1998 FORD EXPLORER check engine

DRIVELINE UNIVERSAL JOINT AND SLIP YOKE
The universal joints standard with your vehicle do not require
lubrication. If the original universal joints are replaced with universal
joints equipped with grease fittings, lubrication will be necessary.
BATTERY
Your vehicle may be equipped with a
Superstart maintenance-free battery.
If the original equipment battery
needs replacing, it may be replaced
with a low-maintenance battery. The
low-maintenance battery normally
does not require additional water
during its life of service. However,
for severe usage or in high
temperature climates, check your
battery electrolyte level, at least
every 24 months or 40,000 km
(24,000 miles). Keep the electrolyte
in each cell up to the ``level'' indicator. Do not overfill the battery cells.
If the electrolyte level in the battery is low, you can add plain tap water
to the battery, as long as you do not use hard water (water with a high
alkali content). If possible, however, try to only fill the battery cells with
distilled water. If the battery needs water often, have the charging
system checked.
For longer, trouble-free operation, keep the top of the battery clean and
dry. Also, make certain the battery cables are always tightly fastened to
the battery terminals.
If you see any corrosion on the battery or terminals, remove the cables
from the terminal(s) and clean with a wire brush. You can neutralize the
acid with a solution of baking soda and water. Reinstall the cables when
you are done cleaning them, and apply a small quantity of grease to the
top of each battery terminal to help prevent corrosion.
If your battery has a cover/shield, make sure it is reinstalled
after the battery is replaced.
Because your vehicle's engine is electronically controlled by a computer,
some control conditions are maintained by power from the battery. When
the battery is disconnected or a new battery is installed, the engine must
Maintenance and care
175

relearn its idle conditions before your vehicle will drive properly. To
begin this process:
1. Put the gearshift in P (Park) (automatic transmissions) or the neutral
position (manual transmissions), turn off all accessories and start the
vehicle.
2. Let the engine idle for at least one minute.
3. The relearning process will automatically complete as you drive the
vehicle.
²If you do not allow the engine to relearn its idle, the idle quality of
your vehicle may be adversely affected until the idle is eventually
relearned.
²If the battery has been disconnected or a new battery has been
installed, the clock and the preset radio stations must be reset once
the battery is reconnected.
²Always dispose of automotive
batteries in a responsible manner.
Follow your community's
standards for disposal. Call your
local recycling center to find out
more about recycling automotive
batteries.
WINDSHIELD WIPER BLADES
Check the wiper blades at least twice a year or when they seem less
effective. Substances such as tree sap and some hot wax treatments used
by commercial car washes reduce the effectiveness of wiper blades.
Checking the wiper blades
If the wiper blades do not wipe properly, clean both the windshield and
wiper blades using undiluted windshield wiper solution or a mild
detergent. Rinse thoroughly with clean water. To avoid damaging the
blades, do not use fuel, kerosene, paint thinner or other solvents.
Changing the wiper blades
When replacing wiper blade assemblies, always use a Motorcraft part or
equivalent. To make replacing the wipers easy, turn the ignition to ACC,
then turn the wipers on. When the wipers reach the vertical position,
turn the ignition to LOCK.
Maintenance and care
176

EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with various emission control components and a
catalytic converter which will enable your vehicle to comply with
applicable exhaust emission standards. To make sure that the catalytic
converter and other emission control components continue to work
properly:
²Use only unleaded fuel.
²Avoid running out of fuel.
²Do not turn off the ignition while your vehicle is moving, especially at
high speeds.
²Have the services listed in your ``Service Guide'' performed according
to the specified schedule.
The Scheduled Maintenance Services listed in the ``Service Guide'' are
required because they are considered essential to the life and
performance of your vehicle and to its emissions system.
If other than Ford, Motorcraft or Ford authorized parts are used for
maintenance replacements or for service of components affecting
emission control such non-Ford parts should be equivalent to genuine
Ford Motor Company parts in performance and durability.
Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in dry grass or other dry
ground cover. The emission system heats up the engine
compartment and exhaust system, which can start a fire.
Watch for fluid leaks, strange odors, smoke, loss of oil pressure, the
charging system warning light, the ``Check Engine'' light or the
temperature warning light. These events could indicate that the emission
control system is not working properly.
If you smell exhaust fumes of any kind inside your vehicle, have
the dealer inspect and fix your vehicle immediately. Do not drive
if you smell exhaust fumes. These fumes are harmful and could kill
you.
Do not make any unauthorized changes to your vehicle or engine. By
law, vehicle owners and anyone who manufactures, repairs, services,
sells, leases, trades vehicles, or supervises a fleet of vehicles are not
permitted to intentionally remove an emission control device or prevent
it from working. Information about your vehicle's emission system is on
Maintenance and care
185

the Vehicle Emission Control Information Decal located on or near the
engine. This decal identifies engine displacement and gives some tune up
specifications.
Please consult your ``Warranty Guide'' for complete emission warranty
information.
Readiness for inspection/maintenance (I/M) testing
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass an I/M test of
the on-board diagnostic (OBD-II) system. If your ``check engine/service
engine soon'' light is on, reference the applicable light description in the
Warning Lights and Chimessection of your owners guide. Your vehicle
may not pass the I/M test with the ``check engine/service engine soon''
light on.
If the vehicle's powertrain system or its battery has just been serviced,
the OBD-II system is reset to a ``not ready for I/M test'' condition. To
ready the OBD-II system for I/M testing, a minimum of 30 minutes of city
and highway driving is necessary as described below:
²First, at least 10 minutes of driving on an expressway or highway.
²Next, at least 20 minutes driving in stop and go, city type traffic with
at least four idle periods.
Allow the vehicle to sit for at least eight hours without starting the
engine. Then, start the engine and complete the above driving cycle. The
engine must warm up to its normal operating temperature. Once started,
do not turn off the engine until the above driving cycle is complete.
EXTERIOR BULBS
Replacing exterior bulbs
Check the operation of the following lamps frequently:
²headlamps
²foglamps
²high-mount brakelamp
²brakelamps
²turn signals
²license plate lamp
²tail lamps
Maintenance and care
186

Fluid Ford Part Name Application Capacity
Front axle
fluidMotorcraft SAE
80W90 Axle
LubricantAll
1.7L (3.5 pints)
Rear axle
fluid
1, 2, 3, 4Motorcraft SAE
80W90 Axle
LubricantVehicles with
conventional axles
2.9-3.1L
(5.50-5.80
pints) Motorcraft SAE
75W140 High
Performance
Synthetic Rear
Axle LubricantRefer to footnotes
2 and 3
Windshield
washer fluidUltra-Clear
Windshield
ConcentrateAll vehicles
2.6L (2.7
quarts)
1Fill to 6 mm to 14. 2 (1/4 inch to 9/16 inch) below bottom of fill hole.
2Vehicles equipped with 4.0L SOHC and 4.0L EI engines may have a
limited slip differential. If your vehicle is equipped with a limited slip
differential, add 118 ml (4 oz.) of additive friction modifier
C8AZ-19B546-A, Ford specification EST-M2C118±A, for complete refill of
8.8 inch and 9.75 inch rear axles.
3Vehicles equipped with 4.0L SOHC or 4.0L EFI engines and 3.73 or
4.10 rear axle ratios or 5.0L engines require synthetic rear axle lubricant.
Rear axles containing synthetic lubricant are lubricated for life. These
lubricants are not to be checked or changed unless a leak is suspected,
service required or the axle assembly has been submerged in water. The
axle lubricant should be changed any time the axle has been submerged
in water. For Traction-Lok rear axles, add 118 ml (4 oz.) of additive
friction modifier C8AZ-19B546-A, Ford specification EST-M2C118±A,
whenever the lubricant is changed.
4Refer to your ``Service Guide'' for axle fluid change intervals.
Capacities and specifications
199

Air bag supplemental
restraint system ........................82
and child safety seats ..............83
description ................................82
disposal ......................................86
indicator light ...........................85
passenger air bag .....................84
Air conditioning
manual heating and air
conditioning system ............23,25
Air suspension
description ..............................106
All wheel drive (AWD) .............121
Ambulance packages ....................3
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
description ..............................104
Anti-theft system ........................67
Autolamp system (see
Headlamps) .................................48
Automatic dimming mirror ...48,49
Battery .......................................175
voltage gauge ............................14
Brake fluid
checking and adding ..............164
Brakes ........................................104
anti-lock ...................................104
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................104
fluid, checking and adding ....164
Brake-shift interlock .................107
Break-in period .............................2
Bulbs, replacing ........................186
headlamps ...............................187
specifications ..........................188
Cargo cover .................................57
Changing a tire .........................144
Child safety seats ........................87
built-in child seat ......91,92,96,97
Childproof locks ..........................52
Chime
headlamps on ............................11
Cleaning your vehicle ...............191built-in child seat ...................195
engine compartment ..............192
fabric ........................................194
instrument panel ....................194
plastic parts ............................194
safety belts ..............................194
tail lamps .................................194
washing ....................................191
waxing .....................................192
wheels ......................................194
windows ..................................196
woodtone trim ........................196
Climate control system
automatic temperature
control .........26,27,28,29,30,31,32
Clutch
fluid ..........................................165
Compass, electronic ...............45,46
calibration .................................48
set zone adjustment .................47
Console, description ...................54
Control trac 4WD system .........116
Controls ..................................53,54
Cupholder (s) .............................55
Defrost
rear window ..............................34
Driving under special
conditions .........................120,122
high water ........................120,123
slippery roads ....120,121,123,124
Emission control system ..........185
Engine ........................................202
service points ............158,159,160
Engine block heater .................102
Engine coolant
checking and adding .......166,167
disposal ....................................168
refill capacities ........................168
Engine oil ...........................160,163
changing oil and oil filter .......163
checking and adding .......160,162
Exhaust fumes ..........................103
Index
206

Floor mats ...................................55
Foglamps .....................................21
Four-Wheel Drive vehicles
control trac ........................34,116
special driving
instructions ......................118,119
Fuel
calculating fuel economy .......184
improving fuel economy ........134
octane rating ...........................183
quality ......................................184
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................182
Fuel gauge ...................................15
Fuel pump shut-off switch .......135
Fuse panels
instrument panel ....................138
power distribution box ...........141
Fuses ...................................136,137
Gauges, Mechanical ....................12
engine coolant temperature
gauge .........................................13
Hazard flashers .........................135
Head restraints ...........................74
Headlamps ...................................21
daytime running lights .............21
flashing ......................................22
high beam .................................22
Heating ........................................23
High beams
indicator light .............................9
Hood
release lever ............................157
Ignition
positions of the ignition ...........35
Instrument panel
lighting up panel and interior .22
Jump-starting
your vehicle .....................149,151
attaching cables ......................149
disconnecting cables ..............151Keyless entry system
autolock .....................................63
keypad .......................................64
locking and unlocking doors ....66
programming entry code ....65,66
Keys
key in ignition chime ...............11
Liftgate ........................................55
Lights, warning and indicator
air bag ..........................................8
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..............8
anti-theft .....................................9
brake ............................................8
charging system ..........................9
check engine ............................6,7
cruise indicator .........................11
door ajar ....................................10
fuel reset .....................................7
overdrive off ..............................11
safety belt ...................................8
turn signal indicator ...................9
Load limits
trailer towing ..........................126
Lubricant specifications ...........200
Luggage rack .............................133
Manual transmission
driving .......................113,114,115
Message center ...........................16
economy button ........................18
english/metric button ..........16,17
reset button ..............................18
system check button ...........19,20
Mirrors
cleaning ...................................196
heated ........................................53
side view mirrors (power) .......52
Moon roof ....................................45
Motorcraft parts ........................197
Odometer .....................................13
Off road driving,
4-wheel drive ......................119,122
Index
207

Recommended fuel Unleaded fuel only - 87 octane
Fuel tank capacity (2 door) 66.2L (17.3 gallons)
Fuel tank capacity (4 door) 79.5L (20.8 gallons)
Engine oil capacity (with filter
change)4.7L (5.0 quarts). Use Motorcraft
5W30 Super Premium Motor Oil,
Ford Specification WSS-M2C153-G
Tire size and pressure See Safety Compliance
Certification Label on inside of
driver door.
Hood release Pull handle under the left side of
the instrument panel
Coolant capacity-(4.0L engines) 7.4L (7.8 quarts)
Coolant capacity (5.0L engines) 12.1L (12.8 quarts)
Power steering fluid capacity Fill to line on reservoir or dipstick
Manual transmission fluid capacity 2.6L (2.8 quarts)
Automatic transmission fluid
capacity (4R70W transmission)
(5.0L engines only)13.1L (13.9 quarts)
Automatic transmission fluid
capacity (4x2 vehicles with 5R55E
transmission and 4.0L SOHC
engine)9.25L (9.75 quarts)
Automatic transmission fluid
capacity (4x4 vehicles with 5R55E
transmission and 4.0L SOHC
engine)9.5L (10.0 quarts)
Ensure correct automatic transmission fluid is used for a specific
application. Check the container to verify the fluid is MERCONtand/or
MERCON Vtapproved. Some fluids have been approved as meeting both
MERCONtand MERCONtV requirements and will be labeled as such.
Fluids labeled as meeting only MERCONtor only MERCONtV
requirements must not be used interchangeably. DO NOT mix MERCONt
and MERCONtV. Transmission fluid requirements are indicated on the
dipstick or on the dipstick handle. Refer to your ``Service Guide'' to
determine the correct service interval.
Filling station information
216