2005 FORD EXPLORER check transmission fluid

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.
Warning display Status
Check engine temperature Warning returns after 10 minutes
Transmission overheated
Check transmission
Low fuel level
Check fuel cap
Check charging system
Low brake fluid level
Low oil pressure
Warning-tire very low (if
equipped)
ETC-engine failsafe mode
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Warning display Status
Check tire pressure (if
equipped)Warning returns after the ignition key
is turned from OFF to ON.
Tire pressure monitor fault (if
equipped)
Tire pressure sensor fault (if
equipped)
Check AdvanceTrac
(if
equipped)
Advtrac off t/c on (if equipped)
Low washer fluid level
Door ajar
Change oil soon
Oil change required
CHECK ENGINE TEMPERATURE.Displayed when the engine
coolant is overheating. Stop the vehicle as soon as safely possible, turn
off the engine and let it cool. Check the coolant and coolant level. Refer
toEngine coolantin theMaintenance and Specificationschapter. If
the warning stays on or continues to come on, contact your dealer as
soon as possible.
TRANSMISSION OVERHEATED.Indicates the transmission is
overheating. This warning may appear when towing heavy loads or when
driving in a low gear at a high speed for an extended period of time.
Stop the vehicle as soon as safely possible, turn off the engine and let it
cool. Refer toTransmission fluidin theMaintenance and
Specificationschapter. If the warning stays on or continues to come on,
contact your dealer for transmission service as soon as possible.
CHECK TRANSMISSION.Indicates the transmission is not operating
properly. If this warning stays on, contact your dealer as soon as
possible.
LOW FUEL LEVEL.Displayed as an early reminder of a low fuel
condition.
CHECK FUEL CAP.Displayed when the fuel filler cap is not properly
installed. Check the fuel filler cap for proper installation. Refer toFuel
filler capin theMaintenance and Specificationschapter.
ETC-ENGINE FAILSAFE MODE.Displayed when the engine has
defaulted to a “limp-home” operation. If the warning stays on or
continues to come on, contact your dealer as soon as possible.
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Mud and water
If you must drive through high
water, drive slowly. Traction or
brake capability may be limited.
When driving through water,
determine the depth; avoid water
higher than the bottom of the hubs
(if possible) and proceed slowly. If
the ignition system gets wet, the vehicle may stall.
Once through water, always try the brakes. Wet brakes do not stop the
vehicle as effectively as dry brakes. Drying can be improved by moving
your vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake pedal.
Be cautious of sudden changes in vehicle speed or direction when you
are driving in mud. Even 4WD vehicles can lose traction in slick mud. As
when you are driving over sand, 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 front axle are submerged in water,
their fluids should be checked and changed, if necessary.
Driving through deep water may damage the transmission.
If the front or rear axle is submerged in water, the axle lubricant should
be replaced.
After driving through mud, clean off residue stuck to rotating driveshafts
and tires. Excess mud stuck on tires and rotating driveshafts causes an
imbalance that could damage drive components.
“Tread Lightly” is an educational
program designed to increase public
awareness of land-use regulations
and responsibilities in our nations
wilderness areas. Ford Motor
Company 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
Although natural obstacles may make it necessary to travel diagonally up
or down a hill or steep incline, you should always try to drive straight up
or straight down.Avoid driving crosswise or turning on steep
slopes or hills.A danger lies in losing traction, slipping sideways and
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when you are driving over sand, 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 front axle are submerged in water,
their fluids should be checked and changed, if necessary.
Driving through deep water may damage the transmission.
If the front or rear axle is submerged in water, the axle lubricant should
be replaced.
After driving through mud, clean off residue stuck to rotating driveshafts
and tires. Excess mud stuck on tires and rotating driveshafts causes an
imbalance that could damage drive components.
“Tread Lightly” is an educational
program designed to increase public
awareness of land-use regulations
and responsibilities in our nations
wilderness areas. Ford Motor
Company 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
Although natural obstacles may make it necessary to travel diagonally up
or down a hill or steep incline, you should always try to drive straight up
or straight down.Avoid driving crosswise or turning on steep
slopes or hills.A danger lies in losing traction, slipping sideways and
possibly rolling over. Whenever driving on a hill, determine beforehand
the route you will use. Do not drive over the crest of a hill without
seeing what conditions are on the other side. Do not drive in reverse
over a hill without the aid of an observer.
When climbing a steep slope or hill,
start in a lower gear rather than
downshifting to a lower gear from a
higher gear once the ascent has
started. This reduces strain on the
engine and the possibility of stalling.
If you do stall out, Do not try to
turnaround because you might roll
over. It is better to back down to a
safe location.
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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 yourScheduled Maintenance Guidefor 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.
AIR FILTER MAINTENANCE
Refer to the scheduled maintenance guide for the appropriate intervals
for changing the air filter element.
When changing the air filter element, use only the Motorcraft air filter
element listed. Refer toMotorcraft part numbersin this chapter.
Note:Do not start your engine with the air cleaner removed and do not
remove it while the engine is running.
CHANGING THE AIR FILTER ELEMENT
1. Release the clamps that secure the air filter housing cover.
2. Carefully separate the two halves of the air filter housing.
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1Ensure the correct automatic transmission fluid is used. MERCONand
MERCONV are not interchangeable. DO NOT mix MERCONand
MERCONV. Refer to yourScheduled Maintenance Guideto
determine the correct service interval.
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 checked by a qualified
technician.
3Add the coolant type originally equipped in your vehicle.
4Limited Slip differentials must add 4 oz (118ml) of Additive Friction
Modifier XL-3 or equivalent to the rear axle whenever the axle has been
serviced.
5Use of synthetic or synthetic blend motor oil is not mandatory. Engine
oil need only meet the requirements of Ford specification and the API
Certification mark.
5Use of synthetic or synthetic blend motor oil is not mandatory. Engine
oil need only have the API Certification mark and meet the requirements
of Ford specification WSS-M2C929-A (4.0L) or WSS-M2C930-A (4.6L).
LUBRICANT SPECIFICATIONS
ItemFord Part
Name or
equivalentFord Part
NumberFord
Specification
Body hinges,
latches, door
striker plates
and rotors, seat
tracks, fuel filler
door hinge and
spring, hood
latch, auxiliary
latch, seat
tracksMulti-Purpose
Grease or
Multi-Purpose
Grease SprayXG–4 or XL–5ESR-M1C159-A or
ESB-M1C93–B
Hydraulic brake
fluid and Clutch
Fluid (if
equipped)Motorcraft High
Performance
DOT 3 Motor
Vehicle Brake
FluidPM-1ESA-M6C25-A,
DOT 3
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A
Accessory delay ..........................69
AdvanceTrac ..............................206
Air bag supplemental restraint
system ................................135, 140
and child safety seats ............137
description ......................135, 140
disposal ....................................143
driver air bag ..................137, 141
indicator light .................139, 142
operation .........................137, 141
passenger air bag ...........137, 141
Air cleaner filter ...............299, 301
Air conditioning ..........................48
All Wheel Drive (AWD),
driving off road .........................226
Ambulance packages ....................7
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................280
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................204
Audio system
(see Radio) ....18, 21, 25, 30, 34, 39
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................212
fluid, adding ............................299
fluid, checking ........................299
fluid, refill capacities ..............302
fluid, specification ..................306
Auxiliary power point .................67
Axle
lubricant specifications ..304, 306
refill capacities ........................302
B
Battery .......................................278acid, treating emergencies .....278
jumping a disabled battery ....246
maintenance-free ....................278
replacement, specifications ...301
servicing ..................................278
BeltMinder .................................131
Brakes ........................................203
anti-lock ...................................204
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................204
fluid, checking and adding ....299
fluid, refill capacities ..............302
fluid, specifications .........304, 306
lubricant specifications ..304, 306
parking ....................................205
shift interlock ..........................210
C
Calculating load ........................193
Capacities for refilling fluids ....302
Cargo cover ...........................96–97
Cell phone use ............................64
Certification Label ....................308
Changing a tire .........................164
Child safety restraints ..............144
child safety belts ....................144
Child safety seats ......................146
attaching with tether straps ..150
in front seat ............................148
in rear seat ..............................148
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............263
instrument panel ....................265
interior .....................................266
interior trim ............................265
plastic parts ............................264
safety belts ..............................266
washing ....................................262
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waxing .....................................262
wheels ......................................263
wiper blades ............................265
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ............48
Clock ............................................36
Clock adjust
6-CD in dash .................23, 32, 42
AM/FM/CD .................................18
AM/FM/Tape/CD .................27, 36
Compass, electronic ....................81
calibration .................................82
set zone adjustment ...........82, 84
Console ........................................64
overhead ..............................65–66
rear ............................................65
Controls
power seat ...............................114
steering column ........................74
Coolant
checking and adding ..............280
refill capacities ................284, 302
specifications ..................304, 306
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................71
Customer Assistance ................233
Ford accessories for your
vehicle .....................................267
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................259
Getting assistance outside the
U.S. and Canada .....................260
Getting roadside assistance ...233
Getting the service you
need .........................................253
Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................261
The Dispute Settlement
Board .......................................255Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................259
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................53
Defrost
rear window ..............................52
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................299
engine oil .................................273
Doors
lubricant specifications ..........304
Driveline universal joint and
slip yoke ....................................301
Driving under special
conditions ..214, 220, 223, 227, 230
sand .................................222, 229
snow and ice ...................224, 231
through water .........223, 229, 232
Dual automatic temperature
control (DATC) ...........................48
DVD system .................................44
E
Electronic message center .........83
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................246
Emergency Flashers .................234
Emission control system ..........296
Engine ................................306–307
cleaning ...................................263
coolant .....................................280
fail-safe coolant ......................285
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