2008 FORD EXPLORER coolant level

•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.
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.
2008 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
353

POWER STEERING FLUID
Check the power steering fluid. Refer toscheduled maintenance
informationfor the service interval schedules.
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. Refer toMaintenance product specifications
and capacitiesin this chapter for the proper fluid type.
BRAKE FLUID
The fluid level will drop slowly as
the brakes wear, and will rise when
the brake components are replaced.
Fluid levels between the “MIN” and
“MAX” lines 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 the
system could be compromised; seek
service from your authorized dealer immediately.
2008 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
365

Item CapacityFord Part Name or
equivalentFord Part Number /
Ford Specification
Windshield washer fluid 4.2 quarts (4.0L)Motorcraft Premium
Windshield Washer
ConcentrateZC-32-A /
WSB-M8B16- A2
Fuel tank22.5 gallons
(85.2L)——
1Add the coolant type originally equipped in your vehicle.2Use 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).3Indicates 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.4Automatic transmissions that require MERCONV should only use MERCONV fluid or fluid that
is specified dual usage MERCON/MERCONV. Refer toscheduled maintenance informationto
determine the correct service interval. Use of any fluid other than the recommended fluid may
cause transmission damage.5Automatic transmissions that require MERCONSP should only use MERCONSP fluid. Use of a
dual usage fluid in an automatic transmission requiring MERCONSP may cause transmission
damage. Refer toscheduled maintenance informationto determine the correct service interval.
Use of any fluid other than the recommended fluid may cause transmission damage.
2008 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
373