2005 FORD EXPLORER brakes

Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the gearshift is
latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the LOCK position and
remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle.
If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake warning lamp
remains illuminated, the brakes may not be working properly.
See your dealer or a qualified service technician.
Do not spin the wheels at over 35 mph (56 km/h). The tires may
fail and injure a passenger or bystander.
Emergency maneuvers
•In an unavoidable emergency situation where a sudden sharp turn
must be made, remember to avoid “over-driving” your vehicle (i.e.,
turn the steering wheel only as rapidly and as far as required to avoid
the emergency). Excessive steering will result in less vehicle control,
not more. Additionally, smooth variations of the accelerator and/or
brake pedal pressure should be utilized if changes in vehicle speed are
called for. Avoid abrupt steering, acceleration or braking which could
result in an increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover
and/or personal injury. Use all available road surface to return the
vehicle to a safe direction of travel.
•In the event of an emergency stop, avoid skidding the tires and do not
attempt any sharp steering wheel movements.
Vehicles with a higher center of gravity such as utility and
four-wheel drive vehicles handle differently than vehicles with a
lower center of gravity. Utility and four-wheel drive vehicles arenot
designed for cornering at speeds as high as passenger cars any more
than low-slung sports cars are designed to perform satisfactorily under
off-road conditions. Avoid sharp turns, excessive speed and abrupt
maneuvers in these vehicles. Failure to drive cautiously could result in
an increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal
injury and death.
•If the vehicle goes from one type of surface to another (i.e., from
concrete to gravel) there will be a change in the way the vehicle
responds to a maneuver (steering, acceleration or braking). Again,
avoid these abrupt inputs.
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AWD Systems (if equipped)
AWD uses all four wheels to power
the vehicle. This increases traction,
enabling you to drive over terrain
and road conditions that a
conventional two-wheel drive vehicle
cannot.
Sand
When driving over sand, try to keep all four wheels on the most solid
area of the trail. Avoid reducing the tire pressures but shift to a lower
gear and drive steadily through the terrain. Apply the accelerator slowly
and avoid spinning the wheels.
If you must reduce the tire pressure for whatever reason in sand, make
sure you re-inflate the tires as soon as possible.
Note:If your vehicle is equipped with the Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (TPMS), the system indicator light may illuminate depending on
how much air is released from your tires and/or how long you drive the
vehicle under these conditions.
Avoid excessive speed because vehicle momentum can work against you
and cause the vehicle to become stuck to the point that assistance may
be required from another vehicle. Remember, you may be able to back
out the way you came if you proceed with caution.
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.
Be cautious of sudden changes in vehicle speed or direction when you
are driving in mud. Even AWD vehicles can lose traction in slick mud. As
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Apply just enough power to the wheels to climb the hill. Too much
power will cause the tires to slip, spin or lose traction, resulting in loss of
vehicle control.
Descend a hill in the same gear you
would use to climb up the hill to
avoid excessive brake application
and brake overheating. Do not
descend in neutral; instead,
disengage overdrive or manually
shift to a lower gear. When
descending a steep hill, avoid
sudden hard braking as you could
lose control. When you brake hard,
the front wheels can’t turn and if
they aren’t turning, you won’t be
able to steer. The front wheels have to be turning in order to steer the
vehicle.
If your vehicle has anti-lock brakes, apply the brakes steadily. Do not
“pump” the brakes.
Driving on snow and ice
AWD vehicles have advantages over 2WD vehicles in snow and ice but
can skid like any other vehicle.
Should you start to slide while driving on snowy or icy roads, turn the
steering wheel in the direction of the slide until you regain control.
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.
Avoid sudden braking as well. Although an AWD vehicle may accelerate
better than a two-wheel drive vehicle in snow and ice, it won’t stop any
faster, because as in other vehicles, braking occurs at all four wheels. Do
not become overconfident as to road conditions.
Make sure you allow sufficient distance between you and other vehicles
for stopping. Drive slower than usual and consider using one of the lower
gears. In emergency stopping situations, avoid locking of the wheels. Use
a “squeeze” technique, push on the brake pedal with a steadily increasing
force which allows the wheels to brake yet continue to roll so that you
may steer in the direction you want to travel. If you lock the wheels,
release the brake pedal and repeat the squeeze technique. If your vehicle
is equipped with a four wheel anti-lock brake system (ABS), apply the
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brake steadily. Do not “pump” the brakes. Refer to theBrakessection of
this chapter for additional information on the operation of the anti-lock
brake system.
Never drive with chains on the front tires of AWD vehicles without also
putting them on the rear tires. This could cause the rear to slide and
swing around during braking.
Maintenance and Modifications
The suspension and steering systems on your vehicle have been designed
and tested to provide predictable performance whether loaded or empty
and durable load carrying capability. For this reason, Ford Motor
Company strongly recommends that you do not make modifications such
as adding or removing parts (such as lift kits or stabilizer bars) or by
using replacement parts not equivalent to the original factory equipment.
Any modifications to a vehicle that raise the center of gravity can make
it more likely the vehicle will roll over as a result of a loss of control.
Ford Motor Company recommends that caution be used with any vehicle
equipped with a high load or device (such as ladder racks or pickup box
cover).
Failure to maintain your vehicle properly may void the warranty, increase
your repair cost, reduce vehicle performance and operational capabilities
and adversely affect driver and passenger safety. Frequent inspection of
vehicle chassis components is recommended if the vehicle is subjected to
heavy off-road usage.
DRIVING THROUGH WATER
If driving through deep or standing water is unavoidable, proceed very
slowly especially when the depth is not known. Never drive through
water that is higher than the bottom of the hubs (for trucks) or the
bottom of the wheel rims (for cars). When driving through water,
traction or brake capability may be limited. Also, water may enter your
engine’s air intake and severely damage your engine or your vehicle may
stall.Driving through deep water where the transmission vent
tube is submerged may allow water into the transmission and
cause internal transmission damage.
Once through the water, always dry the brakes by moving your
vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake pedal.
Wet brakes do not stop the vehicle as quickly as dry brakes.
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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.
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking automatic transmission fluid
The automatic transmission does not have a transmission fluid dipstick.
Refer to yourScheduled Maintenance Guidefor scheduled intervals for
fluid checks and changes. Your transmission does not consume fluid.
However, the fluid level should be checked if the transmission is not
working properly, (i.e., if the transmission slips or shifts slowly) or if you
notice some sign of fluid leakage.
Transmission fluid should be checked and, if required, fluid
should be added by a qualified technician.
Do not use supplemental transmission fluid additives, treatments or
cleaning agents. The use of these materials may affect transmission
operation and result in damage to internal transmission components.
AIR FILTER MAINTENANCE
Refer to the scheduled maintenance guide for the appropriate intervals
for changing the air filter element.
When changing the air filter element, use only the Motorcraft air filter
element listed. Refer toMotorcraft part numbersin this chapter.
Note:Do not start your engine with the air cleaner removed and do not
remove it while the engine is running.
CHANGING THE AIR FILTER ELEMENT
1. Release the clamps that secure the air filter housing cover.
2. Carefully separate the two halves of the air filter housing.
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A
Accessory delay ..........................69
AdvanceTrac ..............................206
Air bag supplemental restraint
system ................................135, 140
and child safety seats ............137
description ......................135, 140
disposal ....................................143
driver air bag ..................137, 141
indicator light .................139, 142
operation .........................137, 141
passenger air bag ...........137, 141
Air cleaner filter ...............299, 301
Air conditioning ..........................48
All Wheel Drive (AWD),
driving off road .........................226
Ambulance packages ....................7
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................280
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................204
Audio system
(see Radio) ....18, 21, 25, 30, 34, 39
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................212
fluid, adding ............................299
fluid, checking ........................299
fluid, refill capacities ..............302
fluid, specification ..................306
Auxiliary power point .................67
Axle
lubricant specifications ..304, 306
refill capacities ........................302
B
Battery .......................................278acid, treating emergencies .....278
jumping a disabled battery ....246
maintenance-free ....................278
replacement, specifications ...301
servicing ..................................278
BeltMinder .................................131
Brakes ........................................203
anti-lock ...................................204
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................204
fluid, checking and adding ....299
fluid, refill capacities ..............302
fluid, specifications .........304, 306
lubricant specifications ..304, 306
parking ....................................205
shift interlock ..........................210
C
Calculating load ........................193
Capacities for refilling fluids ....302
Cargo cover ...........................96–97
Cell phone use ............................64
Certification Label ....................308
Changing a tire .........................164
Child safety restraints ..............144
child safety belts ....................144
Child safety seats ......................146
attaching with tether straps ..150
in front seat ............................148
in rear seat ..............................148
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............263
instrument panel ....................265
interior .....................................266
interior trim ............................265
plastic parts ............................264
safety belts ..............................266
washing ....................................262
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Heating
heating and air conditioning
system .................................46, 48
Homelink wireless control
system ..........................................77
Hood ..........................................269
I
Ignition .......................200, 306–307
Infant seats
(see Safety seats) .....................146
Inspection/maintenance (I/M)
testing ........................................297
Instrument panel
cleaning ...................................265
cluster ........................................10
J
Jack ....................................164, 167
positioning .......................164, 169
storage .....................164, 166–167
Jump-starting your vehicle ......246
K
Keyless entry system ...............105
autolock ...................................107
Keys
positions of the ignition .........200
L
Lamps
bulb replacement
specifications chart ..................57
daytime running light ...............53
fog lamps ...................................53
interior lamps ...........................56Liftgate ................................95, 102
Lights, warning and indicator ....10
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........204
Limited-slip axle .......................217
Load limits .................................187
Loading instructions .................193
Locks
autolock ...................................107
childproof ................................100
doors ..........................................99
Lubricant specifications ...304, 306
Lug nuts ....................................172
Luggage rack ...............................97
Lumbar support,
seats ...........................114, 116–117
M
Message center ...........................83
english/metric button ...............89
system check button ................89
warning messages .....................90
Mirrors ...................................67, 70
automatic dimming rearview
mirror ........................................70
fold away ...................................70
heated ........................................70
side view mirrors (power) .......69
Moon roof ....................................76
Motorcraft parts ................292, 301
O
Octane rating ............................289
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................273
P
Parking brake ............................205
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