check oil FORD EXPLORER 1996 2.G Owners Manual

88
%*
[LG06310( X)04/95]
Anti-Theft Alarm Light (If equipped)
[LG06335(ALL)04/95]
This light flashes on and off when the ignition switch is OFF
and any door is opened. As soon as you lock the doors, the
light glows steadily. Within 30 seconds of closing all the doors,
the light flashes intermittently (every 2 seconds). This indicates
that the alarm system is armed.
[LG06345( X)10/94]
6 pica art:0021151-A
Anti-theft alarm light
[LG06350(ALL)10/94]
Check Gage Light (If equipped)
*
[LG06355(ALL)06/94]
This light will come on when the key is in the ON position and
the:
[LG06360(ALL)06/94]
n
engine coolant temperature is high
[LG06365(ALL)06/94]
n
engine oil pressure is low
[LG06370(ALL)06/94]
n
fuel level is near empty
[LG06375(ALL)06/94]
This light serves as a notice that a system needs your attention
and to check the engine coolant temperature gauge, the engine
oil pressure gauge, and the fuel level gauge.
[LG06380(ALL)03/95]
Please seeEngine Coolant Temperature Gauge,Engine Oil Pressure
Gauge,orFuel Gaugein this chapter for more information.
[LG06385(ALL)10/94]
6 pica art:0021250-B
Check gage light
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90
%*
[LG07500(ALL)05/94]
Engine Oil Pressure Gauge
*
[LG07601(ALL)06/93]
This gauge indicates the engine's oil pressure, not the oil level.
However, if your engine's oil level is low, it could affect the oil
pressure. With the engine running, the pointer should move into
the NORMAL band. If the pointer drops below the NORMAL
band while the engine is running, you have lost oil pressure
and continued operation will cause severe engine damage.
*
[LG07701(ALL)03/95]
If you lose engine oil pressure:
*
[LG07801(ALL)03/95]1.
Pull off the road as soon as safely possible.
*
[LG07901(ALL)03/95]2.
Turn off the engine. If you do not stop the engine as soon as
safely possible, severe engine damage could result.
*
[LG08001(ALL)02/95]3.
Check the engine's oil level, following the instructions on
checking and adding engine oil. Refer toEngine oilin the
Index. If you do not follow these instructions, you or others
could be injured. To assure an accurate reading, your vehicle
should be on level ground.
*
[LG08051(ALL)03/93]4.
If the level is low, add only as much oil as necessary before
you start the engine again. Do not overfill. Do not operate
the engine if the pointer is below the NORMAL band,
regardless of the oil level. Contact your nearest dealer for
further service actions.
[LG08150(ALL)10/94]
7-1/2 pica art:0020540-E
Engine oil pressure gauge Ð mechanical cluster with tachometer
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100Fuel Economy cannot be reset. That is, these three features are
unaffected by pushing the RESET switch.
%*
[LG36750( X)01/95]
System Check
*
[LG36800( X)01/95]
A press of the SYSTEM CHECK switch causes the M/C to cycle
through a status of each of the systems being monitored. For
each of the monitored systems, the M/C will indicate either an
OK message or a warning message for two seconds. The
sequence of the system check report is as follows:
*
[LG36850( X)01/95]
n
Engine Oil Life Left
*
[LG36900( X)01/95]
n
Engine Oil Level
*
[LG37000( X)01/95]
n
Voltage Level
*
[LG37050( X)01/95]
n
Engine Coolant Temperature
*
[LG37100( X)01/95]
n
Washer Fluid Level
[LG37150( X)04/94]
n
Head Lamps
[LG37200( X)04/94]
n
Tail Lamps
[LG37250( X)04/94]
n
Brake Lamps
[LG37300( X)06/94]
n
Air Ride System (if equipped)
*
[LG37350( X)01/95]
n
Fuel Level
*
[LG37400( X)01/95]
At normal conclusion of the system check sequence, the M/C
will display the last displayed feature before pressing the
SYSTEM CHECK switch or the warnings that are active.
*
[LG37450( X)01/95]
For two of the systems reported in the system check (Engine Oil
Life Left and Fuel Level), there are two messages to describe the
status of the system. For Engine Oil Life Left, the first message
will indicate the oil change status (OK, SOON, REQUIRED) and
the second message will indicate the oil life remaining as a
percentage. If the second message is ªOIL TEMP SIGNAL
ERRORº, this means that there is a problem with the oil
temperature sender system and you should contact your dealer
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Warning Lights and Gauges
101 for service as soon as possible. For Fuel Level, the first message
will indicate the fuel level status (OK or LOW) and the second
message will indicate the range (distance to empty).
*
[LG37500( X)01/95]
Message center operation during system check
*
[LG37550( X)01/95]
The M/C switches will operate as follows during the System
Check sequence:
*
[LG37600( X)01/95]1.
A press of the SYSTEM CHECK switch will advance the
cycle to the next system message without waiting the two
seconds.
*
[LG37650( X)01/95]2.
A press of the RESET switch anytime during this sequence
will cause the SYSTEM CHECK cycle to conclude
immediately and the last displayed feature before pressing
SYSTEM CHECK will be displayed.
[LG37700( X)04/94]3.
A press of the RANGE, FUEL STATUS, OR FUEL
ECONOMY, switch will conclude the SYSTEM CHECK cycle
and the requested feature will be displayed.
*
[LG37750( X)01/95]4.
A press of the ENGLISH/METRIC switch will halt the
SYSTEM CHECK cycle and display, in the new mode, the
last displayed feature before pressing the SYSTEM CHECK
switch.
*
[LG37800( X)01/95]5.
A press of the OIL CHANGE RESET switch during the
sequence will cause the SYSTEM CHECK cycle to conclude
and the Oil Change Reset Procedure will begin.
*
[LG37850( X)01/95]
System Warnings
[LG37900( X)01/95]
System warnings alert you to possible problems or malfunctions
in your vehicle's operating systems. There are twelve warning
messages which can be displayed by the Message Center (M/C)
to show the status of the monitored systems. When a warning
occurs, the warning message is displayed and a tone sounds.
The warning message will appear at a brighter level if the
instrument panel is dimmed.
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104
*
[LG38450( X)01/95]
Low Fuel Level
*
[LG38500( X)01/95]
This warning message is displayed when you have
approximately 50 miles (80 km) left before you run out of fuel.
*
[LG38550( X)01/95]
Low Oil Level
*
[LG38600( X)01/95]
This warning message is displayed when your engine oil level is
low. If this warning message is displayed, check the level of the
engine oil.
*
[LG38650( X)02/95]
To check your oil:
*
[LG38700( X)05/95]1.
Park your vehicle on level ground, turn off the engine and
wait at least 5 minutes for the oil to drain back into the oil
pan.
*
[LG38750( X)01/95]2.
Use the dipstick to check the oil. If the level is low, add oil,
but do not overfill.
*
[LG38800( X)01/95]
If you are parked on a steep incline, the LOW OIL LEVEL
warning may come on when you start your vehicle, even
though the oil is at the correct level.
*
[LG38850( X)01/95]
For information about adding oil, seeEngine oilin the Index.
%*
[LG38900( X)05/95]
Low Washer Fluid Light
*
[LG38950( X)04/95]
This warning message is displayed when the washer fluid
reservoir is less than one quarter full.
[LG39000( X)01/95]
Check Head Lamps
[LG39050( X)08/94]
This warning message is displayed when you turn on your
headlamps and at least one of them is burned out. A high beam
headlamp burn out is not monitored.
[LG39100( X)04/94]
Check Tail Lamps
[LG39150( X)04/94]
This warning message is displayed when you turn on your rear
parking (tail) lamps and at least one of them is burned out.
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Warning Lights and Gauges
105
[LG39200( X)04/94]
Check Brake Lamps
[LG39250( X)03/95]
This warning message is displayed when you turn on your
brakelamps by pressing the brake pedal and at least one of the
lamps is burned out.
[LG39300( X)04/94]
If you use additional lights, such as trailer lights, or if you
replace the headlamps or bulbs with equipment that is not equal
to the original equipment from Ford, you may get a false
ªCHECK LAMPSº warning or no warning at all.
[LG39350( X)06/94]
Air Ride Switch Off (If equipped)
[LG39400( X)03/95]
This warning message is displayed when the air suspension
switch, located in the rear jack stowage area on the left side, is
off. For information about the operation of the air suspension
switch, seeAutomatic ride control systemin the Index.
[LG39450( X)06/94]
Check Air Ride System (If equipped)
[LG39500( X)03/95]
This warning message is displayed when an air suspension
system fault has been detected. If this warning message is
displayed while driving, safely pull off the road at your earliest
convenience. If the vehicle is loaded beyond the recommended
maximum payload, the CHECK AIR RIDE SYSTEM message
may be displayed. This is a normal condition if the vehicle is
overloaded. To correct this condition, remove or redistribute the
payload per the recommended maximum requirements. Turn the
ignition switch from ON to OFF and ON again. If the warning
message reappears, turn the air suspension switch (located in
the rear jack stowage area on the left side) OFF and take your
vehicle to a dealership for service as soon as possible.
*
[LG39550( X)01/95]
Change Oil Soon or Oil Change Required
*
[LG39600( X)01/95]
One of these warning messages is displayed when the engine oil
life remaining is 5% or less. When Oil Life Left is between 5%
and 0%, the ªCHANGE OIL SOONº message will be displayed.
When Oil Life Left reaches 0%, the ªOIL CHANGE REQUIREDº
message will be displayed.
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106
*
[LG39650( X)01/95]
An oil change is required whenever indicated by the M/C. USE
ONLY RECOMMENDED ENGINE OILS (SeeEngine oilin the
Index).
*
[LG39700( X)01/95]
The M/C will tell you the percent of oil life left during System
Check. This percentage is based on your driving history and the
time since your last oil change. In order to ensure accurate oil
life left indications, you should only perform the following OIL
CHANGE RESET Procedure after you have the oil changed.
*
[LG39801( X)01/95]
Oil Change Reset
[LG39901( X)08/94]
A press of the OIL CHANGE RESET switch will allow you to
reset the oil life feature to 100% (or your Personalized Oil Reset
Percentage). After you have the oil changed, you must execute
the following procedure. Press the OIL CHANGE RESET switch
and hold for five seconds as the M/C counts down for five
seconds. After a successful reset the Message Center will display
ªOIL LIFE RESET TO 100%.º If you have established a
Personalized Oil Reset Percentage, the display will show that
percentage instead of 100%. To ensure accurate oil life
indicators, perform this reset procedure only after an oil change.
[LG40001( X)08/94]
Your Personalized Oil Reset Percentage allows you to establish a
smaller oil change interval than the manufacturer's
recommended interval. To establish your Personalized Oil Reset
Percentage perform the following procedure:
[LG40101( X)08/94]1.
Press and hold the OIL CHANGE RESET switch and press
the RESET switch while the display is still counting down
the 5 seconds to reset. The display will change to ªSTART
OIL LIFE AT XXX%.º
[LG40201( X)08/94]2.
Press the OIL CHANGE RESET switch until the displayed
percentage is the Personalized Oil Reset Percentage that you
desire. Your choices are 100%, 90%, 80%, 70%, 60%, 50%,
40% and 30%.
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Servicing Your Explorer
349
%*
[SV13775(ALL)01/95]
Checking and Adding Engine Oil
*
[SV13800(ALL)03/95]
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.
%*
[SV13900(ALL)04/95]
Checking the engine oil level:
*
[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.
*
[SV14050(ALL)06/95]2.
Set the parking brake, making sure the gearshift is securely
latched in P (Park) or 1 (manual transmission).
*
[SV14100(ALL)02/95]3.
Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine heat.
*
[SV14200(ALL)03/95]4.
Locate the engine oil dipstick (highlighted in yellow) and
carefully pull it out of the engine.
*
[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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350
[SV14425( X)12/95]
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.
*
[SV14600(ALL)01/95]7.
Put the dipstick back in and make sure it is fully seated.
*
[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.
*
[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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352
*
[SV17275(ALL)07/95]
RWARNING
Continuous contact with USED motor oil has caused
cancer in laboratory mice.
*
[SV17285(ALL)07/95]
Protect your skin by washing with soap and water.
%*
[SV17300(ALL)03/95]
Engine Coolant
%*
[SV17400(ALL)09/95]
Checking the engine coolant
*
[SV17500(ALL)09/95]
NOTE: Be sure to read and understandPrecautions When
Servicing Your Vehicleat the beginning of this chapter.
*
[SV17700(ALL)08/95]
Your vehicle's engine coolant protects the engine from
overheating in the summer and from freezing in the winter.
Check the level of the engine coolant at least once a month, but
preferably each time you stop for fuel. Simply look at the
engine coolant recovery reservoir located in the engine
compartment. To locate this reservoir, see the diagram of your
vehicle's engine underEngine typesin this chapter.
*
[SV17750(ALL)03/95]
If the engine coolant has not been checked for a long period of
time the engine coolant reservoir may eventually empty. If the
engine coolant reservoir empties, check the engine coolant level
in the radiator. Read the following warnings before removing
the radiator cap. If it is necessary to fill the radiator, refer to the
Engine Coolant Refill Procedurein this chapter for instructions.
*
[SV17760(ALL)09/95]
RWARNING
Never remove the coolant recovery cap while the engine
is running or hot.
*
[SV17765(ALL)09/95]1.
Before you remove the radiator cap, turn the engine off and
let it cool. Even when the engine is cool, be careful when
you remove the radiator cap.
*
[SV17770(ALL)09/95]2.
When the engine is cool, wrap a thick cloth around the cap
and turn it slowly counterclockwise to the first stop.
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