Looking for experienced owner-answers

[Edward Whitcomb]

Hi,
I am living just outside Puerto Vallarta and bought a '95 XLT. They are very popular around here and most, if not all, are imports from the states. I did not get any kind of manual and can't rely on local hearsay. I don't understand the 4 wheel drive system and how to apply it. Also how do you get to the spare tire? I'd like to find out about some of the quirks or chronic problems. Thanks in advance for any help or suggestions.

 

[Pensa]

My four wheel drive on my 95 is four wheel drive high and four wheel drive low. Four wheel drive high is part time four wheel drive, only when needed like when a rear tire loses traction. Four wheel low is full time four wheel drive and is not supposed to be driven on pavement or over 35 MPH.

You use the jack handle to raise and lower the spare tire.

 

[Edward Whitcomb]

My control on dash says 2WD, 4WD Auto, and 4WD Low. From what you say, "Auto" must be part time 4wd. We are pulling trailer with 3 mules on dirt roads in back country, so 4WD Low is the way to go!
The jack handle is a snap-together square rod with a hook on the end. I assume there must be a place located where (?)to lower the spare. Thanks

 

[Pensa]

That is the same thing mine says, I just didn't mention the two wheel drive since you were asking about the four wheel drive. The information I gave you came from a supplement to the owners manual and is from Ford.

Yep, you have to assemble the jack handle and insert it through a hole. I forget exactly where the hole is since I have never had to do it. I'm not sure but I think you have to raise the rear hatch to get to it.

If it's like others I have used you would then turn the handle counter clockwise to lower and clockwise to raise.

 

[Charlie]

The hole is right above the rear bumper, centered. If you open the rear hatch you can see it

Just use that handle, and the lug wrench to make the handle for it.

 

[metalmechanic]

Open the rear hatch and you'll see a hole above the bumper. The hooked end of the jack handle goes in the hole and engages the winch to raise/lower the spare.

Remember, 4 low can only be engaged with the tranny in Park or Neutral. 4 high can be engaged as you drive.

 

[Sams01XplrSprt]

welcome aboard

 

[m4dc0w]

welcome aboard

Not quite an answer, but more like a +1

My four wheel drive on my 95 is four wheel drive high and four wheel drive low. Four wheel drive high is part time four wheel drive, only when needed like when a rear tire loses traction. Four wheel low is full time four wheel drive and is not supposed to be driven on pavement or over 35 MPH.

You use the jack handle to raise and lower the spare tire.

Since no one mentioned, the jack handle is found behind the metal flap that is leaning behind your back seat, best way to access it is to fold the back seats down.

 

[BrooklynBay]

Welcome to this forum! There is a photo thread on this site which explains how to get to the spare tire: http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?p=1409372