FORD EXPLORER 1996 2.G Owners Manual

Servicing Your Explorer
371
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[SV32100(ALL)03/95]
Battery
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[SV32200(ALL)02/95]
Your vehicle may have a Motorcraft maintenance-free battery.
The Motorcraft maintenance-free battery does not require
additional water during its life of service. The vents are part of
the cover and cannot be removed. For longer, trouble-free
operation, keep the top of the battery clean and dry. Also, make
certain the battery cables are tightly fastened to the battery
terminals.
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[SV32300(ALL)02/95]
If you see any corrosion on the battery cables or terminals,
remove the cables from the terminal and clean them both with a
wire brush. You can neutralize the acid with a solution of
baking soda and water. Reinstall the cables when you are done
cleaning them, and apply a small quantity of grease to the top
of each battery terminal to help prevent corrosion.
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[SV32400(ALL)07/95]
Battery replacement
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[SV32500(ALL)02/95]
If your original equipment battery requires replacement (under
warranty), it may in some cases be replaced by a Motorcraft
low-maintenance battery. The low-maintenance battery has
removable vent caps for checking the electrolyte level and for
adding water, if needed.
[SV32550(ALL)05/95]
NOTE: If your battery has a cover/shield, make sure it is
re-installed after the battery is replaced.
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[SV32600(ALL)07/95]
Check your battery's electrolyte level, at least every 12 months
or 12,000 miles (20,000 km), in temperatures up to90ÊF (32ÊC)
and more often in temperatures above90ÊF (32ÊC).Keep the
electrolyte in each cell up to the ªlevelº indicator. Do not
overfill the battery cell.
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[SV32700(ALL)02/95]
If the electrolyte level in your battery gets low, you can add
plain tap water to the battery, as long as you don't use hard
water, or water with a high mineral or alkali content. If
possible, however, try to only fill the battery cell with distilled
water. If the battery needs water often, have the charging
system checked.
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372
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[SV32725(ALL)03/95]
Help Us Protect Our Environment
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[SV32750(ALL)04/95]
Ford Motor Company strongly recommends that used lead-acid
batteries be returned to an authorized recycling facility for
disposal.
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[SV32775(ALL)02/95]
7-1/2 pica art:0040201-A
Battery recycling symbol
%*
[SV33000(ALL)01/95]
Because your vehicle's engine is electronically controlled by a
computer, some control conditions are maintained by power
from the battery. If you ever disconnect the battery, install a
new battery, or experience a dead battery, you must allow the
computer to ªrelearnº its idle conditions before your vehicle will
idle at its best. To let the engine do this, apply the parking
brake, put the gearshift in Park (automatic transmission) or
Neutral (manual transmission), turn off all the accessories, and
start the vehicle. Let the engine idle for at least one minute.
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[SV33100(ALL)03/95]
If you do not let the engine relearn its idle, the idle quality of
your vehicle may be adversely affected until the idle is
relearned. Your vehicle will eventually relearn its idle while you
drive it, but it takes much longer than if you use the previous
procedure.
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Servicing Your Explorer
373
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[SV33200(ALL)01/95]
RWARNING
Batteries normally produce explosive gases which can
cause personal injury. Therefore, do not allow flames,
sparks or lit tobacco to come near the battery. When
charging or working near a battery, always cover your
face and protect your eyes, and also provide ventilation.
%*
[SV33300(ALL)07/95]
RWARNING
Batteries contain sulfuric acid which burns skin, eyes,
and clothing.
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[SV33310(ALL)07/95]
If the acid touches someone's skin, eyes, or clothing,
immediately flush the area with water for at least 15 minutes. If
someone swallows the acid, have him or her drink lots of milk
or water first, then Milk of Magnesia, a beaten egg, or vegetable
oil. Call a doctor immediately.
%*
[SV33400(ALL)06/95]
RWARNING
Applying too much pressure on the ends when lifting a
battery could cause acid to spill. Lift the battery with a
carrier or with your hands on the opposite corners.
%*
[SV33500(ALL)01/95]
Automatic Transmission Fluid
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[SV33601(ALL)06/95]
Under normal driving conditions automatic transmission fluid
should be changed every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 21,000
miles (34,000 km) if under severe duty conditions. However, if
the transmission is not working properly, for instance, the
transmission may slip or shift slowly, or you may notice some
sign of fluid leakage, the fluid level should be checked.
*
[SV33701(ALL)05/95]
It is preferable to check the transmission fluid level at normal
operating temperature, after approximately 20 miles (30 km) of
driving. However, if necessary, you can check the fluid level
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374without having to drive 20 miles to obtain a normal operating
temperature if outside temperatures are above50ÊF (10ÊC).
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[SV33801(ALL)01/95]
NOTE: If the vehicle has been operated for an extended
period at high speeds or in city traffic during hot
weather, or pulling a trailer, the vehicle should be
turned off for about 30 minutes to allow the fluid to
cool before checking.
%*
[SV33901(ALL)02/95]
Checking the Automatic Transmission Fluid
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[SV33910(ALL)06/95]
With the vehicle on a level surface, start the engine and move
the transmission shift selector through all of the gear ranges
allowing sufficient time for each position to engage. Securely
latch the transmission shift selector in the P (Park) position,
fully set the parking brake and leave the engine running.
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[SV33930(ALL)10/89]
RWARNING
Your vehicle should not be driven if the fluid level is
below the bottom hole on the dipstick and outside
temperatures are above50ÊF (10ÊC).
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[SV33940(ALL)08/95]
Wipe off the dipstick cap (located on the passenger's side of the
engine), pull the dipstick out and wipe the indicator end clean.
Put the dipstick back into the filler tube and make sure it is
fully seated. Pull the dipstick out and read the fluid level.
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[SV33950(ALL)03/90]
When checking fluid at normal operating temperature, the fluid
level should be within the crosshatched area on the dipstick.
When the vehicle has not been driven, and outside temperature
is above50ÊF (10ÊC), thefluid level should be between the holes
on the dipstick.
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Servicing Your Explorer
375
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[SV33960(ALL)08/95]
Adding Automatic Transmission Fluid
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[SV33970(ALL)03/94]
The fluid type is stamped on the dipstick.Before adding any
fluid, be sure that the correct type will be used.
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[SV33980(ALL)10/89]
Add fluid in 1/2 pint (.25L) increments through the filler tube
to bring the level to the correct area on the dipstick. If an
overfill occurs, excess fluid should be removed by a qualified
technician.
%*
[SV33990(ALL)09/95]
NOTE: Always dispose of used automotive fluids in a
responsible manner. Follow your community's
standards for disposing of these types of fluids. Call
your local recycling center to find out about recycling
automotive fluids.
[SV34000(ALL)04/94]
7-1/2 pica art:0021193-A
Automatic transmission dipstick
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376
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[SV34400(ALL)06/95]
Manual Transmission and Transfer Case
Fluid
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[SV34600(ALL)01/95]
Checking the Manual Transmission Fluid
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[SV34700(ALL)12/91]
Clean the filler plug on the side of the case. Remove the filler
plug. The fluid level should be up to the bottom of the filler
plug hole.
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[SV34800(ALL)03/91]
If additional fluid is required:
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[SV34900(ALL)01/95]1.
Add enough fluid through the filler plug hole to bring the
level up to the bottom of the hole. Use only fluid certified to
meet Ford Motor Company lubricant specification as listed
underRefill Capacities, Motorcraft Parts, and Lubricant
Specifications, later in this chapter.
*
[SV35000(ALL)03/91]2.
Replace the filler plug in its original position, making sure it
is fully seated.
%*
[SV35100(ALL)02/95]
The Clutch
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[SV35200(ALL)03/91]
The clutch on your vehicle is automatically self-adjusting and
should not require any routine service.
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[SV35301(ALL)03/91]
During normal operation the fluid level in the clutch reservoir
will slowly rise. If for any reason the fluid level drops, maintain
the fluid level at the step in the reservoir body.
%*
[SV35400(ALL)03/94]
If it becomes necessary to remove the reservoir cap, thoroughly
clean the reservoir cap before removing it to prevent dirt or
water from entering the reservoir. Remove the internal
diaphragm and then add only a DOT 3 brake fluid such as Ford
High Performance DOT 3 Brake Fluid, meeting Ford
specification ESA-M6C25-A.
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Servicing Your Explorer
377
[SV35500(ALL)10/94]
10-1/2 pica art:0020376-E
Clutch fluid reservoir
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[SV35800(ALL)07/95]
Driveline Universal Joint and Slip Yoke
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[SV36000(ALL)06/93]
The universal joints that come standard with your vehicle do
not require lubrication. If your original equipment universal
joints are replaced with universal joints equipped with grease
fittings, lubrication will be necessary at the intervals shown in
theMaintenance Schedule and Recordbooklet.
%*
[SV36300(ALL)03/95]
Brake Fluid
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[SV36350(ALL)05/90]
Your vehicle is equipped with a brake fluid level indicator in
the master cylinder which lights the BRAKE warning light on
the instrument panel when the brake fluid level is low.
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[SV36400(ALL)03/95]
Under normal circumstances, your vehicle should not use up
brake fluid rapidly. However, expect the level of the brake fluid
to slowly fall as you put more mileage on your vehicle and the
brake pads wear.
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[SV36500(ALL)08/95]
Check the brake fluid at least once a year. You can do this by
looking at the fluid level in the plastic brake fluid reservoir on
the master cylinder. The fluid level should be at or near the
MAX mark.
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378
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[SV36550(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Brake fluid is toxic.
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[SV36560(ALL)07/95]
If brake fluid contacts eyes, flush eyes with running water for
15 minutes. Get medical attention if irritation persists. If taken
internally, drink water and induce vomiting. Get medical
attention immediately.
*
[SV36600(ALL)03/95]
If the fluid is low, carefully clean and remove the cap from the
reservoir. Fill the reservoir to the MAX line with Ford High
Performance DOT 3 Brake Fluid C6AZ-19542-AA,
C6AZ-19542-BA, or equivalent DOT 3 fluid meeting Ford
specification ESA-M6C25-A.
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[SV36850(ALL)12/91]
NOTE: If brake fluid is spilled on painted surfaces, it must
be flushed and wiped away immediately. Brake fluid
may dissolve the paint finish on your vehicle.
*
[SV36900(ALL)01/95]
RWARNING
If you use a brake fluid that is not DOT 3, you will
cause permanent damage to your brakes.
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[SV37000(ALL)01/95]
Do not fill the reservoir above the MAX line.
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[SV37100(ALL)01/95]
If you find that the fluid level is excessively low Ð below the
seam or ridge on the outside of the plastic reservoir Ð have the
brake system inspected.
*
[SV37200(ALL)01/95]
RWARNING
Do not let the reservoir for the master cylinder run dry.
This may cause the brakes to fail.
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Servicing Your Explorer
379
[SV37500(ALL)04/94]
7-1/2 pica art:0020382-C
Brake master cylinder
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[SV37600(ALL)03/95]
Power Steering Fluid
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[SV37700(ALL)01/95]
Check the level of the power steering fluid at least twice a
year (i.e., every Spring and Fall).
%*
[SV37800(ALL)03/95]
Checking and Adding Power Steering Fluid
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[SV37900(ALL)02/95]1.
Start the engine and let it run until the power steering fluid
reaches normal operating temperature. The power steering
fluid will be at the right temperature when the engine
coolant temperature gauge in the instrument cluster is near
the center of the NORMAL operating temperature range.
*
[SV38000(ALL)01/95]2.
While the engine idles, turn the steering wheel back and
forth several times. Make sure that the cap assembly is
installed at this time.
*
[SV38100(ALL)05/95]3.
Turn the engine off.
%*
[SV38200(ALL)03/94]4.
Check the fluid level on the dipstick (which is highlighted in
yellow in your vehicle). The fluid level should be between
the arrows in the FULL HOT range, which is marked on the
side of the dipstick, opposite the side marked FULL COLD.
Do not add fluid if the level is within the FULL HOT range.
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380
[SV38250(ALL)04/94]
10-1/2 pica
art:0021195-A
Power steering dipstick
[SV38550(ALL)07/95]
10-1/2 pica
art:0090155-A
Power steering dipstick location
*
[SV38800(ALL)07/94]5.
If the power steering fluid is low, add fluid in small
amounts, continuously checking the level, until you reach the
FULL HOT range. Do not overfill.
*
[SV38850(ALL)03/95]6.
When you are finished, put the dipstick back in and make
sure that it fits snugly.
[SV38900(ALL)05/95]
Use only power steering fluid that meets Ford specification such
as MERCONHAutomatic Transmission Fluid (or equivalent).
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