1997 FORD EXPLORER open hood

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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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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2. When the engine coolant
temperature gauge reaches the
normal zone, turn off the engine.
3. Open the hood.
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