1997 Ford Explorer Four Wheeling Supplement 1st Printing

1997 Ford Explorer Manual

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  • 1997 Ford Explorer | Four Wheeling Supplement 1st Printing - Page 1
    Table of contents Introduction Notice to 4X2 utility vehicle owners 4WD and AWD systems 4WD Or AWD operation on the road Driving off-road with 4WD or AWD Trailer towing Tires, replacement requirements Maintenance and modifications Hauling cargo and vehicle handling Index 2 3 3 6 9 14 15 17 18 20
  • 1997 Ford Explorer | Four Wheeling Supplement 1st Printing - Page 2
    four-wheel driving! Your new 4WD or AWD vehicle opens up a completely different and challenging world of travel unlike what you have ever experienced with a conventional two-wheel drive vehicle. Now, you'll be able to travel places where roads don't. You'll be able to travel when weather conditions
  • 1997 Ford Explorer | Four Wheeling Supplement 1st Printing - Page 3
    VEHICLE OWNERS Although this supplement is primarily directed to 4WD or AWD vehicle operators, these principles of safe driving also apply to operators of two-wheel drive utility vehicles. Even though you did not select a 4WD or AWD option for your vehicle, many of its operating characteristics
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    4WD and AWD systems drive over terrain and road conditions that a conventional two-wheel drive vehicle can't. Power is supplied to all four wheels through a transfer case. On 4WD vehicles the transfer case allows you to select 4WD when necessary. Information on transfer case operation, shifting
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    quicker to respond to steering inputs than a vehicle with a longer wheelbase. • Narrower - to provide greater maneuverability in tight spaces, particularly in off-road use. These differences that make your 4WD or AWD so versatile also make it handle differently than an ordinary passenger car. 5
  • 1997 Ford Explorer | Four Wheeling Supplement 1st Printing - Page 6
    4WD on dry, hard surfaced roads (except models equipped with Auto 4WD or AWD). This may damage the drivelines and axles. • Drive down, but avoid severe brake application, Ease the vehicle back onto the pavement only after reducing your speed. Do not turn the steering wheel too sharply while returning
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    "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
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    you regain control. Avoid sudden braking as well. Although a 4WD or 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
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    or the manual transmission is in gear. Do not leave the vehicle unattended with the transfer case in N (Neutral) position. Always set the parking brake fully and turn off the ignition when leaving the vehicle. DRIVING OFF-ROAD WITH 4WD OR AWD When using 4WD or AWD, maintain steering wheel control at
  • 1997 Ford Explorer | Four Wheeling Supplement 1st Printing - Page 10
    off-road with 4WD or AWD Drive cautiously to avoid vehicle damage from concealed objects such as rocks and stumps. You should either know the terrain or examine maps of the area before driving. Map out your route before driving in the area. To maintain steering and braking control of your vehicle
  • 1997 Ford Explorer | Four Wheeling Supplement 1st Printing - Page 11
    off-road with 4WD or AWD and AWD vehicles can lose traction in slick mud. As when you are driving over sand, apply the accelerator slowly and avoid spinning your wheels. If the vehicle does slide, steer in the direction of the slide until you regain control of the vehicle. After driving through mud
  • 1997 Ford Explorer | Four Wheeling Supplement 1st Printing - Page 12
    as effectively as dry brakes. You can dry the brakes faster by driving the vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake pedal. Deep snow 4WD and AWD vehicles are unique in that they can be driven in deep snow that would stop a conventional two-wheel drive vehicle. Shift to a low
  • 1997 Ford Explorer | Four Wheeling Supplement 1st Printing - Page 13
    off-road with 4WD or AWD diagonally up or down a hill or steep incline, you should always try to drive straight up or straight down. Avoid driving crosswise or turning on steep slopes or hills. A danger lies in losing traction, slipping sideways and possibly rolling over. Whenever driving on a hill
  • 1997 Ford Explorer | Four Wheeling Supplement 1st Printing - Page 14
    front wheels have to be turning in order to steer the vehicle. Rapid pumping of the brake pedal will help you slow the vehicle and still maintain steering control. If your vehicle has anti-lock brakes, apply the brakes steadily. Do not "pump" the brakes. TRAILER TOWING Your 4WD or AWD vehicle may
  • 1997 Ford Explorer | Four Wheeling Supplement 1st Printing - Page 15
    4WD or AWD for off-road use with tires larger than what Ford recommends, you should not use these tires for highway driving. If you use any tire/wheel combination not recommended by Ford, it may adversely affect vehicle handling and could cause steering, suspension, axle or transfer case failure
  • 1997 Ford Explorer | Four Wheeling Supplement 1st Printing - Page 16
    operation requires tires that are neither underinflated nor overloaded. Periodically inspect the tire treads and remove stones, nails, glass or other objects that may be wedged in the tread grooves. Check for holes or cuts that may permit air leakage from the tire and make necessary repairs. 16
  • 1997 Ford Explorer | Four Wheeling Supplement 1st Printing - Page 17
    (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 recommends that caution
  • 1997 Ford Explorer | Four Wheeling Supplement 1st Printing - Page 18
    recommended if the vehicle is subjected to heavy off-road usage. Refer to the "Owner's Guide" and "Service Guide" for proper maintenance instructions and schedules. HAULING CARGO AND VEHICLE HANDLING When using your vehicle to haul cargo, make sure it is properly loaded to help ensure safe handling
  • 1997 Ford Explorer | Four Wheeling Supplement 1st Printing - Page 19
    the vehicle improperly can deteriorate handling capability and contribute to loss of vehicle control. Once you have reached the weight capacity of the vehicle, do not add more cargo, even if there is space available. Make sure you consult the safety compliance certification label attached to your
  • 1997 Ford Explorer | Four Wheeling Supplement 1st Printing - Page 20
    Off-Road with 4WD ...9 Driving Off-Road with AWD ...9 Emergency Maneuvers ...7 Four-by-Four Operation ...6 Four-Wheel Drive System, The ...3 Hauling Cargo and Vehicle Handling ...18 Hills, Driving on ...12 If Your Vehicle Goes Off the Edge of the Pavement ...6 Introduction ...2 Lift Kits ...15
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Introduction
2
Notice to 4X2 utility vehicle owners
3
4WD and AWD systems
3
4WD Or AWD operation on the road
6
Driving off-road with 4WD or AWD
9
Trailer towing
14
Tires, replacement requirements
15
Maintenance and modifications
17
Hauling cargo and vehicle handling
18
Index
20
Table of contents
1