1998 FORD EXPLORER engine oil

Check gage
Illuminates when the key is in the
ON position and the engine coolant
temperature is high, the engine oil
pressure is low or the fuel level is
near empty. Refer toEngine
coolant temperature gauge,
Engine oil pressure gaugeorFuel gaugein this chapter for more
information.
Four wheel drive low (if equipped)
Illuminates when four-wheel drive
low is engaged.
Four wheel drive high (if equipped)
Illuminates when four-wheel drive
high is engaged.
Door ajar
Illuminates when the ignition switch
is in the ON or START position and
any door is open.
CHECK
GAGE
4WD
LOW
4WD
HIGH
DOOR
AJAR
Instrumentation
10

Engine oil pressure gauge
This shows the engine oil pressure
in the system. Sufficient pressure
exists as long as the needle remains
in the normal range (the area
between the ``H'' and ``L'').
If the gauge indicates low pressure,
stop the vehicle as soon as safely
possible and switch off the engine
immediately. Check the oil level.
Add oil if needed (refer to
Checking and adding engine oilin
theMaintenance and care
chapter). If the oil level is correct,
have your vehicle checked at your dealership or by a qualified
technician.
Fuel gauge
Displays approximately how much
fuel is in the fuel tank (when the
key is in the ON position). The fuel
gauge may vary slightly when the
vehicle is in motion. The ignition
should be in the OFF position while
the vehicle is being refueled. When
the gauge first indicates empty,
there is a small amount of reserve
fuel in the tank. When refueling the
vehicle from empty indication, the
amount of fuel that can be added
will be less than the advertised
capacity due to the reserve fuel.
The FUEL DOOR icon and arrow indicates which side of the vehicle the
fuel filler door is located.
H
L
EF
Instrumentation
15

System check
Press the system check control to
display the status of the following
systems:
²engine oil life left
²engine oil level
²voltage level
²engine coolant temperature
²washer fluid level
²automatic ride control
(if equipped)
²fuel level
The engine oil life left has two phases. The first display will indicate the
oil change status (OK, SOON, REQUIRED). The second display will
indicate the percentage of oil life remaining. The display OIL TEMP
SIGNAL ERROR indicates a problem with the system. Following this
display, contact your dealer or qualified service technician for system
maintenance.
Operating the message center during system check
The message center controls can be operated as follows during the
system check sequence:
1. Press the system check controls to advance to the next display.
2. Press the reset control to immediately conclude the system check.
3. Press the range, fuel status or fuel economy control to conclude the
system check and display the requested feature.
4. Press the metric/English control to conclude the system check and
change the previous display to the new mode.
5. Press the oil change reset control to conclude the system check and
begin the oil change reset procedure.
An oil change is recommended whenever indicated by the message
center. Use only recommended engine oils.
The message center will tell you the percent of oil life left during system
check. This percentage is based on your driving history and the time
since your last oil change. In order to ensure accurate oil life left
ENGLISH/
METRICRANGESTATUS
ECONRESETSYSTEM
CHECKOIL
CHANGE
RESET
FUEL
Instrumentation
19

IDENTIFYING COMPONENTS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT
4.0L EFI engine
1. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
2. Engine oil fill cap
3. Transmission fluid dipstick (automatic transmission only)
4. Engine oil dipstick
5. Power steering fluid reservoir
6. Brake fluid reservoir
7. Clutch fluid reservoir (manual transmission only)
8. Battery
9. Air filter assembly
10. Engine coolant reservoir
10
1235674
89
Maintenance and care
158

4.0L SOHC engine
1. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
2. Transmission fluid dipstick
3. Engine oil fill cap
4. Engine oil dipstick
5. Brake fluid reservoir
6. Battery
7. Power steering fluid reservoir
8. Air filter assembly
9. Engine coolant reservoir
9
13425
867
Maintenance and care
159

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.
1
23
6
54
879
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160

3. Set the parking brake and ensure the gearshift is securely latched in P
(Park) (automatic transmissions) or 1 (First) (manual transmissions).
4. Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine heat.
5. Locate and carefully remove the engine oil level indicator (dipstick).
²4.0L engines
²5.0L engine
6. Wipe the indicator clean. Insert the indicator fully, then remove it
again.
ADD 1 QTFULL
MAX MIN
Maintenance and care
161

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.
Maintenance and care
162