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

Cleaning  
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.  
217  
2003 Explorer (exp)  
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)  
USA English (fus)  
Cleaning  
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).  
218  
2003 Explorer (exp)  
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)  
USA English (fus)