Page 70 of 296
Setup menu
Press this control for the following
displays:
•Autolock
•Easy Entry/Exit
•Autolamp Delay
•Language
•Units (English/Metric)
•System Check
•Oil Change
Autolocks
1. Select this function from the
SETUP control for the current
display mode.
2. Press the RESET control to turn
the autolocks ON or OFF.
Easy entry/exit (if equipped)
1. Select this function from the
SETUP control for the current
display mode.
2. Press the RESET control to turn
the easy entry/exit feature ON or
OFF. For more information refer toMemory Seat and Pedalsin the
Seating and Safety Restraintschapter.
Autolamp delay
1. Select this function from the
SETUP control for the current
display mode.
2. Press the RESET control to select
the autolamp delay time.
2004 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driver Controls
70
Page 72 of 296

The sequence of the system check report and how it appears in the
message center is as follows:
1. FUEL LEVEL
2. WASHER FLUID LEVEL
3. OIL LIFE IN XX%
4. ENGINE TEMP
5. OIL PRESSURE
6. TIRE PRESSURE SYSTEM (if equipped)
7. BRAKE FLUID LEVEL
8. CHARGING SYSTEM
System warnings
System warnings alert you to possible problems or malfunctions in your
vehicle’s operating systems.
In the event of a multiple warning situation, the message center will
cycle the display to show all warnings by displaying each one for several
seconds.
The message center will display the last selected feature if there are no
more warning messages. This allows you to use the full functionality of
the message center after you acknowledge the warning by pressing the
RESET control and clearing the warning message.
Warning messages that have been reset are divided into three categories:
•They will reappear on the display every minute from the reset.
•They will reappear on the display ten minutes from the reset.
•They will not reappear until an ignition OFF-ON cycle has been
completed.
This acts as a reminder that these warning conditions still exist within
the vehicle.
2004 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driver Controls
72
Page 75 of 296

LOW WASHER FLUID LEVEL.Indicates the washer fluid reservoir is
less than one quarter full. Check the washer fluid level. Refer to
Windshield washer fluidin theMaintenance and specifications
chapter.
CHECK ADVANCETRAC(if equipped).Displayed when the
AdvanceTracsystem is not operating properly. If this message is
displayed on the message center the AdvanceTracsystem will be
partially operable. If this warning stays on while the engine is running,
contact your dealer for service as soon as possible. For further
information, refer toAdvanceTracstability enhancement systemin
theDrivingchapter.
ADVTRAC OFF T/C ON (if equipped).Displayed on 4x4 vehicles only
when 4x4 Low Range is selected. In this mode, the stability enhancement
portion of the AdvanceTracis disabled, but the traction enhancement
feature remains enabled. For further information, refer to
AdvanceTracstability enhancement systemin theDrivingchapter.
DOOR AJAR.Displayed when a door or liftgate is not completely
closed.
CHANGE OIL SOON/OIL CHANGE REQUIRED.Displayed when the
engine oil life remaining is 5 percent or less. When oil life left is between
5% and 0%, the CHANGE OIL SOON message will be displayed. When oil
life left reaches 0%, the OIL CHANGE REQUIRED message will be
displayed.
An oil change is required whenever indicated by the message center.
USE ONLY RECOMMENDED ENGINE OILS.
To reset the oil monitoring system to 100% after each oil change
[approximately 8,000 km (5,000 miles) or 180 days] perform the
following:
1. Press the SETUP control to
access the System Check function.
2. Press and release the RESET
control to display “OIL LIFE XX%
HOLD RESET NEW”.
2004 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driver Controls
75
Page 76 of 296

3. Press and hold the RESET
control for 2 seconds to display “IF
NEW OIL HOLD RESET”.
4. Press and hold the RESET
control to display OIL LIFE SET TO
100%. Your oil life is now reset.
To reset the oil monitoring system to your personalized oil life %:
1. Press the SETUP control to
access the System Check function.
2. Press and release the RESET
control to display “OIL LIFE XX%
HOLD RESET NEW”.
3. Press and hold the RESET
control for 2 seconds to display “IF
NEW OIL HOLD RESET”.
4. Release the RESET control
momentarily, then press RESET and
SETUP controls at the same time to
activate a service mode which will
display OIL LIFE XX% RESET TO
ALTER.
5. Press RESET until you find your personalized OIL LIFE XX%.
6. With your personalized OIL LIFE XX% displayed, press SETUP to
continue the system check.
DATA ERR.These messages indicate improper operation of the vehicle
network communication between electronic modules.
•Fuel computer
•Oil life
•Charging system
2004 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driver Controls
76
Page 241 of 296

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