1999 FORD EXPLORER service schedule

3. Add only enough fluid through
the filler opening so that the fluid
level is at the bottom of the
opening.
Use only fluid that meets Ford specifications. Refer to theCapacities
and specificationschapter.
DRIVELINE UNIVERSAL JOINT AND SLIP YOKE
Your vehicle may be equipped with universal joints that require
lubrication. Refer to the Scheduled Maintenance Guide for maintenance
intervals. If the original universal joints are replaced with universal joints
equipped with grease fittings, lubrication will also be necessary.
BATTERY
Your vehicle is equipped with a
Motorcraft maintenance-free battery
which normally does not require
additional water during its life of
service.
However, for severe usage or in high temperature climates, check the
battery electrolyte level. Refer to the Scheduled Maintenance Guide for
the service interval schedules.
Keep the electrolyte level in each cell up to the ªlevel indicatorº.
Do not overfill the battery cells.
Maintenance and care
219

If you do not use the proper fuel filler cap, the pressure in the
fuel tank can damage the fuel system or cause it to work
improperly in a collision.
Fuel Filter
Your vehicle is equipped with a fuel filter that is mounted on the
underbody.
For fuel filter replacement, see your dealer or a qualified service
technician. Refer to the Scheduled Maintenance Guide for the
appropriate intervals for changing the fuel filter.
If you replace the fuel filter, replace it with an authorized
Motorcraft part. The customer warranty may be void for any
damage to the fuel system if an authorized Motorcraft fuel filter
is not used.
ESSENTIALS OF GOOD FUEL ECONOMY
Measuring techniques
Your best source of information about actual fuel economy is you, the
driver. You must gather information as accurately and consistently as
possible. Fuel expense, frequency of fillups or fuel gauge readings are
NOT accurate as a measure of fuel economy. We do not recommend
taking fuel economy measurements during the first 1 600 km (1 000
miles) of driving (engine break-in period). You will get a more accurate
measurement after 3 000 km±5 000 km (2 000 miles-3 000 miles).
The advertised fuel capacity of the fuel tank on your vehicle is equal to
the rated refill capacity of the fuel tank as listed in the Refill Capacities
chart in this ªOwner Guide.º The advertised capacity is the amount of
the Indicated Capacity and the Empty Reserve combined. Indicated
Capacity is the difference in the amount of fuel in a full tank and a tank
when the fuel gauge indicates empty. Empty Reserve is the small amount
of usable fuel remaining in the fuel tank after the fuel gauge indicates
empty.
The amount of Empty Reserve varies and should not be relied
upon to increase driving range. When refueling your vehicle after
the fuel gauge indicates empty, you might not be able to refuel
the full amount of the advertised capacity of the fuel tank due to
the empty reserve still present in the tank.
Maintenance and care
231

²Do not turn off the ignition while your vehicle is moving, especially at
high speeds.
²Have the items listed in your Scheduled Maintenance Guide performed
according to the specified schedule.
The scheduled maintenance items listed in the Scheduled Maintenance
Guide are 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.
Illumination of the charging system warning light,Check Engine
indicator light or the temperature warning light, fluid leaks, strange
odors, smoke or loss of oil pressure, could indicate that the emission
control system is not working properly.
Exhaust leaks may result in entry of harmful and potentially
lethal fumes into the passenger compartment.
Do not make any unauthorized changes to your vehicle or engine. By
law, vehicle owners and anyone who manufactures, repairs, items, 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 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 ªWarranty Guideº for complete emission warranty
information.
Maintenance and care
235

Fluid Ford Part
NameApplication
Capacity
Rear axle
lubricant
2,Motorcraft SAE
80W90
Premium Rear
Axle LubricantRefer to
footnote 3
2.9-3.1L (5.5-5.8
pints) Motorcraft SAE
75W140 High
Performance
Synthetic Rear
Axle LubricantRefer to
footnote 4
Windshield
washer fluidUltra-Clear
Windshield
Washer
ConcentrateAll
2.6L (2.7 quarts)
1If your engine coolant is green in color, use Ford Premium Cooling
System Fluid. If your coolant is orange in color, use Ford Extended Life
Engine Coolant. Refer toAdding engine coolant, in the Maintenance
and Care chapter.
2Fill to 6 mm to 14 mm (1/4 inch to 9/16 inch) below bottom of fill hole.
3Vehicles equipped with 4.0L OHV V6 and 4.0L SOHC V6 engines may
be equipped with a conventional rear axle. Refer to your Scheduled
Maintenance Guide for axle fluid change intervals.
4Vehicles equipped with 4.0L OHV V6 and 4.0L SOHC V6 engines and
3.73:1 or 4.10:1 rear axle ratios or with a 5.0L V8 engine 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 or service is required. The axle lubricant
should be changed any time the axle has been submerged in water.
Add 118 ml (4 oz.) of additive friction modifier C8AZ-19B546-A, Ford
specification EST-M2C118±A for complete refill of Traction-Lok axles.
Capacities and specifications
249

2Ensure correct automatic transmission fluid is used for a specific
application. Check the container to verify the fluid is MERCONtand/or
MERCONtV approved. 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 Scheduled Maintenance
Guide to determine the correct service interval.
Filling station information
264