2001 Ford Explorer Sport Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 183

Driving Launching or retrieving a boat When backing down a ramp during boat launching or retrieval, • Do not allow the static water level to rise above the bottom edge of the rear bumper and • Do not allow waves to break higher than 15 cm (6 inches) above the bottom edge of the rear bumper. Exceeding these limits may allow water to enter critical vehicle components, adversely affecting driveability, emissions, reliability and causing internal transmission damage. Replace the rear axle lubricant anytime the axle has been submerged in water. Rear axle lubricant quantities are not to be checked or changed unless a leak is suspected or repair required. Disconnect the wiring to the trailer before backing the trailer into the water. Reconnect the wiring to the trailer after the trailer is removed from the water. Recreational towing (all wheels on the ground) (Neutral tow kit accessory) On vehicles equipped with a two-speed transfer case, 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. Follow these guidelines for your specific powertrain combination to tow your vehicle with all four wheels on the ground (such as behind a recreational vehicle). These guidelines are designed to ensure that your transmission is not damaged due to insufficient lubrication. All Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) vehicles This applies to all cars and 4x2 trucks/sport utilities with rear wheel drive capability. An example of recreational towing is towing your vehicle behind a Motorhome. The following recreational towing guidelines are designed to ensure that your transmission is not damaged. • Place the transmission in N (Neutral). • Maximum speed is 56 km/h (35 mph). • Maximum distance is 80 km (50 miles). 183