1997 FORD EXPLORER service

1. Make sure the vehicle is on level
ground. If the engine is warm, turn
the engine off and wait a few
minutes for the oil to drain into
the oil pan.
2. Set the parking brake and
ensure the gearshift is securely
latched in P (Park).
3. Open the hood. Protect yourself
from engine heat.
4. Locate and carefully remove the
engine oil dipstick.
5. Wipe the dipstick clean. Insert
the dipstick fully, then remove it
again. If the oil level falls between
the MIN and MAX markings, there
is no need to refill..
6. If the oil level is below the
minimum line, add engine oil as
necessary. If the oil level is above
the maximum line, engine damage
or high oil consumption may occur
and some oil must be removed
from the engine by a service
technician.
7. Put the dipstick back in and
ensure it is fully seated.
Adding engine oil
1. Check the engine oil. For
instructions, refer toChecking the
engine oilin this chapter.
MAX MIN
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kilometers (mileage) and time
requirements, whichever occurs
first:
²Normal Schedule ± 8,000 km
(5,000 miles) or six months.
²Severe Duty Schedule ± 5,000
km (3,000 miles) or three
months. Severe duty operation
would include extensive idling,
trailer towing, driving in severe
dust and police, taxi or delivery
service.
Ford production and aftermarket
(Motorcraft) oil filters are designed
for added engine protection and
long life. If a replacement oil filter
is used that does not meet Ford
material and design specifications,
startup engine noises or knock
may be experienced.
It is recommended you use the
appropriate Motorcraft oil filter (or
another brand meeting Ford
specifications) for your engine
application.
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 the ªService
Guideº supplement.
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CHECKING AND ADDING
BRAKE FLUID
Brake fluid should be checked and
refilled as needed at least once
each year:
²Clean the reservoir cap before
removal to prevent dirt or water
from entering the reservoir.
²Visually inspect the fluid level.
²If necessary, add brake fluid
until the level reaches MAX. Do
not fill above this line.
²Use only a DOT 3 brake fluid
certified to meet Ford
specifications. Refer to
Lubricant specificationsin the
Capacities and specifications
chapter.
Brake fluid is toxic.
If you use a brake fluid
that is not DOT 3, you will
cause permanent damage to your
brakes.
Do not let the reservoir for
the master cylinder run
dry. This may cause the brakes
to fail.
CHECKING AND ADDING
CLUTCH FLUID (IF EQUIPPED)
The clutch on your vehicle is
self-adjusting and should not
require any routine service.
MAX
MIN
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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.
RADIATOR
COOLANT
ONLY
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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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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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