2004 FORD EXPLORER service indicator

Motorcraft SAE 5W-30 or an equivalent 5W-30 oil meeting Ford
specification WSS-M2C205–A.
Do not use supplemental engine oil additives, cleaners or other engine
treatments. They are unnecessary and could lead to engine damage that
is not covered by Ford warranty.
Change your engine oil 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 application.
BATTERY
Your vehicle is equipped with a
Motorcraft maintenance-free battery
which normally does not require
additional water during its life of
service.
However, for severe usage or in high temperature climates, check the
battery electrolyte level. Refer to the scheduled maintenance guide for
the service interval schedules.
Keep the electrolyte level in each cell up to the “level indicator”.
Do not overfill the battery cells.
If the electrolyte level in the battery is low, you can add plain tap water
to the battery, as long as you do not use hard water (water with a high
mineral or alkali content). If possible, however, try to only fill the battery
cells with distilled water. If the battery needs water often, have the
charging system checked.
If your battery has a cover/shield, make sure it is reinstalled
after the battery has been cleaned or replaced.
2004 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
234

How fail-safe cooling works
If the engine begins to overheat:
•The engine coolant temperature
gauge will move to the red (hot)
area.
•HIGH TEMP LOW OIL (if
equipped) or CHECK GAUGE (if
equipped) will illuminate.
•The “Service Engine Soon”
indicator light will illuminate.
If the engine reaches a preset
over-temperature condition, the engine will automatically switch to
alternating cylinder operation. Each disabled cylinder acts as an air
pump and cools the engine.
When this occurs the vehicle will still operate. However:
•The engine power will be limited.
•The air conditioning system will be disabled.
Continued operation will increase the engine temperature:
•The engine will completely shut down.
•Steering 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.
2004 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
241

•If the fuel cap assembly is all one color (all black), it is a 1/8 turn cap.
•If the fuel cap assembly is two color (black and white), it is a 1/4 turn
cap.
When fueling your vehicle:
1. Turn the engine off.
2. Carefully turn the filler cap counterclockwise 1/8 or 1/4 of a turn until
it stops.
3. Pull to remove the cap from the fuel filler pipe.
4. To install the cap, align the tabs on the cap with the notches on the
filler pipe.
5.1/8 turn cap— Turn the filler cap clockwise 1/8 of a turn until it
stops.
5.1/4 turn cap— Turn the filler cap clockwise 1/4 of a turn until 3
clicks are heard.
If the “Check Fuel Cap” indicator comes on and stays on after you start
the engine, the fuel filler cap may not be properly installed. Turn off the
engine, remove the fuel filler cap, align the cap properly and reinstall it.
If you must replace the fuel filler cap, replace it with a fuel filler
cap that is designed for your vehicle. The customer warranty may
be void for any damage to the fuel tank or fuel system if the
correct genuine Ford or Motorcraft fuel filler cap is not used.
The fuel system may be under pressure. If the fuel filler cap is
venting vapor or if you hear a hissing sound, wait until it stops
before completely removing the fuel filler cap. Otherwise, fuel may
spray out and injure you or others.
If you do not use the proper fuel filler cap, excessive pressure or
vacuum in the fuel tank may damage the fuel system or cause
the fuel cap to disengage in a collision, which may result in possible
personal injury.
Fuel Filter
For fuel filter replacement, see your dealer or a qualified service
technician. Refer to the scheduled maintenance guide for the appropriate
intervals for changing the fuel filter.
Replace the fuel filter with an authorized Motorcraft part. The
customer warranty may be void for any damage to the fuel system
if an authorized Motorcraft fuel filter is not used.
2004 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
247

coolant .....................................236
fail-safe coolant ......................240
idle speed control ...................234
lubrication
specifications ..................274, 276
refill capacities ........................272
service points ..................227–228
starting after a collision .........182
Engine block heater .................140
Engine oil ..................................229
checking and adding ..............229
dipstick ....................................229
filter, specifications ........233, 271
recommendations ...................233
refill capacities ........................272
specifications ..................274, 276
Exhaust fumes ..........................140
F
Fail safe cooling ........................240
Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV) ....242
Floor mats ...................................77
Fluid capacities .........................272
Foglamps .....................................37
Four-Wheel Drive vehicles .......153
driving off road ...............155, 163
indicator light .........................154
preparing to drive your
vehicle .....................................146
Fuel ............................................242
calculating fuel
economy
............................68, 248
cap ...........................................246
capacity ...................................272
choosing the right fuel ...........244
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................251
detergent in fuel .....................246filling your vehicle
with fuel ..................242, 246, 248
filter, specifications ........247, 271
fuel pump shut-off
switch ......................................182
improving fuel economy ........248
octane rating ...........245, 276–277
quality ......................................245
running out of fuel .................246
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................242
Fuel - flex fuel vehicle
(FFV) .........................242, 244–245
Fuses ..................................183, 185
G
Garage door opener ....................50
Garage Door Opener
(see Homelink wireless control
system) ........................................60
Gas cap
(see Fuel cap) ...........................246
Gas mileage
(see Fuel economy) .................248
Gauges .........................................15
GAWR
(Gross Axle Weight Rating)
calculating ...............................174
GVWR
(Gross Vehicle Weight Rating)
calculating ...............................174
H
Hazard flashers .........................182
Head restraints ...........................94
Headlamps
aiming ........................................39
2004 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Index
287