1997 FORD EXPLORER Owners Manual

4. Visually inspect the fluid level in
the power steering reservoir.
5. If necessary, add power steering
fluid until the fluid level reaches
MAX. Do not overfill the reservoir.
²As a maintenance precaution,
visually inspect the lines and
hoses of the power steering
system for leaks and damage.
²If new fluid is frequently
required, consult a qualified
service technician.
TRANMISSION MAINTENANCE
Checking and adding automatic
transmission fluid
Check the automatic transmission
fluid according to the scheduled
intervals in the ªService Guideº.
Before adding any fluid, make sure
the correct type will be used. This
information is stamped on the
dipstick.
Check the fluid after your vehicle
has reached normal operating
temperature, which is reached
after driving approximately 32 km
(20 miles).
Add fluid in .25L (1/2 pint)
increments through the filler tube
MAX
MIN
DONOTOVERFILLPOWERSTEERINGFLUID
ADD FULL
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until the level is at the correct
area on the dipstick. If an overfill
occurs, excess fluid should be
removed by a qualified technician.
Checking and adding manual
transmission fluid (if equipped)
1. Clean the filler plug.
2. Remove the filler plug and
inspect the fluid level.
²The fluid level should be at the
bottom of the opening.
3. Add enough fluid through the
filler opening so that the fluid level
is at the bottom of the opening.
Use only fluid that meets Ford
specifications. Refer to the
Capacities and specifications
chapter for more information on
manual transmission fluid.
Driveline universal joint and slip
yoke
The universal joints standard with
your vehicle do not require
lubrication. If the original
equipment universal joints are
replaced with universal joints
equipped with grease fittings,
lubrication will be necessary at the
intervals shown in theService
Guidesupplement.
Constant velocity or double
carden joint (if equipped)
This component may be fitted with
a flush-type grease fitting that
requires an adaptor to permit
proper lubrication. If replaced,
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lubricate the driveline joint
according to the maintenance
intervals specified in theService
Guide.
CHECKING AND ADDING
DIFFERENTIAL FLUID
(IF EQUIPPED)
To check and add differential fluid,
follow these steps:
1. Clean the filler plug.
2. Remove the filler plug and
inspect fluid level.
²Fluid level should be at the
bottom of the opening.
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
lubricant quantities need not be
checked or changed unless a leak
is suspected or repair is needed.
BATTERY MAINTENANCE
Important battery information
If the original equipment
maintenance Ðfree battery needs
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188

replacement, it may be replaced
with a low-maintenance battery.
For information on appropriate
replacement batteries, refer to
Motorcraft partsin theCapacities
and specificationschapter.
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.
Batteries normally produce
explosive gases which can
cause personal injury. Do not
allow flames, sparks or lit
tobacco to come near the
battery. Always cover your face
and protect your eyes and also
provide ventilation.
Follow these steps to
minimize risk of personal
injury.
Servicing your battery
If replaced with a low-maintenance
battery it will have removable vent
caps for checking the electrolyte
level and adding water. For more
information on maintenance
intervals for your battery, refer to
the ªService Guideº. Keep the
electrolyte level up to the level
indicator. Do not overfill.
If the electrolyte level becomes
low, refill the battery with distilled
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189

water. If necessary, distilled water
may be substituted with tap water
that is not hard and does not have
high mineral or alkali content. If
the battery needs water often,
have the charging system checked
for a possible malfunction.
Relearning the idle function
Because your vehicle's engine is
electronically controlled, some
control conditions are maintained
by power from the battery. When
the battery is disconnected or a
new battery is installed, the
computer must ªrelearnº its idle
conditions before your vehicle can
drive properly. To begin this
process:
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190

1. Put the automatic transmission
gearshift in P (Park). Put the
manual transmission gearshift in N
(Neutral).
2. Turn off all accessories and start
the vehicle.
3. Let the engine idle for at least
one minute.
4. The relearning process will
automatically complete as you
drive the vehicle.
²If you do not allow the engine to
relearn its idle, the idle quality
of your vehicle may be adversely
affected until the idle is
eventually relearned.
²If the battery has been
disconnected or if a new battery
has been installed, the clock and
preset radio stations must be
reset once the battery is
reconnected.
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191

Always dispose of automotive
batteries in a responsible manner.
Follow your community's local
standards for disposal. Call your
local recycling center to find out
more about recycling automotive
batteries.
Battery saver control feature
Your vehicle is equipped with a
battery saver control feature
designed to prevent your battery
from accidental wear down due to
doors left ajar. For information on
the system and its function, refer
to theControls and features
chapter.
AIR CLEANER FILTER
MAINTENANCE
Refer to the ªService Guideº for
the appropriate intervals for
changing the air cleaner filter.
Do not start your engine
with the air cleaner
removed and do not remove it
while the engine is running.
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Changing your air cleaner filter
To change your air cleaner filter,
follow these steps:
1. Release the clamp locking clip
on the front portion of the
assembly.
2. Swing the left side of the
assembly open.
3. Remove the air cleaner filter
element from the open end of the
engine air cleaner assembly and
replace it with a new element.
4. Close the assembly and secure
the locking clamp.
The air cleaner filter shown is
typical of 4.0 L OHV and 5.0 L
engines. The 4.0 L SOHC is
comparable.
CHECKING AND REPLACING
WIPER BLADES
Checking wiper blades
Check the windshield wiper blades
at least twice a year or whenever
they seem to work less effectively
than usual. Substances such as
tree sap and some hot wax
treatments used by commercial car
washes can reduce the
effectiveness of wiper blades.
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