideº.
²Do not tow a trailer until your
vehicle has been driven at least
800 km (500 miles).
²Refer to the instructions
included with towing accessories
for the proper installation and
adjustment specifications.
²Speed control may shut off if
you are towing on long, steep
grades.
Driving
138

Your vehicle can not be flat towed
with all wheels on the ground.
Servicing while towing
If you tow a trailer for long
distances, your vehicle requires
more frequent service than a
vehicle not used for towing. Refer
to the ªService Guideº for more
information on maintenance
intervals.
Using a step bumper
The rear bumper is equipped with
an integral hitch and requires only
a ball with a ô inch shank
diameter. The bumper has a Class
II capability (1590 kg / 3500 lb
trailer weight and 159 kg / 350 lb
tongue weight).
Use a frame mounted weight
distributing hitch for trailers over
1590 kg (3500 lb).
Launching or retrieving a boat
When backing down a ramp during
boat launching or retrieval,
²Do not allow the static water
level to rise above the bottom
edge of the rear bumper and
²Do not allow waves to break
higher than 15 cm (six inches)
above the bottom edge of the
rear bumper.
Exceeding these limits may allow
water to enter critical vehicle
components, adversely affecting
driveability, emissions and
reliability.uno_servicing_while_towing
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Driving
145

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.
Even after a fuse is replaced, it
will continue to blow if the cause
of the overload is not identified
and corrected. If the fuse
continues to blow, have the
vehicle's electrical system checked
by a qualified service technician.
To reset a circuit breaker, press
the reset button.
Fuses
Standard fuse amperage ratings
and colors
Fuse rating Color
7.5 amp Brown
10 amp Red
15 amp Blue
20 amp Yellow
30 amp Light green
30 amp fuse link Pink
40 amp Green
60 amp fuse link Yellow
80 amp fuse link Black
100 amp fuse link Blue
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Roadside emergencies
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Maxi fuses
10 - Not used
11 20 HEGO system
Relay number Circuits connected
1 Wiper run relay
2 Horn relay
3 Wiper HI/LO relay
4 WOT A/C relay
5 PCM power relay
6 Fuel pump relay
Diode number Circuits connected
1 ABS diode
2 PCM diode
Relays
Relays are located in the power
distribution box.
Relays receive signals from
components or systems and
transfer these signals to activate or
deactivate other components or
systems.
Ford recommends that relays be
replaced by a qualified service
technician.
6
5
3
2
14 21
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Roadside emergencies
155

Relay number Circuits protected
1 Wiper run relay
2 Horn relay
3 Wiper HI/LO relay
4 WOT A/C relay
5 PCM power relay
6 Fuel pump relay
Diode number Circuits protected
1 ABS diode
2 PCM diode
CHANGING TIRES
Tire change procedure
1. Park on a level surface.
2. Activate the hazard flashers.
²Before beginning the tire change
procedure, ensure that the
Automatic Ride Control service
switch is turned off.
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70
80
90
110
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120
140
160
180
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Roadside emergencies
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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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Roadside emergencies
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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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Maintenance and care
165

CHECKING AND ADDING
ENGINE OIL
Use WSS-M2C153±F motor oil
CERTIFIED FOR GASOLINE
ENGINES by the American
Petroleum Institute.
Engine oils with an SAE 5W-30
viscosity and displaying the
American Petroleum Institute
certification mark are preferred for
your vehicle. They provide the best
engine performance, fuel economy
and engine protection for all
climates down to ±25ÉC (-15ÉF).
Do not use:
²ªnon-detergentº oils
²oils labeled API SA, SB, SC, SD,
SE, SF or SG
²additional engine oil additives,
oil treatments or engine
treatments
Additional engine oil additives, oil
treatments or engine treatments
are never needed and could, under
certain conditions, lead to engine
damage which is not covered by
your Ford warranty.
Synthetic engine oils which are
CERTIFIED and of the preferred
viscosity may be used in your
engine. The engine oil and oil filter
must still be changed according to
the ªService Guideº.
Checking the engine oil
Check the engine oil each time you
fuel your vehicle.
To check the oil:
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Maintenance and care
173