2000 FORD EXPLORER service schedule

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.
If the electrolyte level in the battery is low, you can add plain tap water
to the battery, as long as you do not use hard water (water with a high
mineral or alkali content). If possible, however, try to only fill the battery
cells with distilled water. If the battery needs water often, have the
charging system checked.
If your battery has a cover/shield, make sure it is reinstalled
after the battery has been cleaned or replaced.
For longer, trouble-free operation, keep the top of the battery clean and
dry. Also, make certain the battery cables are always tightly fastened to
the battery terminals.
If you see any corrosion on the battery or terminals, remove the cables
from the terminals and clean with a wire brush. You can neutralize the
acid with a solution of baking soda and water.
When the battery is disconnected or a new battery installed, the
transmission must learn its adaptive strategy. As a result of this, the
transmission may shift firmly. This operation is considered normal and
will fully update transmission operation to its optimum shift feel.
Maintenance and care
236

5. Turn the filler cap clockwise 1/8 of a turn until it stops.
If the ªService Engine Soon/Check Engineº indicator comes on and stays
on after you start the engine, the fuel filler cap may not be properly
installed. Turn off the engine, remove the fuel filler cap, align the cap
properly and reinstall it.
If you must replace the fuel filler cap, replace it with a fuel filler
cap that is designed for your vehicle. The customer warranty may
be void for any damage to the fuel tank or fuel system if the
correct genuine Ford or Motorcraft fuel filler cap is not used.
The fuel system may be under pressure. If the fuel filler cap is
venting vapor or if you hear a hissing sound, wait until it stops
before completely removing the fuel filler cap. Otherwise, fuel may
spray out and injure you or others.
If you do not use the proper fuel filler cap, excessive pressure or
vacuum in the fuel tank may damage the fuel system or cause
the fuel cap to disengage in a collision, which may result in possible
personal injury.
Fuel Filter
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.
Replace the fuel filter 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).
Maintenance and care
248

EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with various emission control components and a
catalytic converter which will enable your vehicle to comply with applicable
exhaust emission standards. To make sure that the catalytic converter and
other emission control components continue to work properly:
²Use only the specified fuel listed.
²Avoid running out of fuel.
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 ªCheck Engineº light, charging system warning light
or the temperature warning light, fluid leaks, strange odors, smoke or
loss of engine power, 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, services,
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.
Maintenance and care
252

Fluid Ford Part
NameApplication Capacity
Front axle
lubricantMotorcraft SAE
80W-90
Premium Rear
Axle Lubricant4x4 vehicles 1.7L
(1.8 quarts)
Rear axle
lubricant
5Motorcraft SAE
80W-90
Premium Rear
Axle LubricantRefer to
Footnote 62.9-3.1L
(5.5-5.8 pints)
Motorcraft SAE
75W-140 High
Performance
Synthetic Rear
Axle LubricantRefer to
Footnote 7
Windshield
washer fluidUltra-Clear
Windshield
Washer
ConcentrateAll 2.6L
(2.7 quarts)
1Ensure the correct automatic transmission fluid is used. Transmission
fluid requirements are indicated on the dipstick or on the dipstick
handle. MERCONtand MERCONtV are not interchangeable. DO NOT
mix MERCONtand MERCONtV. Refer to your scheduled maintenance
guide to determine the correct service interval.
2Service refill capacity is determined by filling the transmission to the
bottom of the filler hole with the vehicle on a level surface.
3Indicates only approximate dry-fill capacity. Some applications may
vary based on cooler size and if equipped with an in-tank cooler. The
amount of transmission fluid and fluid level should be set by the
indication on the dipstick's normal operating range.
4Use Ford Premium Engine Coolant (green in color). DO NOT USE Ford
Extended Life Engine Coolant (orange in color). Refer toAdding engine
coolant, in the Maintenance and Care chapter.
5Fill to 6 mm to 14 mm (1/4 inch to 9/16 inch) below bottom of fill hole.
Capacities and specifications
268

6Vehicles equipped with 4.0L OHV V6 and4.0L SOHC V6 engines may be
equipped with a conventional rear axle. Refer to your scheduled
maintenance guide for axle fluid change intervals.
7Vehicles equipped with 4.0L OHV V6 and4.0L 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 or
equivalent meeting Ford specification EST-M2C118±A for complete refill
of Traction-Lok axles.
LUBRICANT SPECIFICATIONS
ItemFord Part
Name or
equivalentFord Part
NumberFord
Specification
Body hinges,
latches, door
striker plates
and rotors, seat
tracks, fuel filler
door hinge and
spring, hood
latch, auxiliary
latch, seat
tracksMulti-Purpose
GreaseD0AZ-19584-AA
or
F5AZ-19G209-AAESB-M1C93-B or
ESR-M1C159-A
Hydraulic clutch
fluid and brake
fluidHigh
Perfromance
DOT 3 Motor
Vehicle Brake
FluidC6AZ-19542-ABESA-M6C25-A
and DOT 3
Driveshaft, slip
spline, universal
jointsPremium Long
Life GreaseXG-1-C or
XG-1-T or
XG-1-KESA-M1C75-B
Capacities and specifications
269

ItemFord Part
Name or
equivalentFord Part
NumberFord
Specification
Windshield
washer fluidUltra-clear
Windshield
Washer
ConcentrateC9AZ-19550-AC ESR-M17P5-A
1DO NOT USE Ford Extended Life Engine Coolant F6AZ-19544-AA,
meeting Ford specification WSS-M97B44-D (orange in color) Refer to
Adding engine coolant,in theMaintenance and Carechapter.
2Ensure the correct automatic transmission fluid is used. Transmission
fluid requirements are indicated on the dipstick or on the dipstick
handle. MERCONtand MERCONtV are not interchangeable. DO NOT
mix MERCONtand MERCONtV. Refer to your scheduled maintenance
guide to determine the correct service interval.
34.0L vehicles with conventional rear axles are filled with Motorcraft
SAE 80W-90 Premium Rear Axle Lubricant, part number XY-80W90-QL,
Ford specification WSP-M2C197-A.
44.0L vehicles with limited slip differentials and all 5.0L applications use
rear axles that are filled with Motorcraft SAE 75W-140 High Performance
Synthetic Rear Axle Lubricant, part number F1TZ-19780-B or equivalent
meeting Ford specification WSL-M2C192-A.
54.0L vehicles with limited slip differentials and all 5.0L applications
must add 118 ml (4 oz) of Additive Friction Modifier C8AZ-19B546-A or
equivalent meeting Ford specification EST-M2C118±A to the rear axle
whenever the axle has been serviced.
Capacities and specifications
271

1Use Ford Premium Engine Coolant (green in color). DO NOT USE Ford
Extended Life Engine Coolant (orange in color). Refer toAdding engine
coolant, in the Maintenance and Care chapter.
2Ensure the correct automatic transmission fluid is used. Transmission
fluid requirements are indicated on the dipstick or on the dipstick
handle. MERCONtand MERCONtV are not interchangeable. DO NOT
mix MERCONtand MERCONtV. Refer to your scheduled maintenance
guide to determine the correct service interval.
3Indicates only approximate dry-fill capacity. Some applications may
vary based on cooler size and if equipped with in-tank cooler. The
amount of transmission fluid and fluid level should be set by the
indication on the dipstick's normal operating range.
Filling station information
296