1998 FORD EXPLORER service interval

Trailer lamps
Trailer lamps are required on most towed vehicles. Make sure your
trailer lamps conform to local and Federal regulations. See your dealer or
trailer rental agency for proper instructions and equipment for hooking
up trailer lamps.
Never connect any trailer lighting to the vehicle's taillamp
circuits, because it may damage the electrical system resulting in
fire. Contact your local Ford dealership for assistance in proper trailer
tow wiring installation. Additional electrical equipment may be
required.
Using a step bumper
The rear bumper is equipped with an integral hitch and requires only a
ball with a 19 mm (3/4 inch) shank diameter. The bumper has a 1 590 kg
(3 500 lb.) trailer weight and 159 kg (350 lb.) tongue weight capability.
Use a frame-mounted weight distributing hitch for trailers over 1 590 kg
(3 500 lb).
Driving while you tow
Do not drive faster than 88 km/h (55 mph) when towing a trailer.
Speed control may shut off if you are towing on long, steep grades.
When towing a trailer:
²Use a lower gear when towing up or down steep hills. This will
eliminate excessive downshifting and upshifting for optimum fuel
economy and transmission cooling.
²Anticipate stops and brake gradually.
Servicing after towing
If you tow a trailer for long distances, your vehicle will require more
frequent service intervals. Refer to the Severe Duty Schedule in your
``Service Guide'' for more information.
Trailer towing tips
²Practice turning, stopping and backing up in an area before starting on
a trip to get the feel of the vehicle trailer combination. When turning,
make wider turns so the trailer wheels will clear curbs and other
obstacles.
Driving
132

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.
Maintenance and care
170

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

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