
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
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.
2007 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
246

SERVICE RECOMMENDATIONS
•Use thescheduled maintenance informationto track routine
service.
•Use only recommended fuels, lubricants, fluids and service parts
conforming to specifications.
•Your authorized dealer can provide parts and service.
PRECAUTIONS WHEN SERVICING YOUR VEHICLE
•Do not work on a hot engine.
•Make sure that nothing gets caught in moving parts.
•Do not work on a vehicle with the engine running in an enclosed
space, unless you are sure you have enough ventilation.
•Keep all open flames and other lit material away from the battery and
all fuel related parts.
Turn off the power running boards, if equipped, before working
under the vehicle, jacking or placing any object under the
vehicle. Never place your hand between the extended running board
and the vehicle. A moving running board may cause injury.
Working with the engine off
1. Set the parking brake and shift to P (Park).
2. Turn off the engine and remove the key.
3. Block the wheels.
Working with the engine on
1. Set the parking brake and shift to P (Park).
2. Block the wheels.
To reduce the risk of vehicle damage and/or personal burn
injuries do not start your engine with the air cleaner removed
and do not remove it while the engine is running.
2007 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
295

IDENTIFYING COMPONENTS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT
4.0L SOHC V6 engine
1. Engine oil filler cap
2. Engine oil dipstick (out of view)
3. Brake fluid reservoir
4. Power distribution box
5. Battery
6. Power steering fluid reservoir
7. Radiator cap
8. Engine coolant reservoir
9. Air filter assembly
10. Washer fluid reservoir
2007 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
297

4.6L V8 engine
1. Air filter assembly
2. Engine oil filler cap
3. Engine oil dipstick
4. Brake fluid reservoir
5. Power distribution box
6. Battery
7. Power steering fluid reservoir
8. Radiator cap
9. Engine coolant reservoir
10. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
2007 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
298

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.
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 “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 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.
2007 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
325

MAINTENANCE PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS AND CAPACITIES
Item CapacityFord Part Name or
equivalentFord Part Number /
Ford Specification
Brake fluidFill to line on
reservoirMotorcraft High
Performance DOT 3
Motor Vehicle Brake
FluidPM-1 or PM-1-C /
ESA-M6C25-A or
WSS-M6C62-A
Body hinges, latches,
door striker plates and
rotors, seat tracks, fuel
filler door hinge and
spring, hood latch,
auxiliary latch, seat
tracks— Multi-Purpose GreaseXG-4 or XL-5 /
ESB-M1C93-B
Door weatherstrips — Silicone Spray LubricantXL-6 /
ESR-M13P4-A
Lock cylinders —Motorcraft Penetrating
and Lock LubricantXL-1 /
None
Driveshaft, slip spline,
universal joints
—Premium Long-Life
GreaseXG-1-C /
ESA-M1C75-B Transfer case Front
Output Slip Shaft
(4WD)
2007 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
329

A
Accessory delay ..........................69
AdvanceTrac ..............................225
Air cleaner filter ...............327–328
Air conditioning ..........................47
Airbag supplemental restraint
system ................154–155, 163, 165
and child safety seats ............156
description ..............155, 163, 165
disposal ....................................168
driver airbag ............157, 164, 166
indicator light .................163, 168
operation .................157, 164, 166
passenger airbag .....157, 164, 166
side airbag ...............................163
Ambulance packages ....................8
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................307
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................223
Anti-theft system ......................124
Audio system (see Radio) ...25, 31
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .........................232, 235
fluid, adding ............................325
fluid, checking ........................325
fluid, refill capacities ..............329
fluid, specification ..................329
Auxiliary Input Jack ...................38
Auxiliary power point .................67
Axle
lubricant specifications ..........329
refill capacities ........................329
B
Battery .......................................305acid, treating emergencies .....305
jumping a disabled battery ....272
maintenance-free ....................305
replacement, specifications ...328
servicing ..................................305
BeltMinder...............................149
Brakes ........................................223
anti-lock ...................................223
anti-lock brake system
(ABS) warning light ...............223
fluid, checking and adding ....325
fluid, refill capacities ..............329
fluid, specifications .................329
lubricant specifications ..........329
parking ....................................224
shift interlock ..........................230
C
Calculating load ........................211
Capacities for refilling fluids ....329
Cargo cover ...............................108
Cargo management system ......108
Cassette tape player ...................25
Cell phone use ..............................8
Changing a tire .........................261
Child safety restraints ..............169
child safety belts ....................169
Child safety seats ......................174
attaching with tether straps ..178
in front seat ............................175
in rear seat ..............................175
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............289
instrument panel ....................291
interior .....................................292
interior trim ............................292
plastic parts ............................290
2007 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
338

Speed control ..............................71
Starting your
vehicle ........................219–220, 222
jump starting ..........................272
Steering wheel
controls ......................................74
tilting .........................................64
T
Tilt steering wheel ......................64
Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (TPMS)
Driving .....................................245
Roadside Emergencies ...........261
Tires, Wheels and Loading ....201
Warning Displays ........12, 88, 103
Tires ...........................186–187, 261
alignment ................................194
care ..........................................190
changing ..........................261, 267
checking the pressure ............190
inflating ...................................188
label .........................................200
replacing ..........................192, 267
rotating ....................................194
safety practices .......................193
sidewall information ...............195
snow tires and chains ............205
spare tire .................262, 264, 266
terminology .............................187
tire grades ...............................187
treadwear ........................186, 191
Towing .......................................212
recreational towing .................217
trailer towing ..........................212wrecker ....................................277
Transfer case
fluid checking .........................326
Transmission .............................230
brake-shift interlock (BSI) ....230
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................325
fluid, refill capacities ..............329
lubricant specifications ..........329
Turn signal ..................................56
V
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................334
Vehicle loading ..........................205
Ventilating your vehicle ...........222
W
Warning lights (see Lights) .......12
Washer fluid ..............................299
Water, Driving through .............249
Windows ....................................118
power .........................................68
rear wiper/washer .....................64
Windshield
defrosting ..................................51
Windshield washer fluid and
wipers ..........................................63
checking and adding fluid .....299
liftgate reservoir .....................299
replacing wiper blades ...........300
Wrecker towing .........................277
2007 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
343