2000 FORD EXPLORER air suspension

Four wheel drive low (if equipped)
Momentarily illuminates when the
ignition is turned to the ON/START
position. Illuminates when
four-wheel drive low is engaged. If
the light continues to flash have the system serviced.
Four wheel drive high (if equipped)
Momentarily illuminates when the
ignition is turned to the START
position. Illuminates when
four-wheel drive high is engaged. If
the light continues to flash have the system serviced.
Door ajar
Illuminates when the ignition is in
the ON or START position and any
door is open.
O/D off (if equipped)
Illuminates when the Transmission
Control Switch (TCS), refer to
Overdrive controlin theControls
and Featureschapter, has been
pushed turning the transmission overdrive function OFF. When the light
is on, the transmission does not operate in the overdrive mode, refer to
theDrivingchapter for transmission function and operation.
The light may also flash steadily if a transmission malfunction is
detected. If the light does not come on when the Transmission Control
Switch is depressed or if the light flashes steadily, have your vehicle
serviced as soon as possible, damage to the transmission could occur.
Check air suspension (if equipped)
Illuminates momentarily when the
ignition is turned to the ON position
and the engine is OFF. The light
also illuminates when the air
suspension system requires servicing.
For information, refer toAir suspension systemin theDrivingchapter.
4WD
LOW
4WD
HIGH
DOOR
AJAR
O/D
OFF
CHECK
SUSP
Instrumentation
12

²underinflated tire(s) on any wheel(s)
²high crown in center of road
²high crosswinds
²wheels out of alignment
²loose or worn components in steering linkage
AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)
The load leveling feature of the air suspension automatically keeps the
vehicle at a constant level if a load is added or removed from the vehicle.
This system maintains the vehicle height at a constant level by
automatically adding air or releasing air from the springs to offset
changes in vehicle loads.
When ever a door is opened (including the liftgate) the system
memorizes and maintains the height of the vehicle until all doors are
closed.
It is normal to hear a buzz or clicking from the air compressor on the
vehicle when the ignition is turned off. The system stays energized for
40 minutes after the ignition is turned off to compensate for any load
changes made after the vehicle is parked.
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.
PREPARING TO DRIVE YOUR VEHICLE
Utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover rate than
other types of vehicles.
Driving
158

DRIVING THROUGH WATER
Do not drive quickly through standing water, especially if the depth is
unknown. Traction or brake capability may be limited and if the ignition
system gets wet, your engine may stall. Water may also enter your
engine's air intake and severely damage your engine.
If driving through deep or standing water is unavoidable, proceed very
slowly. Never drive through water that is higher than the bottom of the
hubs (for trucks) or the bottom of the wheel rims (for cars).
Once through the water, always try the brakes. Wet brakes do not stop
the vehicle as effectively as dry brakes. Drying can be improved by
moving your vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake
pedal.
Driving through deep water where the transmission vent tube is
submerged may allow water into the transmission and cause
internal transmission damage.
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 toDriving
while you towin this chapter.
²Service your vehicle more frequently if you tow a trailer. Refer to the
severe duty schedule in the scheduled maintenance guide.
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.
Driving
179

The high-current fuses are coded as follows:
Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingPower Distribution Box
Description
1 60A** I/P Fuse Panel
2 40A** Blower Motor Relay
3 50A** 4 Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System
(4WABS) Module
4 30A** Power Windows, Power Moon
Roof, Power Seat
5 50A** Ignition Switch, Starter Relay
6 20A** Transfer Case Relay
7 Ð Not Used
8 20A** Air Suspension
9 40A** Air Suspension
10 30A** PCM Power Relay
1 10A* A/C Relay
2 30A* Heated Seats
3 30A* Heated Backlight
4 15A* Fog Lamps and Daytime Running
Lamps
5432110 9 8 7 612 11 10 9
876 5
432 1
14 15 13
211
9 6
10 87 5 41
2 3
175
MEGAFUSE
Roadside emergencies
197

On vehicles equipped with
Air Suspension, turn OFF
the Air Suspension switch prior to
jacking, hoisting or towing your
vehicle.
6. Turn OFF the air suspension
switch (if equipped). Refer toAir
suspension systemin theDriving
chapter.
7. Position the jack according to the following guides and turn the jack
handle clockwise until the tire is a maximum of 25 mm (1 inch) off the
ground.
²Front
²Rear
Roadside emergencies
202

To lessen the risk of
personal injury, do not put
any part of your body under the
vehicle while changing a tire. Do
not start the engine when your
vehicle is on the jack. The jack is
only meant for changing the tire.
²Never use the front or rear
differential as a jacking point.
8. Remove the lug nuts with the lug wrench.
9. Replace the flat tire with the spare tire, making sure the valve stem is
facing outward. Reinstall the lug nuts, cone side in, until the wheel is
snug against the hub. Do not fully tighten the lug nuts until the wheel
has been lowered.
10. Lower the wheel by turning the jack handle counterclockwise.
11. Remove the jack and fully
tighten the lug nuts in the order
shown.
12. Stow the flat tire, jack and lug
wrench. Make sure the jack is
fastened so it does not rattle when
you drive.
13. Turn ON the air suspension
switch (if equipped).
14. Unblock the wheels.
1
4 3
2 5
Roadside emergencies
203

WRECKER TOWING
If you need to have your vehicle towed, contact a professional towing
service or, if you are a member, your roadside assistance center.
It is recommended that your vehicle be towed with a wheel lift or flatbed
equipment. Do not tow with a slingbelt. Ford Motor Company has not
approved a slingbelt towing procedure.
If equipped with air suspension, the air suspension control must be
turned to the OFF position.
On 4x2 vehicles, it is acceptable to tow the vehicle with the front wheels
on the ground (without dollies) and the rear wheels off the ground.
On 4x4 vehicles, it is recommended that your vehicle be towed with a wheel
lift and dollies or flatbed equipment with all the wheels off the ground.
If the vehicle is towed by other means or incorrectly, vehicle
damage may occur.
Ford Motor Company provides a towing manual for all authorized tow
truck operators. Have your tow truck operator refer to this manual for
proper hook-up and towing procedures for your vehicle.
Roadside emergencies
211

A
Air bag supplemental
restraint system ........135±136, 140
and child safety seats ............137
description ......................136, 140
disposal ....................................143
driver air bag ..................138, 141
indicator light ...........10, 139, 142
operation .........................138, 141
passenger air bag ...........138, 141
side air bag ..............................140
Air cleaner filter .......................266
Air conditioning ..........................22
automatic temperature
control system ..........................25
rear seat controls .....................31
Air suspension ...........................158
description ..............................158
warning light .............................12
All Wheel Drive (AWD),
driving off road .........................173
Ambulance packages ....................3
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................223
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ......................155±156
Anti-theft system
warning light .............................11
Armrests ....................................105
Audio system (see Radio) .........35
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .........................160, 163
fluid, adding ....................229, 231
fluid, checking ................229, 231
fluid, refill capacities ..............266fluid, specification ..................272
Auxiliary power point ...............104
Axle
lubricant specifications ..269, 272
refill capacities ........................266
traction lok ..............................176
B
Battery .......................................236
acid, treating emergencies .....236
charging system
warning light .............................11
jumping a disabled battery ....204
maintenance-free ....................236
replacement, specifications ...266
servicing ..................................236
voltage gauge ............................16
Belt minder ...............................131
Brakes ........................................155
anti-lock ...........................155±156
anti-lock brake system
(ABS) warning light .........10, 156
brake warning light ..................10
fluid, checking and adding ....221
fluid, refill capacities ..............266
fluid, specifications .........269, 272
lubricant specifications ..269, 272
parking ....................................156
shift interlock ..........................159
Break-in period .............................3
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....266
Cargo area shade ......................106
Cargo cover ...............................106
CD changer .................................77
Index
288