1997 FORD EXPLORER tire size

against left (outboard) front edge
of seat track mounting bracket.
3. Use a screwdriver to screw
locator post into vehicle carpeting.
Exert pressure while turning to
pierce the carpeting.
When installed properly, the
locator will not screw down tightly,
but will rotate freely.
Usage
1. To remove mat, pull up on rear
of mat to release from locator post.
2. To re-install mat, align grommet
in mat over the locator post and
snap mat into place.
TRUNK MOUNTED CONTROLS
Spare tire and jack
Your vehicle is equipped with
either a temporary spare tire and
jack or a full-size spare tire located
under the rear of the vehicle. For
instructions on how to remove and
mount the spare tire, refer to the
Roadside emergencieschapter.
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uno_spare_tire
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Controls and features
63

UNDERSTANDING THE
TRACTION-LOKTREAR AXLE
(IF EQUIPPED)
This axle provides added traction
on slippery surfaces, particularly
when one or more wheels are on a
surface with poor traction.
Extended use of other than
matching size tires on a
Traction-Loktrear 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.
To avoid injury, never run
the engine with one wheel
off the ground, such as when
changing a tire.
AUTOMATIC RIDE CONTROL
SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)
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).
The system automatically controls
vehicle ride height over a range
based on vehicle speed and the
selections of four wheel drive
modes or the Ride Control switch.
The system keeps the vehicle at a
constant level if a load is added or
removed from the vehicle. Shock
dampening is automatically set
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Driving
119

tire and replace it with a full-size
tire as soon as possible.
It is not recommended that the
vehicle be operated in 4WD HIGH
or LOW modes with a temporary
spare. If 4WD HIGH or LOW
operation is necessary, do not
operate above speeds of 16 km/h
(10 mph) or for distances above 80
km (50 miles).
When driving with a temporary
spare,do not:
²exceed 80 km/h (50 mph) under
any circumstances.
²load your vehicle so that it
exceeds the maximum load
rating listed on the tire decal.
²tow a trailer.
²use tire chains on this tire.
²try to repair the temporary
spare or remove it from its
wheel.
²use the wheel for any other type
of vehicle.
²drive through an automatic car
wash.
JUMP STARTING YOUR
VEHICLE
The gases around the
battery can explode if
exposed to flames, sparks, or lit
cigarettes. An explosion could
result in injury or vehicle
damage.
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Roadside emergencies
160

²Five tire rotation
Replacing tires
Replace the tires when the wear
band is visible through the tire
treads.
When replacing full size
tires, never mix radial,
bias-belted, or bias-type tires.
Use only the tire sizes that are
listed on the tire pressure decal.
Make sure that all tires are the
same size, speed rating, and
load-carrying capacity. Use only
the tire combinations
recommended on the decal. If
you do not follow these
precautions, your vehicle may
not drive properly and safely.
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Maintenance and care
199

Make sure that all
replacement tires are of
the same size, type, load-carrying
capacity and tread design (e.g.,
ªAll Terrainº, etc.), as originally
offered by Ford.
Do not replace your tires
with ªhigh performanceª
tires or larger size tires.
Failure to follow these
precautions may adversely
affect the handling of the vehicle
and make it easier to lose control
and roll over.
Refer to the Safety Compliance
Certification label to determine the
specific size tire and wheel Ford
Motor Company recommends for
use on this vehicle.
When purchasing replacement tires
for your vehicle, consult your
dealer or qualified service
technician to ensure that the
correct tire types are used.
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Maintenance and care
200

Using snow tires and chains
Snow tires must be the
same size and grade as the
tires you currently have on your
vehicle.
The tires on your vehicle have
all-weather treads to provide
traction in rain and snow. However,
in some climates, using snow tires
and chains may be necessary. Ford
offers snow chains as a Ford
approved accessory and
recommends use of these or their
equivalents. See your dealer or
qualified service technician for
more information on tire chains for
your vehicle. Follow these
guidelines when using snow tires
and chains:
²Install chains securely, verifying
that the chains do not touch any
wiring, brake lines or fuel lines.
²Install the chains on the rear
tires only.
²Drive cautiously. If you hear the
chains rub or bang against the
vehicle, stop and retighten
Maintenance and care
201

FILLING STATION
INFORMATION
FuelUnleaded fuel only- Octane 87
Fuel tank capacity (2 door) 66.2 L (17.3 gallons)
Fuel tank capacity (4 door) 79.5 L (20.8 gallons)
Engine oil Use only engine oil displaying the
American Petroleum Institute
certification mark. SAE 5W-30 is
preferred.
Tire size and pressure Refer to the SCC label for tire
specifications.
Hood release Pull handle under the left side of the
instrument panel.
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Filling station information
240