1997 FORD EXPLORER engine oil

SEVERE SERVICE CONDITIONS
USING THE SEVERE DUTY
SUPPLEMENT
This supplement is intended to aid
the operators of special service or
fleet vehicles used in severe duty
or high mileage operations.
Failure to maintain your special
service vehicle properly may
restrict warranty coverage, reduce
vehicle performance and operation
and adversely affect vehicle safety.
For a detailed list of severe duty
maintenance intervals, refer to the
ªService Guideº.
Information about this guide
The information found in this
guide was in effect at the time of
printing. Ford may change the
contents without notice and
without incurring obligation.
Engine maintenance
Replace engine oil and filter every
three months or 5,000 km (3,000
miles) if your vehicle operates
under any of the following
conditions:
²Short trips of less than 16 km
(10 miles) when outside
temperatures remain below
±18ÉC (0ÉF).
²Operating during hot weather
(above 32ÉC [90ÉF])
²Towing a trailer or carrying a
heavy load.
MAX
Severe service conditions
2

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

Oil change interval
The engine oil should be changed
every three months or 5,000 km
(3,000 miles), whichever occurs
first.
If the engine oil is not changed as
recommended, inaccurate oil
readings and engine damage may
occur.
Oil filter change
Use only an approved engine oil
filter such as the Motorcraft Long
Life type or an equivalent filter
meeting Ford specification
ES-E4EE-6714AA. Install a new oil
filter at each oil change.
Fuel filter
To prolong the life of the fuel
pump and ensure dependable fuel
system performance, the fuel filter
should be changed every 96,000
km (60,000 miles). This operation
is not required, but is
recommended for California
certified vehicles.
Maintenance recommendations
11

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