1996 FORD EXPLORER check transmission fluid

260
*
[DR20000(ALL)11/89]
Sand
*
[DR20100(ALL)11/89]
When driving over sand, try to keep all four wheels of the
vehicle on the most solid area of the trail. Do not reduce the
tire pressures but shift to a lower gear and drive steadily
through the terrain. Apply accelerator slowly and avoid
spinning the wheels.
*
[DR20200(ALL)11/89]
Mud and Water
*
[DR20300(ALL)12/89]
When driving through water, determine the depth; avoid water
higher than the bottom of the hubs (if possible) and proceed
slowly. If the ignition system gets wet, the vehicle may stall.
*
[DR20400(ALL)11/89]
Once through water, always try the brakes. Wet brakes do not
stop the vehicle as effectively as dry brakes. Drying can be
improved by moving your vehicle slowly, while applying light
pressure on the brake pedal.
*
[DR20500(ALL)11/89]
After driving through mud, clean off residue stuck to rotating
driveshafts and tires. Excess mud stuck on tires and rotating
driveshafts causes an imbalance which could damage drive
components.
*
[DR20525(ALL)06/95]
NOTE: If the transmission and transfer case is submerged in
water, their fluids should be checked and changed, if
necessary.
*
[DR20650( X)11/89]
Additional Special Driving Instructions for
Utility Vehicles
*
[DR20701(ALL)11/89]
Driving on Hill or Slope Terrain
[DR20800(ALL)08/94]
When driving on a hill, avoid driving crosswise or turning on
steep slopes, you could lose traction and slip sideways. Drive
straight up, straight down or avoid the hill completely. Know
the conditions on the other side of a hill before driving over the
crest.
File:10undrx.ex
Update:Thu Feb 29 09:12:36 1996

270
*
[DR27601(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
To avoid injury, never run the engine with one wheel off
the ground, such as when changing a tire.
%*
[DR27651(ALL)01/95]
High water
*
[DR27675(ALL)06/92]
Never attempt to cross water that is fast flowing or of unknown
depth.
*
[DR27701(ALL)05/90]
Do not drive through flooded areas unless you are sure that the
water is below the bottom of the wheel hubs.
*
[DR27750(ALL)04/94]
If you must drive through high water, drive slowly. You may
have limited traction or wet brakes, so allow extra stopping
distance because your vehicle will not stop as quickly as usual.
*
[DR27801(ALL)01/95]
After you drive through the standing water, apply your brakes
gently several times as your vehicle moves slowly. This helps to
dry the brakes.
*
[DR27820(ALL)06/95]
NOTE: If the transmission and transfer case is submerged in
water, their fluids should be checked and changed, if
necessary.
*
[DR27825(ALL)03/93]
NOTE: All rear axle lube quantities must be replaced every
100,000 miles (160,000 km) or if the axle has been
submerged in water. Otherwise, the lube should not
be checked or changed unless a leak is suspected or
repair required.
*
[DR27850(ALL)11/89]
Rocking the vehicle
*
[DR27901(ALL)05/90]
For 4x4 vehicles, engage 4WD LOW, when the vehicle gets
stuck and try to drive away.
*
[DR27950(ALL)05/95]
If your vehicle gets stuck (for example, in mud or snow), you
may rock it out of the spot. Shift in a steady rhythm between
forward and reverse gears. Allow the transmission to fully
engage, then press lightly on the accelerator. Do not rock the
vehicle for more than a few minutes. This may overheat the
File:10undrx.ex
Update:Thu Feb 29 09:12:36 1996

Servicing Your Explorer
373
*
[SV33200(ALL)01/95]
RWARNING
Batteries normally produce explosive gases which can
cause personal injury. Therefore, do not allow flames,
sparks or lit tobacco to come near the battery. When
charging or working near a battery, always cover your
face and protect your eyes, and also provide ventilation.
%*
[SV33300(ALL)07/95]
RWARNING
Batteries contain sulfuric acid which burns skin, eyes,
and clothing.
*
[SV33310(ALL)07/95]
If the acid touches someone's skin, eyes, or clothing,
immediately flush the area with water for at least 15 minutes. If
someone swallows the acid, have him or her drink lots of milk
or water first, then Milk of Magnesia, a beaten egg, or vegetable
oil. Call a doctor immediately.
%*
[SV33400(ALL)06/95]
RWARNING
Applying too much pressure on the ends when lifting a
battery could cause acid to spill. Lift the battery with a
carrier or with your hands on the opposite corners.
%*
[SV33500(ALL)01/95]
Automatic Transmission Fluid
*
[SV33601(ALL)06/95]
Under normal driving conditions automatic transmission fluid
should be changed every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 21,000
miles (34,000 km) if under severe duty conditions. However, if
the transmission is not working properly, for instance, the
transmission may slip or shift slowly, or you may notice some
sign of fluid leakage, the fluid level should be checked.
*
[SV33701(ALL)05/95]
It is preferable to check the transmission fluid level at normal
operating temperature, after approximately 20 miles (30 km) of
driving. However, if necessary, you can check the fluid level
File:15unsvx.ex
Update:Thu Feb 29 09:20:34 1996

374without having to drive 20 miles to obtain a normal operating
temperature if outside temperatures are above50ÊF (10ÊC).
*
[SV33801(ALL)01/95]
NOTE: If the vehicle has been operated for an extended
period at high speeds or in city traffic during hot
weather, or pulling a trailer, the vehicle should be
turned off for about 30 minutes to allow the fluid to
cool before checking.
%*
[SV33901(ALL)02/95]
Checking the Automatic Transmission Fluid
*
[SV33910(ALL)06/95]
With the vehicle on a level surface, start the engine and move
the transmission shift selector through all of the gear ranges
allowing sufficient time for each position to engage. Securely
latch the transmission shift selector in the P (Park) position,
fully set the parking brake and leave the engine running.
*
[SV33930(ALL)10/89]
RWARNING
Your vehicle should not be driven if the fluid level is
below the bottom hole on the dipstick and outside
temperatures are above50ÊF (10ÊC).
*
[SV33940(ALL)08/95]
Wipe off the dipstick cap (located on the passenger's side of the
engine), pull the dipstick out and wipe the indicator end clean.
Put the dipstick back into the filler tube and make sure it is
fully seated. Pull the dipstick out and read the fluid level.
*
[SV33950(ALL)03/90]
When checking fluid at normal operating temperature, the fluid
level should be within the crosshatched area on the dipstick.
When the vehicle has not been driven, and outside temperature
is above50ÊF (10ÊC), thefluid level should be between the holes
on the dipstick.
File:15unsvx.ex
Update:Thu Feb 29 09:20:34 1996

376
%*
[SV34400(ALL)06/95]
Manual Transmission and Transfer Case
Fluid
*
[SV34600(ALL)01/95]
Checking the Manual Transmission Fluid
*
[SV34700(ALL)12/91]
Clean the filler plug on the side of the case. Remove the filler
plug. The fluid level should be up to the bottom of the filler
plug hole.
*
[SV34800(ALL)03/91]
If additional fluid is required:
*
[SV34900(ALL)01/95]1.
Add enough fluid through the filler plug hole to bring the
level up to the bottom of the hole. Use only fluid certified to
meet Ford Motor Company lubricant specification as listed
underRefill Capacities, Motorcraft Parts, and Lubricant
Specifications, later in this chapter.
*
[SV35000(ALL)03/91]2.
Replace the filler plug in its original position, making sure it
is fully seated.
%*
[SV35100(ALL)02/95]
The Clutch
*
[SV35200(ALL)03/91]
The clutch on your vehicle is automatically self-adjusting and
should not require any routine service.
*
[SV35301(ALL)03/91]
During normal operation the fluid level in the clutch reservoir
will slowly rise. If for any reason the fluid level drops, maintain
the fluid level at the step in the reservoir body.
%*
[SV35400(ALL)03/94]
If it becomes necessary to remove the reservoir cap, thoroughly
clean the reservoir cap before removing it to prevent dirt or
water from entering the reservoir. Remove the internal
diaphragm and then add only a DOT 3 brake fluid such as Ford
High Performance DOT 3 Brake Fluid, meeting Ford
specification ESA-M6C25-A.
File:15unsvx.ex
Update:Thu Feb 29 09:20:34 1996

380
[SV38250(ALL)04/94]
10-1/2 pica
art:0021195-A
Power steering dipstick
[SV38550(ALL)07/95]
10-1/2 pica
art:0090155-A
Power steering dipstick location
*
[SV38800(ALL)07/94]5.
If the power steering fluid is low, add fluid in small
amounts, continuously checking the level, until you reach the
FULL HOT range. Do not overfill.
*
[SV38850(ALL)03/95]6.
When you are finished, put the dipstick back in and make
sure that it fits snugly.
[SV38900(ALL)05/95]
Use only power steering fluid that meets Ford specification such
as MERCONHAutomatic Transmission Fluid (or equivalent).
File:15unsvx.ex
Update:Thu Feb 29 09:20:34 1996

422
Anti-theft system (continued)
triggering..................... 167
warning light..................... 88
Appeals (see Dispute settlement board)......... 319
Assistance (see Customer assistance).......... 317
Audio system (see Electronic sound system)....... 207
Autolamp system (see Headlamps).........128, 132
Autolock (see Keyless entry).............. 159
Automatic transaxle, fluid, specification......... 406
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic overdrive............ 248
fluid, adding.................... 375
fluid, checking................... 374
fluid, specification.................. 406
Axle
lubricant specifications................ 406
traction lok...................269, 363
B
Backing up...................... 248
Basic vehicle warranty.................. 3
Battery
acid, treating emergencies..........295, 372±373
battery saver.................... 166
charging system warning light............. 87
disconnecting.................... 298
how to service................... 371
jumping a disabled battery.............. 295
maintenance-free.................. 371
proper disposal, recycling.............. 372
replacement, specifications.............. 405
servicing...................... 371
voltage gauge.................. 87,89
when storing your vehicle.............. 410
File:unixx.ex
Update:Thu Feb 29 09:21:09 1996

426
Convenience kit in cargo area............. 301
Coolant (see Engine coolant)
checking and adding................ 352
drain and flush................... 356
preparing for storage................ 410
refill capacities................... 356
specifications.................... 406
temperature gauge.................. 92
warnings...................... 352
Cooling fan...................... 334
Crankcase emission filter................ 405
Cruise control (see Speed control)............ 141
Customer Assistance Centre, Ford of Canada...... 324
D
Dashboard (see Instrument panel)............ 109
Daytime running light system............. 132
Defects, reporting................... 323
Defrost
rear window.................... 126
windshield..................... 113
Dipstick....................... 349
automatic transmission fluid...........373, 375
engine oil..................... 349
power steering fluid................. 379
Disabled vehicle (see Towing)............. 311
Dispute Settlement Board............... 319
Doors........................ 147
lubricant specifications................ 406
Driveline universal joint and slip yoke......... 377
Driving under special conditions
bad weather.................... 269
heavy load..................... 271
high speed..................... 268
high water..................... 270
slippery roads................... 269
tips for safe driving................. 267
towing a trailer................... 272
File:unixx.ex
Update:Thu Feb 29 09:21:09 1996