1999 FORD EXPLORER power steering

The BRAKE warning lamp in the
instrument cluster illuminates and
remains illuminated (when the
ignition is turned ON) until the
parking brake is released.
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure that the
gearshift is securely latched in P (Park) (automatic
transmission) or in 1 (First) (manual transmission).
The parking brake is not recommended to stop a moving vehicle.
However, if the normal brakes fail, the parking brake can be used to stop
your vehicle in an emergency. Since the parking brake applies only the
rear brakes, the vehicle's stopping distance will increase greatly and the
handling of your vehicle will be adversely affected.
Pull the release lever to release the
brake. Driving with the parking
brake on will cause the brakes to
wear out quickly and reduce fuel
economy.
STEERING
Your vehicle is equipped with power steering. Power steering uses energy
from the engine to help steer the vehicle.
To prevent damage to the power steering pump:
²Never hold the steering wheel to the extreme right or the extreme left
for more than a few seconds when the engine is running.
²Do not operate the vehicle with a low power steering pump fluid level.
If the power steering system breaks down (or if the engine is turned
off), you can steer the vehicle manually, but it takes more effort.
If the steering wanders or pulls, the condition could be caused by any of
the following:
!
BRAKE
Driving
147

Driving on snow and ice
A 4WD vehicle has advantages over 2WD vehicles in snow and ice but
can skid like any other vehicle.
Avoid sudden applications of power and quick changes of direction on
snow and ice. Apply the accelerator slowly and steadily when starting
from a full stop.
When braking, apply the brakes as you normally would. In order to allow
the anti-lock brake system (ABS) to operate properly, keep steady
pressure on the brake pedal.
Allow more stopping distance and drive slower than usual. Consider
using one of the lower gears.
ALL WHEEL DRIVE (AWD) SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)
(5.0L ENGINES ONLY)
Your vehicle is equipped with a full-time All Wheel Drive (AWD) transfer
case. Power is supplied to all four wheels all the time with no need to
shift between two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive.
For the lubricant specification and refill capacity of the AWD transfer
case refer toCapacities and specificationschapter.
Utility and four-wheel drive vehicles arenotdesigned for
cornering at speeds as high as passenger cars any more than
low-slung sports cars are designed to perform satisfactorily under
off-road conditions. Avoid sharp turns or abrupt maneuvers in these
vehicles.
Driving off-road with AWD
Your vehicle is specially equipped for driving on sand, snow, mud and
rough terrain and has operating characteristics that are somewhat
different from conventional vehicles, both on and off the road.
Maintain steering wheel control at all times, especially in rough terrain.
Since sudden changes in terrain can result in abrupt steering wheel
motion, make sure you grip the steering wheel from the outside. Do not
grip the spokes.
Drive cautiously to avoid vehicle damage from concealed objects such as
rocks and stumps.
Driving
162

IDENTIFYING COMPONENTS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT
4.0L OHV V6 engine
1. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
2. Engine oil filler cap
3. Transmission fluid dipstick (automatic transmission)
4. Engine oil dipstick
5. Power steering fluid reservoir
6. Brake fluid reservoir
7. Clutch fluid reservoir (manual transmission)
8. Battery
9. Air filter assembly
10. Engine coolant reservoir
10
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89
Maintenance and care
203

4.0L SOHC V6 engine
1. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
2. Automatic transmission fluid dipstick
3. Engine oil filler 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
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867
Maintenance and care
204

5.0L V8 engine
1. Engine coolant reservoir
2. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
3. Engine oil filler 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
Refer to the Scheduled Maintenance Guide for the appropriate intervals
for checking the engine oil .
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.
3. Set the parking brake and ensure the gearshift is securely latched in P
(Park) (automatic transmissions) or 1 (First) (manual transmissions).
1
23
6
54
879
Maintenance and care
205

For vehicles with orange coolant,no recycling process has been
approved at this time and use of such coolant may harm engine and
cooling system components.
Always dispose of used automotive fluids in a responsible manner.
Follow your community's regulations and standards for recycling and
disposing of automotive fluids.
Coolant refill capacity
To find out how much fluid your vehicle's cooling system can hold, refer
toRefill capacitiesin theCapacities and specificationschapter.
Have your dealer check the engine cooling system for leaks if you have
to add more than 1.0 liter (1.0 quart) of engine coolant per month.
Severe winter climate
If you drive in extremely cold climates (less than ±36ÉC [±34ÉF]), it may
be necessary to increase the coolant concentration above 50%. Refer to
the chart on the coolant container to ensure the coolant concentration in
your vehicle is such that the coolant will not freeze at the temperature
level in which you drive during winter months. Never increase the engine
coolant concentration above 60%. Leave a 50/50 mixture of engine
coolant and water in your vehicle year-round in non-extreme climates.
CHECKING AND ADDING POWER STEERING FLUID
Check the power steering fluid. Refer to the Scheduled Maintenance
Guide for the service interval schedules. If adding fluid is necessary, use
only MERCONtAT F.
Maintenance and care
213

²4.0L OHV V6 engine
²4.0L SOHC V6 engine
²5.0L V8 engine
DONOTOVERFILLPOWERSTEERINGFLUID
Maintenance and care
214

MOTORCRAFT PART NUMBERS
Component 4.0L OHV V6
engine4.0L SOHC V6
engine5.0L V8 engine
Air filter FA-1658 FA-1658 FA-1658
Fuel filter FG-986B FG-986B FG-986B
Battery BXT-65-650 BXT-65-650 BXT-65-650
Oil filter FL-1A FL-1A FL-820S
PCV valve EV-225 EV-225 EV-152
Spark plugs* AGRF-22P AGRF-22P AWSF-32EE
* Refer to Vehicle Emissions Control Information (VECI) decal for spark
plug gap information.
REFILL CAPACITIES
Fluid Ford Part
NameApplication
Capacity
Brake fluid High
Performance
DOT 3 Motor
Vehicle Brake
FluidAll
Fill to line on
reservoir
Engine oil
(including filter
change)Motorcraft
5W30 Super
Premium Motor
OilAll
4.7L (5.0 quarts)
Fuel tank N/A 2 door 65.5L (17.3 gallons)
4 door 78.7L (20.8 gallons)
Power steering
fluidMotorcraft
MERCONtAT FAll Fill to line on
reservoir or dipstick
Capacities and specifications
247