2002 FORD EXPLORER coolant reservoir

Continued operation will increase the engine temperature:
²the engine will completely shut down.
²steering and braking effort will increase.
Once the engine temperature cools, the engine can be re-started. Take
your vehicle to a service facility as soon as possible to minimize engine
damage.
When fail-safe mode is activated
You have limited engine power when in the fail-safe mode, so drive the
vehicle with caution. The vehicle will not be able to maintain high speed
operation and the engine will run rough. Remember that the engine is
capable of completely shutting down automatically to prevent engine
damage, therefore:
1. Pull off the road as soon as safely possible and turn off the engine.
2. Arrange for the vehicle to be taken to a service facility.
3. If this is not possible, wait a short period for the engine to cool.
4. Check the coolant level and replenish if low.
Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the engine is
running or hot.
5. Re start the engine and take your vehicle to a service facility.
Driving the vehicle without repairing the engine problem
increases the chance of engine damage. Take your vehicle to a
service facility as soon as possible.
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.
Maintenance and care
247

²4.0L SOHC V6 engine
²4.6L V8 engine
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.
5. The fluid level should be between the MIN and MAX lines. Do not add
fluid if the level is in this range.
6. 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)
The 5R55W transmission does not have a transmission fluid dipstick.
Maintenance and care
248

Item Information
Required fuel Unleaded fuel only - 87 octane
Fuel tank capacity 85.2L (22.5 gallons)
4.0L Engine oil capacity
(includes filter change)4.7L (5.0 quarts). Use Motorcraft
SAE 5W-30 Super Premium Motor
Oil, Ford specification
WSS-M2C153-G.
4.6L Engine oil capacity
(includes filter change)5.7L (6.0 quarts). Use Motorcraft
SAE 5W-20 Super Premium Motor
Oil, Ford specification
WSS-M2C153-H.
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-(4.0L SOHC V6
engine without auxiliary climate
control)
1
15.4L (16.3 quarts)
Coolant capacity-(4.0L SOHC V6
engine with auxiliary climate
control)
1
17.2L (18.2 quarts)
Coolant capacity (4.6L V8 engine
without auxiliary climate control)
117.6L (18.6 quarts)
Coolant capacity (4.6L V8 engine
with auxiliary climate control)
119.0L (20.1 quarts)
Power steering fluid capacity Fill to line on reservoir. Use
Motorcraft MERCONtAT F.
Manual transmission
fluid capacity
22.4L (5.1 pints). Use Motorcraft
MERCONtAT F.
Automatic transmission fluid
capacity (5R55W transmission)
212.0L (12.7 quarts). Use
Motorcraft MERCONtV ATF.3
1
Use Ford Premium Engine Coolant (green or yellow in color). DO NOT
USE Ford Extended Life Engine Coolant (orange in color). Refer to
Adding engine coolant, in the Maintenance and Care chapter.
2Ensure the correct automatic transmission fluid is used. MERCONtand
MERCONtV are not interchangeable. DO NOT mix MERCONtand
Filling station information
311