1996 Ford Explorer Owner's Manual - Page 259

Driving Your Explorer Vehicles equipped with AWD are more capable of superior traction in wet and dry conditions than 2-wheel drive vehicles. AWD vehicles are also capable of being driven on sand, snow, mud, and rough terrain and have operating characteristics that are the same as vehicles equipped with 4WD. For more information on driving off-road, see Driving Off Road with 4-Wheel Drive and AWD and the Four Wheeling With Ford supplement in your owner's portfolio. Driving Off Road with 4-Wheel Drive and AWD Vehicles equipped with four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive are especially equipped for driving on sand, snow, mud, or rough terrain and have operating characteristics that are somewhat different from conventional vehicles, both off and on the road. The driving tips below will help you learn to use four-wheel drive. s Do not use 4WD LOW on dry, hard-surfaced roads. s Special maintenance procedures are necessary after operating with drive components in water. When using four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, 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 rim from the outside. Do not grip the spokes. Drive cautiously to avoid vehicle damage from concealed objects such as rocks and stumps. Know the terrain or examine maps of the area in question before driving. Map out your route beforehand. To maintain steering and braking control of your vehicle, you must have all four tires on the ground, and they must be rolling, not sliding or spinning. Transmission upshift in 4WD with transfer case in 4WD LOW may be quite firm due to large total gear reduction. This condition is normal. 259