2001 FORD EXPLORER brakes

Do not spin the wheels at over 56 km/h (35 mph). The tires may
fail and injure a passenger or bystander.
Sand
When driving over sand, try to keep all four wheels on the most solid
area of the trail. Do not reduce the tire pressures but shift to a lower
gear and drive steadily through the terrain. Apply the accelerator slowly
and avoid spinning the wheels.
Mud and water
If you must drive through high water, drive slowly. Traction or brake
capability may be limited.
When driving through water, determine the depth; avoid water higher
than the bottom of the hubs (if possible) and proceed slowly. If the
ignition system gets wet, the vehicle may stall.
Once through 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.
After driving through mud, clean off residue stuck to rotating driveshafts,
halfshafts and tires. Excess mud stuck on tires and rotating driveshafts
causes an imbalance that could damage drive components.
If the transmission, transfer case or front axle are submerged in water,
their fluids should be checked and changed, if necessary.
Water intrusion into the transmission may damage the
transmission.
If the rear axle is submerged in water, the rear axle lubricant should be
checked and changed, if necessary. The rear axle is filled with a
synthetic lubricant and does not normally require a lubricant change for
the life of the vehicle. Rear axle lubricant quantities should not need to
be checked unless a leak is suspected.
Driving on hilly or sloping terrain
When driving on a hill, avoid driving crosswise or turning on steep
slopes. You could lose traction and slip sideways. Drive straight up,
straight down or avoid the hill completely. Know the conditions on the
other side of a hill before driving over the crest.
Driving
174

When climbing a steep hill, start in a lower gear rather than downshifting
to a lower gear from a higher gear once the ascent has started. This
reduces strain on the engine and the possibility of stalling.
When descending a steep hill, avoid sudden braking. Shift to a lower gear
when added engine braking is desired.
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
An AWD 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.
TRACTION-LOK AXLE (IF EQUIPPED)
This axle provides added traction on slippery surfaces, particularly when
one wheel is on a poor traction surface. Under normal conditions, the
Traction-Lok axle functions like a standard rear axle.
Extended use of other than the manufacturer's specified size tires on a
Traction-Lok rear 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.
Driving
175

Calculating the load your vehicle can carry/tow
1. Use the appropriate maximum gross combined weight rating (GCWR)
chart to find the maximum GCWR for your type engine and rear axle
ratio.
2. Weigh your vehicle as you customarily operate the vehicle without
cargo. To obtain correct weights, try taking your vehicle to a shipping
company or an inspection station for trucks.
3. Subtract your loaded vehicle weight from the maximum GCWR on the
following charts. This is the maximum trailer weight your vehicle can tow
and must fall below the maximum shown under maximum trailer weight
on the chart.
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.
Driving
178

Hitches
Do not use hitches that clamp onto the vehicle bumper. Use a load
carrying hitch. You must distribute the load in your trailer so that 10% of
the total weight of the trailer is on the tongue.
Use a frame-mounted weight distributing hitch for trailers over
1 588 kg (3 500 lb).
Safety chains
Always connect the trailer's safety chains to the frame or hook retainers
of the vehicle. To connect the trailer's safety chains, cross the chains
under the trailer tongue and allow slack for turning corners.
If you use a rental trailer, follow the instructions that the rental agency
gives to you.
Do not attach safety chains to the bumper.
Trailer brakes
Electric brakes and manual, automatic or surge-type trailer brakes are
safe if installed properly and adjusted to the manufacturer's
specifications. The trailer brakes must meet local and Federal
regulations.
Do not connect a trailer's hydraulic brake system directly to your
vehicle's brake system. Your vehicle may not have enough
braking power and your chances of having a collision greatly increase.
The braking system of the tow vehicle is rated for operation at the
GVWR not GCWR.
Trailer lamps
Trailer lamps are required on most towed vehicles. Make sure your
trailer lamps conform to local and Federal regulations. See your dealer or
trailer rental agency for proper instructions and equipment for hooking
up trailer lamps.
Never connect any trailer lighting to the vehicle's taillamp
circuits, because it may damage the electrical system resulting in
fire. Contact your local Ford dealership for assistance in proper trailer
tow wiring installation. Additional electrical equipment may be
required.
Driving
181

2. Visually inspect the fluid level.
3. If necessary, add brake fluid from
a clean un-opened container until
the level reaches MAX. Do not fill
above this line.
4. Use only a DOT 3 brake fluid
certified to meet Ford specifications. Refer toLubricant specifications
in theCapacities and specificationschapter.
Brake fluid is toxic. If brake fluid contacts the eyes, flush eyes
with running water for 15 minutes. Seek medical attention if
irritation persists. If taken internally, drink water and induce vomiting.
Seek medical attention immediately.
If you use a brake fluid that is not DOT 3, you will cause
permanent damage to your brakes.
Do not let the reservoir for the master cylinder run dry. This
may cause the brakes to fail.
WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID
Checking and adding washer fluid
Check the washer fluid whenever
you stop for fuel. The reservoir is
highlighted with a
symbol.
If the level is low, add enough fluid
to fill the reservoir. In very cold
weather, do not fill the reservoir all
the way.
MAX
RADIATOR
COOLANT
ONLY
WASHERFLUIDONLY
Maintenance and care
215

Washing your vehicle
Wash your vehicle regularly with
cold or lukewarm water. Never use
strong detergents or soap. If your
vehicle is particularly dirty, use a
quality car wash detergent. Always
use a clean sponge, washing glove
or similar device and plenty of water
for best results. To avoid spots,
avoid washing when the hood is still
warm, immediately after or during
exposure to strong sunlight.
During winter months, it is especially important to wash the vehicle on a
regular basis. Large quantities of dirt and road salt are difficult to
remove and also cause damage to the vehicle.
Any gasoline spilled on the vehicle or deposits such as bird droppings
should be washed and sponged off as soon as possible. Deposits not
removed promptly can cause damage to the vehicle's paintwork.
Remove any exterior accessories, such as antennas, before entering a car
wash. If you have wax applied to the vehicle at a commercial car wash, it
is recommended that you clean the wiper blades and windshield as
described inCleaning the wiper blades and windshield.
After washing, apply the brakes several times to dry them.
Waxing your vehicle
Waxing your vehicle on a regular basis will reduce minor scratches and
paint damage.
Wax when water stops beading on the surface. This could be every three
or four months, depending on operating conditions.
Use only carnauba or synthetic-based waxes. Use a cleaning fluid with a
clean cloth to remove any bugs before waxing your vehicle. Use tar
remover to remove any tar spots.
Avoid getting wax on the windshield, or on any surfaces which appear
coarse or bumpy. If you have wax applied at a commercial car wash, it is
recommended that you clean the wiper blades and windshield as
described inCleaning the wiper blades and windshield.
Maintenance and care
249

A
Air bag supplemental restraint
system ................................137, 141
and child safety seats ............139
description ......................137, 141
disposal ....................................144
driver air bag ..................139, 142
indicator light ...........10, 141, 143
operation .........................139, 142
passenger air bag ...........139, 142
side air bag ..............................141
Air cleaner filter .......................255
Air conditioning ..........................23
automatic temperature
control system ..........................27
rear seat controls .....................32
Air suspension ...........................160
description ..............................160
warning light .............................12
All Wheel Drive (AWD),
driving off road .........................173
Ambulance packages ....................3
Antifreeze (see Engine
coolant) .....................................216
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ......................157±158
Anti-theft system
warning light .............................11
Armrests ....................................107
Audio system (see Radio) .........36
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .........................162, 165
fluid, adding ............................222
fluid, checking ........................222
fluid, refill capacities ..............255fluid, specification ..................260
Auxiliary power point ...............106
Axle
lubricant specifications ..258, 260
refill capacities ........................255
traction lok ..............................175
B
Battery .......................................225
acid, treating emergencies .....225
charging system warning
light ............................................11
jumping a disabled battery ....199
maintenance-free ....................225
replacement, specifications ...255
servicing ..................................225
voltage gauge ............................16
Belt minder ...............................133
Brakes ........................................157
anti-lock ...........................157±158
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light .....................10, 158
brake warning light ..................10
fluid, checking and adding ....214
fluid, refill capacities ..............255
fluid, specifications .........258, 260
lubricant specifications ..258, 260
parking ....................................158
shift interlock ..........................161
Break-in period .............................3
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....255
Cargo area shade ......................108
Cargo cover ...............................108
CD changer .................................78
Index
276

air bag ........................................10
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ....10, 158
anti-theft ...................................11
brake ..........................................10
charging system ........................11
check coolant ............................11
check engine ...............................8
cruise indicator .........................13
door ajar ....................................12
fuel cap light ...............................9
high beam .................................11
overdrive off ..............................12
safety belt .................................10
speed control ............................88
turn signal indicator .................11
Load limits .................................176
GAWR ......................................176
GVWR ......................................176
trailer towing ..........................176
Loading instructions .................177
Locks
autolock ...................................116
childproof ................................104
Lubricant specifications ...258, 260
Lumbar support, seats .....124±125
M
Manual transmission
fluid capacities ........................255
lubricant specifications ..........260
Message center ...........................17
english/metric button ...............17
reset button ..............................19
system check button ................19
Mirrors
automatic dimming rearview
mirror ......................................102
cleaning ...................................254fold away .................................105
heated ......................................105
side view mirrors (power) .....104
Moon roof ....................................93
Motorcraft parts ................238, 255
O
Octane rating ............................236
Odometer .....................................15
Off-Road Driving .......................173
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................210
P
Panic alarm feature, remote
entry system ..............................110
Parking brake ............................158
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....255
Power distribution box (see
Fuses) ........................................192
Power door locks ......................103
Power steering ..........................159
fluid, checking and adding ....220
fluid, refill capacity ................255
fluid, specifications .........258, 260
Preparing to drive your
vehicle ........................................161
R
Radio ............................................36
Relays ........................................187
Remote entry system .......109±110
illuminated entry ....................113
locking/unlocking doors .........110
panic alarm .............................110
Index
280