2006 FORD EXPLORER wiper blades

PLASTIC (NON-PAINTED) EXTERIOR PARTS
Use only approved products to clean plastic parts. These products are
available from your authorized dealer.
²For routine cleaning, use Motorcraft Detail Wash (ZC-3±A).
²If tar or grease spots are present, use Motorcraft Bug and Tar
Remover (ZC-42).
²For plastic headlamp lenses, use Motorcraft Ultra Clear Spray Glass
Cleaner (ZC-23).
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, water repellant
coatings, tree sap, or other organic contamination; these contaminants
may cause squeaking or chatter noise from the blades, and streaking and
smearing of the windshield. To clean these items, follow these tips:
²The 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 authorized dealer.
²The wiper blades can be cleaned with isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol or
Motorcraft Premium Windshield Washer Concentrate (ZC-32±A),
available from your authorized dealer. This washer fluid contains
special solution in addition to alcohol which helps to remove the hot
wax deposited on the wiper blade and windshield from automated car
wash facilities. Be sure to replace wiper blades when they appear
worn or do not function properly.
²Do not use abrasives, as they may cause scratches.
²Do not use fuel, kerosene, or paint thinner to clean any parts.
Do not use sharp objects, such as a razor blade, to clean the
inside of the rear window or to remove decals, as it may cause
damage to the rear window defroster's heated grid lines.
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CLUSTER LENS
Clean the instrument panel with a damp cloth, then with a clean, dry
cloth, or use Motorcraft Dash & Vinyl Cleaner (ZC-38-A).
²Avoid 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.
Cleaning
272

WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID
Add fluid to fill the reservoir if the
level is low. In very cold weather, do
not fill the reservoir completely.
Only use a washer fluid that meets Ford specification WSB-M8B16±A2.
Do not use any special washer fluid such as windshield water repellent
type fluid or bug wash. They may cause squeaking, chatter noise,
streaking and smearing. Refer toLubricant specificationslater in this
chapter.
State or local regulations on volatile organic compounds may restrict the
use of methanol, a common windshield washer antifreeze additive.
Washer fluids containing non-methanol antifreeze agents should be used
only if they provide cold weather protection without damaging the
vehicle's paint finish, wiper blades or washer system.
If you operate your vehicle in temperatures below 40É F (4.5ÉC),
use washer fluid with antifreeze protection. Failure to use
washer fluid with antifreeze protection in cold weather could result in
impaired windshield vision and increase the risk of injury or accident.
Do not put washer fluid in the engine coolant reservoir. Washer
fluid placed in the cooling system may harm engine and cooling
system components.
Checking and adding washer fluid for the liftgate
Washer fluid for the liftgate is supplied by the same reservoir as the
windshield.
Maintenance and Specifications
280

CHANGING THE WIPER BLADES
1. Pull the wiper arm away from the
vehicle. Turn the blade at an angle
from the wiper arm. Push the lock
pin manually to release the blade
and pull the wiper blade down
toward the windshield to remove it
from the arm.
2. Attach the new wiper to the
wiper arm and press it into place
until a click is heard.
Replace wiper blades at least once
per year for optimum performance.
Poor wiper quality can be improved
by cleaning the wiper blades and
the windshield, refer toWindows
and wiper bladesin theCleaningchapter.
To prolong the life of the wiper blades, it is highly recommended to
scrape off the ice on the windshield before turning on the wipers. The
layer of ice has many sharp edges and can damage the micro edge of the
wiper rubber element.
ENGINE OIL
Checking the engine oil
Refer to thescheduled maintenance informationfor the appropriate
intervals for checking the engine oil.
1. Make sure the vehicle is on level ground.
2. Turn the engine off and wait a few minutes for the oil to drain into the
oil pan.
3. Set the parking brake and ensure the gearshift is securely latched in P
(Park).
4. Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine heat.
Maintenance and Specifications
281

wheels ......................................270
wiper blades ............................272
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ............37
Clock adjust
6-CD in dash .............................29
Compass, electronic ....................75
calibration .................................77
set zone adjustment ...........76, 89
Console ........................................56
overhead ....................................54
rear ............................................56
Controls
power seat ...............................116
steering column ........................62
Coolant
checking and adding ..............288
refill capacities ................292, 308
specifications ..................310, 313
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................60
Customer Assistance ................235
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................266
Getting assistance outside
the U.S. and Canada ..............267
Getting roadside assistance ...235
Getting the service you
need .........................................262
Ordering additional owner's
literature .................................267
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................265
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................43Defrost
rear window ..............................41
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................305
engine oil .................................281
Doors
lubricant specifications ..........310
Driveline universal joint and
slip yoke ....................................306
Driving under special
conditions ..................224, 228, 232
sand .........................................230
snow and ice ...........................233
through water .................231, 234
Dual automatic temperature
control (DATC) ...........................37
DVD system .................................34
E
Electronic message center ...69, 80
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................256
Emergency Flashers .................237
Emission control system ..........302
Engine ........................................313
cleaning ...................................270
coolant .....................................288
fail-safe cooling .......................293
idle speed control ...................286
lubrication
specifications ..................310, 313
refill capacities ........................308
service points ..................278±279
starting after a collision .........237
Engine block heater .................209
Engine oil ..................................281
Index
321

Tires ...........................172±174, 246
alignment ................................184
care ..........................................181
changing ..........................246, 252
checking the pressure ............177
inspecting and inflating .........175
label .........................................181
replacing ..........................183, 252
rotating ....................................185
safety practices .......................184
sidewall information ...............177
snow tires and chains ............192
spare tire .................247, 249, 251
terminology .............................174
tire grades ...............................173
treadwear ........................173, 182
Towing .......................................199
recreational towing .................205
trailer towing ..........................199
wrecker ....................................261
Transfer case
fluid checking .........................306
Transmission .............................217
brake-shift interlock (BSI) ....217
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................305
fluid, refill capacities ..............308lubricant specifications ..310, 313
Trunk .........................................102
Turn signal ..................................45
V
Vehicle dimensions ...................313
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................315
Vehicle loading ..........................192
Ventilating your vehicle ...........209
W
Warning lights (see Lights) .......12
Washer fluid ..............................280
Water, Driving through .............234
Windows
power .........................................57
rear wiper/washer .....................53
Windshield washer fluid and
wipers ..........................................52
checking and adding fluid .....280
liftgate reservoir .....................280
replacing wiper blades ...........281
Wrecker towing .........................261
Index
325