FORD EXPLORER 2008 4.G Owners Manual
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Item CapacityFord Part Name or
equivalentFord Part Number /
Ford Specification
Engine coolant 4.0L
engine without auxiliary
climate control12.2 quarts
(11.5L)
Motorcraft Premium
Gold Engine Coolant
with bittering agent
(yellow-colored)
1
VC-7-B /
WSS-M97B51-A1 Engine coolant 4.0L
engine with auxiliary
climate control13.9 quarts
(13.2L)
Engine coolant 4.6L
engine without auxiliary
climate control13.9 quarts
(13.2L)
Engine coolant 4.6L
engine with auxiliary
climate control15.7 quarts
(14.9L)
Cooling system stop
leak pellets—Motorcraft Cooling
System Stop Leak PelletsVC-6 /
WSS-M99B37-B6
Engine oil 4.0L engine 5.0 quarts (4.7L)Motorcraft SAE 5W-30
Premium Synthetic
Blend Motor Oil (US)
Motorcraft SAE 5W-30
Super Premium Motor
Oil (Canada)
2
XO-5W30-QSP (US)
CXO-5W30-LSP12
(Canada) /
WSS-M2C929-A with API
Certification Mark
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Maintenance and Specifications
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Item CapacityFord Part Name or
equivalentFord Part Number /
Ford Specification
Engine oil 4.6L engine 6.0 quarts (5.7L)Motorcraft SAE 5W-20
Premium Synthetic
Blend Motor Oil (US)
Motorcraft SAE 5W-20
Super Premium Motor
Oil (Canada)
2
XO-5W20-QSP (US)
CXO-5W20-LSP12
(Canada) /
WSS-M2C930-A with API
Certification Mark
Automatic transmission
(5R55S) fluid12.4 quarts
(11.7L)
3
Motorcraft MERCONV
AT F
4
XT-5-QM /
MERCONV
Automatic transmission
(6R60) fluid12.2 quarts
(11.6L)
3
Motorcraft MERCONSP
AT F
5
XT-6-QSP /
MERCONSP
Rear axle fluid 3.5 pints (1.7L)Motorcraft SAE 75W-140
Synthetic Rear Axle
LubricantX Y-75W140-QL /
WSL-M2C192-A
Front axle fluid (4WD) 2.7 pints (1.3L)Motorcraft SAE 80W-90
Premium Rear Axle
LubricantXY-80W90-QL /
WSP-M2C197-A
Power steering fluidFill between the
MIN and MAX
lines on reservoirMotorcraft MERCONV
AT FXT-5-QM /
MERCONV
Transfer case fluid
(4WD)1.5 quarts (1.4L)Motorcraft Transfer Case
FluidXL–12 /
—
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Maintenance and Specifications
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Item CapacityFord Part Name or
equivalentFord Part Number /
Ford Specification
Windshield washer fluid 4.2 quarts (4.0L)Motorcraft Premium
Windshield Washer
ConcentrateZC-32-A /
WSB-M8B16- A2
Fuel tank22.5 gallons
(85.2L)——
1Add the coolant type originally equipped in your vehicle.2Use of synthetic or synthetic blend motor oil is not mandatory. Engine oil need only have the API
Certification mark and meet the requirements of Ford specification WSS-M2C929-A (4.0L) or
WSS-M2C930-A (4.6L).3Indicates only approximate dry-fill capacity. Some applications may vary based on cooler size and
if equipped with an in-tank cooler. The amount of transmission fluid and fluid level should be
checked by a qualified technician.4Automatic transmissions that require MERCONV should only use MERCONV fluid or fluid that
is specified dual usage MERCON/MERCONV. Refer toscheduled maintenance informationto
determine the correct service interval. Use of any fluid other than the recommended fluid may
cause transmission damage.5Automatic transmissions that require MERCONSP should only use MERCONSP fluid. Use of a
dual usage fluid in an automatic transmission requiring MERCONSP may cause transmission
damage. Refer toscheduled maintenance informationto determine the correct service interval.
Use of any fluid other than the recommended fluid may cause transmission damage.
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ENGINE DATA
Engine 4.0L SOHC V6
engine4.6L 3V V8
engine
Cubic inches 245 281
Required fuel 87 octane 87 octane
Firing order 1-4-2-5-3-6 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8
Ignition system EDIS Coil on Plug
Spark plug gap 0.052–0.056 inch
(1.32–1.42 mm)0.040–0.050 inch
(1.02–1.27 mm)
1
Compression ratio 9.7:1 9.8:11Spark plug gap is not adjustable
Engine drivebelt routing
•4.0L V6 Engine
•4.6L V8 Engine
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IDENTIFYING YOUR VEHICLE
Safety Compliance Certification Label
The National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration Regulations require
that a Safety Compliance
Certification Label be affixed to a
vehicle and prescribe where the
Safety Compliance Certification
Label may be located. The Safety
Compliance Certification Label is
located on the structure (B-Pillar)
by the trailing edge of the driver’s
door or the edge of the driver’s
door.
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
The vehicle identification number is
located on the driver side
instrument panel.
Please note that in the graphic,
XXXX is representative of your
vehicle identification number.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
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The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) contains the following
information:
1. World manufacturer identifier
2. Brake system / Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating (GVWR) / Restraint
System
3. Vehicle line, series, body type
4. Engine type
5. Check digit
6. Model year
7. Assembly plant
8. Production sequence number
TRANSMISSION/TRANSAXLE CODE DESIGNATIONS
You can find a
transmission/transaxle code on the
Safety Compliance Certification
Label. The following table tells you
which transmission or transaxle
each code represents.
Description Code
Five-speed automatic (5R55S) V
Six-speed automatic (6R60) X
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GENUINE FORD ACCESSORIES FOR YOUR VEHICLE
A wide selection of Genuine Ford Accessories are available for your
vehicle through your local Ford or Ford of Canada dealer. These quality
accessories have been specifically engineered to fulfill your automotive
needs; they are custom designed to complement the style and
aerodynamic appearance of your vehicle. In addition, each accessory is
made from high quality materials and meets or exceeds Ford’s rigorous
engineering and safety specifications. Ford Motor Company will repair or
replace any properly dealer-installed Genuine Ford Accessories found to
be defective in factory-supplied materials or workmanship during the
warranty period, as well as any component damaged by the defective
accessories. The accessories will be warranted for whichever provides
you the greatest benefit:
•12 months or 12,000 miles (20,000 km) (whichever occurs first), or
•the remainder of your new vehicle limited warranty.
Contact your dealer for details and a copy of the warranty.
The following is a list of several Genuine Ford Accessories. Not all
accessories are available for all models. For a complete listing of the
accessories that are available for your vehicle, please contact your dealer
or visit our online store at: www.fordaccessoriesstore.com.
Exterior style
Aluminum fuel filler door
Bug shields
Deflectors
Running boards
Splash guards
Step Bars
Interior style
Electrochromatic compass/temperature interior mirrors
Floor mats
Lifestyle
Ash cup / smoker’s package
Cargo organization and management
Neutral tow kit
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Accessories
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Roof rail cross bars
Trailer hitch drawbars, wiring harnesses and accessories
TripTunes™ Advanced portable audio connection
Peace of mind
Mobile-Ease™ hands-free communication system
Remote start
Vehicle security systems
Wheel locks
For maximum vehicle performance, keep the following information in
mind when adding accessories or equipment to your vehicle:
•When adding accessories, equipment, passengers and luggage to your
vehicle, do not exceed the total weight capacity of the vehicle or of
the front or rear axle (GVWR or GAWR as indicated on the Safety
Compliance Certification label). Consult your authorized dealer for
specific weight information.
•The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and Canadian Radio
Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) regulate the use of mobile
communications systems — such as two-way radios, telephones and
theft alarms - that are equipped with radio transmitters. Any such
equipment installed in your vehicle should comply with FCC or CRTC
regulations and should be installed only by a qualified service
technician.
•Mobile communications systems may harm the operation of your
vehicle, particularly if they are not properly designed for automotive
use.
•To avoid interference with other vehicle functions, such as anti-lock
braking systems, amateur radio users who install radios and antennas
onto their vehicle should not locate the Amateur Radio Antennas in
the area of the driver’s side hood.
•Electrical or electronic accessories or components that are added to
the vehicle by the authorized dealer or the owner may adversely affect
battery performance and durability.
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Accessories
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A
Accessory delay ........................103
AdvanceTrac ..............................264
Air cleaner filter ...............367–369
Air conditioning ..........................81
Airbag supplemental restraint
system ................192–193, 201, 203
and child safety seats ............194
description ..............193, 201, 203
disposal ....................................206
driver airbag ............195, 202, 204
indicator light .................201, 206
operation .................195, 202, 204
passenger airbag .....195, 202, 204
side airbag ...............................201
Ambulance packages ....................8
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................347
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................262
Anti-theft system ......................159
Audio system
(see Radio) ......................22, 26, 34
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .........................271, 274
fluid, adding ............................366
fluid, checking ........................366
fluid, refill capacities ..............370
fluid, specification ..................370
Auxiliary input jack (Line in) ....42
Auxiliary power point ...............101
Axle
lubricant specifications ..........370
refill capacities ........................370
B
Battery .......................................345acid, treating emergencies .....345
jumping a disabled battery ....311
maintenance-free ....................345
replacement, specifications ...369
servicing ..................................345
Belt-Minder.............................187
Booster seats .............................207
Brakes ........................................261
anti-lock ...................................262
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................262
fluid, checking and adding ....365
fluid, refill capacities ..............370
fluid, specifications .................370
lubricant specifications ..........370
parking ....................................263
shift interlock ..........................269
C
Calculating load ........................248
Capacities for refilling fluids ....370
Cargo cover ...............................143
Cargo management system ......143
Cell phone use ..............................8
Changing a tire .........................301
Child safety restraints ..............207
child safety belts ....................207
Child safety seats ......................211
attaching with tether straps ..215
in front seat ............................212
in rear seat ..............................212
Child safety seats - booster
seats ...........................................207
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............328
instrument panel ....................330
interior .....................................331
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Index
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plastic parts ............................329
washing ....................................326
waxing .....................................327
wheels ......................................327
wiper blades ............................329
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ............81
Clock adjust
6-CD in dash .............................36
AM/FM/CD .................................28
Compass, electronic ..................121
calibration ...............................122
set zone adjustment .......122, 135
Console ..............................100–101
overhead ....................................99
rear ..........................................101
Controls
power seat ...............................165
steering column ......................108
Coolant
checking and adding ..............347
refill capacities ................351, 370
specifications ..........................370
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ..................106
Customer Assistance ................289
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................322
Getting assistance outside
the U.S. and Canada ..............323
Getting roadside assistance ...289
Getting the service you
need .........................................318
Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................324
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................322D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................88
Defrost
rear window ..............................85
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................366
engine oil .................................340
Driveline universal joint and
slip yoke ....................................367
Driving under special
conditions ..................277, 283, 286
sand .........................................284
snow and ice ...........................287
through water .................285, 288
Dual automatic temperature
control (DATC) ...........................81
DVD system .................................51
E
Electronic message
center .................................115, 127
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................311
Emergency Flashers .................291
Emission control system ..........362
Engine ........................................374
cleaning ...................................328
coolant .....................................347
fail-safe cooling .......................352
idle speed control ...................345
lubrication specifications .......370
refill capacities ........................370
service points ..................336–337
starting after a collision .........291
Engine block heater .................260
2008 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
380