2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT lock

Understanding gearshift positions
Hold the brake pedal down while you move the gearshift lever
from P (Park) to another position. If you do not hold the brake
pedal down, your vehicle may move unexpectedly and injure someone.
P (Park)
To put your vehicle in gear, start the engine, depress the brake pedal,
then move gearshift lever out of P (Park).
Always come to a complete stop
before shifting into P (Park). Make
sure the gearshift lever is securely
latched in P (Park). This position
locks the transmission and prevents
the rear wheels from turning.
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the gearshift is
latched in P (Park). Turn off the ignition whenever you leave
your vehicle.
R (Reverse)
With the gearshift lever in R
(Reverse), the vehicle will move
backward. Always come to a
complete stop before shifting into
and out of R (Reverse).
N (Neutral)
With the gearshift lever in N
(Neutral), the vehicle can be started
and is free to roll. Hold the brake
pedal down while in this position.
(Overdrive)
The normal driving position for the
best fuel economy. Transmission
operates in gears one through five.
Driving
131

1 (First)
Use 1 (First) to provide maximum
engine braking on steep
downgrades. Upshifts can be made
by shifting to 2 (Second) or to
(Overdrive). Selecting 1 (Low) at
higher speeds causes the transmission to shift to a lower gear and will
shift to 1 (First) after the vehicle decelerates to the proper vehicle
speed.
Forced Downshifts
To gain acceleration in(Overdrive) or Drive (O/D OFF) when
passing another vehicle, push the accelerator to the floor. The
transmission will downshift to the appropriate gear: fourth, third, second
or first gear.
Driving a manual transmission (if equipped)
Using the clutch
Vehicles equipped with a manual
transmission have a starter interlock
that prevents Starting the engine
unless the clutch pedal is fully
depressed.
When starting a vehicle with a
manual transmission:
1. Hold down the brake pedal.
2. Put the gearshift lever in N
(Neutral).
3. Depress the clutch pedal.
4. Start the engine and let it idle for a few seconds.
²Put the gearshift in 1 (First) or R (Reverse).
5. Release the clutch slowly while pressing gradually down on the
accelerator pedal.
²Do not drive with your foot resting on the clutch pedal. Do not use
the clutch to hold your vehicle at a standstill while waiting on a hill.
These actions may reduce clutch life.
Driving
133

Water intrusion into the transmission may damage the
transmission.
Replace rear axle lubricant any time the axle has been submerged in
water. The rear axle does not normally require a lubricant change for the
life of the vehicle. Rear axle lubricant quantities are not to be checked or
changed unless a leak is suspected or repair is required.
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.
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
a lower gear.
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.
Driving
140

Getting roadside assistance
To fully assist you should you have a vehicle concern, Ford Motor
Company offers a complimentary roadside assistance program. This
program is separate from the New Vehicle Limited Warranty. The service
is available:
²24±hours, seven days a week
²for the Basic warranty period (Canada) or New Vehicle Limited
Warranty period (U.S.) of three years or 60 000 km (36 000 miles),
whichever comes first on Ford and Mercury vehicles, and four years or
80 000 km (50 000 miles) on Lincoln vehicles
Roadside assistance will cover:
²changing a flat tire
²jump-starts
²lock-out assistance
²fuel delivery
²towing of your disabled vehicle up to 56.3 kms (35 miles) from the
point of pickup (this can include to the nearest Ford dealership, or
your selling dealer if within the specified distance.) One tow per
disablement. Even non-warranty related tows, like accidents or getting
stuck in the mud or snow, are covered (some exclusions apply, such
as impound towing or repossession).
Using roadside assistance
Complete the roadside assistance identification card and place it in your
wallet for quick reference. In the United States, this card is found in the
Owner Guide portfolio in the glove compartment in Ford vehicles and is
mailed to you if you own a Mercury or Lincoln. In Canada, the card is
found in the Roadside Assistance book in the glove compartment.
To receive roadside assistance in the United States for Ford or Mercury
vehicles, call 1±800±241±3673 or if you own a Lincoln vehicle, call
1±800±521±4140. In Canada call 1±800±665±2006.
Should you need to arrange roadside assistance for yourself, Ford Motor
Company will reimburse a reasonable amount. To obtain information
about reimbursement, call 1±800±241±3673 in the United States for Ford
or Mercury vehicles; or if you own a Lincoln vehicle, call
1±800±521±4140. Call 1±800±665±2006 in Canada.
Roadside emergencies
151

The fuses are coded as follows:
Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingPassenger Compartment Fuse
Panel Description
1 5A Power Mirror Switch
2 Ð Not Used
3 7.5A Left Stop/Turn Trailer Tow
Connector
4 15A Subwoofer
5 15A Park Lamps
6 15A (With rear
blower)
7.5A (Without
rear blower)Blower Motor Relay, Airbag
Diagnostic Monitor
7 7.5A Right Stop/Turn Trailer Tow
Connector
8 Ð Not Used
9 7.5A Brake Pedal Position Switch
10 7.5A Speed Control/Amplifier Assembly,
Generic electronic Module (GEM),
Shift Lock Actuator, Blend Door
Actuator, A/C - Heater Assembly,
Flasher, Overhead Console, 4X4
Module
11 7.5A Instrument Cluster, 4X4 Module
12 10A Washer Pump Relay, Rear Washer
Pump Relay
13 15A Brake Pedal Position Switch,
Brake Pressure Switch
14 10A 4 Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System
(4WABS) Module
15 7.5A Instrument Cluster
16 30A Windshield Wiper Motor, Wiper
Hi-Lo Relay, Wiper Run/Park
Relay
Roadside emergencies
156

Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingPassenger Compartment Fuse
Panel Description
17 20A Cigar Lighter, Data Link
Connector
18 20A Power Door Locks
19 25A PCM Power Diode
20 7.5A Generic Electronic Module
(GEM), Radio, Moonroof Relay,
Power Window Relay
21 15A Flasher (Hazard)
22 20A Auxiliary Power Socket
23 Ð Not Used
24 7.5A Starter Interrupt Relay, Anti-Theft
25 7.5A Generic Electronic Module
(GEM), Instrument Cluster,
Securi-Lock
26 10A Battery Saver Relay, Interior
Lamp Relay
27 15A DRL, Backup Lamps Switch, DTR
Sensor, Rear Defroster Relay
28 7.5A Radio
29 20A Radio
30 25A Power Seats
31 5A Rear Blower Motor
32 5A Heated Rear Window Switch
33 15A Headlamps, Daytime Running
Lamps (DRL) Module, Instrument
Cluster
34 5A Rear Integrated Control Panel
35 15A 4X4 Module
36 15A Trailer Tow Relay
Roadside emergencies
157

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, jack handle extension Behind rear seat under carpet in
the cargo floor
Removing the spare tire
1. Assemble the jack handle with the spade end to the lug wrench as
shown in the illustration.
²To assemble, depress button and
slide together.
2. Open liftgate.
3. Insert the jack handle into the
opening just above the rear bumper.
The handle will stop moving forward
and resistance to turning will be felt
when properly engaged.
4. Turn the handle counterclockwise
until tire is lowered to the ground,
and the cable is slack. Slide the tire
rearward.
5. Remove the retainer from the center of the spare tire.
Roadside emergencies
162

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
When one of the front wheels is off the ground, the transmission
alone will not prevent the vehicle from moving or slipping off the
jack, even if the vehicle is in P (Park) (automatic transaxle) or R
(Reverse) (manual transaxle).
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.
1. Park on a level surface, activate
hazard flashers and place gearshift
lever in P (Park) (automatic
transmission) or R (Reverse)
(manual transmission).
2. Set the parking brake and turn
engine OFF.
Roadside emergencies
163