1998 FORD EXPLORER 4WD

Using the Control-Trac system
Shifting between 4WD AUTO and 4WD HIGH
When you move the control to 4WD
HIGH, the indicator light will
illuminate in the instrument cluster.
When you move the control to 4WD
AUTO, the indicator light will turn
off.
Either shift can be done at a stop or
while driving at any speed.
Shifting from 4WD AUTO or 4WD HIGH to 4WD LOW
1. Bring the vehicle to a stop.
2. Depress the brake.
3. Place the gearshift in N (Neutral)
(automatic transmission) or depress
the clutch (manual transmission).
4. Move the 4WD control to the
4WD LOW position.
HIGH
LOW AUTO
HIGH
LOW AUTO
Driving
118

Shifting from 4WD LOW to 4WD AUTO or 4WD HIGH
1. Bring the vehicle to a stop.
2. Depress the brake.
3. Place the gearshift in N (Neutral)
(automatic transmission) or depress
the clutch (manual transmission).
4. Move the 4WD control to the
4WD AUTO or 4WD HIGH position.
Driving off-road with 4WD
Your vehicle is specially equipped for driving on sand, snow, mud and
rough terrain and has operating characteristics that are somewhat
different from conventional vehicles, both on and off the road.
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 from the outside. Do not
grip the spokes.
Drive cautiously to avoid vehicle damage from concealed objects such as
rocks and stumps.
You should either know the terrain or examine maps of the area before
driving. Map out your route before driving in the area. For more
information on driving off-road, read the ``Four Wheeling'' supplement in
your owner's portfolio.
If your vehicle gets stuck
If the vehicle is stuck, shift the transmission in a steady motion between
forward and reverse gears. Allow the transmission to engage, then press
lightly on the accelerator.
Do not rock the vehicle for more than a few minutes. The
transmission and tires may be damaged or the engine can
overheat.
HIGH
LOW AUTO
Driving
119

reduces strain on the engine and the possibility of stalling.
When descending a steep hill, avoid sudden braking. Rapid pumping of
the brake pedal will help slow the vehicle and still maintain steering
control.
When speed control is on and you are driving uphill, your vehicle speed
may drop considerably, especially if you are carrying a heavy load.
If vehicle speed drops more than 16 km/h (10 mph), the speed control
will cancel automatically. Resume speed with accelerator pedal.
If speed control cancels after climbing the hill, reset speed by pressing
and holding the SET ACCEL button (to resume speeds over 50 km/h (30
mph).
Automatic transmissions may shift frequently while driving up steep
grades. Eliminate frequent shifting by shifting out of
(Overdrive) into
D (Drive).
Driving on snow and ice
A 4WD vehicle has advantages over 2WD vehicles in snow and ice but
can skid like any other vehicle.
Avoid sudden applications of power and quick changes of direction on
snow and ice. Apply the accelerator slowly and steadily when starting
from a full stop.
When braking, apply the brakes as you normally would. In order to allow
the anti-lock brake system (ABS) to operate properly, keep steady
pressure on the brake pedal.
Allow more stopping distance and drive slower than usual. Consider
using one of the lower gears.
ALL WHEEL DRIVE (AWD) SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)
(5.0L ENGINES ONLY)
Your vehicle is equipped with a full-time All Wheel Drive (AWD) transfer
case. Power is supplied to all four wheels all the time with no need to
shift between two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive.
For the lubricant specification and refill capacity of the AWD transfer
case refer toCapacities and specificationschapter.
Driving
121

CHANGING THE TIRES
If you get a flat tire while driving, do not apply the brake heavily.
Instead, gradually decrease your speed. Hold the steering wheel firmly
and slowly move to a safe place on the side of the road.
Spare tire information
Your vehicle is equipped with a spare tire that may be used as a spare or
a regular tire. The spare tire is not equipped with wheel trim. The wheel
trim from the original wheel/tire may be used on the spare.
If your vehicle is equipped with 4WD or AWD, a spare tire of a
different size than the road tires should not be used. Such a tire
could result in damage to driveline components and make the
vehicle difficult to control.
Location of the spare tire and tools
The spare tire and tools for your vehicle are stowed in the following
locations:
Tool Location
Spare tire Under the vehicle, just in front of the rear
bumper
Jack, lug nut wrench Left rear quarter panel behind interior trim
Jack handle Behind rear seats, under carpet
Removing the spare tire
1. Insert the jack handle into the
rear bumper opening.
The handle will stop moving and
forward resistance to turning will be
felt when properly engaged.
2. Turn the handle counterclockwise
until tire is lowered to the ground,
the tire can be slid rearward and the
cable is slightly slack.
3. Remove the retainer from the
spare tire.
Roadside emergencies
144

REFILL CAPACITIES
Fluid Ford Part Name Application Capacity
Engine oil
(including
filter
change)Motorcraft 5W30
Super Premium
Motor OilAll engines
4.7L (5.0
quarts)
Brake fluid Ford High
Performance DOT
3 Brake FluidAll
Fill to line in
reservoir
Power
steering
fluidMotorcraft
MERCONtAT FAll Fill to line on
reservoir or
dipstick
Transmission
fluidMotorcraft
MERCONtAT F5-speed manual
2.6L (5.6 pints)
Motorcraft
MERCONtVATF4R70W Automatic
(5.0L engines
only)13.1L (13.9
quarts)
5R55E Automatic
with 4.0L EFI
engine (4x2)9.0L (9.5
quarts)
5R55E Automatic
with 4.0L SOHC
engine (4x2)9.25L (9.75
quarts)
5R55E Automatic
with 4.0L EFI
engine (4x4)9.3L (9.8
quarts)
5R55E Automatic
with 4.0L SOHC
engine (4x4)9.55L (10.0
quarts)
Transfer
caseMotorcraft
MERCONtAT F4WD 1.4L (1.5
quarts)
AWD 1.25L (1.3
quarts)
Engine
coolantFord Premium
Cooling System
Fluid4.0L engine 7.4L (7.8
quarts)
5.0L engine 12.1L (12.8
quarts)
Capacities and specifications
198

Air bag supplemental
restraint system ........................82
and child safety seats ..............83
description ................................82
disposal ......................................86
indicator light ...........................85
passenger air bag .....................84
Air conditioning
manual heating and air
conditioning system ............23,25
Air suspension
description ..............................106
All wheel drive (AWD) .............121
Ambulance packages ....................3
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
description ..............................104
Anti-theft system ........................67
Autolamp system (see
Headlamps) .................................48
Automatic dimming mirror ...48,49
Battery .......................................175
voltage gauge ............................14
Brake fluid
checking and adding ..............164
Brakes ........................................104
anti-lock ...................................104
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................104
fluid, checking and adding ....164
Brake-shift interlock .................107
Break-in period .............................2
Bulbs, replacing ........................186
headlamps ...............................187
specifications ..........................188
Cargo cover .................................57
Changing a tire .........................144
Child safety seats ........................87
built-in child seat ......91,92,96,97
Childproof locks ..........................52
Chime
headlamps on ............................11
Cleaning your vehicle ...............191built-in child seat ...................195
engine compartment ..............192
fabric ........................................194
instrument panel ....................194
plastic parts ............................194
safety belts ..............................194
tail lamps .................................194
washing ....................................191
waxing .....................................192
wheels ......................................194
windows ..................................196
woodtone trim ........................196
Climate control system
automatic temperature
control .........26,27,28,29,30,31,32
Clutch
fluid ..........................................165
Compass, electronic ...............45,46
calibration .................................48
set zone adjustment .................47
Console, description ...................54
Control trac 4WD system .........116
Controls ..................................53,54
Cupholder (s) .............................55
Defrost
rear window ..............................34
Driving under special
conditions .........................120,122
high water ........................120,123
slippery roads ....120,121,123,124
Emission control system ..........185
Engine ........................................202
service points ............158,159,160
Engine block heater .................102
Engine coolant
checking and adding .......166,167
disposal ....................................168
refill capacities ........................168
Engine oil ...........................160,163
changing oil and oil filter .......163
checking and adding .......160,162
Exhaust fumes ..........................103
Index
206