Ford Explorer Sport Trac 2002 User Manual

Table of contents

Introduction

Notice To 4X2 Utility Vehicle Owners

Vehicle Characteristics

Operation On The Road

Driving Off-Road

Trailer Towing

Tires, Replacement Requirements

Maintenance and Modifications

Hauling Cargo and Vehicle Handling

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Introduction

INTRODUCTION

Welcome to Ford Motor Company’s world of Sport Utility Vehicles (SUV) and truck driving! Your new vehicle opens up a completely different and challenging world of travel unlike what you have ever experienced with a conventional car. Now, you’ll be able to travel places where roads don’t. Most importantly, you’ll be able to travel with the safety, comfort and dependability of a Ford-built vehicle.

The steering and handling characteristics of vehicles may vary and you must 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 and have confidence in your ability to drive it.

Your vehicle, particularly when loaded, may handle differently than an ordinary passenger car. This is because your vehicle has special design and equipment features for cargo-hauling or off-road operation.

Familiarize yourself with your vehicle’s operating characteristics. Study the “Owner’s Guide” and this supplement for specific information and instructions for safe driving under various conditions.

All occupants should always wear the safety belts provided and children/infants should use appropriate restraints to minimize the risk of injury or ejection.

Driving at speeds safe for road conditions and the use of safety belts are the best means of avoiding the possibility of accident and serious injury.

Ford Motor Company reserves the right at any time to change information provided herein, including specifications, design or testing procedures without incurring obligation.

Notice To 4X2 Utility Vehicle Owners

NOTICE TO 4X2 UTILITY 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 are similar to those of 4WD or AWD vehicles. For this reason, Ford urges you to read and understand the contents of this supplement.

Vehicle Characteristics

4WD AND AWD SYSTEMS

Your AWD or 4WD (when you select the 4WD mode) vehicle uses all four wheels to power itself. This increases traction, enabling you to drive over terrain and road conditions that a conventional two-wheel drive vehicle can not.

Power is supplied to all four wheels through a transfer case or power transfer unit. 4WD vehicles allow you to select different drive modes as necessary. Information on shifting procedures and maintenance can be found in your “Owner’s Guide.” You should become thoroughly familiar with this information before you operate your vehicle.

Normal characteristics

On some 4WD models, the initial shift from two-wheel drive to 4WD while the vehicle is moving can cause some momentary clunk and ratcheting sounds. This is the front drivetrain coming up to speed and is not cause for concern.

Utility and four-wheel drive vehicles are not designed for cornering at speeds as high as passenger cars any more than low-slung sports cars are designed to perform satisfactorily under off-road conditions. Avoid sharp turns, excessive speed or abrupt maneuvers in these vehicles. Failure to drive cautiously could result in an increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal injury and death.

Vehicle Characteristics

How your vehicle differs from other vehicles

SUV and truck vehicles can differ from some other vehicles in a few noticeable ways. Your 4WD or AWD may be:

• Higher — to allow it to travel over rough terrain without getting hung up or damaging underbody components, and to accommodate 4WD components.

• Shorter — to give it the capability to approach inclines and drive over the crest of a hill without getting hung up or damaging underbody components. A shorter wheelbase may make your vehicle 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 vehicle so versatile also make it handle differently than an ordinary passenger car.

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