1997 FORD EXPLORER Owners Manual

During normal operation, the fluid
level in the clutch fluid reservoir
will slowly rise. If the fluid level
drops, maintain the fluid level at
the reservoir indicator.
Use only DOT 3 brake fluid
designed to meet Ford
specifications. Refer to the
Capacities and specifications
chapter.
1. Clean the reservoir cap before
removal to prevent contaminants
from entering the reservoir.
2. Remove the cap.
3. Add fluid until the level reaches
the FULL line.
CHECKING AND ADDING
WASHER FLUID
Important information about
washer fluid
In freezing weather (temperatures
below 0ÉC [32ÉF]), washer fluid
containing a small amount of
antifreeze is to be used. State or
local regulations on volatile organic
compounds may restrict the use of
methanol, a common antifreeze
additive. Use a non-methanol
antifreeze in freezing weather only
if the fluid does not damage the
paint finish, wiper blades or
washer system.
Windshield washer fluid
contains methanol which is
poisonous.
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Maintenance and care
178

Checking and adding washer
fluid for the windshield
If a visual inspection shows that
washer fluid needs to be added to
the reservoir:
1. Lift the windshield reservoir
cover.
2. Add enough washer fluid to fill
the reservoir.
Checking and adding washer
fluid for the rear window
The washer fluid for both the
windshield and rear window is
contained in the engine
compartment reservoir. For
information on checking and
adding washer fluid to this
reservoir, refer to Checking and
adding washer fluid for the
windshield above.
WASHERFLUIDONLY
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ENGINE COOLANT
MAINTENANCE
Checking and adding engine
coolant
Check the level of the coolant in
the reservoir at least once a
month. Be sure to read and
understandPrecautions when
servicing your vehiclein this
chapter.
If the engine coolant has not been
checked for a long period of time,
the engine coolant reservoir may
eventually empty. If this occurs,
add engine coolant to the coolant
reservoir. For more information on
engine coolant maintenance, refer
toAdding engine coolantin this
chapter.
Automotive fluids are not
interchangeable; do not use engine
coolant, antifreeze or windshield
washer fluid outside of its specified
function and vehicle location.
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180

When adding engine coolant
Ford recommends Ford Premium
Cooling System Fluid, which is an
optimized formula that will protect
all metals and rubber elastomers
used in Ford engines for four years
or 80,000 km (50,000 miles).
It is neither necessary nor
recommended to use supplemental
coolant additives in your
gasoline-powered vehicle. These
additives may harm your engine
cooling system.
When you change or add engine
coolant, it is important to maintain
engine coolant concentration
between 40% (-24ÉC [-11ÉF]) and
60% (-52ÉC [-62ÉF]), depending on
your local climate conditions.
A coolant concentration below 40%
will result in a loss of freeze
protection. A concentration above
60% may cause the engine to
overheat on a warm day.
Refer toLubricant specifications
in theSpecifications and
capacitieschapter. Use only a
premium nationally-recognized
brand name engine coolant or
equivalent.
Always dispose of used
automotive fluids in a responsible
manner. Follow your community's
standards for disposing of these
types of fluids. Call your local
recycling center to find out more
about recycling automotive fluids.
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181

Recycled engine coolant
Ford Motor Company recommends
that Ford and Lincoln-Mercury
dealers use recycled engine
coolant produced by
Ford-approved processes. Not all
coolant recycling processes
produce coolant which meets Ford
specification ESE-M97B44±A, and
use of such coolant may harm
engine and cooling system
components.
Always dispose of used
automotive fluids in a responsible
manner. Follow your community's
regulations and standards for
recycling and disposing of
automotive fluids.
Coolant refill capacity
To find out how much fluid your
vehicle's cooling system can hold,
refer toRefill capacitiesin the
Capacities and specifications
chapter.
Have your dealer check the engine
cooling system for leaks if you
have to add more than a liter
(quart) of engine coolant per
month.
Severe winter climate
If you drive in extremely cold
climates [less than ±36ÉC (±34ÉF)],
it may be necessary to increase the
coolant concentration above 50%.
Refer to the chart on the coolant
container to ensure the coolant
concentration in your vehicle is
such that the coolant will not
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182

freeze at the temperature level in
which you drive during winter
months. Never increase the engine
coolant concentration above 60%.
Leave a 50/50 mixture of engine
coolant and water in your vehicle
year-round in non-extreme
climates.
Adding engine coolant
1. Before removing the engine
coolant recovery cap, turn the
engine off and allow it to cool.
2. When the engine is cool, lift and
remove the cap.
²Step back for a moment while
the pressure in the reservoir is
released.
²Stand away from the reservoir
opening, hot steam or coolant
spray may be released.
3. Add engine coolant until the
fluid level in the reservoir is
between the MAX and MIN lines
on the reservoir.
Follow the recommended service
interval for changing engine
coolant as outlined in the ªService
Guideº. Refer to theCapacities
and specificationschapter for
more information on engine
coolant specifications.
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Checking the cooling system
hoses
Inspect all engine and heater
system hoses and hose connections
for:
²deterioration
²leaks
²loose hose clamps
CHECKING AND ADDING
POWER STEERING FLUID
Check the power steering fluid at
least twice a year by completing
the following steps:
1. Start the engine.
3
2
1
5
4
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2. When the engine coolant
temperature gauge reaches the
normal zone, turn off the engine.
3. Open the hood.
H
C
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Maintenance and care
185