2000 FORD POSTAL EXPLORER service

Tire Quality Grades apply to new pneumatic tires for use on passenger
cars. They do not apply to deep tread, winter-type snow tires,
space-saver or temporary use spare tires, tires with nominal rim
diameters of 10 to 12 inches or limited production tires as defined in
Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations Part 575.104(c)(2).
U.S. Department of Transportation-Tire quality grades:The U.S.
Department of Transportation requires Ford to give you the following
information about tire grades exactly as the government has written it.
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear rate of
the tire when tested under controlled conditions on a specified
government test course. For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one
and one-half (1 1/2) times as well on the government course as a tire
graded 100. The relative performance of tires depends upon the actual
conditions of their use, however, and may depart significantly from the
norm due to variations in driving habits, service practices, and
differences in road characteristics and climate.
Traction AA A B C
The traction grades, from highest to lowest are AA, A, B, and C. Those
grades represent the tire's ability to stop on wet pavement as measured
under controlled conditions on specified government test surfaces of asphalt
and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor traction performance.
The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on
straight-ahead braking traction tests, and does not include
acceleration, cornering, hydroplaning or peak traction characteristics.
Temperature A B C
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C, representing the
tire's resistance to the generation of heat and its ability to dissipate heat
when tested under controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory
test wheel. Sustained high temperature can cause the material of the tire
to degenerate and reduce tire life, and excessive temperature can lead to
sudden tire failure. The grade C corresponds to a level of performance
which all passenger car tires must meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle
Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A represent higher levels of
performance on the laboratory test wheel than the minimum required by
law.
Maintenance and care
62

The tires on your vehicle have all-weather treads to provide traction in
rain and snow. However, in some climates, using snow tires and traction
devices may be necessary. Ford offers tire cables as a Ford approved
accessory and recommends use of these or their equivalents. See your
dealer or qualified service technician for more information on tire cables
for your vehicle.
Follow these guidelines when using snow tires and traction devices:
²Install cables securely, verifying that the cables do not touch any
wiring, brake lines or fuel lines.
²Drive cautiously. If you hear the cables rub or bang against the
vehicle, stop and retighten them. If this does not work, remove the
cables to prevent vehicle damage.
²Avoid overloading your vehicle.
²Remove the tire cables when they are no longer needed.
²Do not use cables on dry roads.
²The suspension insulation and bumpers will help prevent vehicle
damage. Do not remove these components from the vehicle when
using snow tires and traction devices.
²Do not exceed 48 km/h (30 mph) with tire cables on your vehicle.
Consult your dealer for information on other Ford approved methods of
traction control.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT AUTOMOTIVE FUELS
Important safety precautions
Do not overfill the fuel tank. The pressure in an overfilled tank
may cause leakage and lead to fuel spray and fire.
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.
Maintenance and care
65

Octane recommendations
Your vehicle is designed to use
ªRegularº unleaded gasoline with
tank (R+M)/2 octane rating of 87.
We do not recommend the use of
gasolines labeled as ªRegularº that
are sold with octane ratings of 86 or lower in high altitude areas.
Do not be concerned if your engine sometimes knocks lightly. However, if
it knocks heavily under most driving conditions while you are using fuel
with the recommended octane rating, see your dealer or a qualified
service technician to prevent any engine damage.
Fuel quality
If you are experiencing starting, rough idle or hesitation driveability
problems during a cold start, try a different brand of ªRegularº unleaded
gasoline. ªPremiumº unleaded gasoline is not recommended (particularly
in the United States) because it may cause these problems to become
more pronounced. If the problems persist, see your dealer or a qualified
service technician.
It should not be necessary to add any aftermarket products to your fuel
tank if you continue to use high quality fuel of the recommended octane
rating. Aftermarket products could cause damage to the fuel system.
Repairs to correct the effects of using an aftermarket product in your
fuel may not be covered by your warranty.
Many of the world's automakers issued the World-wide Fuel Charter that
recommends gasoline specifications to provide improved performance
and emission control system protection for your vehicle. Gasolines that
meet the World-wide Fuel Charter should be used when available. Ask
your fuel supplier about gasolines that meet the World-wide Fuel
Charter. In Canada, look for fuels that display the Automaker's Choice
Logo.
Cleaner air
Ford approves the use of reformulated ªcleaner-burningº gasolines to
improve air quality. These gasolines may contain oxygenates up to 10%
ethanol or 15% MTBE.
87(R+M)/2 METHOD
Maintenance and care
68

Running out of fuel
Avoid running out of fuel because this situation may have an adverse
affect on powertrain components.
If you have run out of fuel:
²You may need to cycle the ignition from OFF to ON several times after
refueling, to allow the fuel system to pump the fuel from the tank to
the engine.
²Your ªCheck Engineº indicator may come on. For more information on
the ªCheck Engineº indicator, refer to theInstrumentationchapter.
Fuel Filler Cap
Your fuel tank filler cap has an indexed design with a 1/8 turn on/off
feature.
When fueling your vehicle:
1. Turn the engine off.
2. Carefully turn the filler cap counterclockwise 1/8 of a turn until it
stops.
3. Pull to remove the cap from the fuel filler pipe.
4. To install the cap, align the tabs on the cap with the notches on the
filler pipe.
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.
Maintenance and care
69

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
Your vehicle is equipped with a fuel filter which is fuel ethanol compatible.
charging system warning light, 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.
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 fuels 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.
Maintenance and care
70

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.
Please consult your ªWarranty Guideº for complete emission warranty
information.
Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) testing
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass an I/M test of
the on-board diagnostics system. If your ªCheck Engine/Service Engine
Soonº light is on, refer to the description in theWarning Lights and
Chimessection of theInstrumentationchapter. Your vehicle may not
pass the I/M test with the ªCheck Engine/Service Engine Soonº light on.
If the vehicle's powertrain system or its battery has just been serviced,
the on-board diagnostics system is reset to a ªnot ready for I/M testº
condition. To ready the on-board diagnostics system for I/M testing, a
minimum of 30 minutes of city and highway driving is necessary as
described below:
²First, at least 10 minutes of driving on an expressway or highway.
²Next, at least 20 minutes driving in stop-and-go, city-type traffic with
at least four idle periods.
Allow the vehicle to sit for at least eight hours without starting the
engine. Then, start the engine and complete the above driving cycle. The
engine must warm up to its normal operating temperature. Once started,
do not turn off the engine until the above driving cycle is complete.
Maintenance and care
71

Air cleaner filter .........................72
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ..................51
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ...........................22,23
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive ...................................26
fluid, adding ..............................56
fluid, checking ..........................56
fluid, refill capacities ................72
fluid, specification ....................74
Axle
lubricant specifications .......73,74
refill capacities ..........................72
Battery .........................................59
acid, treating emergencies .......59
charging system warning light ..9
jumping a disabled battery ......37
maintenance-free ......................59
replacement, specifications .....72
servicing ....................................59
voltage gauge ............................11
Brakes ..........................................22
anti-lock ................................22,23
anti-lock brake system
(ABS) warning light ..............8,23
brake warning light ....................7
fluid, checking and adding ......50
fluid, refill capacities ................72
fluid, specifications ..............73,74
lubricant specifications .......73,74
shift interlock ............................25
Break-in period .............................3
Capacities for refilling fluids ......72
Coolant
checking and adding ................51
refill capacities .....................55,72
specifications .......................73,74
Dipstick
automatic transmission fluid ...56
engine oil ...................................48Doors
lubricant specifications ............73
Driveline universal
joint and slip yoke ......................58
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ............................37
Emission control system ............70
Engine ..........................................74
check engine/service engine
soon light ....................................6
coolant .......................................51
idle speed control .....................59
lubrication specifications ....73,74
refill capacities ..........................72
service points ............................47
starting after a collision ...........29
Engine oil ....................................48
checking and adding ................48
dipstick ......................................48
filter, specifications .............49,72
recommendations .....................49
refill capacities ..........................72
specifications .......................73,74
Exhaust fumes ............................20
Fluid capacities ...........................72
Fuel ..............................................65
cap .............................................69
capacity .....................................72
choosing the right fuel .............67
detergent in fuel .......................68
filling your
vehicle with fuel ..................65,69
filter, specifications .............70,72
fuel pump shut-off switch .......29
gauge .........................................12
octane rating ........................68,74
quality ........................................68
running out of fuel ...................69
safety information relating
to automotive fuels ..................65
Fuses .......................................29,30
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ..............69
Index
76

Gauges ...........................................9
battery voltage gauge ...............11
engine coolant
temperature gauge ...................10
engine oil pressure gauge ........11
fuel gauge ..................................12
odometer ...................................10
speedometer ...............................9
trip odometer ............................11
Headlamps ...................................13
flash to pass ..............................14
high beam ..............................8,13
turning on and off ....................13
Ignition ....................................14,74
Inspection/maintenance (I/M)
testing ..........................................71
Instrument panel
cluster ..........................................6
lighting up
panel and interior .....................13
Jump-starting your vehicle ........37
Keys
positions of the ignition ...........14
Lamps
cargo lamps ...............................13
headlamps .................................13
headlamps, flash to pass ..........14
instrument panel, dimming .....13
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................16
Lights, warning and indicator ......6
anti-lock brakes (ABS) .........8,23
brake ............................................7
charging system ..........................9
high beam ...................................8
overdrive off ................................8
safety belt ...................................7
service engine soon ....................6
turn signal indicator ...................8
Lubricant specifications ........73,74
Manual transmission
fluid capacities ..........................72lubricant specifications ............74
Motorcraft parts .....................70,72
Octane rating ..............................68
Odometer .....................................10
Oil (see Engine oil) ....................48
Overdrive .....................................16
Parking brake ..............................23
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ......72
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) .................................32
Power steering ............................24
fluid, checking and adding ......56
fluid, refill capacity ..................72
fluid, specifications ..............73,74
Relays .....................................29,34
Safety defects, reporting ............75
Safety restraints
warning light and chime .........7,9
Servicing your vehicle ................46
Spark plugs, specifications ....72,74
Special notice ................................3
utility-type vehicles ....................3
Specification chart,
lubricants ................................73,74
Speedometer .................................9
Starting your vehicle .............17,19
jump starting ............................37
Steering wheel
tilting .........................................15
Tires ..............................35,61,62,63
changing ....................................35
checking the pressure ..............63
replacing ....................................64
rotating ......................................63
snow tires and chains ..............64
tire grades .................................62
treadwear ..................................62
Towing .........................................63
wrecker ......................................43
Transmission ...............................25
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) ...............................56
Index
77