1998 FORD EXPLORER maintenance

Cleaning the wheels
Wash with the same detergent as the body of your vehicle. Do not use
acid-based wheel cleaners, steel wool, fuel or strong detergents. Never
use abrasives that will damage the finish of special wheel surfaces. Use a
tar remover to remove grease and tar.
Cleaning plastic exterior parts
Use vinyl cleaner for routine cleaning. Clean with a tar remover if
necessary. Do not clean plastic parts with thinners, solvents or
petroleum-based cleaners.
Cleaning the exterior lamps
Wash with the same detergent as the exterior of your vehicle. Use glass
cleaner or tar remover if necessary.
To avoid scratching the lamps, do not use a dry paper towel, chemical
solvents or abrasive cleaners.
Cleaning the wiper blades
If the wiper blades do not wipe properly, clean the windshield and wiper
blades with 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.
Cleaning the instrument panel
Clean with a damp cloth, then dry with a dry cloth.
Avoid cleaner or polish that increases the gloss of the upper portion of
the instrument panel. The dull finish in this area helps protect the driver
from undesirable windshield reflection.
Cleaning the interior fabric
Remove dust and loose dirt with a whisk broom or a vacuum cleaner.
Remove fresh spots immediately. Follow the directions that come with
the cleaner.
Cleaning and maintaining the safety belts
Clean the safety belts with a mild soap solution recommended for
cleaning upholstery or carpets. Do not bleach or dye the belts, because
these actions may weaken the belt webbing.
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194

Check the safety belt system periodically to make sure there are no
nicks, wear or cuts. If your vehicle has been involved in an accident,
refer to theSafety belt maintenancesection in theSeating and safety
restraintschapter.
Cleaning the built-in child seat (if equipped)
Clean with mild soap and water. Do not use household cleaning products
because they may weaken the safety belt webbing or damage the vinyl
parts of the seat.
The child seat liner is removable and may be machine-washed and air
dried.
Underbody
Flush the complete underside of vehicle frequently. Keep body drain
holes unplugged. Inspect for road damage.
Cleaning leather seats (if equipped)
For routine cleaning, wipe the surface with a soft, damp cloth. For more
thorough cleaning, wipe the surface with a mild soap.
If the leather cannot be completely cleaned using a mild soap and water
solution, the leather may be cleaned using a commercially available
cleaning product ``Tanners Preserve Leather Cleaner'' and a 3M ``Type T''
scrubbing pad by using the following steps;
The type of scrubbing pad is very critical because the common 3M
``Scotch Brite'' green pad is too aggressive and will damage the
leather surface
²Spray a small amount of the leather cleaner on the pad and rub the
area to be cleaned with the pad using a circular motion. Only clean 1/4
of the area at a time. For heavily soiled areas, spray the cleaner
directly onto the leather (two squirts should be adequate) and rub
with the pad. Repeat if necessary.
²Use a soft, damp cloth to remove the loosened dirt and foam.
²Dry with a soft cloth.
Do not use household cleaners, glass cleaner, alcohol solutions or
cleaner intended for vinyl, rubber or plastics. These products can
damage the leather.
In some instances, color or dye transfer can occur when wet
clothing (wool, denim, leathers or other non-colorfast garments)
Maintenance and care
195

comes in contact with leather upholstery. If this occurs, the
leather should be cleaned immediately to avoid permanent
staining.
``Tanners Preserve Leather Cleaner'' (product number AS-300) is
available from ``First Brands'' by calling 1±800±726±1001. This product
may also be available at many local automotive after market stores.
3M ``Type T'' Clean And Finish Scrubbing Pads (UPC 04011±01276) are
available through your local 3M distributor. Call 1±800±742±9649 for the
nearest distributor in your area.
PART NUMBER PART NAME
(Obtain Locally) Tanners Preserve Leather Cleaner
(Obtain Locally) 3M9Type T9Clean and Finish Scrubbing Pads
Woodtone trim
Wipe stains with a soft cloth and a multi-purpose cleaning solution.
Inside windows
Use glass cleaner for the inside windows if they become fogged.
Cleaning mirrors
Do not clean your mirrors with a dry cloth or abrasive materials. Use a
soft cloth and mild detergent and water. Be careful when removing ice
from outside mirrors because you may damage the reflective surface.
Maintenance and care
196

Overhead console
compass/temperature display ..44
storage compartment ...............44
Panic alarm feature, remote
entry system ................................60
Parking brake ............................105
Power door locks ........................51
Power steering
fluid, checking and adding ....169
Rear window
washer .......................................42
Recreational towing, all wheels
on the ground ...........................133
Refill capacities for fluids ........198
Relays ........................................136
Remote entry system .................58
illuminated entry ......................63
locking/unlocking doors ...........59
replacement/additional
transmitters ..........................62,63
replacing the batteries .............62
Reporting safety defects ..........205
Safety restraints
automatic locking mode
(retractor) ............................78,79
extension assembly ..................80
for children ...............................86
lap and shoulder belts ........77,78
maintenance ..............................81
proper use .................................76
warning light and chime .........11,
80,81
Safety seats for children
attaching with tether straps ....91
automatic locking mode
(retractor) .................................88
tether anchorage hardware .....91
Seats ............................................72
adjusting the seat, power ........72
folding rear seats ......................75
lumbar support .........................74
rear seat access ........................74Servicing your vehicle ..............156
precautions when servicing ...156
Snowplowing .................................3
Special notice
utility-type vehicles ....................3
Speed control ..............................36
canceling a set speed ...............39
indicator light ...........................40
resuming a set speed ...............40
tap up/tap down .......................38
turning off .................................36
Speedometer ...............................12
Starting your vehicle ...........99,102
Storage compartments
overhead storage
compartment .............................44
Tachometer
mechanical cluster ...................14
Tilt steering wheel ......................41
Tires ....................................177,178
checking the pressure ............178
replacing ..................................180
rotating ....................................179
snow tires and chains ............181
treadwear ................................177
Traction-lok rear axle ........124,175
Trailer towing ............................126
tips ...........................................132
Transaxle
fluid, checking and adding
(manual) .................................173
Transfer case
fluid checking .........................174
Transmission .............................170
automatic operation .......107,108,
109,110,111,112
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................170
Trip odometer .............................14
Turn signal
lever ...........................................35
Vehicle dimensions ...................202
Index
208