Ford Explorer, Maintaince And Repair Manual

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HOW TO USE THIS BOOK
Introduction
This Chilton's Total Car Care manual is intended to help you learn more about the inner workings of your
Ranger, Explorer or Mountaineer while saving you money on its upkeep and operation.
The beginning of the book will likely be referred to the most, since that is where you will find information for
maintenance and tune−up. The other sections deal with the more complex systems of your vehicle. Systems
(from engine through brakes) are covered to the extent that the average do−it−yourselfer can attempt. This
book will not explain such things as rebuilding a differential because the expertise required and the special
tools necessary make this uneconomical. It will, however, give you detailed instructions to help you change
your own brake pads and shoes, replace spark plugs, and perform many more jobs that can save you money
and help avoid expensive problems.
A secondary purpose of this book is a reference for owners who want to understand their vehicle and/or their
mechanics better.
Where to Begin
Before removing any bolts, read through the entire procedure. This will give you the overall view of what
tools and supplies will be required. So read ahead and plan ahead. Each operation should be approached
logically and all procedures thoroughly understood before attempting any work.
If repair of a component is not considered practical, we tell you how to remove the part and then how to install
the new or rebuilt replacement. In this way, you at least save labor costs.
Avoiding Trouble
Many procedures in this book require you to "label and disconnect ... '' a group of lines, hoses or wires. Don't
be think you can remember where everything goes−you won't. If you hook up vacuum or fuel lines
incorrectly, the vehicle may run poorly, if at all. If you hook up electrical wiring incorrectly, you may
instantly learn a very expensive lesson.
You don't need to know the proper name for each hose or line. A piece of masking tape on the hose and a
piece on its fitting will allow you to assign your own label. As long as you remember your own code, the lines
can be reconnected by matching your tags. Remember that tape will dissolve in gasoline or solvents; if a part
is to be washed or cleaned, use another method of identification. A permanent felt−tipped marker or a metal
scribe can be very handy for marking metal parts. Remove any tape or paper labels after assembly.
Maintenance or Repair?
Maintenance includes routine inspections, adjustments, and replacement of parts which show signs of normal
wear. Maintenance compensates for wear or deterioration. Repair implies that something has broken or is not
working. A need for a repair is often caused by lack of maintenance. for example: draining and refilling
automatic transmission fluid is maintenance recommended at specific intervals. Failure to do this can shorten
the life of the transmission/transaxle, requiring very expensive repairs. While no maintenance program can
prevent items from eventually breaking or wearing out, a general rule is true: MAINTENANCE IS
HOW TO USE THIS BOOK 1