1999 FORD EXPLORER Maintenance

²4.0L OHV
²Never wash or rinse the engine while it is running; water in the
running engine may cause internal damage.
Cleaning the wheels
Wash with the same detergent as the body of your vehicle. Do not use
acid-based or alcohol-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.
Underbody
Flush the complete underside of vehicle frequently. Keep body drain
holes unplugged. Inspect for road damage.
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.
Maintenance and care
244

Cleaning the wiper blades and windshield
If the wiper blades do not wipe properly, clean the wiper blade rubber
element with undiluted windshield washer solution or a mild detergent.
To avoid damaging the blades, do not use fuel, kerosene, paint thinner or
other solvents.
If the wiper still does not wipe properly, this could be caused by
substances on the windshield such as tree sap and some hot wax
treatments used by commercial car washes. Clean the outside of the
windshield with a non-abrasive cleanser such as the non-abrasive
Bon-Amitpowder. Rinse thoroughly with clean water.Do notuse
abrasive cleansers on glass as they may cause scratches. The windshield
is clean if beads do not form when you rinse it with water. The
windshield and wiper blades should be cleaned on a regular basis, and
blades or rubber elements replaced when worn.
Cleaning seats equipped with side air bags
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. Do not saturate the seat cover with upholstery cleaner.
Do not use chemical solvents or strong detergents when cleaning
the seat mounted side air bag. Such products could contaminate
the side air bag system and affect performance of the side air bag in a
collision.
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 overhead console
Clean with a damp cloth, then wipe dry with a dry cloth.
Avoid cleaner or polish that increases the gloss of the console. The dull
finish in this area helps protect the driver from undesirable windshield
reflection.
Maintenance and care
245

Cleaning the interior fabric
Remove dust and loose dirt with a whisk broom or a vacuum cleaner.
Remove fresh spots immediately. Do not use household or glass cleaners.
These agents can stain and discolor the fabric. Use a mild soap and
water solution if necessary.
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.
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 leather seats (if equipped)
To clean, simply use a soft cloth dampened with water and a mild soap.
Wipe the leather again with a damp cloth to remove soap residue. Dry
with a soft cloth. For tougher soiling concerns, Ford recommends using
the leather cleaning kit F8AJ-19G253±AA, which is available from your
Ford Dealer. This mild cleaner and special pad, cleans the leather and
maintains its natural beauty. Follow the instructions on the cleaner label.
Regular cleaning of your leather upholstery helps maintain its resiliency
and color.
Do not use household cleaning products, alcohol solutions,
solvents or cleaners intended for rubber, vinyl or plastics.
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
246

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

ItemFord Part
Name or
equivalentFord Part
NumberFord
Specification
Power steering
fluidMotorcraft
MERCONtAT FXT-2-QDX MERCONt
Ford
conventional and
Traction-Lok
rear axles
2, 3, 4 2, 3, 4 2, 3, 4
Front axle 4x4 Gear Oil F1TZ-19580-A WSL-M2C191-A
Transfer case -
Four wheel
driveMotorcraft
MERCONtAT FXT-2-QDX MERCONt
5-speed manual
transmissionMotorcraft
MERCONtAT FXT-2-QDX MERCONt
Transfer case
Front Output
Slip ShaftPremium
Long-Life GreaseXG-1-G or K ESA-M1C75-B
Windshield
washer fluidUltra-Clear
Windshield
Washer
ConcentrateC9AZ-19550-AC ESR-M17P5-A
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 theMaintenance
and Carechapter.
24.0L vehicles with conventional rear axles are filled with Motorcraft
SAE 80W90 Premium Rear Axle Lubricant, part number XY-80W90±QL,
Ford specification WSP-M2C197±A.
34.0L vehicles with limited slip differentials and all 5.0L applications use
rear axles that are filled with Motorcraft SAE 75W140 High Performance
Synthetic Rear Axle Lubricant, part number F1TZ-19580±B, Ford
specification WSL-M2C192±A.
44.0L vehicles with limited slip differentials and all 5.0L applications
must add 118 ml (4 oz) of additive friction modifier C8AZ-19B546±A,
Ford specification EST-M2C118±A to the rear axle whenever the axle has
been serviced.
Capacities and specifications
251

Engine oil
checking and adding ..............207
dipstick ....................................205
specifications ...................205,207
Exhaust fumes ..........................143
Floor mats .................................103
Four-Wheel Drive
vehicles ..............................9,10,157
control trac .............................157
description .......................157,159
driving off road ................160,162
electronic shift ..........................31
Fuel
choosing the right fuel ...........228
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................234
detergent in fuel .....................229
filling your vehicle
with fuel ...........................227,230
gauge .........................................14
quality ......................................229
running out of fuel .................230
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................227
Fuses ............................179,180,181
Gas mileage
(see Fuel economy) .........231,232,
233,234
Gauges .........................................11
engine coolant temperature
gauge .........................................12
engine oil pressure gauge ........14
GVWR
(Gross Vehicle Weight Rating)
calculating ...............................167
Hazard flashers .........................178
Head restraints ...........116,118,119
Headlamps
aiming ......................................241
autolamp system .......................97
bulb specifications ..................240
high beam ..............................9,19warning chime ..........................11
Heating ........................................20
heating and air conditioning
system .............................20,21,22
Hood ..........................................201
Ignition .......................................252
Inspection/maintenance (I/M)
testing ........................................236
Instrument panel
cleaning ...................................245
Keyless entry system
autolock ............................109,110
keypad .....................................111
locking and unlocking doors ..112
programming entry
code ..................................111,112
Keys
key in ignition chime ...............11
positions of the ignition ...........79
Lamps
daytime running light ...............19
fog lamps ...................................19
headlamps .................................19
headlamps, flash to pass ..........20
instrument panel, dimming .....20
replacing bulbs ...............236,237,
238,239,240
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................79
Liftgate ......................................103
Lights, warning and indicator
air bag ..........................................7
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..............8
anti-theft .....................................9
brake ............................................8
charging system ..........................9
check coolant ..............................9
cruise indicator .........................10
door ajar ....................................10
fuel reset .....................................7
overdrive off ..............................10
safety belt ...................................8
Index
258

Item Information
Recommended fuel Unleaded fuel only - 87 octane
Fuel tank capacity (2 door) 65.5L (17.3 gallons)
Fuel tank capacity (4 door) 78.7L (20.8 gallons)
Engine oil capacity (includes 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 instrument
panel.
Coolant capacity-(4.0L OHV V6
engine)
111.4L (12.0 quarts)
Coolant capacity-(4.0L SOHC V6
engine)
113.2L (14.0 quarts)
Coolant capacity (5.0L V8 engine)
114.9L (15.7 quarts)
Power steering fluid capacity Fill to line on reservoir or dipstick.
Use Motorcraft MERCONtAT F.
Manual transmission fluid capacity 2.6L (5.6 pints). Use Motorcraft
MERCONtAT F.
Automatic transmission fluid
capacity (4R70W with 5.0L V8
engine)
2
13.1L (13.9 quarts). Use
Motorcraft MERCONtV ATF.
Automatic transmission fluid
capacity (4x2 vehicles with 5R55E
and 4.0L V6 engines)
2
9.5L (10.0 quarts). Use Motorcraft
MERCONtV ATF.
Automatic transmission fluid
capacity (4x4 vehicles with 5R55E
and 4.0L V6 engines)
2
9.8L (10.3 quarts). Use Motorcraft
MERCONtV ATF.
1If your engine coolant is green in color, use Ford Premium Cooling
System Fluid. If your engine coolant is orange in color, use Ford
Extended Life Engine Coolant. Refer toAdding engine coolant, in the
Maintenance and Care chapter.
Filling station information
263

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