2000 FORD EXPLORER coolant temperature

²5.0L V8 engine
1. Start the engine and let it run until it reaches normal operating
temperature (the engine coolant temperature gauge indicator will be
near the center of the normal area between H and C).
2. While the engine idles, turn the steering wheel left and right several
times.
3. Turn the engine off.
4.If your vehicle is equipped with a 4.0L OHV V6 engine,check the
fluid level on the dipstick. It should be within the FULL HOT range. Do
not add fluid if the level is within this range.
5.If your vehicle is equipped with a 4.0L SOHC V6 or a 5.0L V8
engine,check the fluid level in the reservoir. It should be between the
MIN and MAX lines. Do not add fluid if the level is within this range.
6. 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 automatic transmission fluid
Refer to your scheduled maintenance guide for scheduled intervals for
fluid checks and changes. Your transmission does not consume fluid.
However, the fluid level should be checked if the transmission is not
working properly, i.e., if the transmission slips or shifts slowly or if you
notice some sign of fluid leakage.
Automatic transmission fluid expands when warmed. To obtain an
accurate fluid check, drive the vehicle until it is warmed up
(approximately 30 km [20 miles]). If your vehicle has been operated for
an extended period at high speeds, in city traffic during hot weather or
Maintenance and care
229

A
Air bag supplemental
restraint system ........135±136, 140
and child safety seats ............137
description ......................136, 140
disposal ....................................143
driver air bag ..................138, 141
indicator light ...........10, 139, 142
operation .........................138, 141
passenger air bag ...........138, 141
side air bag ..............................140
Air cleaner filter .......................266
Air conditioning ..........................22
automatic temperature
control system ..........................25
rear seat controls .....................31
Air suspension ...........................158
description ..............................158
warning light .............................12
All Wheel Drive (AWD),
driving off road .........................173
Ambulance packages ....................3
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................223
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ......................155±156
Anti-theft system
warning light .............................11
Armrests ....................................105
Audio system (see Radio) .........35
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .........................160, 163
fluid, adding ....................229, 231
fluid, checking ................229, 231
fluid, refill capacities ..............266fluid, specification ..................272
Auxiliary power point ...............104
Axle
lubricant specifications ..269, 272
refill capacities ........................266
traction lok ..............................176
B
Battery .......................................236
acid, treating emergencies .....236
charging system
warning light .............................11
jumping a disabled battery ....204
maintenance-free ....................236
replacement, specifications ...266
servicing ..................................236
voltage gauge ............................16
Belt minder ...............................131
Brakes ........................................155
anti-lock ...........................155±156
anti-lock brake system
(ABS) warning light .........10, 156
brake warning light ..................10
fluid, checking and adding ....221
fluid, refill capacities ..............266
fluid, specifications .........269, 272
lubricant specifications ..269, 272
parking ....................................156
shift interlock ..........................159
Break-in period .............................3
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....266
Cargo area shade ......................106
Cargo cover ...............................106
CD changer .................................77
Index
288

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