2001 FORD POSTAL EXPLORER octane

These temporary malfunctions can be corrected by filling the fuel tank
with high quality fuel of the recommended octane and/or properly
installing and securely tightening the gas cap. After three driving cycles
without these or any other temporary malfunctions present, theService
Engine Soonlight should turn off. (A driving cycle consists of a cold
engine startup followed by mixed city/highway driving.) No additional
vehicle service is required.
If theService Engine Soonlight remains on, have your vehicle serviced
at the first available opportunity.
Light is blinking:
Engine misfire is occurring which could damage your catalytic converter.
You should drive in a moderate fashion (avoid heavy acceleration and
deceleration) and have your vehicle serviced at the first available
opportunity.
Under engine misfire conditions, excessive exhaust temperatures
could damage the catalytic converter, the fuel system, interior
floor coverings or other vehicle components, possibly causing a fire.
Safety belt
Momentarily illuminates when the
ignition is turned to the ON position
to remind you to fasten your safety
belts. For more information, refer to
theSeating and safety restraints
chapter.
Brake system warning
Momentarily illuminates when the
ignition is turned to the ON position
to ensure the circuit is functional.
Also illuminates if the parking brake
is engaged. If the brake warning
lamp does not illuminate at these times, seek service immediately.
Illumination after releasing the parking brake indicates low brake fluid
level and the brake system should be inspected immediately.
!
BRAKE
Instrumentation
7

²Avoid getting fuel liquid in your eyes. If fuel is splashed in the eyes,
remove contact lenses (if worn), flush with water for 15 minutes and
seek medical attention. Failure to seek proper medical attention could
lead to permanent injury.
²Fuels can also be harmful if absorbed through the skin. If fuel is
splashed on the skin and/or clothing, promptly remove contaminated
clothing and wash skin thoroughly with soap and water. Repeated or
prolonged skin contact with fuel liquid or vapor causes skin irritation.
²Be particularly careful if you are taking ªAntabuseº or other forms of
disulfiram for the treatment of alcoholism. Breathing gasoline and/or
ethanol vapors, or skin contact could cause an adverse reaction. In
sensitive individuals, serious personal injury or sickness may result. If
fuel is splashed on the skin, promptly wash skin thoroughly with soap
and water. Consult a physician immediately if you experience an
adverse reaction.
²FFV fuel tanks may contain zero to 85 percent or more of ethanol.
Any fuel blends containing gasoline and ethanol should be treated the
same as ªFuel Ethanol (E85)º.
Pure ethanol is the alcohol which is the intoxicating agent in liquor, beer
and wine. It is distilled from the fermentation of plants such as field corn
and sugar cane. When ethanol is used in the making of motor fuels, a
small amount of a bad tasting chemical is added to discourage beverage
use. The resulting fuel is called E
d100 meaning 100% pure ethanol
diluted by 2% to 5% gasoline as the ªdenaturant.º
Fuel ethanol (E
d85 summer blend) is then made by adding 15% more
unleaded gasoline. The resulting fuel also has a higher octane rating than
unleaded regular gasoline and other properties which allow engine
designs with greater efficiency and power.
Winter blends may contain up to 30% (E70)unleaded gasoline (25% plus
the denaturant) to enhance cold engine starts. Severely cold weather
may require additional measures for reliable starting. Refer toCold
Weather Startingin theStartingchapter.
Ethanol is more chemically active than gasoline. It corrodes some metals
and causes some plastic and rubber components to swell, break down or
become brittle and crack, especially when mixed with gasoline. Special
materials and procedures have been developed for flexible fuel vehicles
and the dispensers used by ethanol fuel providers.
Maintenance and care
73

Octane recommendations
Your vehicle is designed to use Fuel Ethanol (E85), ªRegularº unleaded
gasoline or any percentage of the two fuels combined.
The fuel tank in your vehicle may contain any percentage of ethanol
from zero to 85 percent or more. Any fuel blends containing ethanol and
unleaded gasoline should be treated the same as ªFuel Ethanol (E85)º
Use ªRegularº unleaded gasoline
with an (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.
Use only the highest quality fuel ethanol to optimize the performance of
your vehicle.
U.S. government regulations require fuel ethanol dispensing
pumps to have a small, square, orange and black label with the
common abbreviation E85 or the appropriate percentage for that
region. Use of other fuels such as Fuel Methanol may cause
powertrain damage, a loss of vehicle performance, and your
warranty may be invalidated.
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
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 theAuto Makers' Choiceylogo.
87(R+M)/2 METHOD
Maintenance and care
75

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.
If you are experiencing starting, rough idle or hesitation driveability
problems during a cold start using only unleaded gasoline, 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.
Your FFV will operate well on ordinary ªRegularº unleaded gasoline, but
only the highest quality fuel ethanol will provide the same level of
protection and performance.
Standards for fuel ethanol have been developed to provide FFVs the best
possible performance, safety and durability. To assist alcohol fuel
providers in meeting these standards, guidelines have also been
developed which prescribe ªEthanol Fuel Compatibleº dispensing station
equipment. These standards and guidelines can be obtained from Ford
Motor Company. Fuel stations may apply to be certified as meeting these
standards. However, not all stations meet these standards at this time. To
ensure proper operation of your FFV on fuel ethanol, refuel at certified
stations.
If you are experiencing a rough or rolling idle after start-up with the
outside temperature above 27É C (80É F) using fuel ethanol, the idle
should improve within 10 to 30 seconds. If the problems persist below
this temperature, see your dealer or a qualified service technician.
Cleaner air
Ford endorses the use of reformulated ªcleaner-burningº gasolines to
improve air quality.
Running out of fuel
Avoid running out of fuel because this situation may have an adverse
affect on powertrain components.
Maintenance and care
76

Item Ford Part
Name or
equivalentFord Part
NumberFord
Specification
Rear axle Motorcraft SAE
80W-90
Premium Rear
Axle LubricantXY-80W90-QL WSP-M2C197-A
Windshield
washer fluidUltra-clear
Windshield
Washer
ConcentrateC9AZ-19550-AC ESR-M17P5-A
1DO NOT USE Ford Extended Life Engine Coolant F6AZ-19544-AA,
meeting Ford specification WSS-M97B44-D (orange in color) Refer to
Adding engine coolant,in theMaintenance and Carechapter.
ENGINE DATA
Engine 4.0L SOHC V6 engine
Cubic inches 245
Required fuel 87 octane and/or E85
Firing order 1-4-2-5-3-6
Spark plug gap 1.3-1.4 mm (0.052-0.056 inch)
Ignition system EDIS
Compression ratio 9.7:1
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
Incomplete vehicles
On completed derivations of incomplete vehicles, the certification label is
affixed at a location determined by a subsequent stage manufacturer of
the completed vehicle. In these cases the completed vehicle is
manufactured in two or more stages by two or more separate
manufacturers.
Capacities and specifications
82

checking and adding ................54
dipstick ......................................54
filter, specifications ............55, 80
recommendations .....................55
refill capacities ..........................80
specifications ......................81±82
Exhaust fumes ............................21
F
Fluid capacities ...........................80
Four-Wheel Drive vehicles .........30
control trac ...............................17
description ................................30
driving off road .........................31
electronic shift ..........................17
Fuel ..............................................71
cap .............................................77
capacity .....................................80
choosing the right fuel .............74
detergent in fuel .......................76
filling your vehicle
with fuel ..............................71, 77
filter, specifications ............78, 80
fuel pump shut-off switch .......34
gauge .........................................12
octane rating .......................75, 82
quality ........................................75
running out of fuel ...................76
safety information relating
to automotive fuels ..................71
Fuses ......................................34±35
G
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ..............77
Gauges ...........................................9
battery voltage gauge ...............11
engine coolant
temperature gauge ...................10engine oil pressure gauge ........11
fuel gauge ..................................12
odometer ...................................10
speedometer ...............................9
trip odometer ............................11
H
Headlamps ...................................13
flash to pass ..............................14
high beam .............................8, 13
turning on and off ....................13
I
Ignition ...................................14, 82
Inspection/
maintenance (I/M) testing .........79
Instrument panel
cluster ..........................................6
lighting up
panel and interior .....................13
J
Jack ..............................................40
positioning .................................40
storage .......................................40
Jump-starting your vehicle ........43
K
Keys
positions of the ignition ...........14
L
Lamps
cargo lamps ...............................13
headlamps .................................13
Index
85

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, 24
brake ............................................7
charging system ..........................9
high beam ...................................8
overdrive off ................................8
safety belt ...................................7
service engine soon ....................6
turn signal indicator ...................8
Lubricant specifications .......81±82
M
Manual transmission
fluid capacities ..........................80
lubricant specifications ............82
Motorcraft parts ....................78, 80
O
Octane rating ..............................75
Odometer .....................................10
Oil (see Engine oil) ....................54
Overdrive .....................................16
P
Parking brake ..............................24
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ......80
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) .................................37Power steering ............................25
fluid, checking and adding ......62
fluid, refill capacity ..................80
fluid, specifications .............81±82
R
Relays ....................................34, 39
S
Safety defects, reporting ............83
Safety restraints
warning light and chime ........7, 9
Servicing your vehicle ................52
Spark plugs, specifications ...80, 82
Special notice ................................3
utility-type vehicles ....................3
Specification chart,
lubricants ...............................81±82
Speedometer .................................9
Starting your vehicle ............18±21
jump starting ............................43
Steering wheel
tilting .........................................15
T
Tires .................................40, 67±69
changing ....................................40
checking the pressure ..............69
replacing ....................................70
rotating ......................................69
snow tires and chains ..............71
tire grades .................................68
treadwear ..................................68
Towing .........................................69
wrecker ......................................49
Index
86

Item Information
Required fuel Refer to9Octane
recommendations9in the
Maintenance and carechapter.
Fuel tank capacity 78.7L (20.8 gallons)
Engine oil capacity (includes filter
change)4.7L (5.0 quarts). Use Motorcraft
SAE 5W-30 Super Premium Motor
Oil, Ford
specificationWSS-M2C153-G.
Tire size and pressure Refer to the Certification Label on
inside of driver's door.
Hood release Pull handle under the instrument
panel.
Coolant capacity
113.2L (14.0 quarts)
Power steering fluid capacity Fill to MAX line on reservoir. Use
Motorcraft MERCONtAT F.
Automatic transmission fluid
capacity
29.5L (10.0 quarts). Use Motorcraft
MERCONtV ATF.3
1
Use Ford Premium Engine Coolant (green in color). DO NOT USE Ford
Extended Life Engine Coolant (orange in color). Refer toAdding engine
coolant, in the Maintenance and Care chapter.
2Ensure the correct automatic transmission fluid is used. Transmission
fluid requirements are indicated on the dipstick or on the dipstick
handle. MERCONtand MERCONtV are not interchangeable. DO NOT
mix MERCONtand MERCONtV. Refer to your scheduled maintenance
guide to determine the correct service interval.
3Approximate dry capacity, includes cooler and tubes. Fluid level should
be checked by a qualified service technician.
Filling station information
88