2004 ford explorer maintance manual

The doors will again lock then unlock to confirm that your personal keycode has been programmed to the module. You do not need to enter the keypad code first. Page 90 Programming spare keys for instructions on how to program the coded key. Note: The SecuriLock passive anti-theft system is not compatible with non-Ford aftermarket remote start systems.

Use of these systems may result in vehicle starting problems and a loss of security protection. You need to prevent these objects from touching the coded key while starting the engine. These objects will not cause damage to the coded key, but may cause a momentary issue if they are too close to the key when starting the engine. The key codes need to be erased from your vehicle and new coded keys will need to be programmed. Page 93 Locks and Security 5. Keep the ignition in the 3 ON position for at least three seconds, but no more than 10 seconds.

Do not pile cargo higher than the seatbacks to reduce the risk of injury in a collision or sudden stop. Page 95 Seating and Safety Restraints Push control to lower head restraint. Always drive and ride with your seatback upright and the lap belt snug and low across the hips. Page 96 Seating and Safety Restraints Adjusting the front power seat if equipped The control is located on the outboard side of the seat cushion.

Press front to raise or lower the front portion of the seat cushion. Press rear to raise or lower the rear portion of the seat cushion. The memory seat control is located on the driver door. Page 98 Seating and Safety Restraints Using the manual lumbar support For more lumbar support, turn the lumbar support control toward the front of vehicle.

For less lumbar support, turn the lumbar support control toward the rear of vehicle. Page 99 Seating and Safety Restraints 1.

Pull upward on the release handle to cycle the seats to the load-floor position. Rotate the seatback downward into the load floor position. Press down on the top outboard area of the seatback until a click is heard. Page Seating and Safety Restraints To exit the 3rd row seat, pull the red access control lever up releasing the seat from the floor and rotate the seat up towards the front seat.

Always latch the vehicle seat to the floor, whether the seat is occupied or empty. Page Seating and Safety Restraints To return the seatback to the upright position: 1. Pull the lever and lift the seatback toward the rear of the vehicle.

Rotate the seatback until you hear a click, locking it in the upright position. Page Seating and Safety Restraints 3. Push the closeout panel forward over the space between the seats. To put seat in upright position: 1. Pull back the slider panel on the seatback to release the closeout panel. Pull the seat release lever located on top of the seatback while lifting the seatback into the upright position. The system is able to analyze different occupant conditions and crash severity before activating the appropriate safety devices to help better protect a range of occupants in a variety of frontal crash situations.

Page Seating and Safety Restraints Driver and passenger dual-stage air bag supplemental restraints The dual-stage air bags offer the capability to tailor the level of air bag inflation energy.

A lower, less forceful energy level is provided for more common, moderate-severity impacts. A higher energy level is used for the most severe impacts.

Page Seating and Safety Restraints Determining if the Personal Safety System is operational The Personal Safety System uses a warning light in the instrument cluster or a back-up tone to indicate the condition of the system.

Refer to the Warning Light section in the Instrument Cluster chapter. Routine maintenance of the Personal Safety System is not required. Page Seating and Safety Restraints It is extremely dangerous to ride in a cargo area, inside or outside of a vehicle. In a collision, people riding in these areas are more likely to be seriously injured or killed. Do not allow people to ride in any area of your vehicle that is not equipped with seats and safety belts.

Page Seating and Safety Restraints Combination lap and shoulder belts 1. Insert the belt tongue into the proper buckle the buckle closest to the direction the tongue is coming from until you hear a snap and feel it latch.

Make sure the tongue is securely fastened in the buckle. Page Seating and Safety Restraints When to use the automatic locking mode In this mode, the shoulder belt is automatically pre-locked. The belt will still retract to remove any slack in the shoulder belt.

The automatic locking mode is not available on the driver safety belt. This mode should be used any time a child safety seat is installed in a passenger front or outboard rear seating position if equipped.

Page Seating and Safety Restraints How to disengage the automatic locking mode Unbuckle the combination lap and shoulder belt and allow it to retract completely to disengage the automatic locking mode and activate the vehicle sensitive emergency locking mode. Page Seating and Safety Restraints Safety belt height adjustment Your vehicle has safety belt height adjustments for the front and second row outboard seating positions.

Adjust the height of the shoulder belt so the belt rests across the middle of your shoulder. To adjust the shoulder belt height, squeeze the button and slide the height adjuster up or down.

Page Seating and Safety Restraints The following are reasons most often given for not wearing safety belts: All statistics based on U. Page Seating and Safety Restraints Reasons given Frontal airbags are not designed to inflate in rear and side crashes or rollovers.

Page if equipped , shoulder belt guide on seatback if equipped , child safety seat LATCH and tether anchors, and attaching hardware, should be inspected after a collision. Ford Motor Company recommends that all safety belt assemblies in use in vehicles involved in a collision be replaced.

Page Air Bags Seating and Safety Restraints belt assemblies not in use during a collision should also be inspected and replaced if either damage or improper operation is noted. Failure to inspect and if necessary replace the safety belt assembly under the above conditions could result in severe personal injuries in the event of a collision. Page Do not attempt to service, repair, or modify the air bag supplemental restraint systems or its fuses.

See your Ford or Lincoln Mercury dealer. Modifications to the front end of the vehicle, including frame, Page Seating and Safety Restraints Children and air bags Children must always be properly restrained. Accident statistics suggest that children are safer when properly restrained in the rear seating positions than in the front seating position. Failure to follow these instructions may increase the risk of injury in a collision. Page Seating and Safety Restraints The air bags inflate and deflate rapidly upon activation.

After air bag deployment, it is normal to notice a smoke-like, powdery residue or smell the burnt propellant. This may consist of cornstarch, talcum powder to lubricate the bag or sodium compounds e. Refer to Safety canopy system later in this chapter. Page Do not attempt to service, repair, or modify the Safety Canopy system, its fuses, the A, B, or C pillar trim, or the headliner on a vehicle containing a Safety Canopy.

All occupants of the vehicle including the driver should always The design and development of the Safety Canopy system included recommended testing procedures that were developed by a group of automotive safety experts known as the Side Airbag Technical Working Group. Page Seating and Safety Restraints The Safety Canopy is mounted to the roof side-rail sheet metal, behind the headliner, above the first and second row seats.

In certain lateral collisions or rollover events, the Safety Canopy system will be activated, regardless of which seats are occupied. The Safety Canopy designed to inflate between the side window area and occupants to further enhance protection provided in side impact collisions and rollover events. The tone pattern will repeat periodically until the problem and light are repaired.

If any of these things happen, even intermittently, have the SRS serviced at your dealership or by a qualified technician immediately. Page To improve the fit of both the lap and shoulder belt on children who have outgrown child safety seats, Ford Motor Company recommends use of a belt-positioning booster. Booster seats position a child so that safety belts fit better. They lift the child up so that the lap belt rests low across the hips and the knees bend comfortably.

Page Seating and Safety Restraints The shoulder belt should cross the chest, resting snugly on the center of the shoulder. The lap belt should rest low and snug across the hips, never up high across the stomach. If the booster seat slides on the vehicle seat, placing a rubberized mesh sold as shelf or carpet liner under the booster seat may improve this condition.

Page 36 kg 80 pounds using an upper torso harness and a belt-positioning booster. Ford recommends the use of a child safety seat having a top tether strap. Page Seating and Safety Restraints Installing child safety seats with combination lap and shoulder belts Air bags can kill or injure a child in a child seat.

NEVER place a rear-facing child seat in front of an active air bag. If you must use a forward-facing child seat in the front seat, move the seat all the way back.

Be sure the belt webbing is not twisted. Insert the belt tongue into the proper buckle the buckle closest to the direction the tongue is coming from for that seating position until Page Seating and Safety Restraints 7. Pull the lap belt portion across the child seat toward the buckle and pull up on the shoulder belt while pushing down with your knee on the child seat. Allow the safety belt to retract to remove any slack in the belt. Page Seating and Safety Restraints The rear seats of your vehicle are equipped with built-in tether strap anchors located behind the seats as shown below.

Clip the tether strap to the anchor. If the tether strap is clipped incorrectly, the child safety seat may not be retained properly in the event of a collision.

In a crash, one anchor may not be strong enough to hold two child safety seat attachments and may break, causing serious injury or death. They snap onto the LATCH lower anchors in the seat to help attach a child seat with rigid attachments. ACC, allows the electrical accessories such as the radio to operate while the engine is not running. Make sure the corresponding lights illuminate or illuminate briefly.

If a light fails to illuminate, have the vehicle serviced. Page Driving Starting the engine 1. If there is difficulty in turning the key, rotate the steering wheel until the key turns freely. Page Driving If the engine fails to start using the preceding instructions flexible fuel vehicles only 1. When the engine starts, release the key, then gradually release the accelerator pedal as the engine speeds up.

If a metal-to-metal, continuous grinding or continuous squeal sound is present, the brake linings may be worn-out and should be inspected by a qualified service technician. If the vehicle has continuous vibration or shudder in the steering wheel while braking, the vehicle should be inspected by a qualified service technician. Page Driving Parking brake Apply the parking brake whenever the vehicle is parked.

To set the parking brake, press the parking brake pedal down until the pedal stops. The BRAKE warning lamp in the instrument cluster illuminates and remains illuminated when the ignition is turned ON until the parking brake is released.

Page Driving Pull the release lever to release the brake. Driving with the parking brake on will cause the brakes to wear out quickly and reduce fuel economy. Page Driving spin. If your vehicle seems to lose engine power while driving in deep sand or very deep snow, switching off the AdvanceTrac stability enhancement feature will restore full engine power and will enhance momentum through the obstacle.

Some drivers may notice a slight movement of the brake pedal when the AdvanceTrac performs a system self-check. Page Driving If the power steering system breaks down or if the engine is turned off , you can steer the vehicle manually, but it takes more effort.

If you cannot move the gearshift lever out of P Park with ignition in the ON position and the brake pedal depressed: 1. Page Driving 3. Remove the access plug with a flat head screwdriver or similar tool. Insert a tool or screwdriver into the access hole to override the brake-shift interlock. Apply the brake and shift into Neutral. Return the cover plug to the access hole.

Start the vehicle. Page Driving Driving with a 5—speed automatic transmission This vehicle is equipped with an adaptive Transmission Shift Strategy. Adaptive Shift Strategy offers the optimal transmission operation and shift quality. Transmission operates in gears one through five. D Drive without Overdrive Overdrive can be deactivated by pressing the transmission control switch on the end of the gearshift lever.

If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow, it may be rocked out by shifting from forward and reverse gears, stopping between shifts in a steady pattern. Page Driving Certain add-on devices such as large trailer hitches, bike or surfboard racks and any device that may block the normal detection zone of the RSS system may create false beeps. The RSS detects obstacles up to 2 meters 6 ft.

Not intended for use on dry pavement. Page Driving 4. Press the desired 4WD position. Page Driving pavement only after reducing your speed. Do not turn the steering wheel too sharply while returning to the road surface.

You may lose control if you do not slow down or if you turn the steering wheel too sharply or abruptly. Page Driving not more. This increases traction, enabling you to drive over terrain and road conditions that a conventional two-wheel drive vehicle cannot. Power is supplied to all four wheels through a transfer case. On 4WD vehicles, the transfer case allows you to select 4WD when necessary.

Page Ford Motor Company joins the U. Page Driving possibly rolling over. Whenever driving on a hill, determine beforehand the route you will use.

Do not drive over the crest of a hill without seeing what conditions are on the other side. Do not drive in reverse over a hill without the aid of an observer. When climbing a steep slope or hill, start in a lower gear rather than downshifting to a lower gear from a If you nevertheless decide to equip your 4WD for off-road use with tires larger than what Ford Motor Company recommends, you should not use these tires for highway driving.

Page Failure to follow tire pressure recommendations can adversely affect the way your vehicle handles. Do not exceed the Ford Motor Company recommended pressure even if it is less than the maximum pressure allowed for the tire.

Page Driving 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.

Page Driving Maintain steering wheel control at all times, especially in rough terrain. Since sudden changes in terrain can result in abrupt steering wheel motion, make sure you grip the steering wheel from the outside. Do not grip the spokes. Drive cautiously to avoid vehicle damage from concealed objects such as rocks and stumps. Page Driving If your vehicle gets stuck If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow it may be rocked out by shifting between forward and reverse gears, stopping between shifts, in a steady pattern.

Press lightly on the accelerator in each gear. Do not rock the vehicle if the engine is not at normal operating temperature or damage to the transmission may occur. Page Driving 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 are not 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. Page Ford or Lincoln Mercury dealer. If you nevertheless decide to equip your AWD for off-road use with tires larger than what Ford Motor Company recommends, you should not use these tires for highway driving.

Page Vehicle Loading Driving 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. Page Driving Payload — is the combined weight of cargo and passengers that the vehicle is carrying. Page Driving Cargo Weight — includes all weight added to the Base Curb Weight, including cargo and optional equipment.

When towing, trailer tongue load or king pin weight is also part of cargo weight. GVWR Gross Vehicle Weight Rating — is the maximum allowable weight of the fully loaded vehicle including all options, equipment, passengers and cargo. Page Driving GCWR Gross Combined Weight Rating — is the maximum allowable weight of the vehicle and the loaded trailer — including all cargo and passengers — that the vehicle can handle without risking damage. The resulting figure equals the available amount of cargo and luggage load capacity.

For your safety and to maximize vehicle performance, be sure to use the proper equipment while towing. Contact your local Ford dealership for assistance in proper trailer tow wiring installation.

Additional electrical equipment may be required. The speed control may shut off automatically when you are towing on long, steep grades. Page Driving 4x4 vehicles with electronic shift transfer case Neutral tow kit accessory : On vehicles equipped with 4WD, an accessory is available that allows you to tow your vehicle, behind another vehicle, with all the wheels on the ground.

Contact your dealer for more details. Do not tow your vehicle with all wheels on the ground unless you install the neutral tow kit as vehicle damage may occur. This program is separate from the New Vehicle Limited Warranty. If you need to arrange roadside assistance for yourself, Ford Motor Company will reimburse a reasonable amount. To obtain reimbursement information, U. Ford or Mercury vehicles customers call ; Lincoln vehicle customers call 1——— Use the following procedure to reset the fuel pump shut-off switch.

Turn the ignition to the OFF position. Check the fuel system for leaks. Page Roadside Emergencies Note: Always replace a fuse with one that has the specified amperage rating.

Using a fuse with a higher amperage rating can cause severe wire damage and could start a fire. To remove a fuse use the fuse puller tool provided on the fuse panel box. Page Roadside Emergencies Passenger compartment fuse panel top side These relays are located on the reverse side of the passenger compartment fuse panel. See your dealer or a certified technician for service of this relay box.

Page Roadside Emergencies Power distribution box The power distribution box is located in the engine compartment. Always disconnect the battery before servicing high current fuses. To reduce risk of electrical shock, always replace the cover to the Power Distribution Box before reconnecting the battery or refilling fluid reservoirs. Page Roadside Emergencies Auxiliary relay box Vehicles equipped with 4x4 The relay box is located on the front right fender well.

Page Ford. If the dissimilar spare tire or wheel is damaged, it should be replaced rather than repaired. Page Roadside Emergencies Note: Passengers should not remain in the vehicle when the vehicle is being jacked.

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 Page Roadside Emergencies 3.

Remove the tools from the provided bag. Rotate the wrench socket out from the handle. Removing the spare tire Do not use an impact wrench on the winch drive nut. This will damage the spare tire winch. Page Roadside Emergencies 2. Insert the lug wrench on the winch drive nut. The wrench will stop moving and forward resistance to turning will be felt when properly engaged.

Turn the wrench counterclockwise until the tire is lowered to the ground and the cable has slack. Page Roadside Emergencies Do not attempt to change a tire on the side of the vehicle close to moving traffic. Pull far enough off the road to avoid the danger of being hit when operating the jack or changing the wheel.

Page Roadside Emergencies 4. Position the jack according to the illustrated guides and turn the jack handle clockwise until the tire is a maximum of 1 inch 25 mm off the ground. To lessen the risk of personal injury, do not put any part of your body under the vehicle while changing a tire.

Page Roadside Emergencies 8. Remove the jack and fully tighten the lug nuts in the order shown. Refer to Wheel lug nut torque specifications later in this chapter for the proper lug nut torque specification.

Use only Ford recommended replacement fasteners. When a wheel is installed, always remove any corrosion, dirt or foreign materials present on the mounting surfaces of the wheel or the surface of the front disc brake hub and rotor that contacts the wheel.

Page Roadside Emergencies Preparing your vehicle When the battery is disconnected or a new battery is installed, the transmission must relearn its shift strategy.

This operation is considered normal and will not affect function or durability of the transmission. Connect the negative - cable to the negative - terminal of the assisting battery. Do not use fuel lines, engine rocker covers or the intake manifold as grounding points.

Do not connect the end of the second cable to the negative - terminal of the battery to be jumped. After the disabled vehicle has been started and the jumper cables removed, allow it to idle for several minutes so the engine computer can relearn its idle conditions. Page Wrecker Towing It is recommended that your vehicle be towed with a wheel lift or flatbed equipment.

Do not tow with a slingbelt. Ford Motor Company has not approved a slingbelt towing procedure. Page If you still have a complaint involving a warranty dispute, you may wish to contact the Dispute Settlement Board U.

In some states in the U. Ford is also allowed a final repair attempt in some states. If you did not take advantage of the Ford Extended Service Plan at the time of purchasing your vehicle, you may still be eligible. Since this information is subject to change, please ask your dealer for complete details about Ford Extended Service Plan coverage options, or visit the Ford ESP website at www. Your dealership and a Ford Motor Company representative will then be asked to submit statements.

Page If your vehicle must be serviced while you are traveling or living in Central or South America, the Caribbean, or the Middle East, contact the nearest Ford dealership. Page Reporting Safety Defects U. If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open an investigation, and if it finds that a safety defect exists in a group of vehicles, it may order a Page Customer Assistance recall and remedy campaign. These products are available from your dealer.

These quality products have been specifically engineered to fulfill your automotive needs; they are custom designed to complement the style and appearance of your vehicle.

Inside the vehicle, pull the hood release handle located under the bottom left corner of the instrument panel. Go to the front of the vehicle and release the auxiliary latch that is located under the front center of the hood. Engine coolant reservoir 2. Engine oil filler cap 3. Power steering fluid reservoir 4. Brake fluid reservoir 5. Power distribution box 6. Battery 7. Engine oil dipstick 8. Page Maintenance and Specifications 4. Engine oil dipstick 3. Brake fluid reservoir 4.

Power distribution box 5. Battery 6. Power steering fluid reservoir 7. Engine oil filler cap 8. Air filter assembly 9. In very cold weather, do not fill the reservoir completely. Refer to Lubricant specifications in the Capacities and specifications chapter. Make sure the vehicle is on level ground. Turn the engine off and wait a few minutes for the oil to drain into the oil pan.

Wipe the indicator clean. Insert the indicator fully, then remove it again. Some oil must be removed from the engine by a service technician. Put the indicator back in and ensure it is fully seated. Adding engine oil 1. Do not use supplemental engine oil additives, cleaners or other engine treatments. For longer, trouble-free operation, keep the top of the battery clean and dry.

Also, make certain the battery cables are always tightly fastened to the battery terminals. Page Maintenance and Specifications 3. Run the engine until it reaches normal operating temperature.

Allow the engine to idle for at least one minute. If the level falls below, add coolant per the instructions in the Adding engine coolant section.

Alcohol and other liquids can cause engine damage from overheating or freezing. Production Year: Step by Step Instructions. Comprehensive Diagrams. Diagnostic Procedures. Wiring Diagrams. Here is what you'll get. Step-by-step factory recommended repair instructions. Unlimited access to personal support reps who are always available to assist you. We can answer your questions about using the software or help you find the specific information you need for your Ford Explorer.

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