coolant FORD EXPLORER 2002 3.G User Guide

²A large amount of water without engine coolant may be added, in case
of emergency, to reach a vehicle service location. In this instance, the
cooling system must be drained and refilled with a 50/50 mixture of
engine coolant and distilled water as soon as possible. Water alone
(without engine coolant) can cause engine damage from corrosion,
overheating or freezing.
²
Do not use alcohol, methanol or brine or any engine coolants
mixed with alcohol or methanol antifreeze (coolant).Alcohol and
other liquids can cause engine damage from overheating or freezing.
²Do not add extra inhibitors or additives to the coolant.These
can be harmful and compromise the corrosion protection of the engine
coolant.
²Do not mix with recycled coolant unless from a Ford-approved
recycling process (seeUse of Recycled Engine Coolantsection.
For vehicles with overflow coolant systems with a non-pressurized cap
on the coolant recovery system, add coolant to the coolant recovery
reservoir when the engine is cool. Add the proper mixture of coolant and
water to the ªcold fullº level. For all other vehicles, which have a coolant
degas system with a pressurized cap, or if it is necessary to remove the
coolant pressure relief cap on the radiator of a vehicle with an overflow
system, follow these steps to add engine coolant.
To avoid personal injury, make sure the engine is cool before
unscrewing the coolant pressure relief cap. The cooling system is
under pressure; steam and hot liquid can come out forcefully when the
cap is loosened slightly.
1. Before you begin, turn the engine off and let it cool.
2. When the engine is cool, wrap a thick cloth around the coolant
pressure relief cap on the coolant reservoir (an opaque plastic bottle).
Slowly turn cap counterclockwise (left) until pressure begins to release.
3. Step back while the pressure releases.
4. When you are sure that all the pressure has been released, use the
cloth to turn it counterclockwise and remove the cap.
5. Fill the coolant reservoir slowly with the proper coolant mixture (see
above), to within the ªcold fill rangeº or the ªcold fullº level on the
reservoir. If you removed the radiator cap in an overflow system, fill the
radiator until the coolant is visible and radiator is almost full.
Maintenance and care
244

6. Replace the cap. Turn until tightly installed. (Cap must be tightly
installed to prevent coolant loss.)
After any coolant has been added, run the engine for a few minutes to
mix the coolant. Check the coolant concentration. Make sure the engine
is off and cool before removing the coolant pressure relief cap (see
proceeding steps on cap removal). Check the concentration per the
Checking Engine Coolantsection. If the concentration is not 50/50
(protection to ±34ÉF/±36ÉC), drain some coolant and adjust the
concentration. It may take several drains and additions to obtain a 50/50
coolant concentration.
Whenever coolant has been added, the coolant level in the coolant
reservoir should be checked the next few times you drive the vehicle. If
necessary, add enough 50/50 concentration of engine coolant and
distilled water to bring the liquid level to the proper level.
If you have to add more than 1.0 liter (1.0 quart) of engine coolant per
month, have your dealer check the engine cooling system. Your cooling
system may have a leak. Operating an engine with a low level of coolant
can result in engine overheating and possible engine damage.
Recycled engine coolant
Ford Motor Company recommends the use of a recycled engine coolant
produced by Ford-approved processes in vehicles originally equipped
with Motorcraft Premium Engine Coolant (green-colored). However, not
all coolant recycling processes produce coolant that meets Ford
specification ESE-M97B44±A. Use of such coolant may harm the engine
and cooling system components.
Ford Motor Company does NOT recommend the use of recycled engine
coolant in vehicles originally equipped with Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine
Coolant since a Ford-approved recycling process is not yet available.
Used engine coolant should be disposed of in an appropriate
manner. Follow your community's regulations and standards for recycling
and disposing of automotive fluids.
Coolant refill capacity
To find out how much fluid your vehicle's cooling system can hold, refer
toRefill capacitiesin theCapacities and specificationschapter.
Fill your engine coolant reservoir as outlined inAdding engine coolant
in this chapter.
Maintenance and care
245

Severe climates
If you drive in extremely cold climates (less than ±36É C [±34É F]), it
may be necessary to increase the coolant concentration above 50%.
Refer to the chart on the coolant container to ensure the coolant
concentration in your vehicle will provide adequate freeze protection.
Never increase the engine coolant concentration above 60%
(protection to ±60ÉF). At a level over 60%, your engine could overheat
and become damaged.
If you drive in extremely hot climates, it is still necessary to maintain the
coolant concentration at 50/50 coolant and water.Do not allow the
coolant concentration to fall below 40% coolant.At a concentration
less than 40%, the corrosion protection to your engine and cooling
components may be compromised and permanent damage may result.
What you should know about fail-safe cooling
(4.6L V8 engine only)
If the engine coolant supply is depleted, this feature allows the vehicle to
be driven temporarily before incremental component damage is incurred.
The ªfail-safeº distance depends on ambient temperatures, vehicle load
and terrain.
How fail-safe cooling works
If the engine begins to overheat:
²the engine coolant temperature
gauge will move to the red (hot)
area.
²the
and thesymbol
will illuminate.
²theService Engine Soon
indicator light will illuminate.
If the engine reaches a preset over-temperature condition, the engine
will automatically switch to alternating cylinder operation. Each disabled
cylinder acts as an air pump and cools the engine.
When this occurs the vehicle will still operate. However:
²the engine power will be limited.
²the air conditioning system will be disabled.
Maintenance and care
246

Continued operation will increase the engine temperature:
²the engine will completely shut down.
²steering and braking effort will increase.
Once the engine temperature cools, the engine can be re-started. Take
your vehicle to a service facility as soon as possible to minimize engine
damage.
When fail-safe mode is activated
You have limited engine power when in the fail-safe mode, so drive the
vehicle with caution. The vehicle will not be able to maintain high speed
operation and the engine will run rough. Remember that the engine is
capable of completely shutting down automatically to prevent engine
damage, therefore:
1. Pull off the road as soon as safely possible and turn off the engine.
2. Arrange for the vehicle to be taken to a service facility.
3. If this is not possible, wait a short period for the engine to cool.
4. Check the coolant level and replenish if low.
Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the engine is
running or hot.
5. Re start the engine and take your vehicle to a service facility.
Driving the vehicle without repairing the engine problem
increases the chance of engine damage. Take your vehicle to a
service facility as soon as possible.
CHECKING AND ADDING POWER STEERING FLUID
Check the power steering fluid. Refer to the scheduled maintenance
guide for the service interval schedules. If adding fluid is necessary, use
only MERCONtAT F.
Maintenance and care
247

²4.0L SOHC V6 engine
²4.6L V8 engine
1. Start the engine and let it run until it reaches normal operating
temperature (the engine coolant temperature gauge indicator will be
near the center of the normal area between H and C).
2. While the engine idles, turn the steering wheel left and right several
times.
3. Turn the engine off.
4. Check the fluid level in the reservoir.
5. The fluid level should be between the MIN and MAX lines. Do not add
fluid if the level is in this range.
6. If the fluid is low, add fluid in small amounts, continuously checking
the level until it reaches the correct operating range. Be sure to put the
cap back on the reservoir.
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking automatic transmission fluid (if equipped)
The 5R55W transmission does not have a transmission fluid dipstick.
Maintenance and care
248

Fluid Ford Part Name Application Capacity
Transfer case Motorcraft
MERCONtAT F4WD 1.4L
(1.5 quarts)
Engine coolant
4Premium Engine
Coolant4.0L SOHC V6
enginewithout
auxiliary
climate control15.4L
(16.3 quarts)
4.0L SOHC V6
enginewith
auxiliary
climate control17.2L
(18.2 quarts)
4.6L V8 engine
without
auxiliary
climate control17.6L
(18.6 quarts)
4.6L V8 engine
withauxiliary
climate control19.0L
(20.1 quarts)
Front axle
lubricantMotorcraft SAE
80W-90 Premium
Rear Axle
Lubricant4x4 vehicles 1.7L
(1.8 quarts)
Rear axle
lubricant
5Motorcraft SAE
75W-140 High
Performance
Synthetic Rear
Axle LubricantConventional
Axle61.7L (3.5 pints)
Limited slip
axle
61.5L
(3.25 pints)
Windshield
washer fluidUltra-Clear
Windshield Washer
ConcentrateAll 4.0L
(4.2 quarts)
1Ensure the correct automatic transmission fluid is used. MERCONtand
MERCONtV are not interchangeable. DO NOT mix MERCONtand
MERCONtV. Refer to your scheduled maintenance guide to determine
the correct service interval.
2Service refill capacity is determined by filling the transmission to the
bottom of the filler hole with the vehicle on a level surface.
3Indicates only approximate dry-fill capacity. Some applications may
vary based on cooler size and if equipped with an in-tank cooler. The
amount of transmission fluid and fluid level should be checked by a
qualified technician.
Capacities and specifications
284

4Use Ford Premium Engine Coolant (green in color). DO NOT USE Ford
Extended Life Engine Coolant (orange in color). Refer toAdding engine
coolant, in the Maintenance and Care chapter.
5All rear axles are filled with Motorcraft SAE 75W-140 High Performance
Synthetic Rear Axle Lubricant, part number F1TZ-19780±B or equivalent
meeting Ford Specification WSL-M2C192±A.
6Limited Slip differentials must add 118ml (4 oz) of Additive Friction
Modifier C8AZ-19B546±A or equivalent meeting Ford Specification
EST-M2C118±A to the rear axle whenever the axle has been serviced.
LUBRICANT SPECIFICATIONS
ItemFord Part
Name or
equivalentFord Part
NumberFord
Specification
Body hinges,
latches, door
striker plates
and rotors, seat
tracks, fuel filler
door hinge and
spring, hood
latch, auxiliary
latch, seat
tracksMulti-Purpose
Grease or
Multi-Purpose
Grease SprayD0AZ-19584-AA
or
F5AZ-19G209-AAESB-M1C93-B or
ESR-M1C159-A
Hydraulic brake
fluidHigh
Performance
DOT 3 Motor
Vehicle Brake
FluidC6AZ-19542-ABESA-M6C25-A,
DOT 3
Driveshaft, slip
spline, universal
jointsPremium Long
Life GreaseXG-1-C or
XG-1-KESA-M1C75-B
Engine coolant
1Motorcraft
Premium Engine
Coolant
(green-colored
or
yellow-colored)VC-4-A (in
Canada CXC-10)ESE-M97B44-A
or
WSS-M97B51-A
Capacities and specifications
285

1DO NOT USE Ford Extended Life Engine Coolant F6AZ-19544-AA,
meeting Ford specification WSS-M97B44-D (orange in color) Refer to
Adding engine coolant,in theMaintenance and Carechapter.
2Ensure the correct automatic transmission fluid is used. MERCONtand
MERCONtV are not interchangeable. DO NOT mix MERCONtand
MERCONtV. Refer to your scheduled maintenance guide to determine
the correct service interval.
3All rear axles are filled with Motorcraft SAE 75W-140 High Performance
Synthetic Rear Axle Lubricant, part number F1TZ-19780-B or equivalent
meeting Ford specification WSL-M2C192-A.
4Limited slip differentials must add 118 ml (4 oz) of Additive Friction
Modifier C8AZ-19B546-A or equivalent meeting Ford specification
EST-M2C118±A to the rear axle whenever the axle has been serviced.
ENGINE DATA
Engine 4.0L SOHC V6
engine4.6L V8 engine
Cubic inches 245 281
Required fuel 87 octane 87 octane
Firing order 1-4-2-5-3-6 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8
Spark plug gap 1.3-1.4 mm
(0.052-
0.056 inch)1.3-1.4 mm
(0.052-
0.056 inch)
Ignition system EDIS EDIS
Compression ratio 9.7:1 9.4:1
VEHICLE DIMENSIONS
Dimensions 4-Door 4x2 or 4x4 XLT Model mm
(in.)
(1) Overall length 4 813 (189.5)
(2) Overall width 1 832 (72.1)
(3) Maximum height* 1 827 (71.9)
(4) Wheelbase 2 889 (113.7)
(5) Track width, front 1 547 (60.9)
(5) Track width, rear 1 554 (61.2)
* Height includes roof rack and P235 tire
Capacities and specifications
287

A
Air bag supplemental
restraint system ................155, 159
and child safety seats ............157
description ......................155, 159
disposal ....................................162
driver air bag ..................157, 160
indicator light ...........10, 159, 161
operation .........................157, 160
passenger air bag ...........157, 160
side air bag ..............................159
Air cleaner filter .......................283
Air conditioning ..........................33
automatic temperature
control system ..........................37
auxiliary heater and air
conditioner ................................46
rear seat controls .....................47
Ambulance packages ....................3
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................241
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ......................176±177
Anti-theft system ......................125
arming the system ..................125
disarming a
triggered system .....................126
warning light .............................11
Audio system (see Radio) ...51, 74
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................182
fluid, adding ............................248
fluid, checking ........................248
fluid, refill capacities ..............283
fluid, specification ..................287
Auxiliary power point ...............112Axle
lubricant specifications ..285, 287
refill capacities ........................283
traction lok ..............................194
B
Battery .......................................251
acid, treating emergencies .....251
charging system
warning light .............................11
jumping a disabled battery ....222
maintenance-free ....................251
replacement, specifications ...283
servicing ..................................251
voltage gauge ............................16
Belt minder ...............................151
Brakes ........................................176
anti-lock ...........................176±177
anti-lock brake system
(ABS) warning light .........11, 177
brake warning light ..................10
fluid, checking and adding ....240
fluid, refill capacities ..............283
fluid, specifications .........285, 287
lubricant specifications ..285, 287
parking ....................................177
pedals (see Power
adjustable foot pedals) ............30
shift interlock ..........................180
Break-in period .............................3
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....283
Cargo cover ...............................115
Certification Label ....................289
Child safety restraints ..............162
child safety belts ....................162
Index
304

Child safety seats ......................163
attaching with tether straps ..167
in front seat ............................165
in rear seat ..............................165
Cleaning your vehicle ...............277
engine compartment ..............278
exterior ....................................278
exterior lamps .........................280
instrument cluster lens ..........281
instrument panel ....................281
interior .....................................281
mirrors .....................................282
plastic parts ............................280
safety belts ..............................282
washing ....................................277
waxing .....................................278
wheels ......................................280
windows ..................................282
wiper blades ............................280
woodtone trim ........................282
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ............33
Clock ..........................56, 62, 72, 86
Clutch
operation while driving ..........185
recommended shift speeds ....186
Compass, electronic ....................17
calibration .................................19
set zone adjustment ...........18, 20
Console ......................................112
overhead ..................................100
rear ..........................................113
Controls
power seat ...............................133
steering column ........................99
Coolant
checking and adding ..............241
refill capacities ................245, 283
specifications ..................285, 287Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................90
Customer Assistance ................205
Ford accessories
for your vehicle ......................298
Ford Extended
Service Plan ............................291
Getting assistance outside
the U.S. and Canada ..............297
Getting roadside assistance ...205
Getting the
service you need ....................291
Ordering additional
owner's literature ...................302
The Dispute
Settlement Board ...................294
Utilizing the Mediation/
Arbitration Program ...............297
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................28
Defrost
rear window ..............................50
Dipstick
automatic
transmission fluid ...................248
engine oil .................................235
Doors
door ajar warning .....................12
lubricant specifications ..........285
Driveline universal joint
and slip yoke .............................251
Driving under special
conditions ..................................193
mud ..........................................192
sand .........................................192
snow and ice ...................192±193
Index
305