Target Audience:
Families and owners needing a midsize SUV with available V8 power and towing capability
Market Segment:
Midsize sport utility vehicle
Main Competitors:
Chevrolet TrailBlazer, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Toyota 4Runner, Dodge Durango
Advantage:
Independent rear suspension, wide model range including V8 and third-row seating options, extensive parts availability
Chassis:
Body-on-frame with fully independent rear suspension
Engine Options:
4.0L SOHC V6 or 4.6L SOHC V8
Notable Features:
Available AdvanceTrac stability control, tire pressure monitoring, optional third-row seating
Manual Type:
Workshop service and repair manual
Coverage Areas:
Complete vehicle: engine, transmission, driveline, brakes, suspension, electrical, body, HVAC
Page Count:
N/A - multi-volume factory service information
Delivery Method:
Instant download
Compatibility:
Windows, Mac, tablet, and smartphone PDF readers
Printing:
Printable pages for workshop use
Engine Mechanical:
4.0L SOHC V6 and 4.6L SOHC V8 - disassembly, inspection, rebuild specifications
Engine Management:
Fuel injection, ignition, sensors, PCM diagnostics
Automatic Transmission:
5R55S 5-speed and 4-speed automatic units - service, adjustment, overhaul
Transfer Case and Axles:
4WD system, differentials, driveshafts
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, ABS, disc pads and rotors, parking brake
Suspension:
Front and rear independent suspension, ball joints, bushings
Steering:
Power rack and pinion steering system
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, air conditioning, automatic temperature control
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, fuse and relay locations, charging and starting systems
Body and Interior:
Panels, trim, seats, glass, mirrors, restraints
Restraints:
Airbag system, seat belts, safety precautions
Wheels and Tires:
Sizes, rotation, balancing, TPMS
Diagnostics:
Fault code reading, symptom charts, pinpoint tests
Removal and Installation:
Step-by-step procedures for all major components
Torque Specifications:
Factory torque values for fasteners throughout the vehicle
Wiring Diagrams:
Complete circuit diagrams by system
Adjustments:
Belt tension, alignment, throttle, transmission band and linkage adjustments
Fluids and Capacities:
Specified fluids and fill quantities
Special Tools:
Required service tools listed per procedure
Intended User:
Professional technicians and experienced DIY owners
Detail Level:
Factory-level specifications, tolerances, and test procedures
Illustrations:
Diagrams, exploded views, and schematics
Parts Information:
Part identification and exploded views for ordering reference; not a full parts catalog
File Format:
PDF (searchable, bookmarked, zoomable)
Compatibility:
Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android — any device with a PDF reader
Requirements:
A PDF reader application (e.g. Adobe Acrobat Reader, free)
Searchability:
Fully text searchable for fast lookup of any topic
Print Quality:
High-resolution digital pages, printable at full clarity
Binding Type:
N/A — digital download, no physical binding
Paper Type:
N/A — digital download, no physical paper
Base Engine:
4.0L SOHC V6 (Euro-spec Cologne family)
Displacement:
4.0L (245 cu in)
Configuration:
V6, single overhead cam, 12 valves
Fuel System:
Sequential multi-port electronic fuel injection
Fuel Type:
Regular unleaded gasoline
Optional Engine:
4.6L SOHC V8 (Modular family)
Configuration:
V8, single overhead cam per bank
Fuel System:
Sequential multi-port electronic fuel injection
Horsepower:
N/A - verify exact ratings in the manual specification section
Torque:
N/A - verify exact ratings in the manual specification section
Oil Capacity:
Refer to Maintenance section of the manual for specified quantity
Standard Transmission:
5-speed automatic transmission (5R55S) with 4.0L V6
Optional Transmission:
Automatic transmission paired with 4.6L V8
Features:
Electronic shift control, overdrive, tow/haul-oriented calibration
Transmission Fluid:
Mercon V - see manual for exact procedure and capacity
Service Procedures:
Fluid and filter service, shift linkage adjustment, diagnostics, overhaul
Wheelbase:
Approximately 113.7 in (2,888 mm)
Length:
Approximately 188 in (4,775 mm)
Seating:
5 passengers; optional third row on some trims
Curb Weight:
N/A - varies by trim and drivetrain; see manual general specifications
Towing Capacity:
N/A - varies by engine and tow package; confirm in manual
Ratings:
N/A - consult NHTSA/IIHS records for 2005 Explorer ratings
ABS:
4-wheel anti-lock braking system
Stability Control:
Available AdvanceTrac electronic stability control
Tire Pressure Monitoring:
Tire pressure monitoring system
Traction Control:
Available traction control
Airbags:
Dual front airbags; side-impact airbags available
Seat Belts:
Three-point belts with pretensioners
Child Restraints:
LATCH anchors, rear door child safety locks
Structure:
Reinforced safety cage body structure
Audio System:
AM/FM stereo with CD player; in-dash 6-disc changer available
Controls:
Steering wheel mounted audio controls available
Rear Sensing:
Available rear park assist
Instrumentation:
Message center with trip and system status displays
Note:
Advanced driver assistance systems were not widely offered in this era; see owner literature for trim-specific equipment
Oil and Filter:
Per normal/severe schedule in the manual, typically every 5,000 miles under severe use
Transmission Fluid:
Scheduled service interval per the maintenance chart
Coolant:
Long-life coolant with periodic inspection and replacement interval
Spark Plugs:
Replace per scheduled interval specified in the manual
Air Filter:
Inspect regularly, replace per schedule
Brake Fluid:
Inspect at every service; replace per interval
Engine Oil:
SAE viscosity per owner literature; Mercon V for transmission
Coolant:
Ford-spec long-life coolant
Power Steering:
Mercon ATF or approved fluid per manual
Differential Fluid:
Synthetic rear axle lubricant per specification
Known Issues / Common Wear Items
Ball Joints:
Front suspension ball joints are a known wear item; inspect regularly
Rear Suspension:
Rear toe links and bushings wear over time
Intake Manifold:
4.0L V6 plastic intake manifold cracks were a known issue on earlier units; check service bulletins
Transmission:
5R55S solenoid and servo wear can cause shift concerns; monitor fluid condition
Manufacturer:
Ford Motor Company, Dearborn, Michigan, USA
Model Introduction:
Explorer introduced in 1990 as a four-door successor to the Bronco II
Generation:
Third generation (2002-2005) with independent rear suspension
2005 Position:
Final model year of the third generation before the 2006 redesign
Production Location:
Assembled in the United States; exact plant for this unit is not specified in the description