wiper blades FORD EXPLORER 2001 2.G Owners Manual

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

WINDSHIELD WIPER BLADES
Check the wiper blades at least twice a year or when they seem less
effective. Substances such as tree sap and some hot wax treatments used
by commercial car washes reduce the effectiveness of wiper blades.
Checking the wiper blades
If the wiper blades do not wipe properly, clean both the windshield and
wiper blades using undiluted windshield wiper solution or a mild
detergent. Rinse thoroughly with clean water. To avoid damaging the
blades, do not use fuel, kerosene, paint thinner or other solvents.
Changing the wiper blades
To replace the wiper blades:
1. Pull the wiper arm away from the
windshield and lock into the service
position.
2. Turn the blade at an angle from
the wiper arm. Push the lock pin
manually to release the blade and
pull the wiper blade down toward
the windshield to remove it from the
arm.
3. Attach the new wiper to the
wiper arm and press it into place until a click is heard.
REAR WINDOW WIPER BLADES
Refer toWindshield Wiper Bladesin this section for more information
on rear wiper blades.
INFORMATION ABOUT UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADING
New vehicles are fitted with tires
that have a rating on them called
Tire Quality Grades. The Quality
grades can be found where
applicable on the tire sidewall
between tread shoulder and
maximum section width. For
example:
²Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature A
Maintenance and care
228

Washing your vehicle
Wash your vehicle regularly with
cold or lukewarm water. Never use
strong detergents or soap. If your
vehicle is particularly dirty, use a
quality car wash detergent. Always
use a clean sponge, washing glove
or similar device and plenty of water
for best results. To avoid spots,
avoid washing when the hood is still
warm, immediately after or during
exposure to strong sunlight.
During winter months, it is especially important to wash the vehicle on a
regular basis. Large quantities of dirt and road salt are difficult to
remove and also cause damage to the vehicle.
Any gasoline spilled on the vehicle or deposits such as bird droppings
should be washed and sponged off as soon as possible. Deposits not
removed promptly can cause damage to the vehicle's paintwork.
Remove any exterior accessories, such as antennas, before entering a car
wash. If you have wax applied to the vehicle at a commercial car wash, it
is recommended that you clean the wiper blades and windshield as
described inCleaning the wiper blades and windshield.
After washing, apply the brakes several times to dry them.
Waxing your vehicle
Waxing your vehicle on a regular basis will reduce minor scratches and
paint damage.
Wax when water stops beading on the surface. This could be every three
or four months, depending on operating conditions.
Use only carnauba or synthetic-based waxes. Use a cleaning fluid with a
clean cloth to remove any bugs before waxing your vehicle. Use tar
remover to remove any tar spots.
Avoid getting wax on the windshield, or on any surfaces which appear
coarse or bumpy. If you have wax applied at a commercial car wash, it is
recommended that you clean the wiper blades and windshield as
described inCleaning the wiper blades and windshield.
Maintenance and care
249

Cleaning the wiper blades, windshield and rear window
If the wiper blades do not wipe properly, clean the wiper blade rubber
element with undiluted windshield washer solution or a mild detergent.
To avoid damaging the blades, do not use fuel, kerosene, paint thinner or
other solvents.
If the wiper still does not wipe properly, this could be caused by
substances on the windshield or rear window such as tree sap and some
hot wax treatments used by commercial car washes. Clean the outside of
the windshield or rear window with a non-abrasive cleaner such as Ford
Ultra-Clear Spray Glass Cleaner, (E4AZ-19C507±AA), available from your
Ford Dealer.Do notuse abrasive cleansers on glass as they may cause
scratches. The windshield or rear window is clean if beads do not form
when you rinse it with water. The windshield, rear window and wiper
blades should be cleaned on a regular basis, and blades or rubber
elements replaced when worn.
Cleaning seats equipped with side air bags
Remove dust and loose dirt with a whisk broom or a vacuum cleaner.
Remove fresh spots immediately. Follow the directions that come with
the cleaner. Do not saturate the seat cover with upholstery cleaner.
Do not use chemical solvents or strong detergents when cleaning
the seat mounted side air bag. Such products could contaminate
the side air bag system and affect performance of the side air bag in a
collision.
Cleaning the instrument panel
Clean with a damp cloth, then dry with a dry cloth.
Avoid cleaner or polish that increases the gloss of the upper portion of
the instrument panel. The dull finish in this area helps protect the driver
from undesirable windshield reflection.
Do not use chemical solvents or strong detergents when cleaning
the steering wheel or instrument panel to avoid contamination of
the air bag system.
Maintenance and care
252

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

V
Vehicle dimensions ...................260
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................262
Vehicle loading ..........................176
Ventilating your vehicle ...........155
W
Warning chimes ...........................13
Warning lights (see Lights) .........8
Washer fluid ..............................215Water, Driving through .............178
Windows
power .......................................102
rear wiper/washer .....................90
Windshield washer fluid and
wipers ..........................................90
checking and adding fluid .....215
checking and cleaning ............228
liftgate reservoir .....................216
operation ...................................89
replacing wiper blades ...........228
Wrecker towing .........................206
Index
282