brake FORD POSTAL EXPLORER 2000 2.G Owner's Manual

working properly, i.e., if the transmission slips or shifts slowly or if you
notice some sign of fluid leakage.
Automatic transmission fluid expands when warmed. To obtain an
accurate fluid check, drive the vehicle until it is at normal operating
temperature (approximately 30 km [20 miles]). If your vehicle has been
operated for an extended period at high speeds, in city traffic during hot
weather or pulling a trailer, the vehicle should be turned off for about 30
minutes to allow fluid to cool before checking.
1. Drive the vehicle 30 km (20 miles) or until it reaches normal operating
temperature.
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
3. With the parking brake engaged and your foot on the brake pedal,
start the engine and move the gearshift lever through all of the gear
ranges. Allow sufficient time for each gear to engage.
4. Latch the gearshift lever in P (Park) and leave the engine running.
5. Remove the dipstick, wiping it clean with a clean, dry lint free rag. If
necessary, refer toIdentifying components in the engine compartment
in this chapter for the location of the dipstick.
6. Install the dipstick making sure it is fully seated in the filler tube.
7. Remove the dipstick and inspect the fluid level. The fluid should be in
the designated area for normal operating temperature or ambient
temperature.
Low fluid level
Do not drive the vehicle if the fluid
level is at the bottom of the dipstick
and the ambient temperature is
above 10ÉC (50ÉF).
Correct fluid level
The transmission fluid should be checked at normal operating
temperature 66ÉC-77ÉC (150ÉF-170ÉF) on a level surface. The normal
operating temperature can be reached after approximately 30 km (20
miles) of driving.
You can check the fluid without driving if the ambient temperature is
above 10ÉC (50ÉF). However, if fluid is added at this time, an overfill
condition could result when the vehicle reaches normal operating
temperature.
ADD COLD HOT DO NOT ADD
Maintenance and care
57

Batteries normally produce explosive gases which can cause
personal injury. Therefore, do not allow flames, sparks or lighted
substances to come near the battery. When working near the battery,
always shield your face and protect your eyes. Always provide proper
ventilation.
When lifting a plastic-cased battery, excessive pressure on the
end walls could cause acid to flow through the vent caps,
resulting in personal injury and/or damage to the vehicle or battery.
Lift the battery with a battery carrier or with your hands on opposite
corners.
Keep batteries out of reach of children. Batteries contain sulfuric
acid. Avoid contact with skin, eyes or clothing. Shield your eyes
when working near the battery to protect against possible splashing of
acid solution. In case of acid contact with skin or eyes, flush
immediately with water for a minimum of 15 minutes and get prompt
medical attention. If acid is swallowed, call a physician immediately.
Battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and
lead compunds.Wash hands after handling.
Because your vehicle's engine is electronically controlled by a computer,
some control conditions are maintained by power from the battery. When
the battery is disconnected or a new battery is installed, the engine must
relearn its idle and fuel trim strategy for optimum driveability and
performance. To begin this process:
1. With the vehicle at a complete stop, set the parking brake.
2. Put the gearshift in P (Park) (automatic transmission) or the neutral
position (manual transmission), turn off all accessories and start the
engine.
3. Run the engine until it reaches normal operating temperature.
4. Allow the engine to idle for at least one minute.
5. Turn the A/C on and allow the engine to idle for at least one minute.
6. Drive the vehicle to complete the relearning process.
Maintenance and care
60

The tires on your vehicle have all-weather treads to provide traction in
rain and snow. However, in some climates, using snow tires and traction
devices may be necessary. Ford offers tire cables as a Ford approved
accessory and recommends use of these or their equivalents. See your
dealer or qualified service technician for more information on tire cables
for your vehicle.
Follow these guidelines when using snow tires and traction devices:
²Install cables securely, verifying that the cables do not touch any
wiring, brake lines or fuel lines.
²Drive cautiously. If you hear the cables rub or bang against the
vehicle, stop and retighten them. If this does not work, remove the
cables to prevent vehicle damage.
²Avoid overloading your vehicle.
²Remove the tire cables when they are no longer needed.
²Do not use cables on dry roads.
²The suspension insulation and bumpers will help prevent vehicle
damage. Do not remove these components from the vehicle when
using snow tires and traction devices.
²Do not exceed 48 km/h (30 mph) with tire cables on your vehicle.
Consult your dealer for information on other Ford approved methods of
traction control.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT AUTOMOTIVE FUELS
Important safety precautions
Do not overfill the fuel tank. The pressure in an overfilled tank
may cause leakage and lead to fuel spray and fire.
The fuel system may be under pressure. If the fuel filler cap is
venting vapor or if you hear a hissing sound, wait until it stops
before completely removing the fuel filler cap. Otherwise, fuel may
spray out and injure you or others.
Maintenance and care
65

MOTORCRAFT PART NUMBERS
Component 4.0L SOHC V6 engine
Air filter element FA-1658
Fuel filter FG-1002
Battery BXT-65-650
Oil filter FL-1A
PCV valve EV-225
Spark plugs* AGSF-22PP
* Refer to Vehicle Emissions Control Information (VECI) decal for spark
plug gap information.
REFILL CAPACITIES
Fluid Ford Part Name Capacity
Brake fluid High Performance DOT 3
Motor Vehicle Brake FluidFill to line on
reservoir.
Engine oil
(including filter
change)Motorcraft SAE 5W-30 Super
Premium Motor Oil4.7L (5.0 quarts)
Fuel tank N/A 78.7L
(20.8 gallons)
Power steering
fluidMotorcraft MERCONtATF Fill to MAX line on
reservoir.
Transmission fluid Motorcraft MERCONtV ATF 9.5L (10.0 quarts)
Engine coolant
1Premium Engine Coolant 13.2L
(14.0 quarts)
Rear axle
lubricant
2, 3Motorcraft SAE 80W-90
Premium Rear Axle Lubricant2.9-3.1L
(5.5-5.8 pints)
Windshield washer
fluidUltra-Clear Windshield Washer
Concentrate2.6L (2.7 quarts)
1Use 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.
2Fill to 6 mm to 14 mm (1/4 inch to 9/16 inch) below bottom of fill hole.
3Your vehicle is equipped with a conventional rear axle. Refer to your
scheduled maintenance guide for axle fluid change intervals.
Capacities and specifications
72

LUBRICANT SPECIFICATIONS
Item Ford Part
Name or
equivalentFord Part
NumberFord
Specification
Automatic
transmissionMotorcraft
MERCONtV
AT FXT-5-QM MERCONtV
Brake fluid High
Perfromance
DOT 3 Motor
Vehicle Brake
FluidC6AZ-19542-AB ESA-M6C25-A
and DOT 3
Driveshaft, slip
spline, universal
jointsPremium Long
Life GreaseXG-1-C or
XG-1-T or
XG-1-KESA-M1C75-B
Engine coolant
1Ford Premium
Engine CoolantE2FZ-19549-AA
(in Canada,
Motorcraft
CXC-8-B)ESE-M97B44-A
Engine oil Motorcraft SAE
5W-30 Super
Premium Motor
OilXO-5W30-QSP WSS-M2C153-G
with API
Certification
Mark
Power steering
fluidMotorcraft
MERCONtAT FXT-2-QDX MERCONt
Rear axle Motorcraft SAE
80W-90
Premium Rear
Axle LubricantXY-80W90-QL WSP-M2C197-A
Windshield
washer fluidUltra-clear
Windshield
Washer
ConcentrateC9AZ-19550-AC ESR-M17P5-A
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.
Capacities and specifications
73

Air cleaner filter .........................72
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ..................51
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ...........................22,23
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive ...................................26
fluid, adding ..............................56
fluid, checking ..........................56
fluid, refill capacities ................72
fluid, specification ....................74
Axle
lubricant specifications .......73,74
refill capacities ..........................72
Battery .........................................59
acid, treating emergencies .......59
charging system warning light ..9
jumping a disabled battery ......37
maintenance-free ......................59
replacement, specifications .....72
servicing ....................................59
voltage gauge ............................11
Brakes ..........................................22
anti-lock ................................22,23
anti-lock brake system
(ABS) warning light ..............8,23
brake warning light ....................7
fluid, checking and adding ......50
fluid, refill capacities ................72
fluid, specifications ..............73,74
lubricant specifications .......73,74
shift interlock ............................25
Break-in period .............................3
Capacities for refilling fluids ......72
Coolant
checking and adding ................51
refill capacities .....................55,72
specifications .......................73,74
Dipstick
automatic transmission fluid ...56
engine oil ...................................48Doors
lubricant specifications ............73
Driveline universal
joint and slip yoke ......................58
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ............................37
Emission control system ............70
Engine ..........................................74
check engine/service engine
soon light ....................................6
coolant .......................................51
idle speed control .....................59
lubrication specifications ....73,74
refill capacities ..........................72
service points ............................47
starting after a collision ...........29
Engine oil ....................................48
checking and adding ................48
dipstick ......................................48
filter, specifications .............49,72
recommendations .....................49
refill capacities ..........................72
specifications .......................73,74
Exhaust fumes ............................20
Fluid capacities ...........................72
Fuel ..............................................65
cap .............................................69
capacity .....................................72
choosing the right fuel .............67
detergent in fuel .......................68
filling your
vehicle with fuel ..................65,69
filter, specifications .............70,72
fuel pump shut-off switch .......29
gauge .........................................12
octane rating ........................68,74
quality ........................................68
running out of fuel ...................69
safety information relating
to automotive fuels ..................65
Fuses .......................................29,30
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ..............69
Index
76

Gauges ...........................................9
battery voltage gauge ...............11
engine coolant
temperature gauge ...................10
engine oil pressure gauge ........11
fuel gauge ..................................12
odometer ...................................10
speedometer ...............................9
trip odometer ............................11
Headlamps ...................................13
flash to pass ..............................14
high beam ..............................8,13
turning on and off ....................13
Ignition ....................................14,74
Inspection/maintenance (I/M)
testing ..........................................71
Instrument panel
cluster ..........................................6
lighting up
panel and interior .....................13
Jump-starting your vehicle ........37
Keys
positions of the ignition ...........14
Lamps
cargo lamps ...............................13
headlamps .................................13
headlamps, flash to pass ..........14
instrument panel, dimming .....13
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................16
Lights, warning and indicator ......6
anti-lock brakes (ABS) .........8,23
brake ............................................7
charging system ..........................9
high beam ...................................8
overdrive off ................................8
safety belt ...................................7
service engine soon ....................6
turn signal indicator ...................8
Lubricant specifications ........73,74
Manual transmission
fluid capacities ..........................72lubricant specifications ............74
Motorcraft parts .....................70,72
Octane rating ..............................68
Odometer .....................................10
Oil (see Engine oil) ....................48
Overdrive .....................................16
Parking brake ..............................23
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ......72
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) .................................32
Power steering ............................24
fluid, checking and adding ......56
fluid, refill capacity ..................72
fluid, specifications ..............73,74
Relays .....................................29,34
Safety defects, reporting ............75
Safety restraints
warning light and chime .........7,9
Servicing your vehicle ................46
Spark plugs, specifications ....72,74
Special notice ................................3
utility-type vehicles ....................3
Specification chart,
lubricants ................................73,74
Speedometer .................................9
Starting your vehicle .............17,19
jump starting ............................37
Steering wheel
tilting .........................................15
Tires ..............................35,61,62,63
changing ....................................35
checking the pressure ..............63
replacing ....................................64
rotating ......................................63
snow tires and chains ..............64
tire grades .................................62
treadwear ..................................62
Towing .........................................63
wrecker ......................................43
Transmission ...............................25
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) ...............................56
Index
77