🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Ford

Model:

Explorer

Year:

1996

Chassis Code:

UN171

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Mid-size Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)

Competitors:

Chevrolet Blazer, Jeep Cherokee (XJ), Toyota 4Runner, Nissan Pathfinder

Body Styles:

2-door (short wheelbase), 4-door (long wheelbase)

Platform:

Ford Ranger (partially shared components)

📋 Manual Details

General:

Complete Service & Repair Manual Software

Estimated Pages:

1500+

Type:

Factory Service Manual (FSM) Equivalent

Language:

English

Format:

Software (likely digital, potentially searchable PDF or proprietary application)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

4.0L V6 OHV, 5.0L V8 OHV

Transmission:

4-Speed Automatic (4R55E, 4R70W), 5-Speed Manual (M5OD-R1)

Drivetrain:

2WD (RWD), 4WD (Electronic Control Shift - Electronic Traction Control System - ETC/4WABS)

Suspension:

Independent Front Suspension (IFS), Solid Rear Axle

Brakes:

Front Disc, Rear Drum; Optional Rear Disc; ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)

Steering:

Power Rack and Pinion

Electrical:

Charging System, Ignition System, Starting System, Lighting, Instrumentation, Power Accessories, Body Electrical, Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Diagnostics, ABS Control Module Diagnostics

HVAC:

Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning System Components and Operation

Body And Chassis:

Frame, Body Panels, Doors, Glass, Interior Trim, Bumpers

Maintenance:

Scheduled Maintenance, Oil Change, Filter Replacement, Fluid Level Checks, Lubrication, Tune-Ups

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic Procedures for all Major Systems, DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) Interpretation

Repair:

Engine Overhaul, Transmission Rebuild, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake System Repair, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Replacement, Body Panel Repair

Diagnostics:

Component Testing, Wiring Diagrams, Pinpoint Tests, Scan Tool Data Interpretation

Depth:

Comprehensive; Covers routine maintenance to major component overhauls and advanced diagnostics.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

Software Application or Searchable PDF

Printability:

High-resolution, suitable for printing individual pages or sections.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper Quality:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine 1:

4.0L SOHC V6 (or OHV depending on specific build date/trim for '96)

Engine 1 Displacement:

3958 cc (241.5 cu in)

Engine 1 Horsepower:

160 hp @ 4200 rpm (approximate, OHV)

Engine 1 Torque:

210 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm (approximate, OHV)

Engine 2:

5.0L OHV V8

Engine 2 Displacement:

4942 cc (302 cu in)

Engine 2 Horsepower:

205 hp @ 4000 rpm

Engine 2 Torque:

280 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

ECU Type:

EEC-IV (Electronic Engine Control IV)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Standard:

4-Speed Automatic (4R55E)

Transmission Optional 1:

4-Speed Automatic (4R70W) with 5.0L V8

Transmission Optional 2:

5-Speed Manual (M5OD-R1)

Automatic Features:

Electronic Controls, Overdrive

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase 2 Door:

104.7 inches (2659 mm)

Wheelbase 4 Door:

113.7 inches (2888 mm)

Length 4 Door:

189.5 inches (4813 mm)

Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seat:

Approx. 40-45 cu ft (varies by configuration)

Curb Weight 2 Door:

Approx. 3700-4000 lbs

Curb Weight 4 Door:

Approx. 4000-4300 lbs

Towing Capacity:

Up to 7,000 lbs (with V8 and optional towing package)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Crash Driver:

Not rated or 4-star (variable by year/testing protocols)

ABS:

Standard on most trims, Optional on others (4WABS available)

Airbags:

Driver-side airbag standard

Seatbelts:

Front: 3-point shoulder/lap belts; Rear: Lap belts (some with shoulder belts)

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player.

Cruise Control:

Optional

Connectivity Features:

Limited to basic vehicle diagnostics via OBD-I (on-board diagnostics).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 5,000 miles or 6 months (whichever comes first)

Tire Rotation Interval:

Every 5,000 miles

Transmission Fluid Change:

Every 30,000-50,000 miles (depending on driving conditions)

Coolant Change:

Every 30,000 miles or 2 years

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 5W-30 (API SG or SH certified) for 4.0L V6; SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 for 5.0L V8

Coolant Type:

Ford Premium All Season Coolant (Green) or equivalent

Transmission Fluid Type:

MERCON Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3

Common Wear Items:

Ball joints, tie rod ends, shocks/struts, U-joints, exhaust components, wheel bearings.

Engine Specific:

Head gasket leaks (4.0L OHV), spark plug ejection (4.0L OHV), intake manifold gasket leaks (5.0L V8).

Transmission Specific:

Torque converter shudder (4R55E/4R70W), solenoid issues, input shaft seal leaks.

Electrical Specific:

Instrument cluster failure, ABS sensor issues, PCM failures.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand:

Ford Motor Company, established 1903

Generation:

First Generation (1991-1994) / Mid-cycle refresh in 1995

Year Context:

1996 model year represents the second year of the refreshed first generation, featuring updated styling and powertrain options.

Manufacturing Location:

Wayne, Michigan, USA (primarily)

Sales Trend:

Extremely popular SUV in the 1990s, one of Ford's best-selling vehicles.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Awards Summary:

While specific awards for the 1996 model are less documented than broader trends, the Explorer line was consistently a top seller and highly regarded in its segment during the 1990s, often cited for its utility and versatility.