1997 FORD EXPEDITION Owners Manual

How fail-safe cooling works
If the engine overheats, the engine
will automatically switch from
eight to alternating four cylinder
operation. Each disabled cylinder
acts as an air pump and cools the
engine.
When this occurs, the engine
coolant temperature gauge will
move into the red area and the
light illuminates.
The service engine soon light will
illuminate, indicating that vehicle
service is required.
The vehicle will still operate, but
will have limited engine power and
no air conditioning capability.
Continued operation will increase
engine temperature and cause the
engine to completely shut down.
The vehicle will coast to a stop.
As the engine temperature cools,
the engine may be re-started. Take
your vehicle to a service facility as
soon as possible to minimize
engine damage.
CHECKING AND ADDING
POWER STEERING FLUID
Check the power steering fluid
level at least twice a year.
1. Start the engine.
CH
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170

2. When the engine coolant
temperature gauge reaches the
normal zone, turn the engine off.
3. Visually inspect the fluid level in
the power steering fluid reservoir.
4. Add power steering fluid until
the fluid level reaches MAX.
Use only fluid that meets Ford
specifications. Refer toCapacities
and specifications.
CHCH
MAX
MIN
MAX
MIN
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171

CHECKING AND ADDING
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking and adding automatic
transmission fluid (if equipped)
Service the automatic transmission
according to the scheduled
intervals in the9Service Guide.9
Before adding any fluid, make sure
the correct type will be used. This
information is indicated on the
dipstick.
²4R7OW automatic transmissions
are used with 4.6 L engine
applications.
²E4OD automatic transmissions
are used with 5.4 L engine
applications.
Do not drive the vehicle if the fluid
level is below the bottom hole on
the blade type dipstick (4R70W
transmission) or below the COLD
area on the bullet type dipstick
(E4OD transmission) and outside
temperatures are above 10ÉC
(50ÉF).
Your vehicle does not use up
transmission fluid. However, it is
recommended that you check the
transmission fluid at least twice a
year. The fluid level should be
checked if the transmission is not
working properly, i.e., if the
transmission slips or shifts slowly
or if you notice some sign of fluid
leakage.
It is preferable to check the
transmission fluid level at normal
operating temperature, afterexd_checking_adding_autotrans
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172

approximately 32 km (20 miles) of
driving. However, you can check
the fluid level without driving to
obtain a normal operating
temperature if the outside
temperature is above 10ÉC (50ÉF).
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 the fluid
to cool before checking.
1. Park the vehicle on a level
surface.
2. Start the engine and move the
gearshift lever through all of the
gear ranges. Allow sufficient time
for each gear to engage.
3. Latch the gearshift lever in
P(Park), set the parking brake and
leave the engine running.
4. Remove the dipstick, wiping it
clean with a clean, dry rag.
5. Install the dipstick.
6. Remove the dipstick and inspect
the fluid level.
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173

For 4R70W transmissions, the fluid
level should be within the
crosshatched area, or if the vehicle
has not been driven, between the
holes near the bottom of the
indicator.
DON'T ADD IF IN CROSSHATCHED AREA • CHECK WHEN HOT IDLING IN PARK
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174

For E4OD transmissions, the fluid
level should be within the HOT
area, or if the vehicle has not been
driven, within the COLD area.
7. If necessary, add fluid in .25L
(.5 pint) increments through the
filler tube until the level is at the
correct area on the dipstick. If an
overfill occurs, excess fluid should
be removed by a qualified
technician.
REAR AXLE MAINTENANCE
The rear axle is filled with
synthetic lubricant and will not
require a lubricant change during
the life of the vehicle unless the
rear axle has been submerged in
water. In addition, rear axle
quantities are not to be checked or
changed unless a leak is suspected
or repair required.
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TRACTION-LOK REAR AXLE (IF
EQUIPPED)
This axle provides added drive
away traction on slippery surfaces,
particularly when one or more
wheels are on a surface with poor
traction.
Extended use of other than
matching size tires on a
Traction-Lok rear axle could result
in a permanent reduction in
effectiveness. This loss of
effectiveness does not effect
normal driving and should not be
noticeable to the driver.
To avoid injury, never run
the engine with one wheel
off the ground, such as when
changing a tire.
BATTERY
If the original equipment
maintenance-free battery needs
replacing, it may be replaced with
a low-maintenance battery. For
information on replacement
batteries, refer toMotorcraft part
numbersin theCapacities and
specificationschapter.
The gases around the
battery can explode if
exposed to flames, sparks, or lit
cigarettes. An explosion could
result in injury or vehicle
damage.
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176

Batteries contain sulfuric
acid which burns skin,
eyes, and clothing.
Servicing your battery
A low-maintenance replacement
battery has removable vent caps
for checking the electrolyte level
and adding water. Check the
electrolyte level every 24 months
or 40,000 km (24,000 miles) in
average temperatures below 32ÉC
(90ÉF).
Keep the electrolyte level in each
cell up to the level indicator. Do
not overfill.
If the level gets low, refill the
battery with distilled water. If the
battery needs water quite often,
have the charging system checked
for a possible malfunction.
Your vehicle is equipped with a
battery saver feature designed to
prevent your battery from
accidental wear down due to doors
left ajar. For information on this
system, refer to theControls and
featureschapter.
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177