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.
REVIEW COPY:
2004 Explorer(exp), Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)(own2002),
Market:USA English(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
174
CHANGING THE TIRES
If you get a flat tire while driving:
•do not brake heavily.
•gradually decrease the vehicle’s speed.
•hold the steering wheel firmly.
•slowly move to a safe place on the side of the road.
The use of tire sealants may damage your tires. The use of tire
sealants may also damage your tire pressure monitoring system
(if equipped).
If your vehicle is equipped with a tire pressure monitoring
system, refer toTire Pressure Monitoring System (if
equipped)in theMaintenance and specificationssection for
important information. If the tire pressure monitor sensor becomes
damaged, it will no longer function.
Dissimilar spare tire/wheel information
Failure to follow these guidelines could result in an increased
risk of tire failure, loss of vehicle control, injury or death.
Your vehicle may be equipped with a dissimilar spare tire/wheel. A
dissimilar spare tire/wheel is defined as a spare tire and/or wheel that is
different in brand, size or appearance from the road tires and wheels. If
you have a dissimilar spare tire/wheel, then it is intended for temporary
use only. This means that if you need to use it, you should replace it as
soon as possible with a road tire/wheel that is the same size and type as
the road tires and wheels that were originally provided by Ford. If the
dissimilar spare tire or wheel is damaged, it should be replaced rather
than repaired.
When driving with the dissimilar spare tire/wheel,do not:
•Exceed 70 mph (113 km/h)
•Use more than one dissimilar spare tire/wheel at a time
•Use commercial car washing equipment
•Use snow chains on the end of the vehicle with the dissimilar spare
tire/wheel
REVIEW COPY:
2004 Explorer(exp), Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)(own2002),
Market:USA English(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
186
Stopping and securing the vehicle
1. 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.
2. Park on a level surface, activate
the hazard flashers and set the
parking brake.
3. Place gearshift lever in P (Park)
and turn engine OFF.
When one of the rear wheels is off the ground, the transmission
alone will not prevent the vehicle from moving or slipping off the
jack, even if the transmission is in P (Park).
Note:Passengers should not remain
in the vehicle when the vehicle is
being jacked.
4. Block the wheel that is diagonally
opposite of the flat tire using the
wheel chock provided with your
vehicle.
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. The spare tire winch
drive nut is located at the rear center
of the cargo area under a lid.
Jack, lug nut wrench, jack
handle, wheel chockBehind the rear seat under the
carpeted floor lid in the cargo floor.
The tools are located in a bag attached
to the jack.
REVIEW COPY:
2004 Explorer(exp), Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)(own2002),
Market:USA English(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
188
PLASTIC (NON-PAINTED) EXTERIOR PARTS
Use only approved products to clean plastic parts. These products are
available from your dealer.
•For routine cleaning, use Motorcraft Detail Wash (ZC-3–A).
•If tar or grease spots are present, use Motorcraft Bug and Tar
Remover (ZC-42).
WINDOWS AND WIPER BLADES
The windshield, rear and side windows and the wiper blades should be
cleaned regularly. If the wipers do not wipe properly, substances on the
vehicle’s glass or the wiper blades may be the cause. These may include
hot wax treatments used by commercial car washes, tree sap, or other
organic contamination. To clean these items, please follow these tips:
•The windshield, rear windows and side windows may be cleaned with
a non-abrasive cleaner such as Motorcraft Ultra Clear Spray Glass
Cleaner (ZC-23), available from your dealer.
•Do not use abrasives, as they may cause scratches.
•Do not use fuel, kerosene, or paint thinner to clean any parts.
•Wiper blades can be cleaned with isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol or
windshield washer solution. Be sure to replace wiper blades when they
appear worn or do not function properly.
Do not use sharp objects, such as a razor blade, to clean the
inside of the rear window or to remove decals, as it may cause
damage to the rear window defroster’s heated grid lines.
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CLUSTER LENS
Clean the instrument panel with a damp cloth, then dry with a dry cloth.
•Avoid cleaners or polish that increase the gloss of the upper portion of
the instrument panel. The dull finish in this area helps protect the
driver from undesirable windshield reflection.
Do not use chemical solvents or strong detergents when cleaning
the steering wheel or instrument panel to avoid contamination of
the air bag system.
•Be certain to wash or wipe your hands clean if you have been in
contact with certain products such as insect repellent and suntan
lotion in order to avoid possible damage to the interior painted
surfaces.
REVIEW COPY:
2004 Explorer(exp), Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)(own2002),
Market:USA English(fus)
Cleaning
212
•4.6L V8 engine
1. Start the engine and let it run until it reaches normal operating
temperature (the engine coolant temperature gauge indicator will be
near the center of the normal area between H and C).
2. While the engine idles, turn the steering wheel left and right several
times.
3. Turn the engine off.
4. Check the fluid level in the reservoir.
5. The fluid level should be between the MIN and MAX lines. Do not add
fluid if the level is in this range.
6. If the fluid is low, add fluid in small amounts, continuously checking
the level until it reaches the correct operating range. Be sure to put the
cap back on the reservoir.
BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR
The fluid level will drop slowly as
the brakes wear, and will rise when
the brake components are replaced.
Fluid levels below the “MAX” line
that do not trigger the brake system
warning lamp are within the normal
operating range, there is no need to
add fluid. If the fluid levels are
outside of the normal operating
range, the performance of your
brake system could be
compromised, seek service from your dealer immediately.
REVIEW COPY:
2004 Explorer(exp), Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)(own2002),
Market:USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
244
If your vehicle has a leak in the exhaust system, a road tire or the spare
tire may be exposed to hot exhaust temperatures requiring the tire to be
replaced.
Tire Replacement Requirements
Your vehicle is equipped with tires designed to provide safe ride and
handling capability.
Only use replacement tires and wheels that are the same size
and type (such as P-metric versus LT-metric or all-season versus
all-terrain) as those originally provided by Ford. Use of any tire or
wheel not recommended by Ford can affect the safety and
performance of your vehicle, which could result in an increased risk of
loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal injury and death.
Additionally the use of non-recommended tires and wheels could cause
steering, suspension, axle or transfer case/power transfer unit failure. If
you have questions regarding tire replacement, see an authorized Ford
or Lincoln/Mercury dealer.
Make sure all tires and wheels on the vehicle are of the same size, type,
tread design, brand, load-carrying capacity and speed rating because it
can affect the safety and performance of your vehicle, which could result
in an increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal
injury and death.
You should replace the spare tire when you replace the other road tires
due to the aging of the spare tire.
Safety practices
Driving habits have a great deal to do with your tire mileage and safety.
•Observe posted speed limits
•Avoid fast starts, stops and turns
•Avoid potholes and objects on the road
•Do not run over curbs or hit the tire against a curb when parking
If your vehicle is stuck in snow, mud, sand, etc.,do notrapidly spin the
tires; spinning the tires can tear the tire and cause an explosion. A tire
can explode in as little as three to five seconds.
Tire explosions can cause death, personal injury or property
damage. Do not allow anyone to stand near, directly ahead or
behind the spinning tire.
REVIEW COPY:
2004 Explorer(exp), Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)(own2002),
Market:USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
258
plastic parts ............................212
safety belts ..............................213
washing ....................................209
waxing .....................................209
wheels ......................................210
wiper blades ............................212
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ............28
Clock adjust
6-CD in dash .............................23
AM/FM/CD .................................18
Compass, electronic ....................61
calibration .................................62
set zone adjustment ...........61, 64
Console ........................................45
overhead ....................................46
rear ......................................46, 48
Controls
power seat .................................94
steering column ........................54
Coolant
checking and adding ..............226
refill capacities ................230, 263
specifications ..................265, 267
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................51
Customer Assistance ................173
Ford accessories for your
vehicle .....................................214
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................201
Getting assistance outside
the U.S. and Canada ..............205
Getting roadside assistance ...173
Getting the service
you need .................................201
Ordering additional
owner’s literature ...................206
The Dispute Settlement
Board .......................................202Utilizing the Mediation/
Arbitration Program ...............205
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................33
Defrost
rear window ..............................32
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................245
engine oil .................................220
Doors
lubricant specifications ..........265
Driveline universal joint and
slip yoke ....................................246
Driving under special
conditions ..................149, 154, 157
sand .........................................156
snow and ice ...........................158
through water .................156, 161
Dual automatic temperature
control (DATC) ...........................28
E
Electronic message center .........63
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................195
Emergency Flashers .................174
Emission control system ..........241
Engine ........................................267
cleaning ...................................210
coolant .....................................226
fail-safe coolant ......................230
idle speed control ...................224
lubrication
specifications ..................265, 267
REVIEW COPY:
2004 Explorer(exp), Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)(own2002),
Market:USA English(fus)
Index
275
P
Parking brake ............................140
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....262
Pedals (see Power adjustable
foot pedals) .................................51
Power adjustable foot pedals .....51
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................181
Power door locks ........................79
Power point .................................48
Power Point
Cigar lighter ..............................48
Power steering ..........................143
fluid, checking and adding ....243
fluid, refill capacity ................263
fluid, specifications .........265, 267
Power Windows ...........................48
Preparing to drive
your vehicle ...............................144
R
Radio ......................................18, 21
Rear window defroster ...............32
Relays ................................176, 184
Remote entry system .................81
illuminated entry ......................85
opening the trunk .....................82
Reverse sensing system ...........149
Roadside assistance ..................173
Roof rack .....................................77
S
Safety Belt Maintenance ..........114
Safety belts (see Safety
restraints) ..........102, 105–108, 110Safety Canopy ...................120–121
Safety defects, reporting ..........208
Safety restraints ........102, 105–110
belt minder .............................111
extension assembly ................110
for adults .........................106–108
for children .............................123
safety belt maintenance .........114
warning light and
chime ...............................110–111
Safety seats for children ..........126
Seat belts (see
Safety restraints) ......................102
Seats ............................................92
child safety seats ....................126
front seats .................................93
heated ........................................96
memory seat .......................82, 95
Setting the clock
AM/FM/CD .................................18
AM/FM/In-dash 6 CD ................23
Snowplowing .................................7
Spark plugs,
specifications .....................262, 267
Special notice
ambulance conversions ..............7
utility-type vehicles ....................7
Specification chart,
lubricants ...........................265, 267
Speed control ..............................51
Starting a flex fuel vehicle .......137
Starting your vehicle ........135, 137
jump starting ..........................195
Steering wheel
controls ......................................54
tilting .........................................44
T
Tilt steering wheel ......................44
REVIEW COPY:
2004 Explorer(exp), Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)(own2002),
Market:USA English(fus)
Index
278