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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 all running
lights, brake lights, turn signals and hazard lights are working. 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 while you tow
When towing a trailer:
•Turn off the speed control. The speed control may shut off
automatically when you are towing on long, steep grades.
•Consult your local motor vehicle speed regulations for towing a trailer.
•To eliminate excessive shifting, use a lower gear. This will also assist
in transmission cooling. (For additional information, refer to the
Driving with a 5–speed automatic transmissionsection in this
chapter.)
•Under extreme conditions with large frontal trailers, high outside
temperatures and highway speeds, the coolant gauge may indicate
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Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driving
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Canadian customers who require roadside assistance, call
1–800–665–2006.
If you need to arrange roadside assistance for yourself, Ford Motor
Company will reimburse a reasonable amount. To obtain reimbursement
information, U.S. Ford or Mercury vehicles customers call
1-800-241-3673; Lincoln vehicle customers call 1–800–521–4140.
Canadian customers who need to obtain reimbursement information, call
1–800–665–2006.
ROADSIDE COVERAGE BEYOND BASIC WARRANTY
In the United States, you may purchase additional roadside assistance
coverage beyond this period through the Ford Auto Club by contacting
your Ford or Lincoln Mercury dealer.
Similarly in Canada, for uninterrupted Roadside Assistance coverage, you
may purchase extended coverage prior to your Basic Warranty’s Roadside
Assistance expiring. For more information and enrollment, contact
1–877–294–2582 or visit our website at www.ford.ca.
HAZARD FLASHER
The hazard flasher is located on the
steering column, just behind the
steering wheel. The hazard flashers
will operate when the ignition is in
any position or if the key is not in
the ignition.
Push in the flasher control and all
front and rear direction signals will
flash. Press the flasher control again
to turn them off. Use it when your
vehicle is disabled and is creating a
safety hazard for other motorists.
Note:With extended use, the flasher may run down your battery.
FUEL PUMP SHUT-OFF SWITCH
FUEL
RESET
The fuel pump shut-off switch is a device intended to stop the electric
fuel pump when your vehicle has been involved in a substantial jolt.
After a collision, if the engine cranks but does not start, the fuel pump
shut-off switch may have been activated.
2004 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
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The high-current fuses are coded as follows:
Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingPower Distribution Box
Description
1 60A** PJB #1
2 30A** BSM
3 — Not used
4 30A** Rear defrost
5 40A** Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
pump
6 60A** Delayed accessory, Power
windows, Audio
7 20A** Power point #2
8 30A** 4x4 shift motor
9 20A** Power point #1
10 30A** ABS module (valves)
11 40A** Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
12 50A** Ignition relay, Starter relay
13 40A** Trailer tow battery charge, Trailer
tow turn signals
14 10A* Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)
(Canada)
2004 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
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Speed control ..............................54
Starting a flex fuel vehicle .......139
Starting your vehicle ........137, 139
jump starting ..........................203
Steering wheel
controls ......................................57
tilting .........................................47
T
Tilt steering wheel ......................47
Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (TPMS)
Driving .....................................158
Roadside Emergencies ...........194
Warning Displays ......................15
Tires ...................................194, 257
changing ..................194, 199, 202
replacing ..................................199
snow tires and chains ............271
spare tire .................195, 197–198
tire grades ...............................258
treadwear ................................257
Towing .......................................175
recreational towing .................180
trailer towing ..........................175
wrecker ....................................209
Transfer case
fluid checking .........................256
Transmission .............................147brake-shift interlock (BSI) ....147
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................255
fluid, refill capacities ..............272
lubricant
specifications ..................274, 276
Trunk ...........................................83
Turn signal ..................................40
V
Vehicle dimensions ...................277
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................279
Vehicle loading ..........................171
Ventilating your vehicle ...........140
W
Warning lights (see Lights) .......10
Washer fluid ..............................229
Water, Driving through .............171
Windows
power .........................................52
rear wiper/washer .....................47
Windshield washer fluid and
wipers ..........................................46
checking and adding fluid .....229
liftgate reservoir .....................229
replacing wiper blades .............47
Wrecker towing .........................209
2004 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Index
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