1997 FORD EXPLORER ignition

maintenance. Follow these general
safety precautions:
²Wear safety glasses for eye
protection.
²Use safety stands whenever a
procedure requires you to work
under the vehicle.
²Be sure that the ignition switch
is always in the OFF position
unless otherwise specified.
²Be sure that the gearshift is in
the P (Park) position for
automatic transmissions or the 1
(First) position for manual
transmissions and engage the
parking brake.
²Block the opposite diagonal
wheels to prevent the vehicle
from moving.
²Operate the engine only in well
ventilated areas.
²Keep yourself and loose clothing
away from moving parts while
the engine is running.
²Protect yourself from engine
heat.
²Keep smoking materials and
other lit objects away from the
vehicle.
ON
START
LOCK
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Maintenance recommendations
7

POWER STEERING FLUID
Check the level of the power
steering fluid at least twice per
year. The fluid level may be
checked when the fluid is either
HOT or COLD.
Use only Ford Premium Power
Steering Fluid E6AZ-19582±AA or
an equivalent Type F fluid that
meets Ford specification
ESW-M2C33±F and has a Ford
registration number ( an eight digit
number beginning with 2P) printed
on the fluid container.
For more information on power
steering maintenance, refer to
Checking and adding power
steering fluidin theMaintenance
and carechapter of the ªOwner
Guideº.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM AND
IGNITION MAINTENANCE
Battery and cables
Visually inspect the battery and
battery cables every three months
or 5,000 km (3,000 miles),
whichever occurs first. Any signs
of corrosion on the
cable-to-battery post connections,
battery case or carrier should be
removed with a baking soda and
water solution. Be sure that none
of the cleaning solution enters the
battery through the vent openings.
Rinse with clean water and dry
thoroughly. Apply a small quantity
of Ford Silicone Lubricant or an
MAX
MIN
DONOTOVERFILLPOWERSTEERINGFLUID
Maintenance recommendations
14

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