1998 FORD EXPLORER check engine

5.0L engine
1. Engine coolant reservoir
2. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
3. Engine oil fill cap
4. Automatic transmission fluid dipstick
5. Brake fluid reservoir
6. Battery
7. Power steering fluid reservoir
8. Engine oil dipstick
9. Air filter assembly
ENGINE OIL
Checking the engine oil
Check the engine oil each time you fuel your vehicle.
1. Make sure the vehicle is on level ground.
2. Turn the engine off and wait a few minutes for the oil to drain into the
oil pan.
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²If the oil level isbetween the ADD and FULL marks (4.0L
engines)orbetween the MIN and MAX marks (5.0L engines)
the oil level is acceptable.DO NOT ADD OIL.
²If the oil level is below the ADD
mark (4.0L engines) or MIN mark
(5.0L engines), add enough oil to
raise the level within the
ADD-FULL range (4.0L engines)
or MIN-MAX range (5.0L
engines).
²Oil levels above the letter F in FULL (4.0L engines) or the MAX mark
(5.0L engines) may cause engine damage. Some oil must be removed
from the engine by a service technician.
7. Put the indicator back in and ensure it is fully seated.
Adding engine oil
1. Check the engine oil. For instructions, refer toChecking the engine
oilin this chapter.
2. If the fluid level is not within the normal range, add only certified
engine oil of the preferred viscosity. Add engine oil through the oil filler
cap. Remove the filler cap and use a funnel to pour oil in the opening.
3. Recheck the oil level. Make sure the oil level is not above the MAX
mark or the letter F in FULL on the dipstick.
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WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID
Checking and adding washer fluid
Check the washer fluid whenever
you stop for fuel. The reservoir is
highlighted with a
symbol.
If the level is low, add enough fluid
to fill the reservoir. In very cold
weather, do not fill the reservoir all
the way.
Do not put engine coolant in the container for the windshield
washer fluid.
ENGINE COOLANT
Check the level of the coolant in the
reservoir at least once a month. Be
sure to read and understand
Precautions when servicing your
vehiclein this chapter.
RADIATOR
COOLANT
ONLY
WASHERFLUIDONLY
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If the engine coolant has not been checked for a long period of time, the
engine coolant reservoir may eventually empty. If this occurs, add engine
coolant to the coolant reservoir. For more information on engine coolant
maintenance, refer toAdding engine coolantin this chapter.
Automotive fluids are not interchangeable; do not use engine coolant,
antifreeze or windshield washer fluid outside of its specified function and
vehicle location.
Adding engine coolant
Do not put engine coolant in the container for the windshield
washer fluid.
If sprayed on the windshield, engine coolant could make it difficult to see
through the windshield.
When the engine is cool, add a 50/50 mixture of engine coolant and
water to the engine coolant recovery reservoir-DO NOT ADD DIRECTLY
TO THE RADIATOR. Add straight water only in an emergency, but you
should replace it with a 50/50 mixture of coolant and distilled water as
soon as possible.
Check the coolant level in the coolant recovery reservoir the next few
times you drive the vehicle. If necessary, add enough of a 50/50 mixture
of coolant and water to bring the liquid level to the fill line on the
reservoir.
Never remove the coolant recovery cap while the engine is
running or hot.
If you must remove the coolant recovery cap, follow these steps to avoid
personal injury:
1. Before you remove the cap, turn the engine off and let it cool.
2. When the engine is cool, wrap a thick cloth around the cap. Slowly
turn cap counterclockwise until pressure begins to release.
3. Step back while the pressure releases.
4. When you are sure that all the pressure has been released, use the
cloth to turn it counterclockwise and remove the cap.
Use Ford Premium Cooling System Fluid E2FZ-19549±AA (in Canada,
Motorcraft CXC-8±B) or an equivalent premium engine coolant that
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167

meets Ford specification ESE-M97B44±A. Ford Premium Engine Coolant
is an optimized formula that will protect all metals and rubber elastomers
used in Ford cooling systems for four years or 80,000 km (50,000 miles).
Do not use alcohol or methanol antifreeze or any engine coolants mixed
with alcohol or methanol antifreeze. Do not use supplemental coolant
additives in your vehicle. These additives may harm your engine cooling
system. The use of an improper coolant may void your warranty of your
vehicle's engine cooling system.
Recycled engine coolant
Ford Motor Company recommends that Ford and Lincoln-Mercury
dealers use recycled engine coolant produced by Ford-approved
processes. Not all coolant recycling processes produce coolant which
meets Ford specification ESE-M97B44±A, and use of such coolant may
harm engine and cooling system components.
Always dispose of used automotive fluids in a responsible manner.
Follow your community's regulations and standards for recycling and
disposing of automotive fluids.
Coolant refill capacity
To find out how much fluid your vehicle's cooling system can hold, refer
toRefill capacitiesin theCapacities and specificationschapter.
Have your dealer check the engine cooling system for leaks if you have
to add more than a liter (quart) of engine coolant per month.
Severe winter climate
If you drive in extremely cold climates (less than ±36ÉC [±34ÉF]), it may
be necessary to increase the coolant concentration above 50%. Refer to
the chart on the coolant container to ensure the coolant concentration in
your vehicle is such that the coolant will not freeze at the temperature
level in which you drive during winter months. Never increase the engine
coolant concentration above 60%. Leave a 50/50 mixture of engine
coolant and water in your vehicle year-round in non-extreme climates.
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168

CHECKING AND ADDING POWER STEERING FLUID
Check the power steering fluid at least twice a year. If adding fluid is
necessary, use only MERCONtATF power steering fluid.
²4.0L EFI engine
²4.0L SOHC engine
DONOTOVERFILLPOWERSTEERINGFLUID
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²5.0L engine
1. Start the engine and let it run until it reaches normal operating
temperature (the engine coolant temperature gauge will be near the
center of the NORMAL band).
2. While the engine idles, turn the steering wheel left and right several
times.
3. Turn the engine off.
4. Check the fluid level in the reservoir.
5.If your vehicle is equipped with a 4.0L EFI engine,the fluid level
should be in the FULL HOT range. Do not add fluid if the level is in this
range.
6.If your vehicle is equipped with a 4.0L SOHC engine or a 5.0L
engine,the fluid level should be between the MIN and MAX lines. Do
not add fluid if the level is in this range.
7. If the fluid is low, add fluid in small amounts, continuously checking
the level until it reaches the correct operating range. Be sure to put the
cap back on the reservoir.
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking and adding automatic transmission fluid
Follow the scheduled service intervals outlined in the ``Service Guide''.
Before adding any fluid, make sure the correct type is used. The type of
fluid used is normally indicated on the dipstick and/or dipstick handle
and also in theLubricant specificationssection in theCapacities and
specificationschapter.
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2. With the parking brake engaged
and your foot on the brake pedal,
start the engine and move the
gearshift lever through all of the
gear ranges. Allow sufficient time
for each gear to engage.
3. Latch the gearshift lever in P
(Park) and leave the engine running.
4. Remove the dipstick, wiping it clean with a clean, dry lint free rag.
5. Install the dipstick making sure it is fully seated in the filler tube.
6. Remove the dipstick and inspect the fluid level. The fluid level should
be within the top hole area on the dipstick.
7. If necessary, add fluid in 250ml (1/2 pint) increments through the filler
tube until the level is correct.
8. If an overfill occurs, excess fluid should be removed by a qualified
technician.
An overfill condition of transmission fluid may cause shift and/or
engagement concerns and/or possible damage.
If the fluid level is above the
crosshatch (hot operating range)
area after driving the vehicle for
approximately 30 km (20 miles),
excess transmission fluid should be
removed by a qualified technician.
DON'T ADD IF IN CROSSHATCHED AREA • CHECK WHEN HOT IDLING IN PARK
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