2002 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC check transmission fluid

If you must drive through high
water, drive slowly. Traction or
braking ability may be reduced.
Also, if the ignition system gets wet,
the vehicle may stall.
Once you’re through the water, always dry the brakes by moving your
vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake pedal. Wet
brakes do not stop the vehicle as quickly as dry brakes.
When driving through mud, be cautious of sudden changes in vehicle
speed or direction. Even 4WD vehicles can lose traction in slick mud.
Apply the accelerator slowly and avoid spinning your wheels. If the
vehicle does slide, steer in the direction of the slide until you regain
control of the vehicle. If the transmission, transfer case or either axle
become submerged in mud or water, their fluids should be checked and
changed, if necessary. After driving through mud, clean off residue stuck
to rotating driveshafts and tires. Excess mud stuck on tires and rotating
driveshafts could damage driveline components.
“Tread Lightly”is an educational
program designed to increase public
awareness of land-use regulations
and responsibilities in our nations
wilderness areas. Ford joins the U.S.
Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management in encouraging you
to help preserve our national forest and other public and private lands by
“treading lightly.”
Driving on hilly or sloping terrain
Avoid driving crosswise or turning on steep slopes or hills. Your vehicle
may lose traction and slip sideways and possibly roll over. Do not drive
in reverse over a hill without the aid of an observer.
Driving
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Do not let the master
cylinder reservoir run dry.
This may cause your brakes to
fail.
Brake fluid is toxic. If brake fluid contacts the eyes, flush eyes
with running water for 15 minutes. Seek medical attention if
irritation persists. If taken internally, drink water and induce vomiting.
Seek medical attention immediately.
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking automatic transmission fluid (if equipped)
•Refer to yourScheduled Maintenance Guidefor scheduled check
and change intervals.
•Transmission does not consume fluid.
•Check fluid when transmission is not operating properly or if you see
a leak.
•Fluid level must be checked at normal operating temperature, 30 km
(20 miles) of driving.
To check and add fluid:
1. Drive the vehicle 30 km (20 miles) to reach normal operating
temperatures.
2. If driven in hot weather, city traffic, pulling a trailer, allow
transmission to cool for 30 minutes before checking.
3. Engage parking brake, start engine.
4. Put your foot on the brake pedal and move the gearshift lever slowly
through all of the gear ranges.
5. Shift to P (Park) and leave the engine running.
6. Remove the dipstick, wipe clean with a dry lint free rag.
7. Install and fully seat the dipstick into the filler tube.
MAX
Maintenance and Specifications
175

8. Remove the dipstick and inspect
the fluid level. Level should be in
the cross-hatched area.
9. If necessary, add fluid in 250ml (1/2 pint) increments through the filler
tube until the level is correct at normal operating temperatures. Refer to
theLubricant Specificationssection in this chapter for the correct fluid
type. The use of any other non-approved fluid may cause internal
transmission damage.
10. Fluid can be checked at ambient
temperatures between 10–30°C
(50–95°F). DO NOT ADD fluid until
the transmission is at normal
operating temperatures or the transmission will be overfilled.
Low fluid level
Do not drive the vehicle if the fluid
level is at or below the bottom of
the dipstick.
High fluid level
Fluid levels above the safe range
may cause overheating, shift and/or
engagement concerns and internal
transmission damage. If an overfill
condition occurs, excess fluid should
be removed by a qualified technician.
Maintenance and Specifications
176

Checking and adding manual transmission fluid (if equipped)
1. Clean the filler plug.
2. Remove the filler plug and
inspect the fluid level.
3. Fluid level should be at the
bottom of the opening.
4. Add enough fluid through the
filler opening so that the fluid level
is at the bottom of the opening.
5. Install and tighten the fill plug
securely.
Use only fluid that meets Ford specifications. Refer toLubricant
Specificationsin this chapter.
Maintenance and Specifications
177

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.
4Add the coolant type originally equipped in your vehicle.
5Fill to 6 mm to 14 mm (1/4 inch to 9/16 inch) below bottom of filler
plug hole.
6For vehicles equipped with a conventional rear axle, refer to your
scheduled maintenance guide for axle fluid change intervals.
7Vehicles equipped with Traction-Lok axle require synthetic rear axle
lubricant. Rear axles containing synthetic lubricant are lubricated for life.
These lubricants are not to be checked or changed unless a leak is
suspected or service is required. The axle lubricant should be changed
any time the axle has been submerged in water.
Add 118 ml (4 oz.) of Additive Friction Modifier XL-3 or equivalent
meeting Ford specification EST-M2C118–A for complete refill of
Traction-Lok axles.
8Service refill capacity for the manual transmission is determined by
filling the transmission to the bottom of the filler hole with the vehicle
on a level surface.
Maintenance and Specifications
185

S
Safety belts (see Safety
restraints) ..............................73–77
Safety defects, reporting ..........152
Safety restraints ....................73–77
belt minder ...............................79
cleaning the safety belts ..........82
extension assembly ..................82
for adults .............................74–76
for children .........................87–88
lap belt ......................................78
warning light and chime ..........78
Safety seats for children ............91
Seat belts (see Safety
restraints) ....................................73
Seats ............................................68
child safety seats ......................91
Spare tire (see Changing the
Tire) ...........................................135
Spark plugs,
specifications .....................183, 188
Specification chart,
lubricants ...........................186, 188
Speed control ..............................49
Starting your vehicle ..99–100, 102
Steering wheel
tilting .........................................42
T
Tailgate ..................................54–55
Tires ...................................178–179
changing ..................................135tire grades ...............................179
treadwear ................................179
Tonneau cover .............................57
Towing .......................................118
recreational towing .................123
trailer towing ..........................118
Traction-lok rear axle ...............105
Transmission .............................106
fluid, checking and adding
(manual) .................................177
fluid, refill capacities ..............183
lubricant specifications ..186, 188
manual operation ....................109
Trunk ...........................................59
Turn signal ..................................36
V
Vehicle dimensions ...................188
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................190
Vehicle loading ..........................116
camper bodies ........................123
Ventilating your vehicle ...........103
W
Warning lights (see Lights) .........8
Water, Driving through .............116
Windows
power .........................................45
power down back window .......46
Windshield washer fluid and
wipers ..........................................41
replacing wiper blades .............41
Index
197