light FORD EXPLORER 1996 2.G Owners Manual

333
Servicing Your Explorer
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Service Made Easy
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Ford has two goals for servicing your vehicle.
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[SV00500(ALL)01/95]1.
When we can, we design parts that do not need to be
serviced.
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[SV00600(ALL)01/95]2.
We want to make servicing your vehicle as easy as possible.
To help you:
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[SV00700(ALL)01/95]
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We highlight do-it-yourself items in yellow in the engine
compartment so that you can find them easily.
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[SV00800(ALL)01/95]
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When possible, we design parts Ð such as the headlamp
bulbs Ð that can be replaced without tools.
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[SV00900(ALL)05/94]
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We give you a Maintenance Schedule that makes tracking
routine service for your vehicle easy. The maintenance
schedule is located in theMaintenance Schedule and Record
booklet.
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This chapter tells you about the basic parts that you need to
check and service regularly.
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If your vehicle needs professional servicing, your dealership can
provide the parts and service required. Check yourWarranty
Information Bookletto find out which parts and services are
covered. Also see theCustomer Assistancechapter of this Owner
Guide.
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[SV01300(ALL)03/95]
Ford Motor Company recommends that the Owner Maintenance
Checks listed in theMaintenance Schedule and Recordbooklet be
performed for the proper operation of your vehicle. In addition
to the conditions listed in theOwner Maintenance Checklist,be
alert for any unusual noise, vibration, or other indication that
your vehicle may need service. If you do notice something
unusual, see that your vehicle is serviced promptly.
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Servicing Your Explorer
341
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If you lose the fuel cap, replace it with an authorized Motorcraft
or equivalent part.
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RWARNING
If you do not use the proper fuel cap, the pressure in the
fuel tank can damage the fuel system or cause it to work
improperly in a collision.
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[SV07025(ALL)05/95]
NOTE: If you replace your fuel cap with an aftermarket fuel
filler cap, the customer warranty may be void for any
damage to the fuel tank and/or fuel system.
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[SV07050(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
If the fuel cap is venting vapor or if you hear a hissing
sound, wait until it stops before completely removing the
cap.
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[SV07055(ALL)01/95]
You may occasionally hear and/or feel a slight thump occurring
one or two seconds after a gentle stop. This is normal and
generally occurs with the fuel tank 3/4 full. It is caused by the
wave action of the fuel within the tank.
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[SV07060(ALL)11/89]
A venting fuel tank is not an abnormal condition. It may be
caused by:
[SV07061(ALL)07/95]
n
Too volatile a fuel for the weather conditions. The service
stations sometimes sell winter grade fuel in the spring.
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[SV07062(ALL)11/89]
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Pulling a heavy load on hot days, or at high altitudes.
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[SV07063(ALL)11/89]
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Extended periods of idling with the engine RPM increased
above the normal idle range.
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[SV07064(ALL)11/89]
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Parking vehicle in full sunlight for extended periods on
extremely hot days.
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342
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Choosing the Right Fuel
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Use only UNLEADED FUEL in your vehicle. Using leaded fuel
is prohibited by federal law. Your warranty may not apply if
your vehicle is damaged because you used the wrong fuel.
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[SV07650(ALL)08/95]
Vehicle inspection programs may detect misfueling. Under these
circumstances, you may be required by law to make costly
repairs at your own expense.
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Octane Recommendations
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Your vehicle is designed to use regular fuel with an octane
rating of 87. In most cases it is not necessary to use a fuel with
an octane rating higher than 87. At service stations, the octane
rating is displayed in a label on the pumps.
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one inch art:0060001-C
Typical octane rating label
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In some parts of the country, ªregularº grade fuels are sold
with octane ratings of 86 or even less, especially in high altitude
areas. We recommend that you do not use these fuels. Always
use a fuel with an octane rating of 87, even if it is sold as a
ªmidgradeº or ªpremium.º
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[SV07850(ALL)04/95]
Do not be concerned if your vehicle sometimes knocks lightly
when you drive up a hill or when you accelerate. However, if a
fuel with the recommended octane rating knocks heavily under
all driving conditions or knocks lightly driving at cruising speed
on level roads, see your dealer or a qualified service technician.
Persistent, heavy knocking can damage the engine.
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Servicing Your Explorer
349
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Checking and Adding Engine Oil
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Since the proper amount of engine oil is important for safe
engine operation, check the oil using the dipstick each time you
put fuel in your vehicle. Remember the engine must be off, the
oil must be warm and the vehicle must be parked on level
ground.
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Checking the engine oil level:
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Turn the engine off after it has warmed up and allow a few
minutes for the engine oil to drain back into the oil pan.
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[SV14050(ALL)06/95]2.
Set the parking brake, making sure the gearshift is securely
latched in P (Park) or 1 (manual transmission).
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[SV14100(ALL)02/95]3.
Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine heat.
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[SV14200(ALL)03/95]4.
Locate the engine oil dipstick (highlighted in yellow) and
carefully pull it out of the engine.
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[SV14300(ALL)01/95]5.
Wipe the dipstick clean and put it back into position, making
sure it is fully seated.
[SV14400(ALL)10/94]
7-1/2 pica art:0021256-B
Engine oil dipstick
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7-1/2 pica art:0090215-B
Engine oil dipstick Ð 5.0L engine
[SV14500(ALL)10/94]6.
Carefully, pull the dipstick out again. If the oil level is below
the ªADDº line, add engine oil as necessary. If the oil level
is beyond the letter ªFº in Full, engine damage or high oil
consumption may occur and some oil must be removed from
the engine.
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[SV14600(ALL)01/95]7.
Put the dipstick back in and make sure it is fully seated.
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[SV14800(ALL)01/95]
It may be necessary to add some oil between oil changes. Make
sure you use a CERTIFIED engine oil of the preferred viscosity.
Your vehicle's warranty coverage may not apply if engine
damage is caused by the use of improper engine oil.
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[SV15000(ALL)03/95]
Add engine oil through the oil filler cap highlighted in yellow.
To add oil, remove the filler cap and use a funnel to pour oil
into the opening. Be careful not to overfill the engine. Recheck
the oil level after you finish adding oil.
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364
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RWARNING
To avoid injury, never run the engine with one wheel off
the ground, such as when changing a tire.
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Tire Rotation
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Because your vehicle's front and rear tires perform different
jobs, they often wear differently. To make sure your tires wear
evenly and last longer, rotate them at the mileage shown in the
Maintenance Schedule and Recordbooklet which came with your
vehicle.
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[SV26700(ALL)07/92]
Rotate the tires according to the following diagram. If you
notice that the tires wear unevenly, have them checked. If your
light truck has a temporary spare tire, do not include it in the
tire rotation pattern.
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[SV26750(ALL)03/90]
In situations where the tires differ from front to rear
(snow/traction), simply rotate using a side to side pattern.
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Servicing Your Explorer
377
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10-1/2 pica art:0020376-E
Clutch fluid reservoir
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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.
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Brake Fluid
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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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Servicing Your Explorer
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7-1/2 pica art:0020382-C
Brake master cylinder
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Power Steering Fluid
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Check the level of the power steering fluid at least twice a
year (i.e., every Spring and Fall).
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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.
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[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.
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[SV38100(ALL)05/95]3.
Turn the engine off.
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[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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eight pica
chart:0090158-A%*
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Power distribution box
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[SV41400(ALL)10/92]
The high current fuses contained in the Power Distribution Box
protect your vehicle's main electrical systems from overloads;
these fuses provide the connection between the battery and your
vehicle's electrical systems.
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[SV41500(ALL)10/92]
The high current fuses are coded as follows: 30 amp -light
green, 40 amp - orange, 50 amp - red, 60 amp -blue.
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[SV41600(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Always disconnect the battery before servicing high
current fuses.
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[SV41610(ALL)07/95]
Ford recommends that high current fuses be replaced by a
qualified technician.
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[SV41700(ALL)03/93]
RWARNING
Always replace the cover to the Power Distribution Box
before reconnecting the battery or refilling fluid
reservoirs.
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[SV41800(ALL)04/95]
A blown high current fuse may be replaced but will continue to
blow until the cause of the overload condition is corrected.
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388
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Checking and Replacing Fuses
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If you need to check a fuse, follow these steps:
[SV43000(ALL)01/95]1.
Find the fuse panel, which is located in the left end of the
instrument panel. The power distribution box (described
earlier in this section) is found in the engine compartment,
mounted on a bracket attached to the left fender apron.
[SV43100(ALL)10/94]
To access the fuse panel, remove the fuse panel cover by
inserting your finger in the divot and pulling on the cover.
The underside of the cover contains four spare fuses. A fuse
pulling tool is located in the lower right corner of the fuse
panel in case you need to replace a blown fuse.
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[SV43200(ALL)03/94]
The spare fuses for your vehicle are color coded as follows:
10 amp Ð red, 15 amp Ð light blue, 20 amp Ð natural, 30
amp Ð light green.
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[SV43300(ALL)06/95]2.
On the fuse panel cover, find the number of the fuse you
want to check. The diagram on the cover tells you where to
locate the fuse on the panel.
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[SV43400(ALL)06/95]3.
Check the fuse to see if it is blown. Look through the clear
side of the fuse to see if the metal wire inside is separated. If
it is, the fuse is blown and should be replaced.
[SV43500(ALL)04/94]
7-1/2 pica art:0021196-A
The side view of a fuse
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