ECU FORD EXPLORER 1996 2.G Owner's Guide

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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We highlight do-it-yourself items in yellow in the engine
compartment so that you can find them easily.
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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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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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334
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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.
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Precautions When Servicing Your Vehicle
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Be especially careful when inspecting or servicing your vehicle.
Here are some general precautions for your safety:
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If you must work with the engine running, avoid wearing
loose clothing or jewelry that could get caught in moving
parts. Take appropriate precautions with long hair.
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Do not work on a vehicle in an enclosed space with the
engine running, unless you are sure you have enough
ventilation.
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Never get under a vehicle while it is supported only by a
jack. If you must work under a vehicle, use safety stands.
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Keep all lit cigarettes and other smoking materials away
from the battery and all fuel-related parts.
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If you disconnect the battery, the engine must ªrelearnº its idle
conditions before your vehicle will drive properly. To find out
how the engine does this, seeBatteryin this chapter.
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Working with the engine off:
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[SV02660(ALL)03/95]1.
Set the parking brake fully and make sure that the gearshift
is securely latched in P (Park).
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[SV02700(ALL)06/95]2.
Remove the key from the ignition after you turn the engine
off.
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[SV02725(ALL)06/95]3.
Block the wheels. This will prevent your vehicle from
moving unexpectedly.
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Servicing Your Explorer
335
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Working with the engine on:
[SV02775(ALL)03/95]1.
Set the parking brake fully, and make sure the gearshift is
securely latched in P (Park) (automatic transmission) or
Neutral (manual transmission) and block the wheels.
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[SV02825(ALL)03/95]2.
Block the wheels. This will prevent your vehicle from
moving unexpectedly.
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RWARNING
Do not start your engine with the air cleaner removed
and do not remove it while the engine is running.
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Opening the Hood
[SV03035(ALL)12/91]1.
Pull the hood release handle, located below the steering
column.
[SV03040(ALL)01/95]
7-1/2 pica art:0020332-B
Hood release handle
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[SV03050( X)12/91]2.
While applying downward pressure on the hood, push the
hood latch handle located behind the grille near the center
front of the vehicle to the left.
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336
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17-1/2 pica
art:0020555-G
Hood
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NOTE: Read and understandPrecautions When Servicing Your
Vehicleat the beginning of this chapter before
opening the hood.
[SV03850( X)08/94]
Close the hood with enough force to make it latch. Be sure to
oil the hood latch every six months to maintain smooth
operation.
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Always attempt to lift the hood after closing to be sure it is
securely latched.
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Engine Compartment
[SV04875( X)03/95]
Your Explorer has either a 4.0 Liter EFI, V-6 engine or a 5.0
Liter EFI, V-8 engine.
[SV05505( X)10/92]
The following page shows a diagram of the engine and where
to find items that you should regularly service.
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340
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Opening the Fuel Filler Door
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To open the fuel filler door of your vehicle, just insert your
finger in the divot and pull the door open all the way.
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Filling the fuel tank
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RWARNING
Do not overfill the fuel tank. The pressure in an
overfilled tank may cause leakage and lead to fuel spray
and fire.
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To fill the fuel tank properly:
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NOTE: Extinguish all lit cigarettes, other smoking materials,
and any open flames before fueling your vehicle.
[SV06800(ALL)08/94]1.
Unscrew the fuel cap by exerting pressure on the plastic lock
bar and rotating the fuel cap counterclockwise.
[SV06850(ALL)08/94]2.
Turn the fuel cap 1/2 to 3/4 of a turn until a hissing sound
is heard. Wait until the hissing sound stops and then
continue rotating counterclockwise to remove the fuel cap.
[SV06900(ALL)01/95]
Make sure that you follow the above fuel cap removal
instructions and use caution. Such caution will minimize the
possibility of fuel spraying during removal of the fuel cap.
[SV06910(ALL)01/95]3.
Make sure that you pump unleaded fuel and put the nozzle
all the way inside the fuel filler pipe.
[SV06920(ALL)01/95]
If you spill any fuel on the body of your vehicle, clean it off
immediately. The fuel may dull or soften the paint if you do
not wash it off.
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To replace and secure the fuel cap; place it in position and
rotate it clockwise until it clicks (ratchets). Doing so will not
damage or break the fuel cap. The ratcheting mechanism allows
the fuel cap to be sealed without overtightening.
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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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[SV14000(ALL)02/95]1.
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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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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Servicing Your Explorer
357
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Finally, check the radiator and add more engine coolant if
needed, following the procedures noted above. Reinstall the
radiator cap securely, when finished.
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[SV22525(ALL)05/90]6.
If more engine coolant is necessary, fill the overflow
reservoir to the appropriate level marked on the bottle.
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[SV22610( X)08/95]
NOTE: Due to air being trapped in the 4.0L engine cooling
system, it is not unusual to experiencea4to7ounce
(120 to 210 ml) coolant loss up to 7,500 miles
(12,000 km) after initial system fill.
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In order to bleed the cooling system properly after initial fill
with coolant, it might need up to five cycles of:
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[SV22630( X)06/95]
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heating up the system (thermostat open)
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making sure coolant is at least up to the cold fill mark of
overflow bottle
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letting the coolant cool down (engine coolant temperature
gauge below the N of NORMAL)
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[SV22660( X)06/95]
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topping off the coolant overflow bottle to the cold fill
mark
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[SV22680( X)06/95]
If coolant loss continues after 7,500 miles (12,000 km), consult
your Ford Dealer.
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370
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Local regulations may prohibit or restrict the use of tire
chains. Investigate the laws and regulations in your area
before installing chains.
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Put the chains on tightly with the ends held down securely.
Verify that no chain touches any wiring, brake lines, or fuel
lines. Follow the chain manufacturer's instructions.
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Drive slowly. If you can hear the chains rub or bang against
your vehicle, stop the vehicle and tighten the chains. If you
continue to hear the chains rub or bang against your vehicle,
remove the chains to prevent damage to your vehicle.
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Avoid fully loading your vehicle if possible.
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Tire chains may affect vehicle handling. Drive carefully and
avoid hard braking.
[SV31900(ALL)03/95]
Remove tire chains at the first opportunity after using them on
snow and ice. Do not use the chains on dry roads.
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Make sure your suspension insulation and bumpers are not
missing or worn to avoid damage to your vehicle.
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Cleaning the Wheels
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Wash the wheels with the same detergent you use to wash your
vehicle's body. Do not use acid-based wheel cleaners, steel wool,
abrasives, fuel, or strong detergents. These substances will
damage protective coatings. Use tar and road oil remover to
remove grease and tar.
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[SV31975(ALL)09/95]
NOTE: Before going to a car wash, find out if the brushes are
abrasive.
[SV31980(ALL)03/95]
If you have raised white letter tires that are difficult to clean
with regular detergent, use whitewall tire cleaner. Follow the
directions on the container and rinse the tires with plenty of
clean water.
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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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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.
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Checking the Automatic Transmission Fluid
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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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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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