service FORD EXPLORER 1996 2.G Workshop Manual

333
Servicing Your Explorer
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[SV00300(ALL)03/95]
Service Made Easy
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[SV00400(ALL)01/95]
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]
n
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]
n
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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[SV01000(ALL)01/95]
This chapter tells you about the basic parts that you need to
check and service regularly.
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[SV01050(ALL)02/95]
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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336
[SV03750( X)02/95]
17-1/2 pica
art:0020555-G
Hood
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[SV03775(ALL)09/95]
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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[SV03900(ALL)05/90]
Always attempt to lift the hood after closing to be sure it is
securely latched.
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[SV04500(ALL)04/95]
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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Servicing Your Explorer
337
[SV05625(ALL)03/95]
33-1/2 pica
art:0090153-A
4.0L engine compartment service points
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338
[SV05650( X)09/95]
full page art:0090135-C
5.0L engine compartment service
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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]
n
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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[SV07700(ALL)05/95]
Octane Recommendations
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[SV07750(ALL)06/95]
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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[SV07775(ALL)06/95]
one inch art:0060001-C
Typical octane rating label
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[SV07800(ALL)07/95]
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
343
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In some parts of the country, ªpremiumº grade fuels are sold
with octane ratings of less than 91, especially in high altitude
areas. It is recommended that you use only those ªpremiumº
fuels with an octane rating of 91 or higher.
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[SV07950(ALL)02/95]
Fuel Quality
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[SV08000(ALL)06/95]
If you are experiencing starting, rough idle or hesitation
problems when the engine is cold, it may be caused by fuel
with low volatility. Try a different brand of fuel. If the
condition persists, see your dealer or a qualified service
technician.
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[SV08050(ALL)09/95]
Using a high-quality fuel makes your vehicle more responsive
and maintains its good fuel economy and emissions by:
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[SV08100(ALL)04/95]
n
minimizing deposits in fuel injectors, combustion chambers
and on intake valves.
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[SV08150(ALL)08/95]
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assuring quick starting and smooth warm-up.
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[SV08200(ALL)08/95]
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protecting the fuel system from vapor lock in very hot
weather, which causes the engine to hesitate or stall and
makes restarts difficult.
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[SV08250(ALL)08/95]
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protecting your fuel system from rusting.
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[SV08300(ALL)08/95]
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preventing the fuel lines from freezing.
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[SV08350(ALL)06/95]
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preventing the fuel system from ªgumming upº when your
vehicle is not used for long periods of time.
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[SV08400(ALL)06/95]
It should not be necessary to add any aftermarket products to
your fuel tank if you continue to use a high-quality fuel.
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356
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Engine Coolant Drain and Flush
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[SV20800(ALL)10/89]
To drain your vehicle's engine coolant:
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[SV20900(ALL)03/94]1.
Turn off the engine and let it cool. Fully depressurize the
engine cooling system by covering the radiator cap with a
thick cloth and turning it slowly counterclockwise to the first
stop. Step back while the pressure releases.
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[SV20950(ALL)05/90]2.
Remove the cap.
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[SV21000(ALL)05/90]3.
Attach a small hose to the drain tube at the bottom of the
radiator.
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[SV21200(ALL)05/90]4.
Let the engine coolant drain into a suitable container.
Disconnect the lower radiator hose at the radiator connector
and drain any remaining engine coolant into a container.
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[SV21250(ALL)05/95]
Proper procedures for flushing the cooling system can be found
in theService Manual.
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Engine coolant refill procedure
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[SV21400(ALL)10/89]
After you have drained the engine cooling system:
[SV21700(ALL)10/89]1.
When cold, fill the radiator to a level 1 to 1 1/2 inches
(38 mm) below the filler neck seat.
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[SV21900(ALL)03/94]2.
Replace the radiator cap to its fully installed position, then
back off to the first stop. This will prevent high pressure
from building up in the cooling system during this part of
the fill procedure.
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[SV22100(ALL)10/89]3.
Start and idle the engine until the thermostat opens and the
radiator upper hose becomes warm.
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[SV22200(ALL)05/95]4.
Shut off the engine and allow the engine to cool. Cover the
radiator cap with a thick cloth and cautiously remove it. Step
back while the pressure releases.
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Servicing Your Explorer
371
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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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376
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Manual Transmission and Transfer Case
Fluid
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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.
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[SV35000(ALL)03/91]2.
Replace the filler plug in its original position, making sure it
is fully seated.
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[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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