2006 FORD EXPLORER maintenance schedule

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
indicator is on, refer to
the description in theWarning lights and chimessection of the
Instrument Clusterchapter. Your vehicle may not pass the I/M test with
the
indicator on.
If the vehicle's powertrain system or its battery has just been serviced,
the on-board diagnostics system is reset to a ªnot ready for I/M testº
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:
²First, at least 10 minutes of driving on an expressway or highway.
²Next, 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.
POWER STEERING FLUID
Check the power steering fluid. Refer to thescheduled maintenance
guidefor the service interval schedules. If adding fluid is necessary, use
only MERCONtAT F.
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.
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304

BRAKE FLUID
The fluid level will drop slowly as
the brakes wear, and will rise when
the brake components are replaced.
Fluid levels below the ªMAXº 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 authorized dealer immediately.
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking automatic transmission fluid
The automatic transmission does not have an underhood transmission
fluid dipstick.
Refer to yourscheduled maintenance informationfor 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 an authorized dealer.
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.
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305

TRANSFER CASE FLUID (IF EQUIPPED)
1. Clean the filler plug.
2. Remove the filler plug and
inspect the fluid level.
3. Add only enough fluid through
the filler opening so that the fluid
level is at the bottom of the
opening.
Use only fluid that meets Ford specifications. Refer toLubricant
specificationsin this chapter.
DRIVELINE UNIVERSAL JOINT AND SLIP YOKE
If the original universal joints are replaced with universal joints equipped
with grease fittings, lubrication will be necessary.
Note: Your vehicle's driveshaft is balanced. If undercoating the vehicle,
protect the driveshaft and universal joints to prevent overspray of any
undercoating material.
AIR FILTER
Refer toscheduled maintenance informationfor 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.
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306

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.
3. Remove the air filter element from the air filter housing.
4. Wipe the air filter housing and cover clean to remove any dirt or
debris and to ensure good sealing.
5. Install a new air filter element. Be careful not to crimp the filter
element edges between the air filter housing and cover. This could cause
filter damage and allow unfiltered air to enter the engine if not properly
seated.
6. Replace the air filter housing cover and secure the clamps.
Note:Failure to use the correct air filter element may result in severe
engine damage. The customer warranty may be voided for any damage to
the engine if the correct air filter element is not used.
MOTORCRAFT PART NUMBERS
Component 4.0L SOHC V6 engine 4.6L 3V V8 engine
Air filter element FA-1695 FA-1780
Fuel filter 2C5E-9155-BB 2C5E-9155-BB
Battery BXT-65-650 BXT-65-650
Oil filter FL-820S FL-820S
PCV valve
1
Spark plugs2
1
The PCV valve is a critical emission component. It is one of the items
listed inscheduled maintenance informationand is essential to the
life and performance of your vehicle and to its emissions system.
For PCV valve replacement, see your authorized dealer. Refer to
scheduled maintenance informationfor the appropriate intervals for
changing the PCV valve.
Replace the PCV valve with one that meets Ford material and
design specifications for your vehicle, such as a Motorcraft or
equivalent replacement part. The customer warranty may be void
for any damage to the emissions system if such a PCV valve is not
used.
2For spark plug replacement, see your authorized dealer. Refer to
scheduled maintenance informationfor the appropriate intervals for
changing the spark plugs.
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307

an automatic transmission application requiring MERCONtSP may cause
transmission damage. Use of a transmission fluid other than the
recommended fluid may cause transmission damage. Refer to your
scheduled maintenance informationto 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.
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
Brake fluidMotorcraft High
Performance
DOT 3 Motor
Vehicle Brake
FluidPM-1 ESA-M6C25-A
Body hinges,
latches, door
striker plates
and rotors, seat
tracks, fuel filler
door hinge and
spring, hood
latch, auxiliary
latch, seat
tracksMulti-Purpose
GreaseXG±4 or XL±5 ESB-M1C93±B
Door
weatherstripsSilicone Spray
LubricantXL-6 ESR-M13P4-A
Lock cylindersMotorcraft
Penetrating and
Lock LubricantXL-1 n one
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310

ItemFord Part
Name or
equivalentFord Part
NumberFord
Specification
Rear axleMotorcraft
75W-140 High
Performance
Synthetic Rear
Axle LubricantXY-75W140±QL WSL-M2C192±A
Front axle
(4WD)Motorcraft SAE
80W-90
Premium Rear
Axle LubricantXY-80W90-QL WSP-M2C197-A
Transfer case
(4WD)Motorcraft
MERCONt
Multi-Purpose
AT FXT-2-QDX MERCONt
Transfer case
Front Output
Slip Shaft
(4WD)Premium
Long-Life GreaseXG-1-C ESA-M1C75-B
Windshield
washer fluidMotorcraft
Premium
Windshield
Washer
ConcentrateZC±32±A WSB-M8B16±A2
1Ensure the correct automatic transmission fluid is used. MERCONt,
MERCONtV and MERCONtSP are not interchangeable. DO NOT mix
MERCONt, MERCONtV and MERCONtSP. Use of dual usage fluids in
an automatic transmission application requiring MERCONtSP may cause
transmission damage. Use of a transmission fluid other than the
recommended fluid may cause transmission damage. Refer to your
scheduled maintenance informationto determine the correct service
interval.
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312