1997 FORD EXPLORER automatic transmission fluid

²Continuously driving above
normal highway speeds.
²Driving in stop-and-go traffic.
²Operating in extremely dusty
conditions. If operating under
these conditions, the air cleaner
and emission filters must be
replaced at more frequent
intervals than normal.
²Extensive idling (such as
delivery use).
Automatic transmission
maintenance
The automatic transmission fluid
should be changed every 35,000
km (21,000 miles).
The 5R55E automatic transmission
fluid should be changed every
80,000 km (50,000 miles).
If in addition to the specified
severe duty operating conditions,
your automatic transmission may
need to be checked more
frequently if your driving habits
frequently include any of the
following:
²Using your vehicle as a
snowplow.
²Off road and 4x4 operation.
Rear axle maintenance
1
All rear axle lube quantities must
be replaced every 160,000 km
(100,000 miles)
2or anytime that
the axle has been submerged in
water. Excepting these conditions,
the lube should not require
DON'T ADD IF IN CROSSHATCHED AREA • CHECK WHEN HOT IDLING IN PARK
Severe service conditions
3

checking or changing unless a leak
is suspected or repair required.
1Limited slip axles have synthetic
lubrication and do not require
changing.
2For non-limited slip axles, the
ªService Guideº states 165,000 km
(99,000 miles)
PRIORITY MAINTENANCE
CHECKS
The following list ofPriority
maintenance checksshould be
performed according to the
frequencies indicated. Continue to
read the ªSevere Duty
Supplementº for more detailed
information on these important
maintenance checks.
Refer to the ªService Guideº for
additional information on owner
maintenance checks.
Maintenance checks Frequency
Engine oil recommendationsCheck daily
(when refueling)
Windshield washer fluidCheck daily
(when refueling)
Worn or underinflated tiresCheck daily
(when refueling)
Automatic transmission fluid5,000 km (3,000 miles)
or once per month
Engine coolant level5,000 km (3,000 miles)
or once per month
Power steering fluid level5,000 km (3,000 miles)
or every three months
Maintenance recommendations
4

TRANSMISSION MAINTENANCE
Automatic transmission fluid
(if equipped)
The automatic transmission fluid
should be checked at least once
per month or every 5,000 km
(3,000 miles), whichever occurs
first. The correct fluid level is
crucial to proper vehicle
functioning. If the transmission is
not functioning properly (if the
transmission slips, shifts slowly or
if fluid leakage occurs), the fluid
level should be checked and the
leakage problem corrected.
Vehicles frequently operated in
extreme temperatures or under
fleet conditions may require more
frequent maintenance.
A burnt or rotten odor and dark
color in the transmission fluid
indicates a high temperature or
sever vehicle usage. If such an
odor or discoloration should
develop, the transmission should
be serviced immediately.
For 4R70W transmissions, use only
MERCONtfluid. For 5R55E
transmissions,use only MERCONt
V (XT-5±QM). Use of other
transmission fluid may result in
transmission damage, malfunction
or failure.
for more information on
transmission maintenance, refer to
Checking and adding automatic
transmission fluidin the
Maintenance and carechapter of
the ªOwner Guideº.
DON'T ADD IF IN CROSSHATCHED AREA • CHECK WHEN HOT IDLING IN PARK
Maintenance recommendations
8