2000 FORD EXPLORER spare wheel

Positions of the Control-Trac system
The Control-Trac system functions in three modes:
²The 4WD AUTO mode provides
four-wheel drive with full power
delivered to the rear axle, and to
the front axle as required for
increased traction. This is
appropriate for normal on-road
operating conditions, such as dry
road surfaces, wet pavement,
snow and gravel.
²The 4WD HIGH mode provides
four-wheel drive with full power
to both axles. It is only intended
for severe winter or off-road
conditions, such as deep snow
and ice (where no dry or wet
pavement remains uncovered),
and shallow sand.
²The 4WD LOW mode supplies
four-wheel drive with full power
to both axles and includes a
lower gear ratio for low-speed. It
is only intended for off-road
applications that require extra
power including deep sand, steep
grades and pulling a boat and
trailer out of the water.
The vehicle should not be operated in 4WD HIGH and 4WD LOW
on dry or merely wet pavement. Doing so will produce excessive
noise, increase tire wear and may damage driveline components.
These modes are intended for use only on consistently slippery or
loose surfaces.
If your vehicle is equipped with 4WDor AWD, a spare tire of a
different size than the road tires should never be used. Such a
HIGH4x4
LOW AUTO
HIGH4x4
LOW AUTO
HIGH4x4
LOW AUTO
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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 15º spare tire that must be used for
emergencies only. Vehicles equipped with 16º tires have a 16º spare tire.
The 15º spare tire is not as wide as a regular tire and is designed for
emergency use only. Replace this tire with a full-size tire as soon as
possible. The 16º spare tire is not equipped with wheel ornaments. The
wheel ornaments 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 access cover
Jack handle (2 door models) behind rear seat
under carpet in the cargo floor
(4 door models) on the lower rear
seat base
Roadside emergencies
199

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.
Stowing the spare tire
1. Lay the tire on the ground with the valve stem facing up.
2. Slide the wheel under the vehicle
and install the retainer through the
wheel center.
3. Turn the jack handle clockwise
until the tire is raised to its original
position underneath the vehicle. The
jack handle ratchets when the tire is
raised to the stowed position. It will
not allow you to overtighten.
Tire change procedure
To prevent the vehicle from moving when you change a tire, be
sure the parking brake is set, then block (in both directions) the
wheel that is diagonally opposite (other side and end of the vehicle) to
the tire being changed.
If the vehicle slips off the jack, you or someone else could be
seriously injured.
Refer to the instruction sheet for detailed tire change instructions.
Roadside emergencies
200

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.
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4 3
2 5
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