1997 FORD EXPLORER service interval

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

²Continuously driving above
normal highway speeds.
²Driving in stop-and-go traffic.
²Operating in extremely dusty
conditions. If operating under
these conditions, the air cleaner
and emission filters must be
replaced at more frequent
intervals than normal.
²Extensive idling (such as
delivery use).
Automatic transmission
maintenance
The automatic transmission fluid
should be changed every 35,000
km (21,000 miles).
The 5R55E automatic transmission
fluid should be changed every
80,000 km (50,000 miles).
If in addition to the specified
severe duty operating conditions,
your automatic transmission may
need to be checked more
frequently if your driving habits
frequently include any of the
following:
²Using your vehicle as a
snowplow.
²Off road and 4x4 operation.
Rear axle maintenance
1
All rear axle lube quantities must
be replaced every 160,000 km
(100,000 miles)
2or anytime that
the axle has been submerged in
water. Excepting these conditions,
the lube should not require
DON'T ADD IF IN CROSSHATCHED AREA • CHECK WHEN HOT IDLING IN PARK
Severe service conditions
3

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

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