2001 FORD EXPLORER automatic transmission fluid

The BRAKE warning lamp in the
instrument cluster illuminates and
remains illuminated (when the
ignition is turned ON) until the
parking brake is released.
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure that the
gearshift is securely latched in P (Park) (automatic
transmission) or in 1 (First) (manual transmission).
The parking brake is not recommended to stop a moving vehicle.
However, if the normal brakes fail, the parking brake can be used to stop
your vehicle in an emergency. Since the parking brake applies only the
rear brakes, the vehicle's stopping distance will increase greatly and the
handling of your vehicle will be adversely affected.
Pull the release lever to release the
brake. Driving with the parking
brake on will cause the brakes to
wear out quickly and reduce fuel
economy.
STEERING
Your vehicle is equipped with power steering. Power steering uses energy
from the engine to help steer the vehicle.
To prevent damage to the power steering pump:
²Never hold the steering wheel to the extreme right or the extreme left
for more than a few seconds when the engine is running.
²Do not operate the vehicle with a low power steering pump fluid level
(below the MIN mark on the reservoir).
If the power steering system breaks down (or if the engine is turned
off), you can steer the vehicle manually, but it takes more effort.
!
BRAKE
Driving
159

If a distance of 80 km (50 miles) or a speed of 56 km/h (35 mph) must
be exceeded, you must disconnect the driveshaft. Ford recommends the
driveshaft be removed/installed only by a qualified technician. See your
local dealer for driveshaft removal/installation.
Improper removal/installation of the driveshaft can cause
transmission fluid loss, damage to the driveshaft and internal
transmission components.
RWD vehicles with 4x4 electronic shift transfer case or All Wheel
Drive (AWD) vehicles with automatic transmissions
Regarding recreational towing or having your vehicle towed, 4x4 vehicles
with electronic shift on the fly and AWD vehicles cannot be towed with
any wheels on the ground (with the exception of moving it as a disabled
vehicle off the road out of traffic).
LUGGAGE RACK
Maximum load is 90 kg (200 lbs), evenly distributed. If it is not possible
to distribute the load, position it as far rearward as possible. Adjustable
tie down loops must be used to secure the load.
To adjust cross-bar position:
1. Loosen the thumbwheel at both
ends of the cross-bar (both
cross-bars are adjustable).
2. Slide the cross-bar to the desired location.
3. Tighten the thumbwheel at both ends of the cross-bar.
To remove the cross-bar assembly from the roof rack side rails:
1. Loosen the thumbwheel at both ends of the cross-bar (both cross-bars
are adjustable).
2. Slide the cross-bar to the end of the rail.
3. Use a long, flat object in order to depress the tongue in the endcaps
on both sides of the cross-bar.
4. Slide the assemblies off the end.
To reinstall the cross-bar assembly to the roof rack side rails:
1. Slide the cross-bar assemblies over the end cap tongue and into the
side rails.
2. Tighten thumbwheel at both ends of the cross-bar.
Driving
184

IDENTIFYING COMPONENTS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT
4.0L SOHC V6 engine
1. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
2. Automatic transmission fluid dipstick
3. Engine oil filler cap
4. Engine oil dipstick
5. Brake fluid reservoir
6. Power distribution box
7. Battery
8. Power steering fluid reservoir
9. Air filter assembly
10. Engine coolant reservoir
10
134256
978
Maintenance and care
209

5.0L V8 engine
1. Engine coolant reservoir
2. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
3. Engine oil filler cap
4. Automatic transmission fluid dipstick
5. Brake fluid reservoir
6. Power distribution box
7. Battery
8. Power steering fluid reservoir
9. Engine oil dipstick
10. Air filter assembly
ENGINE OIL
Checking the engine oil
Refer to the scheduled maintenance guide for the appropriate intervals
for checking the engine oil.
1. Make sure the vehicle is on level ground.
2. Turn the engine off and wait a few minutes for the oil to drain into the
oil pan.
1
23
7
564
9810
Maintenance and care
210

TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking automatic transmission fluid (if equipped)
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 at normal operating
temperature (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 pulling a trailer, the vehicle should be turned off for about
30 minutes to allow fluid to cool before checking.
1. Drive the vehicle 30 km (20 miles) or until it reaches normal operating
temperature.
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
3. With the parking brake engaged and your foot on the brake pedal,
start the engine and move the gearshift lever through all of the gear
ranges. Allow sufficient time for each gear to engage.
4. Latch the gearshift lever in P (Park) and leave the engine running.
5. Remove the dipstick, wiping it clean with a clean, dry lint free rag. If
necessary, refer toIdentifying components in the engine compartment
in this chapter for the location of the dipstick.
6. Install the dipstick making sure it is fully seated in the filler tube.
7. Remove the dipstick and inspect the fluid level. The fluid should be in
the designated area for normal operating temperature or ambient
temperature.
Low fluid level
Do not drive the vehicle if the fluid
level is at the bottom of the dipstick
and the ambient temperature is
above 10ÉC (50ÉF).
ADD COLD HOT DO NOT ADD
Maintenance and care
222

Correct fluid level
The transmission fluid should be checked at normal operating
temperature 66ÉC-77ÉC (150ÉF-170ÉF) on a level surface. The normal
operating temperature can be reached after approximately 30 km (20
miles) of driving.
You can check the fluid without driving if the ambient temperature is
above 10ÉC (50ÉF). However, if fluid is added at this time, an overfill
condition could result when the vehicle reaches normal operating
temperature.
The transmission fluid should be in
this range if at normal operating
temperature (66ÉC-77ÉC
[150ÉF-170ÉF]).
The transmission fluid should be in
this range if at ambient temperature
(10ÉC-35ÉC [50ÉF-95ÉF]).
High fluid level
Fluid levels above the safe range
may result in transmission failure.
An overfill condition of transmission
fluid may cause shift and/or
engagement concerns and/or
possible damage.
High fluid levels can be caused by
an overheating condition.
Adjusting automatic transmission fluid levels
Before adding any fluid, make sure the correct type is used. The type of
fluid used is normally indicated on the dipstick and also in the
Lubricant specificationssection in theCapacities and specifications
chapter.
ADD COLD HOT DO NOT ADD
ADD COLD HOT DO NOT ADD
ADD COLD HOT DO NOT ADD
Maintenance and care
223

Use of a non-approved automatic transmission fluid may cause
internal transmission component damage.
If necessary, add fluid in 250 mL (1/2 pint) increments through the filler
tube until the level is correct.
If an overfill occurs, excess fluid
should be removed by a qualified
technician.
An overfill condition of
transmission fluid may cause
shift and/or engagement
concerns and/or possible
damage.
CHECKING AND ADDING TRANSFER CASE FLUID (IF EQUIPPED)
1. Clean the filler plug.
2. Remove the filler plug and
inspect the fluid level.
ADD COLD HOT DO NOT ADD

Maintenance and care
224

Fluid Ford Part
NameApplication Capacity
Transmission
fluid
1Motorcraft
MERCONtV
AT F4R70W
Automatic with
5.0L V8 engine13.1L
(13.9 quarts)2
5R55E
Automatic with
4.0L SOHC V6
engine (4x2)9.5L
(10.0 quarts)2
5R55E
Automatic with
4.0L SOHC V6
engine (4x4)9.8L
(10.3 quarts)2
Transfer case Motorcraft
MERCONtAT F4WD 1.4L
(1.5 quarts)
AWD 1.25L
(1.3 quarts)
Engine coolant
3Premium Engine
Coolant4.0L SOHC V6
engine15.4L
(16.3 quarts)
5.0L V8 engine 14.9L
(15.7 quarts)
Front axle
lubricantMotorcraft SAE
80W-90
Premium Rear
Axle Lubricant4x4 vehicles 1.7L
(1.8 quarts)
Rear axle
lubricant
4Motorcraft SAE
80W-90
Premium Rear
Axle LubricantRefer to
Footnote 52.9-3.1L
(5.5-5.8 pints)
Motorcraft SAE
75W-140 High
Performance
Synthetic Rear
Axle LubricantRefer to
Footnote 6
Windshield
washer fluidUltra-Clear
Windshield
Washer
ConcentrateAll 2.6L
(2.7 quarts)
Capacities and specifications
256