Maintenance and Specifications -> ENGINE OIL for Your Ford Explorer SUV Third Generation (2002-2005)

Maintenance and Specifications  
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.  
Refer to Lubricant specifications in the Capacities and specifications  
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 4.5° C (40°  
F), 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.  
ENGINE OIL  
Checking the engine oil  
Refer to the scheduled maintenance guide for the appropriate intervals  
for checking the engine oil.  
1. Make sure the vehicle is on level ground.  
2. Turn the engine off and wait a few minutes for the oil to drain into the  
oil pan.  
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Maintenance and Specifications  
3. Set the parking brake and ensure the gearshift is securely latched in P  
(Park).  
4. Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine heat.  
5. Locate and carefully remove the engine oil level indicator (dipstick).  
4.0L V6 engine  
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4.6L V8 engine  
6. Wipe the indicator clean. Insert the indicator fully, then remove it  
again.  
If the oil level is between the MIN and MAX marks, the oil level is  
acceptable, DO NOT ADD OIL.  
If the oil level is below the MIN mark, add enough oil to raise the level  
within the MIN-MAX range.  
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4.0L SOHC V6 engine  
4.6L V8 engine  
Oil levels above the MAX mark may cause engine damage. Some oil  
must be removed from the engine by a service technician.  
7. Put the indicator back in and ensure it is fully seated.  
Adding engine oil  
1. Check the engine oil. For instructions, refer to Checking the engine  
oil in this chapter.  
2. If the engine oil level is not within the normal range, add only certified  
engine oil of the recommended viscosity. Remove the engine oil filler cap  
and use a funnel to pour the engine oil into the opening.  
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3. Recheck the engine oil level. Make sure the oil level is not above the  
MAX hole on the engine oil level indicator (dipstick).  
4. Install the indicator and ensure it is fully seated.  
5. Fully install the engine oil filler cap by turning the filler cap clockwise  
1/4 of a turn or until three clicks can be heard.  
To avoid possible oil loss, DO NOT operate the vehicle with the  
engine oil level indicator and/or the engine oil filler cap removed.  
Engine Oil Recommendations  
4.6L Engine  
Look for this certification  
trademark.  
Use SAE 5W-20 engine oil.  
Only use oils “Certified For Gasoline Engines” by the American  
Petroleum Institute (API). To protect your engine’s warranty use  
Motorcraft SAE 5W-20 or an equivalent 5W-20 oil meeting Ford  
specification WSS-M2C153–H. SAE 5W-20 oil provides optimum fuel  
economy and durability performance meeting all requirements for  
your vehicle’s engine.  
Do not use supplemental engine oil additives, cleaners or other engine  
treatments. They are unnecessary and could lead to engine damage that  
is not covered by Ford warranty.  
Change your engine oil according to the appropriate schedule listed in  
the scheduled maintenance guide.  
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4.0L Engine  
Look for this certification  
trademark.  
Use SAE 5W-30 engine oil.  
Only use oils “Certified For Gasoline Engines” by the American  
Petroleum Institute (API). To protect your engine’s warranty use  
Motorcraft SAE 5W-30 or an equivalent 5W-30 oil meeting Ford  
specification WSS-M2C205–A.  
Do not use supplemental engine oil additives, cleaners or other engine  
treatments. They are unnecessary and could lead to engine damage that  
is not covered by Ford warranty.  
Change your engine oil according to the appropriate schedule listed in  
the scheduled maintenance guide.  
Ford production and aftermarket (Motorcraft) oil filters are designed for  
added engine protection and long life. If a replacement oil filter is used  
that does not meet Ford material and design specifications, start-up  
engine noises or knock may be experienced.  
It is recommended you use the appropriate Motorcraft oil filter (or  
another brand meeting Ford specifications) for your engine application.  
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