
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.
TRANSFER CASE FLUID (IF EQUIPPED)
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.
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 to theMaintenance
product specifications and capacitiessection in this chapter.
2008 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
366

Item CapacityFord Part Name or
equivalentFord Part Number /
Ford Specification
Engine oil 4.6L engine 6.0 quarts (5.7L)Motorcraft SAE 5W-20
Premium Synthetic
Blend Motor Oil (US)
Motorcraft SAE 5W-20
Super Premium Motor
Oil (Canada)
2
XO-5W20-QSP (US)
CXO-5W20-LSP12
(Canada) /
WSS-M2C930-A with API
Certification Mark
Automatic transmission
(5R55S) fluid12.4 quarts
(11.7L)
3
Motorcraft MERCONV
AT F
4
XT-5-QM /
MERCONV
Automatic transmission
(6R60) fluid12.2 quarts
(11.6L)
3
Motorcraft MERCONSP
AT F
5
XT-6-QSP /
MERCONSP
Rear axle fluid 3.5 pints (1.7L)Motorcraft SAE 75W-140
Synthetic Rear Axle
LubricantX Y-75W140-QL /
WSL-M2C192-A
Front axle fluid (4WD) 2.7 pints (1.3L)Motorcraft SAE 80W-90
Premium Rear Axle
LubricantXY-80W90-QL /
WSP-M2C197-A
Power steering fluidFill between the
MIN and MAX
lines on reservoirMotorcraft MERCONV
AT FXT-5-QM /
MERCONV
Transfer case fluid
(4WD)1.5 quarts (1.4L)Motorcraft Transfer Case
FluidXL–12 /
—
2008 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
372

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

A
Accessory delay ........................103
AdvanceTrac ..............................264
Air cleaner filter ...............367–369
Air conditioning ..........................81
Airbag supplemental restraint
system ................192–193, 201, 203
and child safety seats ............194
description ..............193, 201, 203
disposal ....................................206
driver airbag ............195, 202, 204
indicator light .................201, 206
operation .................195, 202, 204
passenger airbag .....195, 202, 204
side airbag ...............................201
Ambulance packages ....................8
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................347
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................262
Anti-theft system ......................159
Audio system
(see Radio) ......................22, 26, 34
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .........................271, 274
fluid, adding ............................366
fluid, checking ........................366
fluid, refill capacities ..............370
fluid, specification ..................370
Auxiliary input jack (Line in) ....42
Auxiliary power point ...............101
Axle
lubricant specifications ..........370
refill capacities ........................370
B
Battery .......................................345acid, treating emergencies .....345
jumping a disabled battery ....311
maintenance-free ....................345
replacement, specifications ...369
servicing ..................................345
Belt-Minder.............................187
Booster seats .............................207
Brakes ........................................261
anti-lock ...................................262
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................262
fluid, checking and adding ....365
fluid, refill capacities ..............370
fluid, specifications .................370
lubricant specifications ..........370
parking ....................................263
shift interlock ..........................269
C
Calculating load ........................248
Capacities for refilling fluids ....370
Cargo cover ...............................143
Cargo management system ......143
Cell phone use ..............................8
Changing a tire .........................301
Child safety restraints ..............207
child safety belts ....................207
Child safety seats ......................211
attaching with tether straps ..215
in front seat ............................212
in rear seat ..............................212
Child safety seats - booster
seats ...........................................207
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............328
instrument panel ....................330
interior .....................................331
2008 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
379

plastic parts ............................329
washing ....................................326
waxing .....................................327
wheels ......................................327
wiper blades ............................329
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ............81
Clock adjust
6-CD in dash .............................36
AM/FM/CD .................................28
Compass, electronic ..................121
calibration ...............................122
set zone adjustment .......122, 135
Console ..............................100–101
overhead ....................................99
rear ..........................................101
Controls
power seat ...............................165
steering column ......................108
Coolant
checking and adding ..............347
refill capacities ................351, 370
specifications ..........................370
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ..................106
Customer Assistance ................289
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................322
Getting assistance outside
the U.S. and Canada ..............323
Getting roadside assistance ...289
Getting the service you
need .........................................318
Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................324
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................322D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................88
Defrost
rear window ..............................85
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................366
engine oil .................................340
Driveline universal joint and
slip yoke ....................................367
Driving under special
conditions ..................277, 283, 286
sand .........................................284
snow and ice ...........................287
through water .................285, 288
Dual automatic temperature
control (DATC) ...........................81
DVD system .................................51
E
Electronic message
center .................................115, 127
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................311
Emergency Flashers .................291
Emission control system ..........362
Engine ........................................374
cleaning ...................................328
coolant .....................................347
fail-safe cooling .......................352
idle speed control ...................345
lubrication specifications .......370
refill capacities ........................370
service points ..................336–337
starting after a collision .........291
Engine block heater .................260
2008 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
380

Starting your
vehicle ........................256–257, 259
jump starting ..........................311
Steering wheel
controls ....................................108
tilting .........................................98
T
Tilt steering wheel ......................98
Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (TPMS)
Driving .....................................284
Roadside Emergencies ...........301
Tires, Wheels and Loading ....237
Warning Displays ......12, 123, 137
Tires ...........................222–224, 301
alignment ................................231
care ..........................................227
changing ..........................301, 306
checking the pressure ............227
inflating ...................................225
label .........................................236
replacing ..........................228, 306
rotating ....................................231
safety practices .......................230
sidewall information ...............232
snow tires and chains ............242
spare tire .................301, 304–305
terminology .............................224
tire grades ...............................223
treadwear ........................223, 227
Towing .......................................249
recreational towing .................254
trailer towing ..........................249
wrecker ....................................316
Transfer case
fluid checking .........................366Transmission .............................269
brake-shift interlock (BSI) ....269
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................366
fluid, refill capacities ..............370
lubricant specifications ..........370
Turn signal ..................................91
U
USB port ......................................44
V
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................375
Vehicle loading ..........................242
Ventilating your vehicle ...........259
W
Warning lights (see Lights) .......12
Washer fluid ..............................338
Water, Driving through .............288
Windows ....................................153
power .......................................102
rear wiper/washer .....................98
Windshield
defrosting ..................................85
Windshield washer fluid and
wipers ..........................................97
checking and adding fluid .....338
liftgate reservoir .....................338
replacing wiper blades ...........339
Wrecker towing .........................316
2008 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
384