check oil FORD EXPLORER 2001 2.G User Guide

SAE 5W-30 engine oil is recommended.
Only use oils ªCertified For Gasoline Enginesº by the American
Petroleum Institute (API). Use Motorcraft (Part: XO±5W30±QSP in U.S.)
or an equivalent oil meeting Ford Specification WSS-M2C153±G.
Do not use supplemental engine oil additives, oil treatments or engine
treatments. They are unnecessary and could, under certain conditions,
lead to engine damage which is not covered by your warranty.
Change your engine oil according to the appropriate schedule listed in
the scheduled maintenance guide.
Engine Oil Filter Recommendation
Change your engine oil filter according to the appropriate schedule listed
in the scheduled maintenance guide. Ford production and aftermarket
(Motorcraft) oil filters are designed for added engine protection and long
life. If a replacement oil filter is used that does not meet Ford Material
and design specifications, start-up engine noises or knock may be
experienced.
It is recommended you use the appropriate Motorcraft oil filter (or
another brand meeting Ford specifications) for your engine.
BRAKE FLUID
Checking and adding brake fluid
Brake fluid should be checked and
refilled as needed. Refer to the
scheduled maintenance guide for
the service interval schedules.
1. Clean the reservoir cap before
removal to prevent dirt or water
from entering the reservoir.
Maintenance and care
214

Only use a washer fluid that meets Ford specifications. Refer to
Lubricant specificationsin theCapacities and specificationschapter.
State or local regulations on volatile organic compounds may restrict the
use of methanol, a common windshield washer antifreeze additive.
Washer fluids containing non-methanol antifreeze agents should be used
only if they provide cold weather protection without damaging the
vehicle's paint finish, wiper blades or washer system.
Do not put washer fluid in the engine coolant reservoir. Washer
fluid placed in the cooling system may harm engine and cooling
system components.
Checking and adding washer fluid for the liftgate
Washer fluid for the liftgate is supplied by the same reservoir as the
windshield.
ENGINE COOLANT
Checking engine coolant
Your engine's cooloing system has been factory-filled with a 50/50
mixture of distilled water and Ford G05 Engine Coolant per Ford
Specification WSS-M97B51±A1.
A50/50 mixtureof distilled water and Ford G05 Engine Coolant
provides:
²maximum cooling system efficiency.
²freeze protection down to -36É C (-34É F).
²boiling protection up to 129É C (265É F).
²protection against rust and other forms of corrosion.
²an accurate temperature readout from the engine coolant
gauge.
The engine coolant must be maintained at the correct fluid level
and concentration to work properly. If the engine coolant fluid
level and concentration is not maintained correctly, damage to
the engine and cooling system may result.
Maintenance and care
216

Maintenance
²Keep tires properly inflated and use only recommended size.
²Operating a vehicle with the wheels out of alignment will reduce fuel
economy.
²Use recommended engine oil. Refer toLubricant Specifications.
²Perform all regularly scheduled maintenance items. Follow the
recommended maintenance schedule and owner maintenance checks
found in your vehicle scheduled maintenance guide.
Conditions
²Heavily loading a vehicle or towing a trailer may reduce fuel economy
at any speed.
²Carrying unnecessary weight may reduce fuel economy (approximately
0.4 km/L [1 mpg] is lost for every 180 kg [400 lb] of weight carried).
²Adding certain accessories to your vehicle (for example bug
deflectors, rollbars/light bars, running boards, ski/luggage racks) may
reduce fuel economy.
²Using fuel blended with alcohol may lower fuel economy.
²Fuel economy may decrease with lower temperatures during the first
12±16 km (8±10 miles) of driving.
²Driving on flat terrain offers improved fuel economy as compared to
driving on hilly terrain.
²Transmissions give their best fuel economy when operated in the top
cruise gear and with steady pressure on the gas pedal.
²Four-wheel-drive operation (if equipped) is less fuel efficient than
two-wheel-drive operation.
²Close windows for high speed driving.
EPA window sticker
Every new vehicle should have the EPA window sticker. Contact your
dealer if the window sticker is not supplied with your vehicle. The EPA
window sticker should be your guide for the fuel economy comparisons
with other vehicles.
It is important to note the box in the lower left corner of the window
sticker. These numbers represent the Range of L/100 km (MPG)
expected on the vehicle under optimum conditions. Your fuel economy
may vary depending upon the method of operation and conditions.
Maintenance and care
241

Cleaning the instrument cluster lens
Clean with a damp cloth, then dry with a dry cloth.
Do not use household or glass cleaners as these may damage the lens.
Cleaning the overhead console
Clean with a damp cloth, then wipe dry with a dry cloth.
Avoid cleaner or polish that increases the gloss of the console. The dull
finish in this area helps protect the driver from undesirable windshield
reflection.
Cleaning the interior fabric
Remove dust and loose dirt with a whisk broom or a vacuum cleaner.
Remove fresh spots immediately. Do not use household or glass cleaners.
These agents can stain and discolor the fabric. Use a mild soap and
water solution if necessary.
Cleaning and maintaining the safety belts
Clean the safety belts with a mild soap solution recommended for
cleaning upholstery or carpets. Do not bleach or dye the belts, because
these actions may weaken the belt webbing.
Check the safety belt system periodically to make sure there are no
nicks, wear or cuts. If your vehicle has been involved in an accident,
refer to theSafety belt maintenancesection in theSeating and safety
restraintschapter.
Cleaning leather seats (if equipped)
To clean, simply use a soft cloth dampened with water and a mild soap.
Wipe the leather again with a damp cloth to remove soap residue. Dry
with a soft cloth. For tougher soiling concerns, Ford recommends using
the Deluxe Leather Care Kit F8AZ-19G253±AA, which is available from
your Ford Dealer. This mild cleaner and special pad, cleans the leather
and maintains its natural beauty. Follow the instructions on the cleaner
label. Regular cleaning of your leather upholstery helps maintain its
resiliency and color.
Do not use household cleaning products, alcohol solutions,
solvents or cleaners intended for rubber, vinyl or plastics.
Maintenance and care
253

Certification Label ....................262
Child safety restraints ..............145
child safety belts ....................145
Child safety seats ..............145±146
attaching with tether straps ..149
in front seat ............................147
in rear seat ..............................147
Cleaning your vehicle ...............248
engine compartment ..............250
exterior ............................250±251
exterior lamps .........................251
instrument cluster lens ..........253
instrument panel ....................252
interior .............................252±253
mirrors .....................................254
plastic parts ............................251
safety belts ..............................253
washing ....................................249
waxing .....................................249
wheels ......................................251
windows ..................................254
wiper blades ............................252
woodtone trim ........................254
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ............23
Clock ..........................42, 48, 58, 71
Compass, electronic ....................94
calibration .................................96
set zone adjustment .................95
Console ......................................105
overhead ....................................92
rear ..........................................106
Controls
power seat ...............................122
steering column ........................90
Coolant
checking and adding ..............216
refill capacities ................219, 255specifications ..................258, 260
Cruise control (see Speed
control) ........................................84
Customer Assistance ................185
Ford accessories for your
vehicle .....................................270
Ford Extended Service Plan....263
Getting assistance outside the
U.S. and Canada .....................269
Getting roadside assistance ...185
Getting the service you need 263
Ordering additional owner's
literature .................................274
The Dispute Settlement
Board .......................................266
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................269
D
Daytime running lamps (see
Lamps) .........................................22
Defrost
rear window ..............................34
Dipstick
automatic transmission fluid....222
engine oil .................................210
Doors
door ajar warning .....................12
lubricant specifications ..........258
Driveline universal joint and
slip yoke ....................................225
Driving under special
conditions ..........................172, 174
mud ..........................171, 173±174
sand .................................171, 174
snow and ice ...........171±173, 175
through water .........171, 174, 178
Index
277

E
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................199
Emission control system ..........242
Engine ........................................260
check engine/service engine
soon light ....................................8
cleaning ...................................250
coolant .....................................216
idle speed control ...................225
lubrication
specifications ..................258, 260
refill capacities ........................255
service points ..................209±210
starting after a collision .........186
Engine block heater .................154
Engine oil ..................................210
checking and adding ..............210
dipstick ....................................210
filter, specifications ........213, 255
recommendations ...................213
refill capacities ........................255
specifications ..................258, 260
Exhaust fumes ..........................155
F
Floor mats .................................107
Fluid capacities .........................255
Foglamps .....................................22
Four-Wheel Drive vehicles...12, 167
control trac .......................34, 168
description ......................168±169
driving off road ...............170, 173
electronic shift ..........................34
preparing to drive your
vehicle .....................................161Fuel ............................................234
calculating fuel economy...18, 238
cap .......................................9, 237
capacity ...................................255
choosing the right fuel ...........236
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................241
detergent in fuel .....................237
filling your vehicle with
fuel ...........................234, 237, 239
filter, specifications ........238, 255
fuel pump shut-off switch .....186
gauge .........................................16
improving fuel economy ........238
octane rating ...................236, 260
quality ......................................236
running out of fuel .................237
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................234
Fuses ..................................187, 189
G
Garage door opener ..............92, 96
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ........9, 237
Gas mileage (see Fuel
economy) ...................................238
Gauges .........................................13
battery voltage gauge ...............16
engine coolant temperature
gauge .........................................14
engine oil pressure gauge ........16
fuel gauge ..................................16
odometer ...................................15
speedometer .............................14
tachometer ................................15
trip odometer ............................15
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight
Rating) .......................................176
calculating ...............................178
Index
278

air bag ........................................10
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ....10, 158
anti-theft ...................................11
brake ..........................................10
charging system ........................11
check coolant ............................11
check engine ...............................8
cruise indicator .........................13
door ajar ....................................12
fuel cap light ...............................9
high beam .................................11
overdrive off ..............................12
safety belt .................................10
speed control ............................88
turn signal indicator .................11
Load limits .................................176
GAWR ......................................176
GVWR ......................................176
trailer towing ..........................176
Loading instructions .................177
Locks
autolock ...................................116
childproof ................................104
Lubricant specifications ...258, 260
Lumbar support, seats .....124±125
M
Manual transmission
fluid capacities ........................255
lubricant specifications ..........260
Message center ...........................17
english/metric button ...............17
reset button ..............................19
system check button ................19
Mirrors
automatic dimming rearview
mirror ......................................102
cleaning ...................................254fold away .................................105
heated ......................................105
side view mirrors (power) .....104
Moon roof ....................................93
Motorcraft parts ................238, 255
O
Octane rating ............................236
Odometer .....................................15
Off-Road Driving .......................173
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................210
P
Panic alarm feature, remote
entry system ..............................110
Parking brake ............................158
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....255
Power distribution box (see
Fuses) ........................................192
Power door locks ......................103
Power steering ..........................159
fluid, checking and adding ....220
fluid, refill capacity ................255
fluid, specifications .........258, 260
Preparing to drive your
vehicle ........................................161
R
Radio ............................................36
Relays ........................................187
Remote entry system .......109±110
illuminated entry ....................113
locking/unlocking doors .........110
panic alarm .............................110
Index
280