2008 FORD EXPLORER wiper blades

MULTI-FUNCTION LEVER
Windshield wiper:Rotate the end
of the control away from you to
increase the speed of the wipers;
rotate towards you to decrease the
speed of the wipers.
Windshield washer:Push the end
of the stalk:
•briefly: causes a single swipe of
the wipers without washer fluid.
•a quick push and hold: the wipers
will swipe three times with
washer fluid.
•a long push and hold: the wipers and washer fluid will be activated for
up to ten seconds.
Note:Do not operate the washer when the washer reservoir is empty.
This may cause the washer pump to overheat. Check the washer fluid
level frequently. Do not operate the wipers when the windshield is dry.
This may scratch the glass, damage the wiper blades and cause the wiper
motor to burn out. Before operating the wiper on a dry windshield,
always use the windshield washer. In freezing weather, be sure the wiper
blades are not frozen to the windshield before operating the wipers.
Windshield wiper features (if equipped with Autolamp feature)
The exterior lamps will turn on with the ignition on, headlamp control in
the Autolamp position and the windshield wipers are turned on (for a
fixed period of time).
Rear window wiper/washer controls
For rear wiper operation, rotate the
rear window wiper and washer
control to the desired position.
Select:
INT 1 — 8–10 second interval rear
wiper.
INT 2 — 3–4 second interval rear
wiper.
2008 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driver Controls
97

4.6L V8 ENGINE
PLASTIC (NON-PAINTED) EXTERIOR PARTS
Use only approved products to clean plastic parts. These products are
available from your authorized dealer.
•For routine cleaning, use Motorcraft Detail Wash (ZC-3-A).
•If tar or grease spots are present, use Motorcraft Bug and Tar
Remover (ZC-42).
•For 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 repellent
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:
•The 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.
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Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Cleaning
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•The 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.
•Do not use abrasives, as they may cause scratches.
•Do not use fuel, kerosene, or paint thinner to clean any parts.
If you cannot remove those streaks after cleaning with the glass cleaner
or if the wipers chatter and move in a jerky motion, clean the outer
surface of the windshield and the wiper blades using a sponge or soft
cloth with a neutral detergent or mild-abrasive cleaning solution. After
cleaning, rinse the windshield and wiper blades with clean water. The
windshield is clean if beads do not form when you rinse the windshield
with water.
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/INTERIOR TRIM AND CLUSTER LENS
Clean the instrument panel, interior trim areas and cluster lens with a
clean and damp white cotton cloth, then with a clean and dry white
cotton cloth; you may also use Motorcraft Dash & Vinyl Cleaner
(ZC-38-A) on the instrument panel and interior trim areas.
•Avoid cleaners or polishes 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.
•Be certain to wash or wipe your hands clean if you have been in
contact with certain products such as insect repellent and suntan
lotion in order to avoid possible damage to the interior painted
surfaces.
•Do not use household or glass cleaners as these may damage the
finish of the instrument panel, interior trim and cluster lens.
Do not use chemical solvents or strong detergents when cleaning
the steering wheel or instrument panel to avoid contamination of
the airbag system.
2008 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Cleaning
330

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 to theMaintenance product
specifications and capacitiessection 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 40° F (4.5°C),
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.
2008 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
338

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.
Changing the rear window wiper blade
To replace the rear wiper blade:
1. Pull the wiper arm as far away from the glass as possible. Do not use
excessive force because it can break the wiper arm. Hold it there until
the next step.
2. Grasp the wiper blade and rotate
it away from the wiper arm using
moderate force until it disengages
from the wiper arm.
3. Once the wiper blade is loose,
slide it away form the wiper arm.
2008 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
339

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