1997 FORD EXPLORER maintenance

Your vehicle can not be flat towed
with all wheels on the ground.
Servicing while towing
If you tow a trailer for long
distances, your vehicle requires
more frequent service than a
vehicle not used for towing. Refer
to the ªService Guideº for more
information on maintenance
intervals.
Using a step bumper
The rear bumper is equipped with
an integral hitch and requires only
a ball with a ô inch shank
diameter. The bumper has a Class
II capability (1590 kg / 3500 lb
trailer weight and 159 kg / 350 lb
tongue weight).
Use a frame mounted weight
distributing hitch for trailers over
1590 kg (3500 lb).
Launching or retrieving a boat
When backing down a ramp during
boat launching or retrieval,
²Do not allow the static water
level to rise above the bottom
edge of the rear bumper and
²Do not allow waves to break
higher than 15 cm (six inches)
above the bottom edge of the
rear bumper.
Exceeding these limits may allow
water to enter critical vehicle
components, adversely affecting
driveability, emissions and
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USING THE LUGGAGE RACK
(IF EQUIPPED)
Maximum load is 100 lbs, evenly
distributed. If it is not possible to
distribute the load, position it as
far rearward as possible.
Adjustable tie down loops must be
used to secure the load.
To adjust cross-bar position:
1. Loosen the thumbwheel at both
ends of the cross-bar (both
cross-bars are adjustable).
2. Slide cross-bar to the desired
location.
3. Tighten thumbwheel at both
ends of the cross-bar.
FUEL CONSUMPTION
Fuel economy can be improved by
avoiding:
²lack of regular, scheduled
maintenance
²excessive speed
²rapid acceleration
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SERVICE RECOMMENDATIONS
To help you service your vehicle:
²We highlight do-it-yourself items
in the engine compartment for
easy location.
²As possible, we design parts that
can be replaced without tools.
²We provide you with a ªService
Guideº which makes tracking
routine service for your vehicle
easy.
If your vehicle requires
professional service, your
dealership can provide necessary
parts and service. Check your
ªWarranty Information Bookletº 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.
Steps to take before performing
maintenance
Precautions when servicing
your vehicle
Be especially careful when
inspecting or servicing your
vehicle. Here are some general
precautions for your safety:
²Do not work on a hot engine.
²If you must work with the
engine running, avoid wearing
loose clothing or jewelry that
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could get caught in moving
parts. Take precautions with
long hair.
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 in
Batteryin this chapter.
Working with the engine off
²Automatic transmission:
1. Set the parking brake fully 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.
²Manual transmission:
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1. Set the parking brake, depress
the clutch and place the gearshift
in 1 (First).
2. Turn off the engine and remove
the key.
3. Block the wheels to prevent the
vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
13D
24R
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Working with the engine on
²Automatic transmission:
1. Set the parking brake fully and
ensure the gearshift is securely
latched in P (Park).
2. Block the wheels to prevent the
vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
Do not start your engine
with the air cleaner
removed and do not remove it
while the engine is running.
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²Manual transmission:
1. Set the parking brake fully, and
make sure the gearshift is securely
latched in Neutral.
2. Block the wheels to prevent the
vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
Opening the hood
To open the hood:
1. Inside the vehicle, pull the hood
release handle located under the
steering column on the instrument
panel.
2. Outside the vehicle, release the
auxiliary latch located in the grille
opening.
3. Lift the hood and secure it in
the upright position.
4. To close the hood shut it so that
the auxiliary latch and primary
latches are closed.
After closing the hood, try lifting it
to ensure that it is closed securely.
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IDENTIFYING COMPONENTS IN
THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT
4.0L EFI engine
1. Windshield washer fluid
reservoir
2. Engine oil fill cap
3. Transmission fluid dipstick
(automatic transmission only)
4. Engine oil dipstick
5. Power steering fluid reservoir
6. Brake fluid reservoir
7. Clutch fluid reservoir (manual
transmission only)
8. Battery
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