2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac Driving Your SUV or Truck 2nd Printing
2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac Manual
2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac manual content summary:
- 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac | Driving Your SUV or Truck 2nd Printing - Page 1
On Roadways Driving Off-Road Inspecting and Inflating Your Tires Tire Replacement Requirements Loading Your Vehicle Trailer Towing Maintenance and Modifications 2 3 and retrieval system or translation in whole or part is not permitted without written authorization from Ford Motor Company. Ford may - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac | Driving Your SUV or Truck 2nd Printing - Page 2
and dependability of a Ford-built vehicle. Your instructions for safe driving. You must also learn and understand the capabilities and limitations of your vehicle through experience. Take it slow and easy until you get to know and understand your vehicle. Driving at speeds safe for road conditions - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac | Driving Your SUV or Truck 2nd Printing - Page 3
slung sports cars are designed to perform satisfactorily under off-road conditions. Utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover rate than other types this supplement and the "Owner's Guide" for specific information about equipment features, instructions for safe driving and additional - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac | Driving Your SUV or Truck 2nd Printing - Page 4
Owner's Guide." You should become thoroughly familiar with this information before you operate your vehicle. On some 4WD models, the initial shift from two-wheel drive to 4WD while the vehicle is moving can cause a momentary clunk and ratcheting sound. These sounds are normal as the front drivetrain - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac | Driving Your SUV or Truck 2nd Printing - Page 5
above dimensional differences, SUV's and trucks often will have a higher center of gravity and a greater difference in center of gravity between the loaded and unloaded condition. These differences that make your vehicle so versatile also make it handle differently than an ordinary passenger car. 5 - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac | Driving Your SUV or Truck 2nd Printing - Page 6
under off-road conditions. Avoid sharp turns hard surfaced roads (except models equipped with Auto 4WD or AWD). This may damage the drivelines and axles . If your vehicle goes off the edge of the pavement • If your vehicle goes off the edge of the pavement, slow down and avoid severe brake - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac | Driving Your SUV or Truck 2nd Printing - Page 7
to compensate for aggressive driving maneuvers in poor road conditions. Make sure you allow sufficient distance between you and other vehicles for stopping. In emergency stopping situations, avoid locking the wheels. • For vehicles without anti-lock brakes, use a "squeeze" technique: push on the - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac | Driving Your SUV or Truck 2nd Printing - Page 8
operation of the anti-lock brake system. Parking Before leaving the driver's seat, make sure that the gearshift is engaged in P (Park) with an automatic transmission or either 1 (First) or R (Reverse) with a manual transmission. Set the parking brake fully, shut off the ignition and remove the key - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac | Driving Your SUV or Truck 2nd Printing - Page 9
Lightly" is an educational program designed to increase public awareness of land-use regulations and responsibilities in our nations wilderness areas. Ford joins the U. S. Forest Service . Avoid reducing the tire pressure. Instead, shift to a lower gear and drive steadily through the terrain. Apply - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac | Driving Your SUV or Truck 2nd Printing - Page 10
by driving the vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake pedal. Driving in 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 gear and maintain steady pressure on the accelerator - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac | Driving Your SUV or Truck 2nd Printing - Page 11
over the crest of a hill without seeing what conditions are on the other side. Do not drive manually shift to a lower gear. When descending a steep hill, avoid sudden hard braking as you could lose control. In a vehicle without four wheel anti-lock brakes, if you lock up the front brakes, the front - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac | Driving Your SUV or Truck 2nd Printing - Page 12
disconnected from the rest of the driveline. Therefore, the vehicle is free to roll even if the automatic transmission is in P (Park) 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 - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac | Driving Your SUV or Truck 2nd Printing - Page 13
inspect the tire treads for uneven or excessive wear 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. Also inspect the tire sidewalls for cuts, bruises and other - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac | Driving Your SUV or Truck 2nd Printing - Page 14
control, vehicle rollover, serious injury or death. The Ford recommended inflation pressure is based on cold tire pressure air pressure inside to go up as you drive. Never "bleed" or reduce air pressure when tires are hot. 2. Remove the cap from the valve on one tire, then firmly press the tire gauge - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac | Driving Your SUV or Truck 2nd Printing - Page 15
Tire Replacement Requirements Tire Replacement Requirements 3. Add air to reach the Ford recommended air pressure. Note: If you overfill the tire, release air by pushing on the metal stem in the center of the valve. Then recheck the pressure with your tire gauge. 4. Replace the valve cap. 5. Repeat - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac | Driving Your SUV or Truck 2nd Printing - Page 16
(including added accessories) must not exceed the driver's door or door pillar. Look for statement "THE axle weight rating (GAWR), gross combined weight rating (GCWR). Refer to your "Owner's Guide system, springs, and shock absorbers, reduced braking capability, handling or steering problems stopping - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac | Driving Your SUV or Truck 2nd Printing - Page 17
the cargo area, with the heaviest cargo on the bottom and ahead of the rear axle. Do not allow people to ride in the cargo area of your vehicle. People over the roof rack area, with the heaviest cargo on the bottom, near the front of the roof rack area. Any load placed on the roof rack should not - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac | Driving Your SUV or Truck 2nd Printing - Page 18
Loading Your Vehicle The total cargo load should not exceed the truck's cargo weight rating and the camper's center of gravity should fall within the trucks's recommended center of gravity zone when installed. For more information refer to your truck camper loading label. Do not allow people to ride - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac | Driving Your SUV or Truck 2nd Printing - Page 19
, make sure that you comply with the guidelines in the "RV & Trailer Towing Guide". The combined total weight of the vehicle and trailer must be less than or equal to "RV & Trailer Towing Guide," the "Owner's Guide" or see an authorized Ford or Lincoln/Mercury Dealer for additional information. 19 - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac | Driving Your SUV or Truck 2nd Printing - Page 20
removing parts (such as lift kits or stabilizer bars) or using replacement parts not equivalent to the original factory equipment because these modifications can affect the safety of your vehicle. Do not use "aftermarket vehicle rollover. Ford recommends that you for increased stopping distance, for - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac | Driving Your SUV or Truck 2nd Printing - Page 21
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Introduction
2
Notice To Utility Vehicle and Truck Owners
3
Vehicle Characteristics
4
Driving On Roadways
6
Driving Off-Road
9
Inspecting and Inflating Your Tires
13
Tire Replacement Requirements
15
Loading Your Vehicle
16
Trailer Towing
19
Maintenance and Modifications
20
All rights reserved. Reproduction by any means, electronic or mechanical
including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval
system or translation in whole or part is not permitted without written
authorization from Ford Motor Company. Ford may change the contents without
notice and without incurring obligation.
Copyright © 2003 Ford Motor Company
Table of contents
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