1998 FORD EXPLORER open hood

the floor ducts will be slightly warmer than the air sent to the
instrument panel registers. If the temperature is about 10ÉC (50ÉF) or
higher, the air conditioner will automatically dehumidify the air to
prevent fogging.
²
-Distributes outside air through the windshield defroster ducts.
It can be used to clear ice or fog from the windshield. If the
temperature is about 10ÉC (50ÉF) or higher, the air conditioner will
automatically dehumidify the air to prevent fogging.
Operating tips
²In humid weather, selectbefore driving. This will prevent your
windshield from fogging. After a few minutes, select any desired
position.
²To prevent humidity buildup inside the vehicle, don't drive with the
climate control system in the OFF position.
²Don't put objects under the front seat that will interfere with the
airflow to the back seats.
²Remove any snow, ice or leaves
from the air intake area (at the
bottom of the windshield under
the hood).
²If your vehicle has been parked with the windows closed during hot
weather, the air conditioner will do a much faster job of cooling if you
drive for two or three minutes with the windows open. This will force
most of the hot, stale air out of the vehicle. Then operate your air
conditioner as you would normally.
²When placing objects on top of your instrument panel, be careful to
not place them over the defroster outlets. These objects can block
airflow and reduce your ability to see through your windshield. Also,
avoid placing small objects on top of your instrument panel. These
objects can fall down into the defroster outlets and block airflow and
possibly damage your climate control system.
Controls and features
25

3. Turn off the engine and remove the key.
4. Block the wheels to prevent the vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
Working with the engine on
²Automatic transmission:
1. Set the parking brake and
ensure the gearshift is securely latched in P (Park).
2. Block the wheels to prevent the vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
Do not start your engine with the air cleaner removed and do
not remove it while the engine is running.
²Manual transmission:
1. Set the parking brake,
depress the clutch and place the gearshift in N (Neutral).
2. Block the wheels to prevent the vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
Do not start your engine with the air cleaner removed and do
not remove it while the engine is running.
OPENING THE HOOD
1. Inside the vehicle, pull the hood
release handle located under the
steering column on the instrument
panel.
2. Go to the front of the vehicle and
release the auxiliary latch that is
located under the front center of
the hood. Lift the hood until the lift
cylinders hold it open.
Maintenance and care
157

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

²back-up lamps
Do not remove lamp bulbs unless they can be replaced immediately with
new ones. If a bulb is removed for an extended period of time,
contaminants may enter the lamp housings and affect lamp performance.
Replacing headlamp bulbs
Handle a halogen headlamp bulb carefully and keep out of
children's reach. Grasp the bulb only by its plastic base and do
not touch the glass. The oil from your hand could cause the bulb to
break the next time the headlamps are operated.
If the bulb is accidentally touched, it should be cleaned with rubbing
alcohol before being used.
To remove the headlamp bulb:
1. Make sure headlamp switch is in OFF position, then open the hood. If
you are replacing the driver side headlamp, unclip the electronic module
on the right side of the battery and move it out of the way.
2. Locate the headlamp bulb through the hole in the upper radiator
support assembly.
3. Disconnect the electrical
connector from the bulb by pulling
the connector rearward.
4. Remove the bulb retaining ring by
rotating it counterclockwise (when
viewed from the rear) about an
eighth of a turn to free it from the
bulb socket, and by sliding the ring
off the plastic base. Keep the ring
because it will be used again to
retain the new bulb.
Maintenance and care
187

Horizontal aim adjustment
1. With the hood open, locate the
horizontal indicator and adjusting
screw. They are located below the
viewing hole at the rear of the
headlamp assembly.
2. Use a 4mm wrench or socket to
turn the horizontal adjusting screw
until the ``0'' mark on the yellow dial
lines up with the reference mark on
the marker (as shown) when viewed
directly from above.
Vertical aim adjustment
1. Park the vehicle on a level
surface.
2. With the hood open, locate the
bubble level and vertical adjustment
screw. The adjustment screw is
located on the outboard side of the
headlamp.
U
D
Maintenance and care
190