1998 FORD EXPLORER key

²Pressing 7/8 and 9/0 on the
keyless entry pad at the same
time to lock the doors (doors
opened or closed).
If a door is open, the system is prearmed and is waiting for the door to
close. The theft indicator on the instrument cluster will be lit
continuously when the system is prearmed.
Once the doors are closed, the system will arm in 30 seconds.
When you press the lock control
twice within 5 seconds, the horn will
chirp once to let you know that the
system is armed.
If the doors are not closed and you
press the remote entry transmitter
twice to confirm the doors are
locked, the horn will chirp twice to
warn you that the system is not
arming.
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Controls and features
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Disarming the system
You can disarm the system by any of the following actions:
²Unlock the doors by using your
remote entry transmitter.
²Unlock the doors with a key. Turn the key full travel (toward the front
of the vehicle) to make sure the alarm disarms.
²Unlock the doors by using your
keyless entry keypad.
²Turn ignition to ACC or ON.
²Press the panic control on the
remote entry transmitter. This
will disarm the system only if the
alarm is sounding.
SecuriLockYanti-theft system
The SecuriLockyanti-theft system provides an advanced level of vehicle
theft protection. Your vehicle's engine can only be started with the two
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Controls and features
69

special SecuriLockyelectronically coded keys provided with your
vehicle. Each time you start your vehicle, the SecuriLockykey is read
by the SecuriLockyanti-theft system. If the SecuriLockykey
identification code matches the code stored in the SecuriLocky
anti-theft system, the vehicle's engine is allowed to start. If the
SecuriLockykey identification code does not match the code stored in
the system or if a SecuriLockykey is not detected (vehicle theft
situation), the vehicle's engine will not operate.
Spare SecuriLockykeys can be purchased from your dealership and
programmed to your SecuriLockyanti-theft system. Refer to
Programming spare SecuriLockykeysfor more information.
If one or both of your SecuriLockykeys are lost or stolen and you want
to ensure the lost or stolen key will not operate your vehicle, bring your
vehicle and all available SecuriLockykeys to your dealership for
reinitialization.
Theft indicator
The theft indicator on the instrument cluster will operate as follows:
²When the ignition is OFF, the theft indicator will flash briefly every 2
seconds to indicate the SecuriLockysystem is protecting your
vehicle.
²When the ignition is turned to RUN or START, the theft indicator will
light for 3 seconds and then go out. If the theft indicator stays on for
an extended period of time or flashes rapidly, have the system
serviced by your dealership or a qualified technician.
Programming spare SecuriLockYkeys
Spare SecuriLockykeys can be purchased from your dealership and
programmed to your SecuriLockyanti-theft system (up to a total of 8
keys). Your dealership can program your new SecuriLockykey(s) to
your vehicle or you can do it yourself using the following simple
procedure. To program a new SecuriLockykey yourself, you will need
two previously programmed SecuriLockykeys (keys that already
operate your vehicle's engine). If two previously programmed
SecuriLockykeys are not available (one or both of your original keys
were lost or stolen), you must bring your vehicle to your dealership to
have the spare SecuriLockykey(s) programmed.
Controls and features
70

Procedure to program spare SecuriLockYkeys to your vehicle
New SecuriLockykeys must have the correct mechanical key cut for
your vehicle.
Conventional (non-SecuriLocky) keyscannotbe programmed to your
vehicle.
You will need to have two previously programmed SecuriLockykeys and
the new unprogrammed SecuriLockykey readily accessible for the
procedure. Please read and understand the entire procedure before you
begin.
1. Insert the first previously programmed SecuriLockykey into the
ignition switch and turn the ignition from OFF to RUN (maintain ignition
in RUN for at least one second).
2. Turn ignition to OFF and remove the first SecuriLockykey from the
ignition switch.
3. Within five seconds of turning the ignition to OFF, insert the second
previously programmed SecuriLockykey into the ignition switch and
turn the ignition from OFF to RUN (maintain ignition in RUN for at least
one second but no more than 5 seconds).
4. Turn the ignition to OFF and remove the second SecuriLockykey
from the ignition switch.
5. Within 10 seconds of turning the ignition to OFF, insert the
unprogrammed SecuriLockykey (new key) into the ignition switch and
turn the ignition from OFF to RUN (maintain ignition switch in RUN for
at least one second). This step will program your new SecuriLockykey.
6. If it is desired to program additional SecuriLockykey(s), repeat this
procedure from step 1.
If the programming procedure was successful, the new SecuriLocky
key(s) will start the vehicle's engine. The theft indicator (located on the
instrument cluster) will light for three seconds and then go out.
If the programming procedure was not successful, the new SecuriLocky
key(s) will not operate the vehicle's engine. The theft indicator will flash
on and off. Wait at least one minute and then repeat the procedure from
step 1. If failure repeats, bring your vehicle to your dealership to have
the spare SecuriLockykey(s) programmed.
Controls and features
71

Conditions of operation
If... Then...
The driver's safety belt is not
buckled before the ignition key
is turned to ON...The safety belt warning light
illuminates for one to two minutes and
the warning chime sounds for four to
eight seconds.
The driver's safety belt is
buckled while the indicator
light is illuminated and the
warning chime is sounding...The safety belt warning light and
warning chime turn off.
The driver's safety belt is
buckled before the ignition key
is turned to ON...The safety belt warning light and
indicator chime remain off.
Safety belt maintenance
Check the safety belt systems periodically to make sure they work
properly and are not damaged. Check the safety belts to make sure there
are no nicks, wears or cuts. All safety belt assemblies, including
retractors, buckles, front seat belt buckle assemblies (slide bar)(if
equipped), shoulder belt height adjusters (if equipped), child safety seat
tether bracket assemblies (if equipped), and attaching hardware, should
be inspected after a collision. Ford recommends that all safety belt
assemblies used in vehicles involved in a collision be replaced. However,
if the collision was minor and a qualified technician finds that the belts
do not show damage and continue to operate properly, they do not need
to be replaced. Safety belt assemblies not in use during a collision should
also be inspected and replaced if either damage or improper operation is
noted.
Failure to replace the safety belt assembly under the above
conditions could result in severe personal injuries in the event of
a collision.
Refer toCleaning and maintaining the safety beltsin the
Maintenance and caresection.
Seating and safety restraints
81

3. Turn the key to 4 (ON) without
turning the key to 5 (START).
Make sure the corresponding lights illuminate briefly. If a light fails to
illuminate, have the vehicle serviced.
²If the driver's safety belt is fastened, the light (
) will not
illuminate.
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RPMx1000ABS
CHECK
ENGINE
DOOR
AJAR
EFH
H
H
PRN D 2 1THEFT
SPEED
CONT
4WD
4WD
LOW
O/D
OFFL
L
10MPH 205060
70
304080
90
km/h
0 0 0
10 100
1
20
1
0 0 0 0 0 0406080100
120
140
160
180
20
DOOR
AJAR
CHECK
GAGE
!BRAKE
Starting
101

STARTING THE ENGINE
1. Turn the key to 5 (START)
without pressing the accelerator
pedal and release as soon as the
engine starts. The key will return to
4 (ON).
2. If the engine does not start within five seconds, wait ten seconds and
try again.
3. If the engine does not start in two attempts or if the temperature is
below -12ÉC (10ÉF), depress the accelerator and start the engine while
holding the accelerator down. Release the accelerator when the engine
starts.
4. After idling for a few seconds, apply the brake and release the parking
brake.
Using the engine block heater (if equipped)
An engine block heater warms the engine coolant, which improves
starting, warms up the engine faster and allows the heater-defroster
system to respond quickly. They are strongly recommended if you live in
a region where temperatures reach -23ÉC (-10ÉF) or below.
For best results, plug the heater in at least three hours before starting
the vehicle. Using the heater for longer than three hours will not harm
the engine, so the heater can be plugged in the night before starting the
vehicle.
To prevent electrical shock, do not use your heater with
ungrounded electrical systems or two-pronged (cheater)
adapters.
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5
4
Starting
102

The air suspension shut-off switch is
located in the cargo area behind the
left rear quarter trim panel.
On vehicles equipped with
Air Suspension, turn OFF
the Air Suspension switch prior to
jacking, hoisting or towing your
vehicle.
Normal vehicle operation does not
require any action by the driver.
TRANSMISSION OPERATION
Automatic transmission operation
Brake-shift interlock
This vehicle is equipped with a brake-shift interlock feature that prevents
the gearshift from being moved from P (Park) unless the brake pedal is
depressed.
If you cannot move the gearshift out of P (Park) with the brake pedal
depressed:
1. Apply the parking brake, turn ignition key to LOCK, then remove the
key.
2. Insert the key and turn it to OFF. Apply the brake pedal and shift to N
(Neutral).
3. Start the vehicle.
If it is necessary to use the above procedure to move the gearshift, it is
possible that a fuse has blown. Refer toFuses and relaysin the
Roadside emergencieschapter.
Do not drive your vehicle until you verify that the brakelamps
are working.
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow it may be rocked out by
shifting from forward and reverse gears in a steady pattern. Press lightly
on the accelerator in each gear.
Driving
107