check engine FORD EXPLORER 2005 3.G Owner's Guide

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 MERCONAT F.
•4.0L SOHC V6 engine
•4.6L 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.
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BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR
The fluid level will drop slowly as
the brakes wear, and will rise when
the brake components are replaced.
Fluid levels below the “MAX” line
that do not trigger the brake system
warning lamp are within the normal
operating range, there is no need to
add fluid. If the fluid levels are
outside of the normal operating
range, the performance of your
brake system could be
compromised, seek service from your dealer immediately.
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking automatic transmission fluid
The automatic transmission does not have a transmission fluid dipstick.
Refer to yourScheduled Maintenance Guidefor scheduled intervals for
fluid checks and changes. Your transmission does not consume fluid.
However, the fluid level should be checked if the transmission is not
working properly, (i.e., if the transmission slips or shifts slowly) or if you
notice some sign of fluid leakage.
Transmission fluid should be checked and, if required, fluid
should be added by a qualified technician.
Do not use supplemental transmission fluid additives, treatments or
cleaning agents. The use of these materials may affect transmission
operation and result in damage to internal transmission components.
AIR FILTER MAINTENANCE
Refer to the scheduled maintenance guide for the appropriate intervals
for changing the air filter element.
When changing the air filter element, use only the Motorcraft air filter
element listed. Refer toMotorcraft part numbersin this chapter.
Note:Do not start your engine with the air cleaner removed and do not
remove it while the engine is running.
CHANGING THE AIR FILTER ELEMENT
1. Release the clamps that secure the air filter housing cover.
2. Carefully separate the two halves of the air filter housing.
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3. Remove the air filter element from the air filter housing.
4. Wipe the air filter housing and cover clean to remove any dirt or
debris and to ensure good sealing.
5. Install a new air filter element. Be careful not to crimp the filter
element edges between the air filter housing and cover. This could cause
filter damage and allow unfiltered air to enter the engine if not properly
seated.
6. Replace the air filter housing cover and secure the clamps.
Note:Failure to use the correct air filter element may result in severe
engine damage. The customer warranty may be voided for any damage to
the engine if the correct air filter element is not used.
CHECKING AND ADDING TRANSFER CASE FLUID (IF EQUIPPED)
1. Clean the filler plug.
2. Remove the filler plug and
inspect the fluid level.
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1Ensure the correct automatic transmission fluid is used. MERCONand
MERCONV are not interchangeable. DO NOT mix MERCONand
MERCONV. Refer to yourScheduled Maintenance Guideto
determine the correct service interval.
2Indicates 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.
3Add the coolant type originally equipped in your vehicle.
4Limited Slip differentials must add 4 oz (118ml) of Additive Friction
Modifier XL-3 or equivalent to the rear axle whenever the axle has been
serviced.
5Use of synthetic or synthetic blend motor oil is not mandatory. Engine
oil need only meet the requirements of Ford specification and the API
Certification mark.
5Use of synthetic or synthetic blend motor oil is not mandatory. Engine
oil need only have the API Certification mark and meet the requirements
of Ford specification WSS-M2C929-A (4.0L) or WSS-M2C930-A (4.6L).
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 SprayXG–4 or XL–5ESR-M1C159-A or
ESB-M1C93–B
Hydraulic brake
fluid and Clutch
Fluid (if
equipped)Motorcraft High
Performance
DOT 3 Motor
Vehicle Brake
FluidPM-1ESA-M6C25-A,
DOT 3
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Vehicle identification number
The vehicle identification number
(VIN) is a 17 digit combination of
letters and numbers. The VIN is
attached to a metal tag and is
located on the driver side
instrument panel. The VIN number
is also found on the Certification
label. (Please note that in the
graphic XXXX is representative of
your vehicle identification number.)
1. World manufacturer identifier
2. Brake type and gross vehicle
weight rating (GVWR)
3. Vehicle line, series, body type
4. Engine type
5. Check digit
6. Model year
7. Assembly plant
8. Production sequence number
Engine number
The engine number (the last eight numbers of the vehicle identification
number) is stamped on the engine block, transmission, frame and
transfer case (if equipped).
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
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A
Accessory delay ..........................69
AdvanceTrac ..............................206
Air bag supplemental restraint
system ................................135, 140
and child safety seats ............137
description ......................135, 140
disposal ....................................143
driver air bag ..................137, 141
indicator light .................139, 142
operation .........................137, 141
passenger air bag ...........137, 141
Air cleaner filter ...............299, 301
Air conditioning ..........................48
All Wheel Drive (AWD),
driving off road .........................226
Ambulance packages ....................7
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................280
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................204
Audio system
(see Radio) ....18, 21, 25, 30, 34, 39
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................212
fluid, adding ............................299
fluid, checking ........................299
fluid, refill capacities ..............302
fluid, specification ..................306
Auxiliary power point .................67
Axle
lubricant specifications ..304, 306
refill capacities ........................302
B
Battery .......................................278acid, treating emergencies .....278
jumping a disabled battery ....246
maintenance-free ....................278
replacement, specifications ...301
servicing ..................................278
BeltMinder .................................131
Brakes ........................................203
anti-lock ...................................204
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................204
fluid, checking and adding ....299
fluid, refill capacities ..............302
fluid, specifications .........304, 306
lubricant specifications ..304, 306
parking ....................................205
shift interlock ..........................210
C
Calculating load ........................193
Capacities for refilling fluids ....302
Cargo cover ...........................96–97
Cell phone use ............................64
Certification Label ....................308
Changing a tire .........................164
Child safety restraints ..............144
child safety belts ....................144
Child safety seats ......................146
attaching with tether straps ..150
in front seat ............................148
in rear seat ..............................148
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............263
instrument panel ....................265
interior .....................................266
interior trim ............................265
plastic parts ............................264
safety belts ..............................266
washing ....................................262
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313

waxing .....................................262
wheels ......................................263
wiper blades ............................265
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ............48
Clock ............................................36
Clock adjust
6-CD in dash .................23, 32, 42
AM/FM/CD .................................18
AM/FM/Tape/CD .................27, 36
Compass, electronic ....................81
calibration .................................82
set zone adjustment ...........82, 84
Console ........................................64
overhead ..............................65–66
rear ............................................65
Controls
power seat ...............................114
steering column ........................74
Coolant
checking and adding ..............280
refill capacities ................284, 302
specifications ..................304, 306
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................71
Customer Assistance ................233
Ford accessories for your
vehicle .....................................267
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................259
Getting assistance outside the
U.S. and Canada .....................260
Getting roadside assistance ...233
Getting the service you
need .........................................253
Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................261
The Dispute Settlement
Board .......................................255Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................259
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................53
Defrost
rear window ..............................52
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................299
engine oil .................................273
Doors
lubricant specifications ..........304
Driveline universal joint and
slip yoke ....................................301
Driving under special
conditions ..214, 220, 223, 227, 230
sand .................................222, 229
snow and ice ...................224, 231
through water .........223, 229, 232
Dual automatic temperature
control (DATC) ...........................48
DVD system .................................44
E
Electronic message center .........83
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................246
Emergency Flashers .................234
Emission control system ..........296
Engine ................................306–307
cleaning ...................................263
coolant .....................................280
fail-safe coolant ......................285
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idle speed control ...................278
lubrication
specifications ..................304, 306
refill capacities ........................302
service points ..................270–271
starting after a collision .........234
Engine block heater .................203
Engine oil ..................................273
checking and adding ..............273
dipstick ....................................273
filter, specifications ........276, 301
recommendations ...................276
refill capacities ........................302
specifications ..................304, 306
Exhaust fumes ..........................203
F
Fail safe cooling ........................285
Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV) ....286
Floor mats ...................................95
Fluid capacities .........................302
Foglamps .....................................53
Four-Wheel Drive vehicles .......217
driving off road ...............219, 226
indicator light .........................217
preparing to drive your
vehicle .....................................209
Fuel ............................................286
calculating fuel
economy ............................86, 292
cap ...........................................291
capacity ...................................302
choosing the right fuel ...........289
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................295
detergent in fuel .....................291
filling your vehicle with
fuel ...........................286, 291–292filter, specifications ........292, 301
fuel pump shut-off switch .....234
improving fuel economy ........292
octane rating ...........289, 306–307
quality ......................................290
running out of fuel .................291
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................286
Fuel - flex fuel vehicle
(FFV) .................................286, 289
Fuses ..................................235, 237
G
Garage door opener ....................66
Garage Door Opener
(see Homelink wireless control
system) ........................................77
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ............291
Gas mileage
(see Fuel economy) .................292
Gauges .........................................15
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight
Rating)
calculating ...............................193
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating)
calculating ...............................193
H
Hazard flashers .........................234
Head restraints .........................112
Headlamps
aiming ........................................55
bulb specifications ....................57
daytime running lights .............53
flash to pass ..............................54
high beam .................................54
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Heating
heating and air conditioning
system .................................46, 48
Homelink wireless control
system ..........................................77
Hood ..........................................269
I
Ignition .......................200, 306–307
Infant seats
(see Safety seats) .....................146
Inspection/maintenance (I/M)
testing ........................................297
Instrument panel
cleaning ...................................265
cluster ........................................10
J
Jack ....................................164, 167
positioning .......................164, 169
storage .....................164, 166–167
Jump-starting your vehicle ......246
K
Keyless entry system ...............105
autolock ...................................107
Keys
positions of the ignition .........200
L
Lamps
bulb replacement
specifications chart ..................57
daytime running light ...............53
fog lamps ...................................53
interior lamps ...........................56Liftgate ................................95, 102
Lights, warning and indicator ....10
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........204
Limited-slip axle .......................217
Load limits .................................187
Loading instructions .................193
Locks
autolock ...................................107
childproof ................................100
doors ..........................................99
Lubricant specifications ...304, 306
Lug nuts ....................................172
Luggage rack ...............................97
Lumbar support,
seats ...........................114, 116–117
M
Message center ...........................83
english/metric button ...............89
system check button ................89
warning messages .....................90
Mirrors ...................................67, 70
automatic dimming rearview
mirror ........................................70
fold away ...................................70
heated ........................................70
side view mirrors (power) .......69
Moon roof ....................................76
Motorcraft parts ................292, 301
O
Octane rating ............................289
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................273
P
Parking brake ............................205
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