2001 FORD EXPLORER checking oil

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.
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Maintenance and care
210

6. Wipe the indicator clean. Insert the indicator fully, then remove it
again.
²If the oil level isbetween the ADD and FULL marksorbetween
the MIN and MAX marks (depending on application),the oil
level is acceptable.DO NOT ADD OIL.
²If the oil level is below the ADD
mark or MIN mark, add enough
oil to raise the level within the
ADD-FULL range or MIN-MAX
range.
²Oil levels above the letter F in FULL or the MAX mark may cause
engine damage. Some oil must be removed from the engine by a
service technician.
7. Put the indicator back in and ensure it is fully seated.
Adding engine oil
1. Check the engine oil. For instructions, refer toChecking the engine
oilin this chapter.
2. If the engine oil level is not within the normal range, add only certified
engine oil of the recommended viscosity. Remove the engine oil filler cap
and use a funnel to pour the engine oil into the opening.
3. Recheck the engine oil level. Make sure the oil level is not above the
MAX mark or the letter F in FULL on the engine oil level indicator
(dipstick).
4. Install the indicator and ensure it is fully seated.
5. Fully install the engine oil filler cap by turning the filler cap clockwise
until three clicks can be heard.
To avoid possible oil loss, DO NOT operate the vehicle with the
engine oil level indicator and/or the engine oil filler cap removed.
Maintenance and care
212

SAE 5W-30 engine oil is recommended.
Only use oils ªCertified For Gasoline Enginesº by the American
Petroleum Institute (API). Use Motorcraft (Part: XO±5W30±QSP in U.S.)
or an equivalent oil meeting Ford Specification WSS-M2C153±G.
Do not use supplemental engine oil additives, oil treatments or engine
treatments. They are unnecessary and could, under certain conditions,
lead to engine damage which is not covered by your warranty.
Change your engine oil according to the appropriate schedule listed in
the scheduled maintenance guide.
Engine Oil Filter Recommendation
Change your engine oil filter according to the appropriate schedule listed
in the scheduled maintenance guide. Ford production and aftermarket
(Motorcraft) oil filters are designed for added engine protection and long
life. If a replacement oil filter is used that does not meet Ford Material
and design specifications, start-up engine noises or knock may be
experienced.
It is recommended you use the appropriate Motorcraft oil filter (or
another brand meeting Ford specifications) for your engine.
BRAKE FLUID
Checking and adding brake fluid
Brake fluid should be checked and
refilled as needed. Refer to the
scheduled maintenance guide for
the service interval schedules.
1. Clean the reservoir cap before
removal to prevent dirt or water
from entering the reservoir.
Maintenance and care
214

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.
Checking and adding washer fluid for the liftgate
Washer fluid for the liftgate is supplied by the same reservoir as the
windshield.
ENGINE COOLANT
Checking engine coolant
Your engine's cooloing system has been factory-filled with a 50/50
mixture of distilled water and Ford G05 Engine Coolant per Ford
Specification WSS-M97B51±A1.
A50/50 mixtureof distilled water and Ford G05 Engine Coolant
provides:
²maximum cooling system efficiency.
²freeze protection down to -36É C (-34É F).
²boiling protection up to 129É C (265É F).
²protection against rust and other forms of corrosion.
²an accurate temperature readout from the engine coolant
gauge.
The engine coolant must be maintained at the correct fluid level
and concentration to work properly. If the engine coolant fluid
level and concentration is not maintained correctly, damage to
the engine and cooling system may result.
Maintenance and care
216

Certification Label ....................262
Child safety restraints ..............145
child safety belts ....................145
Child safety seats ..............145±146
attaching with tether straps ..149
in front seat ............................147
in rear seat ..............................147
Cleaning your vehicle ...............248
engine compartment ..............250
exterior ............................250±251
exterior lamps .........................251
instrument cluster lens ..........253
instrument panel ....................252
interior .............................252±253
mirrors .....................................254
plastic parts ............................251
safety belts ..............................253
washing ....................................249
waxing .....................................249
wheels ......................................251
windows ..................................254
wiper blades ............................252
woodtone trim ........................254
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ............23
Clock ..........................42, 48, 58, 71
Compass, electronic ....................94
calibration .................................96
set zone adjustment .................95
Console ......................................105
overhead ....................................92
rear ..........................................106
Controls
power seat ...............................122
steering column ........................90
Coolant
checking and adding ..............216
refill capacities ................219, 255specifications ..................258, 260
Cruise control (see Speed
control) ........................................84
Customer Assistance ................185
Ford accessories for your
vehicle .....................................270
Ford Extended Service Plan....263
Getting assistance outside the
U.S. and Canada .....................269
Getting roadside assistance ...185
Getting the service you need 263
Ordering additional owner's
literature .................................274
The Dispute Settlement
Board .......................................266
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................269
D
Daytime running lamps (see
Lamps) .........................................22
Defrost
rear window ..............................34
Dipstick
automatic transmission fluid....222
engine oil .................................210
Doors
door ajar warning .....................12
lubricant specifications ..........258
Driveline universal joint and
slip yoke ....................................225
Driving under special
conditions ..........................172, 174
mud ..........................171, 173±174
sand .................................171, 174
snow and ice ...........171±173, 175
through water .........171, 174, 178
Index
277

E
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................199
Emission control system ..........242
Engine ........................................260
check engine/service engine
soon light ....................................8
cleaning ...................................250
coolant .....................................216
idle speed control ...................225
lubrication
specifications ..................258, 260
refill capacities ........................255
service points ..................209±210
starting after a collision .........186
Engine block heater .................154
Engine oil ..................................210
checking and adding ..............210
dipstick ....................................210
filter, specifications ........213, 255
recommendations ...................213
refill capacities ........................255
specifications ..................258, 260
Exhaust fumes ..........................155
F
Floor mats .................................107
Fluid capacities .........................255
Foglamps .....................................22
Four-Wheel Drive vehicles...12, 167
control trac .......................34, 168
description ......................168±169
driving off road ...............170, 173
electronic shift ..........................34
preparing to drive your
vehicle .....................................161Fuel ............................................234
calculating fuel economy...18, 238
cap .......................................9, 237
capacity ...................................255
choosing the right fuel ...........236
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................241
detergent in fuel .....................237
filling your vehicle with
fuel ...........................234, 237, 239
filter, specifications ........238, 255
fuel pump shut-off switch .....186
gauge .........................................16
improving fuel economy ........238
octane rating ...................236, 260
quality ......................................236
running out of fuel .................237
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................234
Fuses ..................................187, 189
G
Garage door opener ..............92, 96
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ........9, 237
Gas mileage (see Fuel
economy) ...................................238
Gauges .........................................13
battery voltage gauge ...............16
engine coolant temperature
gauge .........................................14
engine oil pressure gauge ........16
fuel gauge ..................................16
odometer ...................................15
speedometer .............................14
tachometer ................................15
trip odometer ............................15
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight
Rating) .......................................176
calculating ...............................178
Index
278

air bag ........................................10
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ....10, 158
anti-theft ...................................11
brake ..........................................10
charging system ........................11
check coolant ............................11
check engine ...............................8
cruise indicator .........................13
door ajar ....................................12
fuel cap light ...............................9
high beam .................................11
overdrive off ..............................12
safety belt .................................10
speed control ............................88
turn signal indicator .................11
Load limits .................................176
GAWR ......................................176
GVWR ......................................176
trailer towing ..........................176
Loading instructions .................177
Locks
autolock ...................................116
childproof ................................104
Lubricant specifications ...258, 260
Lumbar support, seats .....124±125
M
Manual transmission
fluid capacities ........................255
lubricant specifications ..........260
Message center ...........................17
english/metric button ...............17
reset button ..............................19
system check button ................19
Mirrors
automatic dimming rearview
mirror ......................................102
cleaning ...................................254fold away .................................105
heated ......................................105
side view mirrors (power) .....104
Moon roof ....................................93
Motorcraft parts ................238, 255
O
Octane rating ............................236
Odometer .....................................15
Off-Road Driving .......................173
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................210
P
Panic alarm feature, remote
entry system ..............................110
Parking brake ............................158
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....255
Power distribution box (see
Fuses) ........................................192
Power door locks ......................103
Power steering ..........................159
fluid, checking and adding ....220
fluid, refill capacity ................255
fluid, specifications .........258, 260
Preparing to drive your
vehicle ........................................161
R
Radio ............................................36
Relays ........................................187
Remote entry system .......109±110
illuminated entry ....................113
locking/unlocking doors .........110
panic alarm .............................110
Index
280