1996 FORD EXPLORER service

Servicing Your Explorer
343
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[SV07900(ALL)04/95]
In some parts of the country, ªpremiumº grade fuels are sold
with octane ratings of less than 91, especially in high altitude
areas. It is recommended that you use only those ªpremiumº
fuels with an octane rating of 91 or higher.
*
[SV07950(ALL)02/95]
Fuel Quality
*
[SV08000(ALL)06/95]
If you are experiencing starting, rough idle or hesitation
problems when the engine is cold, it may be caused by fuel
with low volatility. Try a different brand of fuel. If the
condition persists, see your dealer or a qualified service
technician.
*
[SV08050(ALL)09/95]
Using a high-quality fuel makes your vehicle more responsive
and maintains its good fuel economy and emissions by:
*
[SV08100(ALL)04/95]
n
minimizing deposits in fuel injectors, combustion chambers
and on intake valves.
*
[SV08150(ALL)08/95]
n
assuring quick starting and smooth warm-up.
*
[SV08200(ALL)08/95]
n
protecting the fuel system from vapor lock in very hot
weather, which causes the engine to hesitate or stall and
makes restarts difficult.
*
[SV08250(ALL)08/95]
n
protecting your fuel system from rusting.
*
[SV08300(ALL)08/95]
n
preventing the fuel lines from freezing.
*
[SV08350(ALL)06/95]
n
preventing the fuel system from ªgumming upº when your
vehicle is not used for long periods of time.
*
[SV08400(ALL)06/95]
It should not be necessary to add any aftermarket products to
your fuel tank if you continue to use a high-quality fuel.
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Update:Thu Feb 29 09:20:34 1996

356
%*
[SV20700(ALL)08/95]
Engine Coolant Drain and Flush
*
[SV20800(ALL)10/89]
To drain your vehicle's engine coolant:
*
[SV20900(ALL)03/94]1.
Turn off the engine and let it cool. Fully depressurize the
engine cooling system by covering the radiator cap with a
thick cloth and turning it slowly counterclockwise to the first
stop. Step back while the pressure releases.
*
[SV20950(ALL)05/90]2.
Remove the cap.
*
[SV21000(ALL)05/90]3.
Attach a small hose to the drain tube at the bottom of the
radiator.
*
[SV21200(ALL)05/90]4.
Let the engine coolant drain into a suitable container.
Disconnect the lower radiator hose at the radiator connector
and drain any remaining engine coolant into a container.
*
[SV21250(ALL)05/95]
Proper procedures for flushing the cooling system can be found
in theService Manual.
%*
[SV21300(ALL)08/95]
Engine coolant refill procedure
*
[SV21400(ALL)10/89]
After you have drained the engine cooling system:
[SV21700(ALL)10/89]1.
When cold, fill the radiator to a level 1 to 1 1/2 inches
(38 mm) below the filler neck seat.
*
[SV21900(ALL)03/94]2.
Replace the radiator cap to its fully installed position, then
back off to the first stop. This will prevent high pressure
from building up in the cooling system during this part of
the fill procedure.
*
[SV22100(ALL)10/89]3.
Start and idle the engine until the thermostat opens and the
radiator upper hose becomes warm.
*
[SV22200(ALL)05/95]4.
Shut off the engine and allow the engine to cool. Cover the
radiator cap with a thick cloth and cautiously remove it. Step
back while the pressure releases.
File:15unsvx.ex
Update:Thu Feb 29 09:20:34 1996

Servicing Your Explorer
371
%*
[SV32100(ALL)03/95]
Battery
*
[SV32200(ALL)02/95]
Your vehicle may have a Motorcraft maintenance-free battery.
The Motorcraft maintenance-free battery does not require
additional water during its life of service. The vents are part of
the cover and cannot be removed. For longer, trouble-free
operation, keep the top of the battery clean and dry. Also, make
certain the battery cables are tightly fastened to the battery
terminals.
*
[SV32300(ALL)02/95]
If you see any corrosion on the battery cables or terminals,
remove the cables from the terminal and clean them both with a
wire brush. You can neutralize the acid with a solution of
baking soda and water. Reinstall the cables when you are done
cleaning them, and apply a small quantity of grease to the top
of each battery terminal to help prevent corrosion.
*
[SV32400(ALL)07/95]
Battery replacement
*
[SV32500(ALL)02/95]
If your original equipment battery requires replacement (under
warranty), it may in some cases be replaced by a Motorcraft
low-maintenance battery. The low-maintenance battery has
removable vent caps for checking the electrolyte level and for
adding water, if needed.
[SV32550(ALL)05/95]
NOTE: If your battery has a cover/shield, make sure it is
re-installed after the battery is replaced.
*
[SV32600(ALL)07/95]
Check your battery's electrolyte level, at least every 12 months
or 12,000 miles (20,000 km), in temperatures up to90ÊF (32ÊC)
and more often in temperatures above90ÊF (32ÊC).Keep the
electrolyte in each cell up to the ªlevelº indicator. Do not
overfill the battery cell.
*
[SV32700(ALL)02/95]
If the electrolyte level in your battery gets low, you can add
plain tap water to the battery, as long as you don't use hard
water, or water with a high mineral or alkali content. If
possible, however, try to only fill the battery cell with distilled
water. If the battery needs water often, have the charging
system checked.
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

Servicing Your Explorer
399
[SV47875( X)04/94]
eight pica
chart:0020633-G*
[SV48400(ALL)10/90]
Rear lighting wire functions
[SV48500(ALL)04/94]
eight pica
chart:0021201-A%*
[SV48600(ALL)03/95]
Emission Control System
*
[SV48700(ALL)05/95]
Your vehicle is equipped with a catalytic converter which
enables your vehicle to comply with applicable exhaust emission
requirements.
*
[SV48800(ALL)05/95]
To make sure that the catalytic converter and the other emission
control parts continue to work properly:
*
[SV48900(ALL)01/95]
n
Use only unleaded fuel.
*
[SV49000(ALL)01/95]
n
Avoid running out of fuel.
*
[SV49100(ALL)01/95]
n
Do not turn off the ignition while your vehicle is moving,
especially at high speeds.
*
[SV49200(ALL)03/95]
n
Have the services listed in yourMaintenance Schedule and
Recordbooklet performed according to the specified schedule.
File:15unsvx.ex
Update:Thu Feb 29 09:20:34 1996

400
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[SV49300(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in dry grass or
other dry ground cover. The emission system heats up
the engine compartment and exhaust system, which can
start a fire.
*
[SV49400(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
On vehicles without original equipment floor covering or
insulation, do not let passengers ride in your truck in a
manner that allows contact between skin and the metal
floor.
*
[SV49500(ALL)05/95]
Watch for fluid leaks, strange odors, smoke, loss of oil pressure,
the charge warning light, the check engine light, or the
temperature warning light. These sometimes indicate that the
emission system is not working properly.
*
[SV49600(ALL)01/95]
Do not make any unauthorized changes to your vehicle or
engine. Changes that cause more unburned fuel to reach the
exhaust system can increase the temperature of the engine or
exhaust system.
*
[SV49700(ALL)01/95]
By law, anyone who manufactures, repairs, services, sells, leases,
trades vehicles, or supervises a fleet of vehicles is not permitted
to intentionally remove an emission control device or prevent it
from working. In some of the United States and in Canada,
vehicle owners may be liable if their emission control device is
removed or is prevented from working.
File:15unsvx.ex
Update:Thu Feb 29 09:20:34 1996

Servicing Your Explorer
401
*
[SV49800(ALL)02/92]
Never use a metal exhaust collector when you service your
vehicle. If the metal collector contacts any of your vehicle's
plastic trim or bumper parts they could melt or deform.
*
[SV49900(ALL)01/95]
Do not drive your vehicle if it does not operate properly. See
your dealer if the engine runs on for more than five seconds
after you shut it off or if it misfires, surges, stalls, or backfires.
%*
[SV50000(ALL)05/95]
Information about your vehicle's emission control 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.
%*
[SV51475(ALL)07/95]
Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance Testing
*
[SV51480(ALL)07/95]
In some localities it may become a legal requirement to pass an
Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) test of the On-Board Diagnostic
(OBD) II system. If the vehicle's powertrain system or its battery
has just been serviced, the OBD II system is reset to a not ready
for I/M testing condition. To prepare for I/M testing, the law
specifies a ªneed for additional mixed city and highway driving
to complete the checkº of the OBD II system. As soon as all of
the OBD II system checks are successfully completed, the OBD
II system is set to the ready condition. The amount of driving
required to reach the ready condition varies with individual
driving patterns. To complete this requirement in the minimum
amount of time, refer to the OBD II Drive Cycle defined below.
If the vehicle owner cannot or does not want to do the
additional driving required by law, a service center can perform
this drive cycle as it would any other type of repair work.
*
[SV51485(ALL)09/95]
OBD II Drive Cycle
*
[SV51490(ALL)06/95]
The following steps must be run in the order shown. If any
steps are interrupted, repeat the preceding step. Any safe
driving mode is acceptable between steps.
*
[SV51495(ALL)06/95]
Always drive vehicle in safe manner according to traffic
conditions and obey all traffic laws.
File:15unsvx.ex
Update:Thu Feb 29 09:20:34 1996

Index
421
A
Accessory position on the ignition............. 67
Accessory power source, power point outlet....... 204
Additives, engine oil.................. 348
Air bag supplemental restraint system
and child safety seats..............26±27, 52
description.................... 24,28
disposal....................... 32
driver air bag................... 24,28
indicator light..................... 83
operation....................... 28
passenger air bag................. 26,28
proper seating.................... 26
service and information labels............. 28
tone generator.................. 30,32
wearing safety belts.................. 25
Air cleaner filter
location...................... 336
specifications.................... 405
Air suspension, check air ride system warning,
message center................. 100
Alarm, activating remote personal............ 162
All wheel drive.................... 258
Ambulance packages................... 5
Antenna, radio (see Electronic sound system). . . 207, 213, 241
Antifreeze (see Engine coolant)............. 352
Antifreeze (see Engine coolant)............. 352
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
description..................... 261
noise........................ 263
see also Brake.................... 261
Anti-theft system
arming the system.................. 167
description..................... 167
disarming an untriggered system........... 168
disarming a triggered system............. 168
File:unixx.ex
Update:Thu Feb 29 09:21:09 1996