2000 FORD EXPLORER check oil

6. Wipe the indicator clean. Insert the indicator fully, then remove it
again.
²If the oil level isbetween the ADD and FULL marksorbetween
the MIN and MAX marks (depending on application),the oil
level is acceptable.DO NOT ADD OIL.
²If the oil level is below the ADD
mark or MIN mark, add enough
oil to raise the level within the
ADD-FULL range or MIN-MAX
range.
²Oil levels above the letter F in FULL or the MAX mark may cause
engine damage. Some oil must be removed from the engine by a
service technician.
7. Put the indicator back in and ensure it is fully seated.
Adding engine oil
1. Check the engine oil. For instructions, refer toChecking the engine
oilin this chapter.
2. If the engine oil level is not within the normal range, add only certified
engine oil of the recommended viscosity. Remove the engine oil filler cap
and use a funnel to pour the engine oil into the opening.
3. Recheck the engine oil level. Make sure the oil level is not above the
MAX mark or the letter F in FULL on the engine oil level indicator
(dipstick).
4. Install the indicator and ensure it is fully seated.
5. Fully install the engine oil filler cap by turning the filler cap clockwise
until three clicks can be heard.
To avoid possible oil loss, DO NOT operate the vehicle with the
engine oil level indicator and/or the engine oil filler cap removed.
Maintenance and care
219

A50/50 mixtureof distilled water and Ford G05 Engine Coolant
provides:
²maximum cooling system efficiency.
²freeze protection down to -36É C (-34É F).
²boiling protection up to 129É C (265É F).
²protection against rust and other forms of corrosion.
²an accurate temperature readout from the engine coolant
gauge.
The engine coolant must be maintained at the correct fluid level
and concentration to work properly. If the engine coolant fluid
level and concentration is not maintained correctly, damage to
the engine and cooling system may result.
When the engine is cold, check the
level of the engine coolant in the
reservoir.
²The engine coolant should be at the ªcold fill levelº or within the ªcold
fill rangeº as listed on the engine coolant reservoir (depending upon
application).
²Refer to the scheduled maintenance guide for service interval
schedules.
²Be sure to read and understandPrecautions when servicing your
vehiclein this chapter.
If the engine coolant has not been checked at the recommended interval,
the engine coolant reservoir may become low or empty. If the reservoir is
low or empty, add engine coolant to the reservoir. Refer toAdding
engine coolantin this chapter.
RADIATOR
COOLANT
ONLY
WASHERFLUIDONLY
Maintenance and care
224

Maintenance
²Keep tires properly inflated and use only recommended size.
²Operating a vehicle with the wheels out of alignment will reduce fuel
economy.
²Use recommended engine oil. Refer toLubricant Specifications.
²Perform all regularly scheduled maintenance items. Follow the
recommended maintenance schedule and owner maintenance checks
found in your vehicle scheduled maintenance guide.
Conditions
²Heavily loading a vehicle or towing a trailer may reduce fuel economy
at any speed.
²Carrying unnecessary weight may reduce fuel economy (approximately
0.4 km/L [1 mpg] is lost for every 180 kg [400 lb] of weight carried).
²Adding certain accessories to your vehicle (for example bug
deflectors, rollbars/light bars, running boards, ski/luggage racks) may
reduce fuel economy.
²Using fuel blended with alcohol may lower fuel economy.
²Fuel economy may decrease with lower temperatures during the first
12±16 km (8±10 miles) of driving.
²Driving on flat terrain offers improved fuel economy as compared to
driving on hilly terrain.
²Transmissions give their best fuel economy when operated in the top
cruise gear and with steady pressure on the gas pedal.
²Four-wheel-drive operation (if equipped) is less fuel efficient than
two-wheel-drive operation.
²Close windows for high speed driving.
EPA window sticker
Every new vehicle should have the EPA window sticker. Contact your
dealer if the window sticker is not supplied with your vehicle. The EPA
window sticker should be your guide for the fuel economy comparisons
with other vehicles.
It is important to note the box in the lower left corner of the window
sticker. These numbers represent the Range of L/100 km (MPG)
expected on the vehicle under optimum conditions. Your fuel economy
may vary depending upon the method of operation and conditions.
Maintenance and care
251

Do not use chemical solvents or strong detergents when cleaning
the steering wheel or instrument panel to avoid contamination of
the air bag system.
Cleaning the instrument cluster lens
Clean with a damp cloth, then dry with a dry cloth.
Do not use household or glass cleaners as these may damage the lens.
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.
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 Deluxe Leather Care Kit F8AZ-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.
Maintenance and care
264

Certification Label ....................274
Child safety restraints ..............143
child safety belts ....................143
Child safety seats ......................144
in front seat ............................146
in rear seat ..............................146
tether anchorage hardware ...148
Cleaning your vehicle ...............259
engine compartment ..............260
exterior ............................260, 262
exterior lamps .........................263
instrument cluster lens ..........264
instrument panel ....................263
interior .............................263±264
mirrors .....................................265
plastic parts ............................262
safety belts ..............................264
washing ....................................259
waxing .....................................259
wheels ......................................262
windows ..................................265
wiper blades ............................263
woodtone trim ........................265
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ............22
Clock ..........................41, 47, 57, 70
Clutch
fluid ..........................................222
operation while driving ..........166
recommended shift speeds ....167
Compass, electronic ....................92
calibration .................................94
set zone adjustment .................93
Console ......................................103
overhead ....................................90
rear ..........................................104
Controls
power seat ...............................120steering column ........................89
Coolant
checking and adding ..............223
refill capacities ................227, 266
specifications ..................269, 272
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................82
Customer Assistance ................189
Ford accessories for your
vehicle .....................................282
Ford Extended Service Plan...275
Getting assistance outside
the U.S. and Canada ..............281
Getting roadside assistance ...189
Getting the service
you need .................................275
Ordering additional owner's
literature .................................286
The Dispute Settlement
Board .......................................278
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................281
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................21
Defrost
rear window ..............................33
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..................................229, 231
engine oil .................................217
Doors
door ajar warning .....................12
lubricant specifications ..........269
Driveline universal joint
and slip yoke .............................235
Index
289

Driving under special
conditions ..........................172, 175
mud ..........................171±172, 174
sand .................................172, 174
snow and ice ...171, 173±174, 176
through water .........172, 174, 179
E
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................204
Emission control system ..........252
Engine ........................................272
check engine/service engine
soon light ....................................8
cleaning ...................................260
coolant .....................................223
idle speed control ...................236
lubrication
specifications ..................269, 272
refill capacities ........................266
service points ..................215±217
starting after a collision .........190
Engine block heater .................153
Engine oil ..................................217
checking and adding ..............217
dipstick ....................................217
filter, specifications ........220, 266
recommendations ...................220
refill capacities ........................266
specifications ..................269, 272
Exhaust fumes ..........................153
F
Floor mats .................................105
Fluid capacities .........................266
Foglamps .....................................21
Four-Wheel Drive vehicles..12, 168control trac .......................33, 168
description ......................169±170
driving off road ...............171, 174
electronic shift ..........................33
preparing to drive your
vehicle .....................................158
Fuel ............................................244
calculating fuel
economy ............................18, 248
cap .......................................9, 247
capacity ...................................266
choosing the right fuel ...........246
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................251
detergent in fuel .....................247
filling your vehicle
with fuel ..................244, 247, 249
filter, specifications ........248, 266
fuel pump shut-off switch .....190
gauge .........................................16
improving fuel economy ........248
octane rating ...................246, 272
quality ......................................246
running out of fuel .................247
safety information relating
to automotive fuels ................244
Fuses ..................................191, 193
G
Garage door opener ..............90, 94
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ........9, 247
Gas mileage
(see Fuel economy) .................248
Gauges .........................................14
battery voltage gauge ...............16
engine coolant temperature
gauge .........................................14
engine oil pressure gauge ........16
fuel gauge ..................................16
Index
290

fog lamps ...................................21
headlamps .................................21
headlamps, flash to pass ..........22
instrument panel, dimming .....22
replacing bulbs ...............253±257
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................81
Liftgate ......................................105
Lights, warning and indicator ......8
air bag ........................................10
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ....10, 156
anti-theft ...................................11
brake ..........................................10
charging system ........................11
check coolant ............................11
check engine ...............................8
cruise indicator .........................13
door ajar ....................................12
fuel cap light ...............................9
high beam .................................11
overdrive off ..............................12
safety belt .................................10
speed control ............................86
turn signal indicator .................11
Load limits .................................176
GAWR ......................................176
GVWR ......................................176
trailer towing ..........................176
Loading instructions .................178
Locks
autolock ...................................114
childproof ................................102
Lubricant specifications ...269, 272
Lumbar support, seats .....122±123
M
Manual transmission .................166
fluid capacities ........................266lubricant specifications ..........272
reverse .....................................168
Message center ...........................17
english/metric button ...............17
reset button ..............................18
system check button ................19
Mirrors
automatic dimming
rearview mirror .......................100
cleaning ...................................265
fold away .................................103
heated ......................................103
side view mirrors (power) .....102
Moon roof ....................................91
Motorcraft parts ................248, 266
O
Octane rating ............................246
Odometer .....................................15
Off-Road Driving .......................174
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................217
P
Panic alarm feature, remote
entry system ..............................108
Parking brake ............................156
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....266
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................196
Power door locks ......................101
Power steering ..........................157
fluid, checking and adding ....228
fluid, refill capacity ................266
fluid, specifications .........269, 272
Index
292