2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC 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
BRAKE
RELEASE
Driving
134

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.
In case of a roadside emergency with a disabled vehicle (without access
to wheel dollies, a car hauling trailer or a flatbed transport vehicle), your
vehicle can be flat towed (all wheels on the ground) under the following
conditions:
²Release the parking brake.
²Turn the ignition to the OFF position.
²Place the transmission in N (Neutral).
²Do not exceed a distance of 80 km (50 miles).
²Do not exceed 56 km/h (35 mph) vehicle speed.
RWD vehicles with 4x4 electronic shift transfer case and automatic
transmission
Regarding recreational towing or having your vehicle towed, 4x4 vehicles
with electronic shift on the fly 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).
Driving
157

IDENTIFYING COMPONENTS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT
4.0L SOHC V6 engine
1. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
2. Automatic transmission fluid dipstick (if equipped)
3. Engine oil filler cap
4. Engine oil dipstick
5. Brake fluid reservoir
6. Power distribution box
7. Clutch fluid reservoir
8. Battery
9. Power steering fluid reservoir
10. Air filter assembly
11. Engine coolant reservoir
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6
7
Maintenance and care
184

CHECKING AND ADDING POWER STEERING FLUID
Check the power steering fluid.
Refer to the scheduled maintenance
guide for the service interval
schedules. If adding fluid is
necessary, use only MERCONtAT F.
1. Start the engine and let it run until it reaches normal operating
temperature (the engine coolant temperature gauge indicator will be
near the center of the normal area between H and C).
2. While the engine idles, turn the steering wheel left and right several
times.
3. Turn the engine off.
4. Check the fluid level in the reservoir. It should be between the MIN
and MAX lines. Do not add fluid if the level is within this range.
5. If the fluid is low, add fluid in small amounts, continuously checking
the level until it reaches the correct operating range. Be sure to put the
cap back on the reservoir.
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
DONOTOVERFILLPOWERSTEERINGFLUID
Maintenance and care
196

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.
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.
Maintenance and care
198

MOTORCRAFT PART NUMBERS
Component 4.0L SOHC V6 engine
Air filter element FA-1658
Fuel filter FG-986B
Battery BXT-65-650
Oil filter FL-820S
PCV valve EV-243
Spark plugs* AGSF-22PP
* Refer to Vehicle Emissions Control Information (VECI) decal for spark
plug gap information.
REFILL CAPACITIES
Fluid Ford Part
NameApplication
Capacity
Brake and
clutch fluidHigh
Performance
DOT 3 Motor
Vehicle Brake
FluidAll Fill to line on
reservoir
Engine oil
(including filter
change)Motorcraft SAE
5W-30 Super
Premium Motor
OilAll 4.7L (5.0
quarts)
Fuel tank N/A All 77.6L (20.5
gallons)
Power steering
fluidMotorcraft
MERCONtAT FAll Fill to line on
reservoir
Transmission
fluid
1Motorcraft
MERCONtV
AT F5R55E
Automatic (4x2)9.5L (10.0
quarts)2
5R55E
Automatic (4x4)9.8L (10.3
quarts)2
Transfer case Motorcraft
MERCONtAT F4WD 1.2L (1.3
quarts)3
Capacities and specifications
233

Fluid Ford Part
NameApplication
Capacity
Engine coolant
4Motorcraft
Premium Engine
Coolant
(green-colored)
orMotorcraft
Premium Gold
Engine Coolant
(yellow-colored)4.0L SOHC V6
engine13.2L (14.0
quarts)
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. MERCONtand
MERCONtV are not interchangeable. DO NOT MIX MERCONtand
MERCONtV. Refer to the scheduled maintenance guide to determine
the correct service interval.
2Indicates 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.
3Fill to bottom of filler plug hole.
Capacities and specifications
234

ItemFord Part
Name or
equivalentFord Part
NumberFord
Specification
Engine coolant Motorcraft
Premium Engine
Coolant
(green-colored)VC-4±A (US) or
CXC-10
(Canada)ESE-M97B44-A
Motorcraft
Premium Gold
Engine Coolant
(yellow-colored)VC-7±A WSS-M97B51-A1
Engine oilMotorcraft SAE
5W-30 Super
Premium Motor
OilXO-5W30-QSPWSS-M2C153-G
with API
Certification
Mark
Automatic
transmission
(5R55E)
1
Motorcraft
MERCONtV
AT FXT-5-QM MERCONtV
Power steering
fluidMotorcraft
MERCON
Multi-Purposet
AT FXT-2-QDX MERCONt
Ford
conventional and
Traction-Lok
rear axles
2, 3, 4 2, 3, 4 2, 3, 4
Front axle
(4X4)Motorcraft SAE
80W-90
Premium Rear
Axle LubricantXY-80W90-QL WSP-M2C197-A
Transfer case
(4X4)Motorcraft
MERCON
Multi-Purposet
AT FXT-2-QDX MERCONt
Capacities and specifications
236