1997 FORD EXPLORER power steering fluid

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

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

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