Page 312 of 344

•Refer to the chart on the coolant container to ensure the
coolant concentration in your vehicle will provide adequate
protection at the temperatures in which you drive.
Vehicles driven year-round in non-extreme climates should use a 50/50
mixture of engine coolant and distilled water for optimum cooling system
and engine protection.
What you should know about fail-safe cooling
(4.6L V8 engine only)
If the engine coolant supply is depleted, this feature allows the vehicle to
be driven temporarily before incremental component damage is incurred.
The “fail-safe” distance depends on ambient temperatures, vehicle load
and terrain.
Fail-safe cooling and engine oil overheat mode (4.6L V8 only)
If the engine coolant and/or engine oil overheat, the vehicle’s fail-safe
modes will reduce engine power to limit engine damage, even with a
total loss of coolant. The vehicle’s range and/or speed will be reduced,
depending on vehicle load, terrain, and outside temperatures.
The instrument cluster provides warnings for each mode.
•Fail-Safe Cooling Mode:The
(Service engine
soon),
(Engine oil pressure), and(Engine coolant
temperature) indicators will be on.
Along with these warning indicators, the engine coolant temperature
gauge will read in the Hot (H) area.
If the engine coolant reaches even hotter temperatures, fail-safe
cooling mode limits engine power more and disables air conditioning.
The engine will switch to alternating cylinder operation to help cool
the engine. The engine will run rough in this mode.
If continued operation increases the engine coolant temperature to a
critical range, the engine will shut down. Steering and braking effort
will increase. Once engine coolant temperature cools, the engine can
be restarted.
•Engine Oil Overheat Mode:The
(Engine coolant temperature)
indicator will be on. The instrument cluster has no separate oil
temperature indicator.
Along with the
(Engine coolant temperature) indicator, the engine
coolant temperature gauge will read in the Hot (H) area.
2007 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
312
Page 313 of 344

Oil overheat can be triggered in severe driving conditions, such as
towing heavy loads over mountainous terrain in extreme hot
temperatures. As oil temperature increases, engine and vehicle speed
will be limited. The transmission will also shift differently.
When the engine oil has cooled, the vehicle will perform normally.
When fail-safe cooling mode is activated
You have limited engine power when in the fail-safe mode, so drive the
vehicle with caution. Remember that the engine is capable of completely
shutting down automatically to prevent engine damage, therefore:
1. Pull off the road as soon as safely possible and turn off the engine.
2. Arrange for the vehicle to be taken to an authorized dealer.
3. If this is not possible, wait approximately 15 minutes for the engine to
cool.
4. Check the coolant level and replenish if low. Look for coolant leakage
in the engine compartment and under the vehicle.
Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the engine is
running or hot.
5. Restart the engine and take your vehicle to an authorized dealer.
Driving the vehicle without repairing the engine problem
increases the chance of engine damage. Take your vehicle to an
authorized dealer as soon as possible.
FUEL FILTER
For fuel filter replacement, see your authorized dealer. Refer to
scheduled maintenance informationfor 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.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT AUTOMOTIVE FUELS
Important safety precautions
Do not overfill the fuel tank. The pressure in an overfilled tank
may cause leakage and lead to fuel spray and fire.
2007 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
313
Page 325 of 344

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
Page 339 of 344

washing ....................................287
waxing .....................................288
wheels ......................................288
wiper blades ............................291
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ............47
Clock adjust
6-CD in dash .............................32
AM/FM/CD .................................26
Compass, electronic ....................87
calibration .................................88
set zone adjustment .........87, 101
Console ..................................66–67
overhead ....................................65
rear ............................................67
Controls
power seat ...............................129
steering column ........................74
Coolant
checking and adding ..............307
refill capacities ................311, 329
specifications ..........................329
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................71
Customer Assistance ................250
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................283
Getting assistance outside
the U.S. and Canada ..............284
Getting roadside
assistance ................................250
Getting the service you
need .........................................279
Ordering additional
owner’s literature ...................285
Utilizing the Mediation/
Arbitration Program ...............283D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................54
Defrost
rear window ..............................51
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................325
engine oil .................................300
Driveline universal joint
and slip yoke .............................326
Driving under special
conditions ..................238, 243, 246
sand .........................................245
snow and ice ...........................247
through water .................245, 249
Dual automatic temperature
control (DATC) ...........................47
DVD system .................................44
E
Electronic message
center .....................................81, 92
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................272
Emergency Flashers .................252
Emission control system ..........322
Engine ........................................333
cleaning ...................................289
coolant .....................................307
fail-safe cooling .......................312
idle speed control ...................305
lubrication specifications .......329
refill capacities ........................329
service points ..................297–298
starting after a collision .........252
Engine block heater .................222
2007 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
339