
use. To restore the full functionality of the monitoring system, all road
wheels equipped with tire pressure monitoring sensors must be mounted
on the vehicle
If your vehicle is equipped with AWD, a spare tire of a different
size than the road tires should not be used. Such a tire could
make the vehicle difficult to control as well as result in damage to
driveline components.
Stopping and securing the vehicle
1. If you get a flat tire while driving,
do not apply the brake heavily;
instead, gradually decrease your
speed. Hold the steering wheel
firmly and slowly move to a safe
place on the side of the road.
2. Park on a level surface, activate
the hazard flashers and set the
parking brake.
3. Place gearshift lever in P (Park)
and turn engine OFF.
When one of the rear wheels is off the ground, the transmission
alone will not prevent the vehicle from moving or slipping off the
jack, even if the transmission is in P (Park).
Note:Passengers should not remain
in the vehicle when the vehicle is
being jacked.
4. Block the wheel that is diagonally
opposite of the flat tire using the
wheel chock provided with your
vehicle.
2004 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
196

PLASTIC (NON-PAINTED) EXTERIOR PARTS
Use only approved products to clean plastic parts. These products are
available from your dealer.
•For routine cleaning, use Motorcraft Detail Wash (ZC-3–A).
•If tar or grease spots are present, use Motorcraft Bug and Tar
Remover (ZC-42).
WINDOWS AND WIPER BLADES
The windshield, rear and side windows and the wiper blades should be
cleaned regularly. If the wipers do not wipe properly, substances on the
vehicle’s glass or the wiper blades may be the cause. These may include
hot wax treatments used by commercial car washes, tree sap, or other
organic contamination. To clean these items, please follow these tips:
•The windshield, rear windows and side windows may be cleaned with
a non-abrasive cleaner such as Motorcraft Ultra Clear Spray Glass
Cleaner (ZC-23), available from your dealer.
•Do not use abrasives, as they may cause scratches.
•Do not use fuel, kerosene, or paint thinner to clean any parts.
•Wiper blades can be cleaned with isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol or
windshield washer solution. Be sure to replace wiper blades when they
appear worn or do not function properly.
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CLUSTER LENS
Clean the instrument panel with a damp cloth, then dry with a dry cloth.
•Avoid cleaners or polish that increase the gloss of the upper portion of
the instrument panel. The dull finish in this area helps protect the
driver from undesirable windshield reflection.
Do not use chemical solvents or strong detergents when cleaning
the steering wheel or instrument panel to avoid contamination of
the air bag system.
•Be certain to wash or wipe your hands clean if you have been in
contact with certain products such as insect repellent and suntan
lotion in order to avoid possible damage to the interior painted
surfaces.
INTERIOR TRIM
•Clean the interior trim areas with a damp cloth, then dry by wiping
with a dry, soft, clean cloth.
2004 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Cleaning
222

•4.0L SOHC V6 engine
•4.6L 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.
2004 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
254

Interior style
Cell phone holders
Electrochromatic compass/temperature interior mirrors
Floor mats
Interior trim kits
Leather wrapped steering wheels
Scuff plates
Lifestyle
Bike racks
Cargo organization and management
Engine block heaters and blankets
Rear seat entertainment systems
Towing mirrors
Trailer hitches, wiring harnesses and accessories
Peace of mind
Airbag anti-theft locks
First aid and safety kits
Full vehicle covers
Locking gas cap
Navigation systems
Remote start
Vehicle security systems
2004 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Accessories
283

interior .....................................223
interior trim ............................222
plastic parts ............................222
safety belts ..............................223
washing ....................................219
waxing .....................................219
wheels ......................................220
wiper blades ............................222
Climate control
(see Air conditioning or
Heating) .......................................32
Clock adjust
6-CD in dash .............................25
AM/FM/CD .................................21
AM/FM/Tape/CD .......................29
Compass, electronic ....................64
calibration .................................65
set zone adjustment ...........64, 67
Console ........................................48
overhead ....................................49
rear ......................................49, 51
Controls
power seat .................................96
steering column ........................57
Coolant
checking and adding ..............236
refill capacities ................240, 272
specifications ..................274, 276
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................54
Customer Assistance ................181
Ford accessories for your
vehicle .....................................224
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................212
Getting assistance outside the
U.S. and Canada .....................216
Getting roadside assistance ...181
Getting the service you
need .........................................210Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................217
The Dispute Settlement
Board .......................................212
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................215
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................37
Defrost
rear window ..............................36
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................255
engine oil .................................229
Doors
lubricant specifications ..........274
Driveline universal joint and
slip yoke ....................................256
Driving under special
conditions ..151, 156, 160, 165, 167
sand .................................158, 166
snow and ice ...................161, 168
through water .........159, 167, 171
Dual automatic temperature
control (DATC) ...........................32
E
Electronic message center .........66
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................203
Emergency Flashers .................182
Emission control system ..........251
Engine ................................276–277
cleaning ...................................220
2004 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Index
286

Speed control ..............................54
Starting a flex fuel vehicle .......139
Starting your vehicle ........137, 139
jump starting ..........................203
Steering wheel
controls ......................................57
tilting .........................................47
T
Tilt steering wheel ......................47
Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (TPMS)
Driving .....................................158
Roadside Emergencies ...........194
Warning Displays ......................15
Tires ...................................194, 257
changing ..................194, 199, 202
replacing ..................................199
snow tires and chains ............271
spare tire .................195, 197–198
tire grades ...............................258
treadwear ................................257
Towing .......................................175
recreational towing .................180
trailer towing ..........................175
wrecker ....................................209
Transfer case
fluid checking .........................256
Transmission .............................147brake-shift interlock (BSI) ....147
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................255
fluid, refill capacities ..............272
lubricant
specifications ..................274, 276
Trunk ...........................................83
Turn signal ..................................40
V
Vehicle dimensions ...................277
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................279
Vehicle loading ..........................171
Ventilating your vehicle ...........140
W
Warning lights (see Lights) .......10
Washer fluid ..............................229
Water, Driving through .............171
Windows
power .........................................52
rear wiper/washer .....................47
Windshield washer fluid and
wipers ..........................................46
checking and adding fluid .....229
liftgate reservoir .....................229
replacing wiper blades .............47
Wrecker towing .........................209
2004 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Index
290