1997 FORD EXPLORER fuel

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

Battery cables and connections5,000 km (3,000 miles)
or every three months
Fluid leaks5,000 km (3,000 miles)
or every three months
Brake fluid level5,000 km (3,000 miles)
or every three months
Front disc brake pads5,000 km (3,000 miles)
or every three months
Rear disc brake pads10,000 km (6,000
miles) or every six
months
IMPORTANT MAINTENANCE
PRECAUTIONS
For more information on
maintenance procedures and
precautions for your vehicle, refer
to theMaintenance and care
chapter of your ªOwner Guideº.
To determine the lubricant
specifications required for each
component, refer to the
Capacities and specifications
chapter of the ªOwner Guideº.
Storing your vehicle
During extended periods of vehicle
storage (60 days or more),
oxidation may cause gasoline to
deteriorate. Such deterioration
could be detrimental to your
vehicle's systems and performance.
A commercial fuel stabilizer (Ford
Gas Stabilizer E8AZ-19C544±A
[ESE-M99C112±A] or equivalent
should be added to vehicles when
Maintenance recommendations
5

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

Heavy-duty battery special
service
Special service vehicles are
equipped with a maintenance-free
battery which does not require the
addition of water or other regular
service.
Installing aftermarket equipment
When installing aftermarket
equipment, avoid using fasteners
that are too long for the
application or are in an area that
might damage other vehicle
components (i.e., wiring, brake
lines, fuel tank and lines,
powertrain components exhaust
system, suspension, etc.).
Do not make electrical connections
to vehicle electrical systems not
specifically designed for
aftermarket equipment installation.
Do not install and components into
the Powertrain control module
(PCM) harness. Connecting into
this system may affect engine and
transmission operation. As an
example, connection of
aftermarket electrical equipment
into the brake light circuit or any
other circuit which is connected to
the PCM, anti-lock brake
computer, air bag system,
transmission or any other vehicle
system may cause vehicle
malfunction.
Severe duty equipment
19

Note: Because Ford has no control
over the installation, design or
manufacture of such systems, Ford
cannot assume responsibility for
any adverse effects or damage that
may result if this equipment is
used.
Malfunction of aftermarket
electronic equipment should be
resolved by the equipment
manufacturer.
Roof Wiring Preparation
Package
Be sure to locate wires in the roof
before drilling. This will prevent
damage to the wire harness or
interior headliner and ensure
proper wire routing when installing
aftermarket accessories.
AIR BAGS
The Explorer incorporates dual
standard (driver and passenger)
air bag supplemental restraint
systems.
EOFF
0020406080100
120
140
160
180
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km/hUNLEADED
FUEL ONLY
RPM x 100012345
6H
C
EF
RSM
SET
ACC
COAST OFF ONOFF
SRS
HI LOOFF*A/C*MAX
A/C
REW
1FF
2SIDE 1-2
3
FM 1STVOL – PUSH ON
AM
FMBASS TREBBAL FADE
AUTO
SET CLK
SEEKTUNE
DISCSSCAN4DOLBY SYSTEMEJTAPE CDCOMP5SHUFFLE
6
PUSH
Severe duty equipment
21