battery FORD POSTAL EXPLORER 2001 2.G User Guide

SERVICE RECOMMENDATIONS
To help you service your vehicle:
²We highlight do-it-yourself items in the engine compartment for easy
location.
²We provide a scheduled maintenance guide which makes tracking
routine service easy.
If your vehicle requires professional service, your dealership can provide
the necessary parts and service. Check your ªWarranty Guideº to find out
which parts and services are covered.
Use only recommended fuels, lubricants, fluids and service parts
conforming to specifications. Motorcraft parts are designed and built to
provide the best performance in your vehicle.
PRECAUTIONS WHEN SERVICING YOUR VEHICLE
Be especially careful when inspecting or servicing your vehicle.
²Do not work on a hot engine.
²When the engine is running, make sure that loose clothing, jewelry or
long hair does not get caught up in moving parts.
²Do not work on a vehicle with the engine running in an enclosed
space, unless you are sure you have enough ventilation.
²Keep all lit cigarettes, open flames and other lit material away from
the battery and all fuel related parts.
If you disconnect the battery, the engine must ªrelearnº its idle
conditions before your vehicle will drive properly, as explained inBattery
in this chapter.
Working with the engine off
1. Set the parking brake and ensure the gearshift is securely latched in P
(Park).
2. Turn off the engine and remove the key.
3. Block the wheels to prevent the vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
Working with the engine on
1. Set the parking brake and ensure the gearshift is securely latched in P
(Park).
2. Block the wheels to prevent the vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
Maintenance and care
52

Do not start your engine with the air cleaner removed and do
not remove it while the engine is running.
IDENTIFYING COMPONENTS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT
4.0L SOHC V6 ENGINE
1. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
2. Power distribution box
3. Brake fluid reservoir
4. Engine oil dipstick
5. Automatic transmission fluid dipstick
6. Engine oil filler cap
7. Battery
8. Radiator cap
9. Power steering fluid reservoir
10
123456
978
Maintenance and care
53

BATTERY
Your vehicle is equipped with a
Motorcraft maintenance-free battery
which normally does not require
additional water during its life of
service.
However, for severe usage or in high temperature climates, check the
battery electrolyte level. Refer to the scheduled maintenance guide for
the service interval schedules.
Keep the electrolyte level in each cell up to the ªlevel indicatorº.
Do not overfill the battery cells.
If the electrolyte level in the battery is low, you can add plain tap water
to the battery, as long as you do not use hard water (water with a high
mineral or alkali content). If possible, however, try to only fill the battery
cells with distilled water. If the battery needs water often, have the
charging system checked.
If your battery has a cover/shield, make sure it is reinstalled
after the battery has been cleaned or replaced.
For longer, trouble-free operation, keep the top of the battery clean and
dry. Also, make certain the battery cables are always tightly fastened to
the battery terminals.
If you see any corrosion on the battery or terminals, remove the cables
from the terminals and clean with a wire brush. You can neutralize the
acid with a solution of baking soda and water.
When the battery is disconnected or a new battery installed, the
transmission must learn its adaptive strategy. As a result of this, the
transmission may shift firmly. This operation is considered normal and
will fully update transmission operation to its optimum shift feel.
Maintenance and care
65

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), 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
66

²The vehicle may need to be driven to relearn the idle and fuel trim
strategy.
²If you do not allow the engine to relearn its idle trim, the idle
quality of your vehicle may be adversely affected until the idle
trim is eventually relearned.
When the battery is disconnected or a new battery installed, the
transmission must relearn its adaptive strategy. As a result of this, the
transmission may shift firmly. This operation is considered normal and
will not affect function or durability of the transmission. Over time the
adaptive learning process will fully update transmission operation to its
optimum shift feel.
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.
²Always 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.
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
These Tire Quality Grades are determined by standards that the United
States Department of Transportation has set.
LEAD
RETURN
RECYCLE
Maintenance and care
67

Exhaust leaks may result in entry of harmful and potentially
lethal fumes into the passenger compartment.
Do not make any unauthorized changes to your vehicle or engine. By
law, vehicle owners and anyone who manufactures, repairs, services,
sells, leases, trades vehicles, or supervises a fleet of vehicles are not
permitted to intentionally remove an emission control device or prevent
it from working. Information about your vehicle's emission system is on
the Vehicle Emission Control Information Decal located on or near the
engine. This decal identifies engine displacement and gives some tune up
specifications.
Please consult your ªWarranty Guideº for complete emission warranty
information.
Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) testing
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass an I/M test of
the on-board diagnostics system. If your ªCheck Engine/Service Engine
Soonº light is on, refer to the description in theWarning Lights and
Chimessection of theInstrumentationchapter. Your vehicle may not
pass the I/M test with the ªCheck Engine/Service Engine Soonº light on.
If the vehicle's powertrain system or its battery has just been serviced,
the on-board diagnostics system is reset to a ªnot ready for I/M testº
condition. To ready the on-board diagnostics system for I/M testing, a
minimum of 30 minutes of city and highway driving is necessary as
described below:
²First, at least 10 minutes of driving on an expressway or highway.
²Next, at least 20 minutes driving in stop-and-go, city-type traffic with
at least four idle periods.
Allow the vehicle to sit for at least eight hours without starting the
engine. Then, start the engine and complete the above driving cycle. The
engine must warm up to its normal operating temperature. Once started,
do not turn off the engine until the above driving cycle is complete.
Maintenance and care
79

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-820
PCV valve EV-245
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 fluid Motorcraft MERCONt
AT FFill to MAX line on
reservoir.
Transmission fluid Motorcraft MERCONtV
AT F
19.5L
(10.0 quarts)2
Engine coolant3Premium Engine Coolant 13.2L
(14.0 quarts)
Rear axle lubricant
4,5Motorcraft 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)
1Ensure the correct automatic transmission fluid is used. Transmission
fluid requirements are indicated on the dipstick or on the dipstick
handle. MERCONtand MERCONtV are not interchangeable. DO NOT
mix MERCONtand MERCONtV. Refer to the scheduled maintenance
guide to determine the correct service interval.
Capacities and specifications
80

A
Air cleaner filter .........................80
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ..................57
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..........................23±24
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive ...................................27
fluid, adding ..............................62
fluid, checking ..........................62
fluid, refill capacities ................80
fluid, specification ....................82
Axle
lubricant specifications ......81±82
refill capacities ..........................80
B
Battery .........................................65
acid, treating emergencies .......65
charging system warning light ..9
jumping a disabled battery ......43
maintenance-free ......................65
replacement, specifications .....80
servicing ....................................65
voltage gauge ............................11
Brakes ..........................................23
anti-lock ...............................23±24
anti-lock brake system
(ABS) warning light .............8, 24
brake warning light ....................7
fluid, checking and adding ......56
fluid, refill capacities ................80
fluid, specifications .............81±82
lubricant specifications ......81±82
shift interlock ............................26
Break-in period .............................3C
Capacities for refilling fluids ......80
Coolant
checking and adding ................57
refill capacities ....................61, 80
specifications ......................81±82
D
Dipstick
automatic transmission fluid ...62
engine oil ...................................54
Doors
lubricant specifications ............81
Driveline universal
joint and slip yoke ......................64
Driving under special
conditions ....................................32
mud ......................................31±32
sand ...........................................32
snow and ice .......................31, 33
through water ...........................32
E
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ............................43
Emission control system ............78
Engine ..........................................82
check engine/
service engine soon light ...........6
coolant .......................................57
idle speed control .....................65
lubrication specifications ...81±82
refill capacities ..........................80
service points ............................53
starting after a collision ...........34
Engine oil ....................................54
Index
84

checking and adding ................54
dipstick ......................................54
filter, specifications ............55, 80
recommendations .....................55
refill capacities ..........................80
specifications ......................81±82
Exhaust fumes ............................21
F
Fluid capacities ...........................80
Four-Wheel Drive vehicles .........30
control trac ...............................17
description ................................30
driving off road .........................31
electronic shift ..........................17
Fuel ..............................................71
cap .............................................77
capacity .....................................80
choosing the right fuel .............74
detergent in fuel .......................76
filling your vehicle
with fuel ..............................71, 77
filter, specifications ............78, 80
fuel pump shut-off switch .......34
gauge .........................................12
octane rating .......................75, 82
quality ........................................75
running out of fuel ...................76
safety information relating
to automotive fuels ..................71
Fuses ......................................34±35
G
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ..............77
Gauges ...........................................9
battery voltage gauge ...............11
engine coolant
temperature gauge ...................10engine oil pressure gauge ........11
fuel gauge ..................................12
odometer ...................................10
speedometer ...............................9
trip odometer ............................11
H
Headlamps ...................................13
flash to pass ..............................14
high beam .............................8, 13
turning on and off ....................13
I
Ignition ...................................14, 82
Inspection/
maintenance (I/M) testing .........79
Instrument panel
cluster ..........................................6
lighting up
panel and interior .....................13
J
Jack ..............................................40
positioning .................................40
storage .......................................40
Jump-starting your vehicle ........43
K
Keys
positions of the ignition ...........14
L
Lamps
cargo lamps ...............................13
headlamps .................................13
Index
85