1997 FORD EXPLORER check engine

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

ENGINE MAINTENANCE
Engine oil recommendations
Ford recommends that you use
Motorcraft oil or an equivalent oil
meeting Ford specification
ESE-M2C153±E andcertified by
the American Petroleum
Institute for gasoline
engines.Look for the American
Petroleum Institutes certification
mark.
Do not use:
²non-detergant oils
²oils labeled API SA, SB, SC, SD,
SE or SF
²oil additives, oil treatments or
engine treatments
SAE 5W-30 oil is preferred for all
temperatures. SAE 10W-30 is
acceptable for moderate to hot
temperatures.
Check and add engine oil
according to the intervals listed in
the ªService Guideº. For
information on engine oil
maintenance, refer toChecking
and adding engine oilin the
Maintenance and carechapter of
the ªOwner Guideº.
MAX MIN
Maintenance recommendations
10

COOLING SYSTEM
MAINTENANCE
Engine coolant
Check the coolant level in the
coolant recovery reservoir daily. It
is not necessary to remove the
raditator cap to check the engine
coolant level daily.
Never remove the coolant
recovery cap while the
engine is running or hot.
If coolant must be added more
than once per month or if more
than one liter (or one quart) at a
time is needed, check the cooling
system for leaks and correct as
necessary. Check the freezing
protection rating of the coolant at
least once per year.
When adding engine coolant, use
equal parts of water and Ford
Premium Cooling System Fluid or
an equivalent that meets Ford
specification ESE-M97B44±A. Do
not use alcohol or methanol
antifreeze or an engine coolant
that has been mixed with alcohol
or methanol antifreeze.
For instructions on engine coolant
maintenance, refer toChecking
and adding engine coolantin the
Maintenance and carechapter of
the ªOwner Guideº.
Refer to theSevere duty
maintenance schedule of the
ªService Guideº for information on
proper maintenance intervals.
RADIATOR
COOLANT
ONLY
Maintenance recommendations
12

Maintaining the system
Inspect all cooling system and
heater hoses for deterioration,
leaks and loose clamps. Service
and replace as necessary.
Cooling slots are provided in the
front grille. Do not block airflow by
placing any objects in front or
behind these slots.
Check air flow paths of the
radiator for any foreign material.
Clean these areas as necessary to
maintain maximum cooling
efficiency. When cleaning the
radiator, always clean from the
engine side of the engine
compartment to ensure that
foreign material is not jammed into
the radiator fins.
Maintenance recommendations
13

equivalent that meets Ford
specification ESR-M13P4±A to the
terminal surfaces to help prevent
corrosion from forming.
Check the tightness of the cables
to the battery post by hand. It may
be necessary to tighten the clamp
with a suitable wrench.
Ignition system
Visually inspect the plug wires and
ignition coil pack. Any oily dirt
should be removed and the area
cleaned with a damp cloth. Ensure
that all high voltage wires are
firmly attached to the coil pack
and that the other ends are firmly
seated over each spark plug.
Other electrical systems
Wiring, lighting and aftermarket
electrical equipment should be
checked monthly for proper
routing, deterioration or chafing on
other components.
UNDER VEHICLE
MAINTENANCE
Catalytic converters
During normal engine operation,
the catalytic converter surface
temperature can reach up to 816ÉC
(1500ÉF). To avoid injury, ensure
that the converter has cooled
before attempting maintenance.
Ford recommends that an under
vehicle inspection be performed at
Severe Dutyintervals listed in the
ªService Guideº. With the vehicle
Maintenance recommendations
15

supported on a jack or jack stands,
inspect the converter and exhaust
system. Be sure that no foreign
materials are caught in the exhaust
system shielding. Any underbody
sealant or foreign material should
be removed and all possible
contaminants cleaned off of the
shell surfaces.
Visual inspections
Inspect the radiator, engine,
transmission and power steering
for fluid leaks and deterioration
every 24,000 km (15,000 miles) or
three months, whichever comes
first. Any leakage should be
corrected immediately. It is normal
for minor seepage to occur at
gasketed surfaces.
Check the routing of the
speedometer cable and cable
housing. Be sure that it flows
smoothly over its entire area
(routed away from the exhaust
system components) and is free of
kinks or crushed areas.
Maintenance recommendations
16