maintenance FORD EXPLORER 1997 2.G User Guide

SERVICE RECOMMENDATIONS
To help you service your vehicle:
²We highlight do-it-yourself items
in the engine compartment for
easy location.
²As possible, we design parts that
can be replaced without tools.
²We provide you with a ªService
Guideº which makes tracking
routine service for your vehicle
easy.
If your vehicle requires
professional service, your
dealership can provide necessary
parts and service. Check your
ªWarranty Information Bookletº to
find out which parts and services
are covered.
Use only recommended fuels,
lubricants, fluids and service parts
conforming to specifications.
Motorcraft parts are designed and
built to provide the best
performance in your vehicle.
Steps to take before performing
maintenance
Precautions when servicing
your vehicle
Be especially careful when
inspecting or servicing your
vehicle. Here are some general
precautions for your safety:
²Do not work on a hot engine.
²If you must work with the
engine running, avoid wearing
loose clothing or jewelry that
com_service_recommendations.01
uno_servicing_title
com_precautions_servicing.01
Maintenance and care
165

could get caught in moving
parts. Take precautions with
long hair.
²Do not work on a vehicle with
the engine running in an
enclosed space, unless you are
sure you have enough
ventilation.
²Keep all lit cigarettes, open
flames and other lit material
away from the battery and all
fuel related parts.
If you disconnect the battery, the
engine must ªrelearnº its idle
conditions before your vehicle will
drive properly, as explained in
Batteryin this chapter.
Working with the engine off
²Automatic transmission:
1. Set the parking brake fully and
ensure the gearshift is securely
latched in P (Park).
2. Turn off the engine and remove
the key.
3. Block the wheels to prevent the
vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
²Manual transmission:
uno_working_off
Maintenance and care
166

1. Set the parking brake, depress
the clutch and place the gearshift
in 1 (First).
2. Turn off the engine and remove
the key.
3. Block the wheels to prevent the
vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
13D
24R
uno_working_on
Maintenance and care
167

Working with the engine on
²Automatic transmission:
1. Set the parking brake fully and
ensure the gearshift is securely
latched in P (Park).
2. Block the wheels to prevent the
vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
Do not start your engine
with the air cleaner
removed and do not remove it
while the engine is running.
Maintenance and care
168

²Manual transmission:
1. Set the parking brake fully, and
make sure the gearshift is securely
latched in Neutral.
2. Block the wheels to prevent the
vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
Opening the hood
To open the hood:
1. Inside the vehicle, pull the hood
release handle located under the
steering column on the instrument
panel.
2. Outside the vehicle, release the
auxiliary latch located in the grille
opening.
3. Lift the hood and secure it in
the upright position.
4. To close the hood shut it so that
the auxiliary latch and primary
latches are closed.
After closing the hood, try lifting it
to ensure that it is closed securely.
uno_opening_hood
com_engine-comp
Maintenance and care
169

IDENTIFYING COMPONENTS IN
THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT
4.0L EFI engine
1. Windshield washer fluid
reservoir
2. Engine oil fill cap
3. Transmission fluid dipstick
(automatic transmission only)
4. Engine oil dipstick
5. Power steering fluid reservoir
6. Brake fluid reservoir
7. Clutch fluid reservoir (manual
transmission only)
8. Battery
10
1235674
89
com_4.0L-ohv
Maintenance and care
170

9. Air filter assembly
10. Engine coolant reservoir
4.0L SOHC engine
1. Windshield washer fluid
reservoir
2. Transmission fluid dipstick
3. Engine oil fill cap
4. Engine oil dipstick
5. Brake fluid reservoir
6. Battery
7. Power steering fluid reservoir
8. Air filter assembly
9. Engine coolant reservoir
9
13425
867
com_4.0L-ohc
com_5.0L
Maintenance and care
171

5.0L engine
1. Engine coolant reservoir
2. Windshield washer fluid
reservoir
3. Engine oil fill cap
4. Transmission fluid dipstick
5. Brake fluid reservoir
6. Power distribution box
7. Battery
8. Radiator cap
9. Power steering fluid reservoir
10. Engine oil dipstick
11. Ignition coil packs
12. Air filter assembly
1
236
7
54
81011912
com_check-add_oil.01
Maintenance and care
172

CHECKING AND ADDING
ENGINE OIL
Use WSS-M2C153±F motor oil
CERTIFIED FOR GASOLINE
ENGINES by the American
Petroleum Institute.
Engine oils with an SAE 5W-30
viscosity and displaying the
American Petroleum Institute
certification mark are preferred for
your vehicle. They provide the best
engine performance, fuel economy
and engine protection for all
climates down to ±25ÉC (-15ÉF).
Do not use:
²ªnon-detergentº oils
²oils labeled API SA, SB, SC, SD,
SE, SF or SG
²additional engine oil additives,
oil treatments or engine
treatments
Additional engine oil additives, oil
treatments or engine treatments
are never needed and could, under
certain conditions, lead to engine
damage which is not covered by
your Ford warranty.
Synthetic engine oils which are
CERTIFIED and of the preferred
viscosity may be used in your
engine. The engine oil and oil filter
must still be changed according to
the ªService Guideº.
Checking the engine oil
Check the engine oil each time you
fuel your vehicle.
To check the oil:
uno_checking_engine_oil
Maintenance and care
173

1. Make sure the vehicle is on level
ground. If the engine is warm, turn
the engine off and wait a few
minutes for the oil to drain into
the oil pan.
2. Set the parking brake and
ensure the gearshift is securely
latched in P (Park).
3. Open the hood. Protect yourself
from engine heat.
4. Locate and carefully remove the
engine oil dipstick.
5. Wipe the dipstick clean. Insert
the dipstick fully, then remove it
again. If the oil level falls between
the MIN and MAX markings, there
is no need to refill..
6. If the oil level is below the
minimum line, add engine oil as
necessary. If the oil level is above
the maximum line, engine damage
or high oil consumption may occur
and some oil must be removed
from the engine by a service
technician.
7. Put the dipstick back in and
ensure it is fully seated.
Adding engine oil
1. Check the engine oil. For
instructions, refer toChecking the
engine oilin this chapter.
MAX MIN
com_adding_engine_oil.01
Maintenance and care
174