1996 Ford Explorer Owner's Manual - Page 93

Fuel gauge - mechanical cluster with tachometer Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge This gauge tells you the temperature of the engine coolant, not the coolant level. If the coolant is not at its proper level or mixture, the gauge indicator will not be accurate. The pointer moves from the C (cold) mark into the Normal band as the engine coolant warms up. It is acceptable for the pointer to fluctuate within the Normal band under normal driving conditions. Under certain driving conditions, such as heavy stop and go traffic or driving up hills in hot weather, the pointer may move to the top of the Normal band. If, under any circumstances, the pointer moves above the NORMAL band, the engine coolant is overheating and continued operation may cause engine damage. If your engine coolant overheats: 1. Pull off the road as soon as it is safely possible. 2. Turn off the engine. If you do not stop the engine as soon as safely possible, severe engine damage could result. 3. Let the engine cool. DO NOT REMOVE COOLANT SYSTEM FILL CAP UNTIL THE ENGINE IS COOL. 4. Check the coolant level following the instructions on checking and adding coolant to your engine. Refer to Engine coolant in the Index. If you do not follow these instructions, you or others could be injured. 92