checking oil FORD EXPLORER 2005 3.G Owners Manual

CHECK CHARGING SYSTEM.Displayed when the electrical system is
not maintaining proper voltage. If you are operating electrical accessories
when the engine is idling at a low speed, turn off as many of the
electrical loads as possible. If the warning stays on or comes on when the
engine is operating at normal speeds, have the electrical system checked
as soon as possible.
LOW BRAKE FLUID LEVEL.Indicates the brake fluid level is low and
the brake system should be inspected immediately. Refer toChecking
and adding brake fluidin theMaintenance and Specifications
chapter.
LOW OIL PRESSURE.Displayed when the engine oil level is low. If
this warning message is displayed, check the level of the engine oil.
Refer toEngine oilin theMaintenance and Specificationschapter for
information about adding engine oil.
WARNING-TIRE VERY LOW (if equipped).Displayed when one or
more road tires on your vehicle have very low pressure. When this
warning message is displayed, a warning chime will sound reminding you
to stop the vehicle as soon as safely possible to check your tires for
proper air pressure, leaks and damage. Refer toInspecting and
Inflating Your Tiresin theTires, Wheels and Loadingchapter.
CHECK TIRE PRESSURE (if equipped).Displayed when one or more
tires on your vehicle have low tire pressure. Refer toInspecting and
Inflating Your Tiresin theTires, Wheels and Loadingchapter.
TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR FAULT (if equipped).Displayed when
the Tire Pressure Monitoring System is malfunctioning. If the warning
stays on or continues to come on, have the system inspected by your
servicing dealership.
TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR FAULT (if equipped).Displayed when a
tire pressure sensor is malfunctioning, or your spare tire is in use. For
more information on how the system operates under these conditions,
refer toUnderstanding Your Tire Pressure Monitoring Systemin the
Tires, Wheels and Loadingchapter. If the warning stays on or
continues to come on, have the system inspected by your servicing
dealership.
LOW WASHER FLUID LEVEL.Indicates the washer fluid reservoir is
less than one quarter full. Check the washer fluid level. Refer to
Windshield washer fluidin theMaintenance and Specifications
chapter.
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Driver Controls
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ENGINE OIL
Checking the engine oil
Refer to the scheduled maintenance guide for the appropriate intervals
for checking the engine oil.
1. Make sure the vehicle is on level ground.
2. Turn the engine off and wait a few minutes for the oil to drain into the
oil pan.
3. Set the parking brake and ensure the gearshift is securely latched in P
(Park).
4. Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine heat.
5. Locate and carefully remove the engine oil level indicator (dipstick).
•4.0L V6 engine
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•4.6L V8 engine
•Oil levels above the MAX mark may cause engine damage. Some oil
must be removed from the engine by a service technician.
7. Put the indicator 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.
2. If the engine oil level is not within the normal range, add only certified
engine oil of the recommended viscosity. Remove the engine oil filler cap
and use a funnel to pour the engine oil into the opening.
3. Recheck the engine oil level. Make sure the oil level is not above the
MAX hole on the engine oil level indicator (dipstick).
4. Install the indicator and ensure it is fully seated.
5. Fully install the engine oil filler cap by turning the filler cap clockwise
1/4 of a turn or until three clicks can be heard.
To avoid possible oil loss, DO NOT operate the vehicle with the
engine oil level indicator and/or the engine oil filler cap removed.
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If the battery has been disconnected or a new battery has been installed,
the clock and the preset radio stations must be reset once the battery is
reconnected.
•Always dispose of automotive
batteries in a responsible manner.
Follow your local authorized
standards for disposal. Call your
local authorized recycling center
to find out more about recycling
automotive batteries.
ENGINE COOLANT
Checking engine coolant
The concentration and level of engine coolant should be checked at the
mileage intervals listed in theScheduled Maintenance Guide. The
coolant concentration should be maintained at 50/50 coolant and distilled
water, which equates to a freeze point of -34°F (-36°C). Coolant
concentration testing is possible with a hydrometer or antifreeze tester
(such as the Rotunda Battery and Antifreeze Tester, 014–R1060). The
level of coolant should be maintained at the “FULL COLD” level or
within the “COLD FILL RANGE” in the coolant reservoir. If the level falls
below, add coolant per the instructions in theAdding engine coolant
section.
Your vehicle was factory-filled with a 50/50 engine coolant and water
concentration. If the concentration of coolant falls below 40% or above
60%, the engine parts could become damaged or not work properly.A
50–50 mixture of coolant and water provides the following:
•Freeze protection down to -34°F (-36°C).
•Boiling protection up to 265°F (129°C).
•Protection against rust and other forms of corrosion.
•Enables calibrated gauges to work properly.
LEAD
RETURN
RECYCLE
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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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