2004 FORD EXPLORER service interval

higher than normal coolant temperatures. If this occurs, reduce speed
until the coolant temperature returns to the normal range. Refer to
Engine coolant temperature gaugein theInstrument cluster
chapter.
•Anticipate stops and brake gradually.
•Do not exceed the GCWR rating or transmission damage may occur.
Servicing after towing
If you tow a trailer for long distances, your vehicle will require more
frequent service intervals. Refer to your scheduled maintenance guide for
more information.
Trailer towing tips
•Practice turning, stopping and backing up before starting on a trip to
get the feel of the vehicle trailer combination. When turning, make
wider turns so the trailer wheels will clear curbs and other obstacles.
•Allow more distance for stopping with a trailer attached.
•If you are driving down a long or steep hill, shift to a lower gear. Do
not apply the brakes continuously, as they may overheat and become
less effective.
•The trailer tongue weight should be 10–15% of the loaded trailer
weight.
•After you have traveled 80 km (50 miles), thoroughly check your
hitch, electrical connections and trailer wheel lug nuts.
•To aid in engine/transmission cooling and A/C efficiency during hot
weather while stopped in traffic, place the gearshift lever in P (Park).
•Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade. If you must
park on a grade, place wheel chocks under the trailer’s wheels.
Launching or retrieving a boat
Disconnect the wiring to the trailer before backing the trailer
into the water. Reconnect the wiring to the trailer after the
trailer is removed from the water.
When backing down a ramp during boat launching or retrieval:
•do not allow the static water level to rise above the bottom edge of
the rear bumper.
•do not allow waves to break higher than 15 cm (6 inches) above the
bottom edge of the rear bumper.
2004 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driving
179

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

60%, the engine parts could become damaged or not work properly.A
50–50 mixture of coolant and water provides the following:
•Freeze protection down to -36° C (-34° F).
•Boiling protection up to 129° C (265° F).
•Protection against rust and other forms of corrosion.
•Enables calibrated gauges to work properly.
When the engine is cold, check the
level of the engine coolant in the
reservoir.
•The engine coolant should be at the “cold fill level” or within the “cold
fill range” as listed on the engine coolant reservoir (depending upon
application).
•Refer to the Scheduled Maintenance Guide for service interval
schedules.
•Be sure to read and understandPrecautions when servicing your
vehiclein this chapter.
If the engine coolant has not been checked at the recommended interval,
the engine coolant reservoir may become low or empty. If the reservoir is
low or empty, add engine coolant to the reservoir. Refer toAdding
engine coolantin this chapter.
2004 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
237

•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

present, theCheck Engine/Service Engine Soonlight should turn off.
(A driving cycle consists of a cold engine startup followed by mixed
city/highway driving.) No additional vehicle service is required.
If theCheck Engine/Service Engine Soonlight remains on, have your
vehicle serviced at the first available opportunity.
Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) testing
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass an I/M test of
the on-board diagnostics system. If your “Check Engine/Service Engine
Soon” light is on, refer to the description in theWarning lights and
chimessection of theInstrument clusterchapter. Your vehicle may not
pass the I/M test with the “Check Engine/Service Engine Soon” light on.
If the vehicle’s powertrain system or its battery has just been serviced,
the on-board diagnostics system is reset to a “not ready for I/M test”
condition. To ready the on-board diagnostics system for I/M testing, a
minimum of 30 minutes of city and highway driving is necessary as
described below:
•First, at least 10 minutes of driving on an expressway or highway.
•Next, at least 20 minutes driving in stop-and-go, city-type traffic with
at least four idle periods.
Allow the vehicle to sit for at least eight hours without starting the
engine. Then, start the engine and complete the above driving cycle. The
engine must warm up to its normal operating temperature. Once started,
do not turn off the engine until the above driving cycle is complete.
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 MERCONAT F.
2004 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
253

BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR
The fluid level will drop slowly as
the brakes wear, and will rise when
the brake components are replaced.
Fluid levels below the “MAX” line
that do not trigger the brake system
warning lamp are within the normal
operating range, there is no need to
add fluid. If the fluid levels are
outside of the normal operating
range, the performance of your
brake system could be
compromised, seek service from your dealer immediately.
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking automatic transmission fluid
The automatic transmission does not have a transmission fluid dipstick.
Refer to your scheduled maintenance guide for scheduled intervals for
fluid checks and changes. Your transmission does not consume fluid.
However, the fluid level should be checked if the transmission is not
working properly, (i.e., if the transmission slips or shifts slowly) or if you
notice some sign of fluid leakage.
Transmission fluid should be checked and, if required, fluid
should be added by a qualified technician.
Do not use supplemental transmission fluid additives, treatments or
cleaning agents. The use of these materials may affect transmission
operation and result in damage to internal transmission components.
2004 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
255

wheels may be out of alignment. Have a qualified technician at a
reputable repair facility check the wheel alignment periodically.
Wheel misalignment in the front or the rear can cause uneven and rapid
treadwear of your tires and should be corrected by a qualified technician
at a reputable repair facility. Front wheel drive (FWD) vehicles, and
those with independent front suspension require alignment of all four
wheels.
The tires should also be balanced periodically. An unbalanced tire and
wheel assembly may result in irregular tire wear.
Tire rotation
Rotating your tires at the recommended interval (as indicated in the
Service Maintenance Guide that comes with your vehicle) will help your
tires wear more evenly providing better tire performance and longer tire
life. Unless otherwise specified, rotate the tires approximately every
8,000 km (5,000 miles).
•Front Wheel Drive (FWD)
vehicles (front tires at top of
diagram)
2004 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
266

Fluid Ford Part
NameApplication Capacity
Engine coolant
3Motorcraft
Premium Gold
Engine Coolant
(yellow-colored)4.0L SOHC V6
enginewithout
auxiliary climate
control15.4L (16.3
quarts)
4.0L SOHC V6
enginewith
auxiliary climate
control17.2L (18.2
quarts)
4.6L V8 engine
without
auxiliary climate
control17.6L (18.6
quarts)
4.6L V8 engine
withauxiliary
climate control19.0L (20.1
quarts)
Front axle
lubricantMotorcraft SAE
80W-90
Premium Rear
Axle Lubricant4x4 vehicles 1.7L (1.8
quarts)
Rear axle
lubricantMotorcraft SAE
75W-90 Fuel
Efficient High
Performance
Synthetic Rear
Axle LubricantConventional
Axle1.7L (3.5 pints)
Limited slip axle
41.5L (3.25 pints)
Windshield
washer fluidMotorcraft
Premium
Windshield
Washer
ConcentrateAll 4.0L (4.2
quarts)
1Ensure the correct automatic transmission fluid is used. MERCONand
MERCONV are not interchangeable. DO NOT mix MERCONand
MERCONV. Refer to your scheduled maintenance guide to determine
the correct service interval.
2004 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
273