Get Cleaning Guide for Ford Explorer SUV Third Generation (2002-2005)

Cleaning

WASHING THE EXTERIOR

Wash your vehicle regularly with cool or lukewarm water and a neutral

Ph shampoo, such as Motorcraft Detail Wash (ZC-3–A), which is available

from your dealer.

• Never use strong household detergents or soap, such as dish washing

or laundry liquid. These products can discolor and spot painted

surfaces.

• Never wash a vehicle that is “hot to the touch” or during exposure to

strong, direct sunlight.

• Always use a clean sponge or carwash mitt with plenty of water for

best results.

• Dry the vehicle with a chamois or soft terry cloth towel in order to

eliminate water spotting.

• It is especially important to wash the vehicle regularly during the

winter months, as dirt and road salt are difficult to remove and cause

damage to the vehicle.

• Immediately remove items such as gasoline, diesel fuel, bird droppings

and insect deposits because they can cause damage to the vehicle’s

paintwork and trim over time.

• Remove any exterior accessories, such as antennas, before entering a

car wash.

• Suntan lotions and insect repellents can damage any painted

surface; if these substances come in contact with your vehicle,

wash off as soon as possible.

• If your vehicle is equipped with running boards, do not use

rubber, plastic and vinyl protectant products on the running

board surface, as the area may become slippery.

WAXING

Applying a polymer paint sealant to your vehicle every six months will

assist in reducing minor scratches and paint damage.

• Wash the vehicle first.

• Do not use waxes that contain abrasives.

• Do not allow paint sealant to come in contact with any non-body

(low-gloss black) colored trim, such as grained door handles, roof

racks, bumpers, side moldings, mirror housings or the windshield cowl

area. The paint sealant will “gray” or stain the parts over time.

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PAINT CHIPS

Your dealer has touch-up paint and sprays to match your vehicle’s color.

Take your color code (printed on a sticker in the driver’s door jam) to

your dealer to ensure you get the correct color.

• Remove particles such as bird droppings, tree sap, insect deposits, tar

spots, road salt and industrial fallout before repairing paint chips.

• Always read the instructions before using the products.

ALUMINUM WHEELS AND WHEEL COVERS

Aluminum wheels and wheel covers are coated with a clearcoat paint

finish. In order to maintain their shine:

• Clean weekly with Motorcraft Wheel and Tire Cleaner (ZC-37–A),

which is available from your dealer. Heavy dirt and brake dust

accumulation may require agitation with a sponge. Rinse thoroughly

with a strong stream of water.

• Never apply any cleaning chemical to hot or warm wheel rims or

covers.

• Some automatic car washes may cause damage to the finish on your

wheel rims or covers. Chemical-strength cleaners, or cleaning

chemicals, in combination with brush agitation to remove brake dust

and dirt, could wear away the clearcoat finish over time.

• Do not use hydrofluoric acid-based or high caustic-based wheel

cleaners, steel wool, fuels or strong household detergent.

• To remove tar and grease, use Motorcraft Bug and Tar Remover

(ZC-42), available from your dealer.

ENGINE

Engines are more efficient when they are clean because grease and dirt

buildup keep the engine warmer than normal. When washing:

• Take care when using a power washer to clean the engine. The high

pressure fluid could penetrate the sealed parts and cause damage.

• Do not spray a hot engine with cold water to avoid cracking the

engine block or other engine components.

• Spray Motorcraft Engine Shampoo and Degreaser (ZC-20) on all parts

that require cleaning and pressure rinse clean.

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• Cover the highlighted areas to prevent water damage when cleaning

the engine.

4.0L SOHC V6 Engine

4.6L V8 Engine

• Never wash or rinse the engine while it is running; water in the

running engine may cause internal damage.

PLASTIC (NON-PAINTED) EXTERIOR PARTS

Use only approved products to clean plastic parts. These products are

available from your dealer.

• For routine cleaning, use Motorcraft Detail Wash (ZC-3–A).

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• If tar or grease spots are present, use Motorcraft Bug and Tar

Remover (ZC-42).

WINDOWS AND WIPER BLADES

The windshield, rear window and wiper blades should be cleaned

regularly. If the wiper does not wipe properly, substances on the

windshield, rear window or the wiper blades may be the cause. These

may include hot wax treatments used by commercial car washes, tree

sap, or other organic contamination. To clean these items, please follow

these tips:

• The windshield or rear window may be cleaned with a non-abrasive

cleaner such as Motorcraft Ultra Clear Spray Glass Cleaner (ZC-23),

available from your dealer.

• Do not use abrasives, as they may cause scratches.

• Do not use fuel, kerosene, or paint thinner to clean any parts.

• Wiper blades can be cleaned with isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol or

windshield washer solution. Be sure to replace wiper blades when they

appear worn or do not function properly.

INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CLUSTER LENS

Clean the instrument panel with a damp cloth, then dry with a dry cloth.

• Avoid cleaners or polish 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.

Do not use chemical solvents or strong detergents when cleaning

the steering wheel or instrument panel to avoid contamination of

the air bag system.

• 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.

INTERIOR TRIM

• Clean the interior trim areas with a damp cloth, then dry by wiping

with a dry, soft, clean cloth.

• Do not use household or glass cleaners as these may damage the

finish.

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INTERIOR

For fabric, carpets, cloth seats and safety belts:

• Remove dust and loose dirt with a vacuum cleaner.

• Remove light stains and soil with Motorcraft Extra Strength

Upholstery Cleaner (ZC-41).

• If grease or tar is present on the material, spot-clean the area first

with Motorcraft Spot and Stain Remover (ZC-14).

• Never saturate the seat covers with cleaning solution.

• Do not use household cleaning products or glass cleaners, which can

stain and discolor the fabric and affect the flame retardant abilities of

the seat materials.

Do not use cleaning solvents, bleach or dye on the vehicle’s

seatbelts, as these actions may weaken the belt webbing.

LEATHER SEATS (IF EQUIPPED)

Your leather seating surfaces have a clear, protective coating over the

leather.

• To clean, use a soft cloth with Motorcraft Deluxe Leather and Vinyl

Cleaner (ZC-11–A). Dry the area with a soft cloth.

• To help maintain its resiliency and color, use the Motorcraft Deluxe

Leather Care Kit (ZC-11–D), available from your authorized dealer.

• Do not use household cleaning products, alcohol solutions, solvents or

cleaners intended for rubber, vinyl and plastics, or oil/petroleum-based

leather conditioners. These products may cause premature wearing of

the clear, protective coating.

UNDERBODY

Flush the complete underside of your vehicle frequently. Keep body and

door drain holes free from packed dirt.

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FORD, LINCOLN AND MERCURY CAR CARE PRODUCTS

Your Ford, Lincoln or Mercury dealer has many quality products available

to clean your vehicle and protect its finishes. These quality products

have been specifically engineered to fulfill your automotive needs; they

are custom designed to complement the style and appearance of your

vehicle. Each product is made from high quality materials that meet or

exceed rigid specifications. For best results, use the following products

or products of equivalent quality:

Motorcraft Custom Clearcoat Polish (ZC–8–A)

Motorcraft Custom Vinyl Protectant (not available in Canada) (ZC-40–A)

Motorcraft Vinyl Cleaner (Canada only) (CXC-93)

Motorcraft Vinyl Conditioner (Canada only) (CXC-94)

Motorcraft Deluxe Leather and Vinyl Cleaner (not available in Canada)

(ZC-11–A)

Motorcraft Bug and Tar Remover (ZC-42)

Motorcraft Extra Strength Upholstery Cleaner (not available in Canada)

(ZC-41)

Motorcraft Custom Bright Metal Cleaner (ZC-15)

Motorcraft Wheel and Tire Cleaner (ZC-37–A)

Motorcraft Dash and Vinyl Cleaner (ZC-38–A)

Motorcraft Car Care Kit (ZC-26)

Ford Premium Car Wash Concentrate (F2SZ-19523–WC)

Motorcraft Carlite Glass Cleaner (Canada only) (CXC-100)

Motorcraft Spot and Stain Remover (ZC-14)

Motorcraft Detail Wash (ZC-3–A)

Motorcraft Tire Clean and Shine (ZC-28)

Motorcraft Triple Clean (ZC-13)

Motorcraft Ultra-Clear Spray Glass Cleaner (not available in Canada)

(ZC-23)

Motorcraft Engine Shampoo and Degreaser (ZC-20)

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Cleaning for Your Ford Explorer SUV Third Generation (2002-2005)

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