Ford Postal Explorer 2001 Owner's Manual

Introduction 2

Instrumentation 6

Controls and features 13

Starting 18

Driving 23

Roadside emergencies 34

Maintenance and care 52

Capacities and specifications 80

Reporting Safety Defects 80

Index 84

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Introduction

The following warning may be required by California law:

CALIFORNIA Proposition 65 Warning

WARNING: Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and

certain vehicle components contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. In addition, certain fluids contained in vehicles and certain products of component wear contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.

ICONS

Indicates a safety alert. Read the following section on Warnings.

Indicates vehicle information related to recycling and other environmental concerns will follow.

Correct vehicle usage and the authorized disposal of waste cleaning and lubrication materials are significant steps towards protecting the environment.

Indicates a message regarding child safety restraints. Refer to Seating and safety restraints for more information.

Indicates that this Owner Guide contains information on this subject. Please refer to the Index to locate the appropriate section which will provide you more information.

Introduction

WARNINGS

Warnings provide information which may reduce the risk of personal injury and prevent possible damage to others, your vehicle and its equipment.

BREAKING-IN YOUR VEHICLE

There are no particular breaking-in rules for your vehicle. During the first 1 600 km (1 000 miles) of driving, vary speeds frequently. This is necessary to give the moving parts a chance to break in.

INFORMATION ABOUT THIS GUIDE

The information found in this guide was in effect at the time of printing. Ford may change the contents without notice and without incurring obligation.

SPECIAL NOTICES Notice to owners of pickup trucks and utility type vehicles

Utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover rate than

other types of vehicles.

Before you drive your vehicle, please read this Owner’s Guide carefully. Your vehicle is not a passenger car. As with other vehicles of this type, failure to operate this vehicle correctly may result in loss of control or an accident.

Be sure to read Driving off road in the Driving chapter as well as the “Four Wheeling” supplement included with 4WD and utility type vehicles.

Introduction

These are some of the symbols you may see on your vehicle.

Vehicle Symbol Glossary

Safety Alert

Fasten Safety Belt Air Bag-Front

Air Bag-Side Child Seat

Child Seat Installation Warning

Brake System Anti-Lock Brake System

Brake Fluid Non-Petroleum Based

Master Lighting Switch Hazard Warning Flasher

Fog Lamps-Front Fuse Compartment

Fuel Pump Reset Windshield Wash/Wipe

See Owner’s Guide

Child Seat Tether Anchorage

Traction Control

Windshield Defrost/Demist

Power Windows Front/Rear

Rear Window Defrost/Demist

Power Window Lockout

Vehicle Symbol Glossary

MAX

MIN

Introduction

Child Safety Door Lock/Unlock

Interior Luggage Compartment Release Symbol

Panic Alarm Engine Oil

Engine Coolant

Engine Coolant Temperature

Do Not Open When Hot Battery

Avoid Smoking, Flames, or Sparks

Battery Acid

Explosive Gas Fan Warning

Power Steering Fluid

Maintain Correct Fluid Level

Emission System Engine Air Filter

Passenger Compartment Air Filter

Jack

Check fuel cap

Instrumentation

WARNING LIGHTS AND CHIMES

000000

0000

100

O/D OFF

SERVICE

ENGINE SOON

120

140

160

10 0

SERVICE

ENGINE

SOON

20 km/h

MPH

BRAKE

Service engine soon

Your vehicle is equipped with a computer that monitors the engine’s emission control system. This system is commonly known as the On Board Diagnostics System (OBD II). The OBD II system protects the environment by ensuring that your vehicle continues to meet government emission standards. The OBD II system also assists the service technician in properly servicing your vehicle.

The Service Engine Soon indicator light illuminates when the ignition is first turned to the ON position to check the bulb. If it comes on after the engine is started, one of the engine’s emission control systems may be malfunctioning. The light may illuminate without a driveability concern being noted. The vehicle will usually be drivable and will not require towing.

What you should do if the Service Engine Soon light illuminates

Light turns on solid:

This means that the OBD II system has detected a malfunction. Temporary malfunctions may cause your Service Engine Soon light to

illuminate. Examples are:

1. The vehicle has run out of fuel. (The engine may misfire or run poorly.)

2. Poor fuel quality or water in the fuel.

3. The fuel cap may not have been properly installed and securely tightened.

Instrumentation

These temporary malfunctions can be corrected by filling the fuel tank with high quality fuel of the recommended octane and/or properly installing and securely tightening the gas cap. After three driving cycles without these or any other temporary malfunctions present, the Service Engine Soon light should turn off. (A driving cycle consists of a cold engine startup followed by mixed city/highway driving.) No additional vehicle service is required.

If the Service Engine Soon light remains on, have your vehicle serviced at the first available opportunity.

Light is blinking:

Engine misfire is occurring which could damage your catalytic converter. You should drive in a moderate fashion (avoid heavy acceleration and deceleration) and have your vehicle serviced at the first available opportunity.

Under engine misfire conditions, excessive exhaust temperatures

could damage the catalytic converter, the fuel system, interior floor coverings or other vehicle components, possibly causing a fire.

Safety belt

Momentarily illuminates when the ignition is turned to the ON position to remind you to fasten your safety belts. For more information, refer to the Seating and safety restraints chapter.

Brake system warning

Momentarily illuminates when the ignition is turned to the ON position to ensure the circuit is functional. Also illuminates if the parking brake is engaged. If the brake warning lamp does not illuminate at these times, seek service immediately. Illumination after releasing the parking brake indicates low brake fluid level and the brake system should be inspected immediately.

BRAKE

Instrumentation

Anti-lock brake system (ABS) (If equipped)

Momentarily illuminates when the ignition is turned to the ON position to ensure the circuit is functional. If the light stays on, the ABS needs to be serviced. With the ABS light on, the anti-lock brake system is disabled and normal braking is still effective unless the brake warning light also remains illuminated with the parking brake released.

O/D off (if equipped)

Illuminates when the Transmission Control Switch (TCS), refer to

Overdrive control in the Controls and Features chapter, has been

pushed turning the transmission overdrive function OFF. When the light is on, the transmission does not operate in the overdrive mode, refer to the Driving chapter for transmission function and operation.

The light may also flash steadily if a transmission malfunction is detected. If the light does not come on when the Transmission Control Switch is depressed or if the light flashes steadily, have your vehicle serviced as soon as possible, damage to the transmission could occur.

Turn signal

Illuminates when the left or right turn signal or the hazard lights are turned on. If one or both of the indicators stay on continuously, check for a burned-out turn signal bulb. Refer to Bulbs in the Maintenance and care chapter.

ABS

O/D

OFF

High beams

Illuminates when the high beam headlamps are turned on.

Instrumentation

Charging system

Illuminates when the ignition is turned to the ON position and the engine is off. The light also illuminates when the battery is not charging properly, requiring electrical system service.

Safety belt warning chime

Sounds to remind you to fasten your safety belts. For information on the safety belt warning chime, refer to the Seating

and safety restraints chapter.

GAUGES

000000

0000

100

120

140

160

10 0

20 km/h

MPH

Speedometer

Indicates the current vehicle speed.

000000

20 km/h

MPH

0000

100

120

140

160

10 0

Instrumentation

Engine coolant temperature gauge

Indicates the temperature of the engine coolant. At normal operating temperature, the needle remains within the normal area (the area between the “H” and “C”). If it enters the red section, the engine is overheating. Stop the vehicle as soon as safely possible, switch off

the engine immediately and let the engine cool. Refer to Engine coolant in the Maintenance and care chapter.

Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the engine is

running or hot.

This gauge indicates the temperature of the engine coolant, not the coolant level. If the coolant is not at its proper level the gauge indication will not be accurate. If the gauge enters the red section, the oil pressure/engine coolant and Check Engine/Service Engine Soon indicators illuminate, refer to What you should know about fail-safe cooling in the Maintenance and care chapter.

Odometer

Registers the total kilometers (miles) of the vehicle.

000000

20 km/h

MPH

0000

100

120

140

160

10 0

Trip odometer

Registers the kilometers (miles) of individual journeys. To reset, depress the control.

Battery voltage gauge

This shows the battery voltage when the ignition is in the ON position. If the pointer moves and stays outside the normal operating range (as indicated by arrows), have the vehicle’s electrical system checked as soon as possible.

Instrumentation

100

000000

0000

20 km/h

MPH

120

140

160

10 0

Engine oil pressure gauge

This shows the engine oil pressure in the system. Sufficient pressure exists as long as the needle remains in the normal range (the area between the “L” and “H”).

If the gauge indicates low pressure,

stop the vehicle as soon as safely possible and switch off the engine

immediately. Check the oil level. Add oil if needed (refer to Engine oil in the Maintenance and care chapter). If the oil level is correct, have your vehicle checked at your dealership or by a qualified technician.

Instrumentation

Fuel gauge

Displays approximately how much fuel is in the fuel tank (when the key is in the ON position). The fuel gauge may vary slightly when the vehicle is in motion or after refueling. The ignition should be in the OFF position while the vehicle is being refueled. When the gauge first indicates empty, there is a small amount of reserve fuel in the tank. When refueling the vehicle from an empty indication, the amount of fuel that can be added will be less than the advertised capacity due to the reserve fuel.

HEADLAMP CONTROL

• Pull the headlamp control toward you to the first position to turn on the parking lamps, tail lamps, license plate lamps and marker lamps.

• Pull the headlamp control toward you to the outer position to turn on the headlamps (in addition to the previous lamps).

PANEL DIMMER CONTROL

To adjust the brightness of the instrument panel:

• Rotate clockwise/counterclockwise when the headlamp control is in the parking lamp or low-beam position.

To turn on the courtesy lamp:

• Rotate fully counterclockwise.

High beams

Push forward to activate. Pull toward you to deactivate.

Controls and features

HI LO

OFF

Controls and features

Flash to pass

Pull toward you to activate and release to deactivate.

POSITIONS OF THE IGNITION

1. LOCK, locks the steering wheel,

gearshift lever (automatic transaxle only) and allows key removal. On vehicles with a manual transaxle

push the key in while turning to lock.

2. ACCESSORY, allows the electrical

accessories such as the radio to operate while the engine is not

running.

3. ON, all electrical circuits operational. Warning lights illuminated. Key

position when driving.

4. START, cranks the engine. Release the key as soon as the engine

starts.

HI LO

OFF

TILT STEERING WHEEL

Pull the tilt steering control toward you to move the steering wheel up or down. Hold the control while adjusting the wheel to the desired position, then release the control to lock the steering wheel in position.

Never adjust the steering wheel when the vehicle is moving.

Controls and features

WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER CONTROLS

HI LO

Rotate the windshield wiper control to the desired interval, low or high speed position.

The bars of varying length are for intermittent wipers. When in this position rotate the control upward for fast intervals and downward for slow intervals.

Push the control on the end of the stalk to activate washer. Push and hold for a longer wash cycle. The washer will automatically shut off after ten seconds of continuous use.

TURN SIGNAL CONTROL

• Push down to activate the left turn signal.

• Push up to activate the right turn signal.

HI LO

OFF

HI LO

OFF

OVERDRIVE CONTROL Activating overdrive

(Overdrive) is the normal drive position for the best fuel economy.

The overdrive function allows automatic upshifts and downshifts through all available gears.

Controls and features

Deactivating overdrive

Press the Transmission Control Switch (TCS) located on the end of the gearshift lever. The Transmission Control Indicator Light (TCIL) will illuminate on the instrument cluster.

The transmission will operate in all gears except overdrive. To return to normal overdrive mode, press the Transmission Control Switch again. The TCIL will no longer be illuminated.

When you shut off and re-start your vehicle, the transmission will automatically return to normal

(Overdrive) mode.

For additional information about the gearshift lever and the transmission control switch operation refer to the Automatic Transmission Operation section of the Driving chapter.

4WD CONTROL (IF EQUIPPED)

This control operates the 4WD. Refer to the Driving chapter for more information.

ON/OFF

4x2

O/D

HIGH

4x4

LOW

Starting

PREPARING TO START YOUR VEHICLE

Engine starting is controlled by the powertrain control system. This system meets all Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment standard requirements regulating the impulse electrical field strength of radio noise.

When starting a fuel-injected engine, avoid pressing the accelerator before or during starting. Only use the accelerator when you have difficulty starting the engine. For more information on starting the vehicle, refer to Starting the engine in this chapter.

Extended idling at high engine speeds can produce very high temperatures in the engine and exhaust system, creating the risk

of fire or other damage.

Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in dry grass or other dry ground cover. The emission system heats up the engine

compartment and exhaust system, which can start a fire.

Do not start your vehicle in a closed garage or in other enclosed

areas. Exhaust fumes can be toxic. Always open the garage door before you start the engine. See Guarding against exhaust fumes in this chapter for more instructions.

If you smell exhaust fumes inside your vehicle, have your dealer

inspect your vehicle immediately. Do not drive if you smell exhaust fumes.

Starting

Important safety precautions

A computer system controls the engine’s idle revolutions per minute (RPM). When the engine starts, the idle RPM runs faster to warm the engine. If the engine idle speed does not slow down automatically, have the vehicle checked.

Before starting the vehicle:

1. Make sure all vehicle occupants have buckled their safety belts. For more information on safety belts and their proper usage, refer to the Seating and safety restraints chapter.

2. Make sure the vehicle accessories are off.

• Make sure the parking brake is set.

• Make sure the gearshift is in P (Park).

3. Turn the key to 4 (ON) without

turning the key to 5 (START). If there is difficulty in turning the

key, firmly rotate the steering wheel left and right until the key turns freely. This condition may occur when:

• front wheels are turned

• front wheel is against the curb

• steering wheel is turned when getting in or out of the vehicle

Starting

000000

0000

100

SERVICE

ENGINE SOON

120

140

160

10 0

20 km/h

MPH

BRAKE

Make sure the corresponding lights illuminate briefly. If a light fails to illuminate, have the vehicle serviced.

• If the driver’s safety belt is fastened, the light may not illuminate.

STARTING THE ENGINE

Whenever you start your vehicle, release the key as soon as the engine starts. Excessive cranking could damage the starter.

1. Turn the key to 4 (START)

without pressing the accelerator pedal and release as soon as the engine starts. The key will return to 3 (ON).

2. If the temperature is above –12°

C (10° F) and the engine does not start within five seconds on the first try, turn the key to OFF, wait 10

seconds and try again.

3. If the temperature is below -12° C (10° F) and the engine does not

start in 15 seconds on the first try, turn the key OFF and wait 10 seconds and try again. If the engine does not start in two attempts, Press the accelerator pedal all the way to floor and hold. Turn the key to START position.

4. When the engine starts, release the key, then release the accelerator

pedal gradually as the engine speeds up.

5. After idling for a few seconds, apply the brake and release the parking

brake.

Starting

Cold weather starting

Your flexible fuel vehicle is equipped with an engine block heater. The standard 110V AC (male) plug is located at the front of the vehicle in the upper left-hand air inlet opening, under the bumper.

When the temperature is expected to be –12°C (10°F) below and your vehicle has fuel ethanol (E engine block heater to ensure a quick start.

If temperatures are expected to remain below –12°C (10°F), it is recommended that you reduce the alcohol content in your fuel tank to about 70% by adding unleaded gasoline if your tank is not already full. Thirteen liters (3 gallons) of gasoline will reduce the alcohol in 3/4 full tank from 85% to about 70%. In some areas, winter blends of E85 will already contain the extra gasoline. See the Refueling section of this supplement for more information on alcohol fuels.

If you should unexpectedly have 85% alcohol in your fuel tank in extremely cold temperatures with no way to use the engine block heater, the engine may require extended crank times and several attempts to start.

If the engine fails to start using the preceding instructions

1. Press the accelerator pedal 1/3 to 1/2 of the way to floor and hold.

2. Turn the key to START position.

3. When the engine starts, release the key, then release the accelerator

pedal gradually as the engine speeds up.

4. If the engine still fails to start, repeat steps one through three.

5. After the engine starts, hold your foot on the brake pedal, put the

gearshift lever in gear and release the parking brake. Slowly release the brake pedal and drive away in a normal manner.

85) in the fuel tank, you should plug in the

Guarding against exhaust fumes

Although odorless and colorless, carbon monoxide is present in exhaust fumes. Take precautions to avoid its dangerous effects.

If you ever smell exhaust fumes of any kind inside your vehicle,

have your dealer inspect and fix your vehicle immediately. Do not drive if you smell exhaust fumes. These fumes are harmful and could kill you.

Starting

Have the exhaust and body ventilation systems checked whenever:

• the vehicle is raised for service.

• the sound of the exhaust system changes.

• the vehicle has been damaged in a collision.

WARNING: Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and

Important ventilating information

If the engine is idling while the vehicle is stopped in an open area for long periods of time, open the windows at least 2.5 cm (one inch).

Adjust the heating or air conditioning (if equipped) to bring in fresh air. Improve vehicle ventilation by keeping all air inlet vents clear of snow,

leaves and other debris.

Driving

BRAKES

Your service brakes are self-adjusting. Refer to the scheduled maintenance guide for scheduled maintenance.

Occasional brake noise is normal and often does not indicate a performance concern with the vehicle’s brake system. In normal operation, automotive brake systems may emit occasional or intermittent squeal or groan noises when the brakes are applied. Such noises are usually heard during the first few brake applications in the morning; however, they may be heard at any time while braking and can be aggravated by environmental conditions such as cold, heat, moisture, road dust, salt or mud. If a “metal-to-metal,” “continuous grinding” or “continuous squeal” sound is present while braking, the brake linings may be worn-out and should be inspected by a qualified service technician.

Four-wheel anti-lock brake system (ABS)

This vehicle is equipped with an anti-lock braking system (ABS). A noise from the hydraulic pump motor and pulsation in the pedal may be observed during ABS braking events. Pedal pulsation coupled with noise while braking under panic conditions or on loose gravel, bumps, wet or snowy roads is normal and indicates proper functioning of the vehicle’s anti-lock brake system. The ABS performs a self-check after you start the engine and begin to drive away. A brief mechanical noise may be heard during this test. This is normal. If a malfunction is found, the ABS warning light will come on. If the vehicle has continuous vibration or shudder in the steering wheel while braking, the vehicle should be inspected by a qualified service technician.

The ABS operates by detecting the onset of wheel lockup during brake applications and compensates for this tendency. The wheels are prevented from locking even when the brakes are firmly applied. The accompanying illustration depicts the advantage of an ABS equipped vehicle (on bottom) to a non-ABS equipped vehicle (on top) during hard braking with loss of front braking traction.

Driving

ABS warning lamp

ABS

The

warning lamp in the instrument cluster momentarily illuminates

ABS

when the ignition is turned to the ON position. If the light does not illuminate momentarily at start up, remains on or continues to flash, the ABS needs to be serviced.

With the ABS light on, the anti-lock brake system is disabled and normal braking is still effective unless the brake warning light also remains

BRAKE

illuminated with parking brake released. (If your brake warning lamp illuminates, have your vehicle serviced immediately.)

Using ABS

• In an emergency or when maximum efficiency from the four wheel ABS is required, apply continuous force on the brake. The four wheel ABS will be activated immediately, thus allowing you to retain full steering control of your vehicle and, providing there is sufficient space, will enable you to avoid obstacles and bring the vehicle to a controlled stop.

• The Anti-Lock system does not decrease the time necessary to apply the brakes or always reduce stopping distance. Always leave enough room between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you to stop.

• We recommend that you familiarize yourself with this braking technique. However, avoid taking any unnecessary risks.

Parking brake

Apply the parking brake whenever the vehicle is parked. To set the parking brake, pull the handle up.

Driving

The BRAKE warning lamp in the instrument cluster illuminates and remains illuminated (when the ignition is turned ON) until the parking brake is released.

The parking brake is not recommended to stop a moving vehicle. However, if the normal brakes fail, the parking brake can be used to stop your vehicle in an emergency. Since the parking brake applies only the rear brakes, the vehicle’s stopping distance will increase greatly and the handling of your vehicle will be adversely affected.

Always set the parking brake fully and make sure that the gearshift is securely latched in P (Park) (automatic

transmission) or in 1 (First) (manual transmission).

Push the control on the end of the parking brake and push the handle down to release the brake. Driving with the parking brake on will cause the brakes to wear out quickly and reduce fuel economy.

BRAKE

STEERING

Your vehicle is equipped with power steering. Power steering uses energy from the engine to help steer the vehicle.

To prevent damage to the power steering pump:

• Never hold the steering wheel to the extreme right or the extreme left for more than a few seconds when the engine is running.

• Do not operate the vehicle with a low power steering pump fluid level (below the MIN mark on the reservoir).

If the power steering system breaks down (or if the engine is turned off), you can steer the vehicle manually, but it takes more effort.

Driving

If the steering wanders or pulls, the condition could be caused by any of the following:

• underinflated tire(s) on any wheel(s)

• high crown in center of road

• high crosswinds

• wheels out of alignment

• loose or worn components in steering linkage

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OPERATION (IF EQUIPPED) Brake-shift interlock

This vehicle is equipped with a brake-shift interlock feature that prevents the gearshift lever from being moved from P (Park) when the ignition is in the ON position unless brake pedal is depressed.

If you cannot move the gearshift lever out of P (Park) with ignition in the ON position and the brake pedal depressed:

Apply the parking brake, turn ignition key to LOCK, then remove the key.

2. Insert the key and turn it to OFF. Apply the brake pedal and shift to

N (Neutral).

3. Start the vehicle.

If it is necessary to use the above procedure to move the gearshift lever, it is possible that a fuse has blown or the vehicle’s brakelamps are not operating properly. Refer to Fuses and relays in the Roadside emergencies chapter.

Do not drive your vehicle until you verify that the brakelamps are working.

Driving

If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow it may be rocked out by shifting between forward and reverse gears, stopping between shifts, in a steady pattern. Press lightly on the accelerator in each gear.

Do not rock the vehicle if the engine is not at normal operating temperature or damage to the transmission may occur.

Do not rock the vehicle for more than a few minutes or damage to the transmission and tires may occur or the engine may overheat.

Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the gearshift is latched in P (Park). Turn off the ignition whenever you leave

your vehicle.

If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake warning lamp remains illuminated, the brakes may not be working properly.

See your dealer or a qualified service technician.

Driving with a 5–speed automatic transmission

Your automatic transmission electronically controls the shift feel by using an adaptive learning strategy. This feature is designed to increase durability, and provide consistent shift feel over the life of the vehicle. It is normal for a new transmission to shift firmly. This operation is considered normal and will not affect function or durability of the transmission. Once the vehicle is at operating temperature it may take several shifts at the same operating condition for the transmission to properly adapt. Over time the adaptive learning process will fully update transmission operation. The more varied the driving habits, speed and torque, the longer it may take to adapt but the more complete the process will be.

When the battery is disconnected or a new battery installed, the transmission must learn its adaptive strategy. As a result of this, the transmission may shift firmly. This operation is considered normal and will fully update transmission operation to its optimum shift feel.

+ 61 hidden pages

Ford Postal Explorer 2001 Owner's Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Table of contents

Introduction

Instrumentation

Controls and features

Starting

Driving