Ford Explorer, Maintaince And Repair Manual

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Once the plug is removed, fluid should trickle out of the hole. If not, add Mercon ATF fluid until
it does
If lubricant doesn't run out when the plug is removed, add lubricant until it does run out. 3.
Replace the fill plug. 4.
DRAIN & REFILL
The manufacturer recommends that the transfer case fluid should be changed every 60,000 miles (96,000km).
However, if the truck is driven in deep water (as high as the transfer case housing) it is a good idea to replace
the fluid. Little harm can come from a fluid change when you have just purchased a used vehicle, especially
since the condition of the transfer case fluid is usually not known.
If the fluid is to be drained, it is a good idea to warm the fluid first so it will flow better. This can be
accomplished by 15−20 miles of highway driving. Fluid which is warmed to normal operating temperature
will flow faster, drain more completely and remove more contaminants from the housing.
Drive the vehicle to assure the fluid is at normal operating temperature. 1.
Raise and support the vehicle securely on jackstands. Remember that the vehicle must be supported
level (usually at four points) so the proper amount of fluid can be added. 2.
Place a drain pan under the transfer case housing, below the drain plug. Remember that the fluid will
likely flow with some force at first (arcing outward from the transmission), and will not just drip
straight downward into the pan. Position the drain pan accordingly and move it more directly beneath
the drain plug as the flow slows to a trickle. 3.
To insure that the fill plug is not frozen or rusted in place, remove it from the transfer case BEFORE
removing the drain plug. It would be unfortunate to drain all of your transfer case fluid and then
realize that the fill plug is stripped or frozen in place.
Remove the fill plug, then the drain plug and allow the transfer case fluid to drain out. 4.
The transfer case drain plug is usually a square receiver which is designed to accept a
3
/
8
in. driver such
as a ratchet or extension.
Once the transfer case has drained sufficiently, install the drain plug until secure. 5.
Fill the transfer case to the proper level with the required fluid. 6.
Reinstall the filler plug once you are finished. 7.
Remove the jackstands and carefully lower the vehicle. 8.
Front and Rear Drive Axle
FLUID RECOMMENDATION
Use hypoid gear lubricant SAE 80W or 90W.
On models with the front locking differential, add 2 oz. of friction modifier Ford part No.
EST−M2C118−A. On models with the rear locking differential, use only locking differential fluid Ford
part No. ESP−M2C154−A or its equivalent, and add 4 oz. of friction modifier Ford part No.
EST−M2C118−A.
HOW TO USE THIS BOOK
DRAIN & REFILL 125