2000 FORD POSTAL EXPLORER check engine light

WARNING LIGHTS AND CHIMES
Service engine soon
Your vehicle is equipped with a
computer that monitors the engine's
emission control system. This
system is commonly known as the
On Board Diagnostics System (OBD
II). The OBD II system protects the
environment by ensuring that your vehicle continues to meet
government emission standards. The OBD II system also assists the
service technician in properly servicing your vehicle.
TheService Engine Soonindicator light illuminates when the ignition is
first turned to the ON position to check the bulb. If it comes on after the
engine is started, one of the engine's emission control systems may be
malfunctioning. The light may illuminate without a driveability concern
being noted. The vehicle will usually be drivable and will not require
towing.
What you should do if the Service Engine Soon light illuminates
Light turns on solid:
This means that the OBD II system has detected a malfunction.
Temporary malfunctions may cause yourService Engine Soonlight to
illuminate. Examples are:
1. The vehicle has run out of fuel. (The engine may misfire or run
poorly.)
2. Poor fuel quality or water in the fuel.
3. The fuel cap may not have been properly installed and securely
tightened.
0 1020304050
60
70
80
90
10 0
20 km/h
406080
10 0
12 0
14 0
H
L
16 0
MPH
000000
0000
BRAKE
18
8
SERVICE
ENGINE SOON
FH
C
E
O/D
OFF
SERVICE
ENGINE
SOON
Instrumentation
6

BRAKES
Your service brakes are self-adjusting. Refer to the scheduled
maintenance guide for scheduled maintenance.
Occasional brake noise is normal and often does not indicate a
performance concern with the vehicle's brake system. In normal
operation, automotive brake systems may emit occasional or intermittent
squeal or groan noises when the brakes are applied. Such noises are
usually heard during the first few brake applications in the morning;
however, they may be heard at any time while braking and can be
aggravated by environmental conditions such as cold, heat, moisture,
road dust, salt or mud. If a ªmetal-to-metal,º ªcontinuous grindingº or
ªcontinuous squealº sound is present while braking, the brake linings
may be worn-out and should be inspected by a qualified service
technician.
Four-wheel anti-lock brake system (ABS)
This vehicle is equipped with an anti-lock braking system (ABS). A noise
from the hydraulic pump motor and pulsation in the pedal may be
observed during ABS braking events. Pedal pulsation coupled with noise
while braking under panic conditions or on loose gravel, bumps, wet or
snowy roads is normal and indicates proper functioning of the vehicle's
anti-lock brake system. The ABS performs a self-check after you start
the engine and begin to drive away. A brief mechanical noise may be
heard during this test. This is normal. If a malfunction is found, the ABS
warning light will come on. If the vehicle has continuous vibration or
shudder in the steering wheel while braking, the vehicle should be
inspected by a qualified service technician.
The ABS operates by detecting the
onset of wheel lockup during brake
applications and compensates for
this tendency. The wheels are
prevented from locking even when
the brakes are firmly applied. The
accompanying illustration depicts
the advantage of an ABS equipped
vehicle (on bottom) to a non-ABS
equipped vehicle (on top) during hard braking with loss of front braking
traction.
Driving
22

Do not attempt to push start your vehicle. Automatic
transmissions do not have push-start capability.
Preparing your vehicle
When the battery is disconnected or a new battery is installed, the
transmission must relearn its adaptive strategy. As a result of this, the
transmission may shift firmly. This operation is considered normal and
will not effect function or durability of the transmission. Over time, the
adaptive learning process will fully update transmission operation to its
optimum shift feel.
1.Use only a 12±volt supply to start your vehicle.
2. Do not disconnect the battery of the disabled vehicle as this could
damage the vehicle's electrical system.
3. Park the booster vehicle close to the hood of the disabled vehicle
making sure the two vehiclesdo nottouch. Set the parking brake on
both vehicles and stay clear of the engine cooling fan and other moving
parts.
4. Check all battery terminals and remove any excessive corrosion before
you attach the battery cables. Ensure that vent caps are tight and level.
5. Turn the heater fan on in both vehicles to protect any electrical
surges. Turn all other accessories off.
Connecting the jumper cables
1. Connect the positive (+) booster cable to the positive (+) terminal of
the discharged battery.
Note:In the illustrations,lightning boltsare used to designate the
assisting (boosting) battery.
+–+–
Roadside emergencies
38

SERVICE RECOMMENDATIONS
To help you service your vehicle:
²We highlight do-it-yourself items in the engine compartment for easy
location.
²We provide a Scheduled Maintenance Guide which makes tracking
routine service easy.
If your vehicle requires professional service, your dealership can provide
necessary parts and service. Check your ªWarranty Guideº to find out
which parts and services are covered.
Use only recommended fuels, lubricants, fluids and service parts
conforming to specifications. Motorcraft parts are designed and built to
provide the best performance in your vehicle.
PRECAUTIONS WHEN SERVICING YOUR VEHICLE
Be especially careful when inspecting or servicing your vehicle.
²Do not work on a hot engine.
²When the engine is running, make sure that loose clothing, jewelry or
long hair does not get caught up in moving parts.
²Do not work on a vehicle with the engine running in an enclosed
space, unless you are sure you have enough ventilation.
²Keep all lit cigarettes, open flames and other lit material away from
the battery and all fuel related parts.
If you disconnect the battery, the engine must ªrelearnº its idle
conditions before your vehicle will drive properly, as explained inBattery
in this chapter.
Working with the engine off
1. Set the parking brake and ensure the gearshift is securely latched in P
(Park).
2. Turn off the engine and remove the key.
3. Block the wheels to prevent the vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
Working with the engine on
1. Set the parking brake and ensure the gearshift is securely latched in P
(Park).
2. Block the wheels to prevent the vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
Maintenance and care
46

WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID
Checking and adding washer fluid
Check the washer fluid whenever
you stop for fuel. The reservoir is
highlighted with a
symbol.
If the level is low, add enough fluid
to fill the reservoir. In very cold
weather, do not fill the reservoir all
the way.
Only use a washer fluid that meets Ford specifications. Refer to
Lubricant specificationsin theCapacities and specificationschapter.
State or local regulations on volatile organic compounds may restrict the
use of methanol, a common windshield washer antifreeze additive.
Washer fluids containing non-methanol antifreeze agents should be used
only if they provide cold weather protection without damaging the
vehicle's paint finish, wiper blades or washer system.
Do not put washer fluid in the engine coolant reservoir. Washer
fluid placed in the cooling system may harm engine and cooling
system components.
ENGINE COOLANT
Checking engine coolant
Your engine's cooling system has been factory-filled with a 50/50 mixture
of distilled water and Ford Premium Engine Coolant E2FZ-19549-AA (in
Canada, Motorcraft CXC-10), or an equivalent premium engine coolant
that meets Ford specification ESE-M97B44-A.
RADIATOR
COOLANT
ONLY
WASHERFLUIDONLY
Maintenance and care
51

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