Target Audience:
Professional technicians and DIY owners servicing the 1998 Explorer
Intended Use:
Diagnostic, repair, and overhaul reference for home garages and shops
Advantage:
OEM factory content with Ford-specific procedures, specifications, and diagnostic steps not found in generic aftermarket manuals
Content:
Step-by-step repair procedures, torque specifications, wiring diagrams, exploded views
Format:
Searchable PDF with bookmarked sections
Coverage Areas:
Engine, transmission, driveline, brakes, suspension, steering, electrical, HVAC, body, and emissions systems
Manual Type:
OEM factory workshop service and repair manual
Delivery Method:
Instant digital download
Compatibility:
Windows, Mac, tablet, and smartphone PDF readers
Engine:
4.0L OHV and 4.0L SOHC V6 - disassembly, inspection, machining limits, reassembly
Fuel System:
Multi-port fuel injection (MFI) components, fuel pump, tank, lines, and filters
Ignition:
Distributorless ignition system (DIS), spark timing, coil packs
Transmission - Automatic:
5R55E and 4R55E automatic transmission service and overhaul
Transmission - Manual:
5-speed manual transmission (M5OD-R1) service
Transfer Case:
Borg-Warner 1354/4405 transfer case removal, overhaul, and 4WD system diagnosis
Axles and Differentials:
Front and rear axle service, differential overhaul, bearing preload
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, disc front/drum rear, ABS diagnostics
Suspension:
Front independent coil spring, rear leaf spring, twin-traction-beam and control arm service
Steering:
Power recirculating ball steering gear, linkage, and pump service
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, charging, starting, lighting, instrument cluster, accessories
Heating and Air Conditioning:
HVAC components, refrigerant system service, blower and control diagnosis
Emissions:
EGR, EVAP, PCV, OBD-II diagnostic trouble codes and component tests
Body:
Doors, panels, glass, seats, trim, and body electrical
Diagnostics:
Symptom-based troubleshooting, pin-point tests, OBD-II code charts
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step removal, disassembly, inspection, and reinstallation
Specifications:
Torque values, clearances, fluid capacities, wear limits
Special Tools:
Ford special tool references and substitutes where applicable
Depth:
Factory-level detail for complete teardown and rebuild work
Illustrations:
Exploded views, schematics, and photographs
Wiring Diagrams:
Full vehicle wiring diagrams included
Parts Lists:
Part references and exploded diagrams for component identification
Cross-Reference:
Ford part numbers referenced throughout procedures
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
Engine Options:
4.0L OHV V6; 4.0L SOHC V6 (available on this generation)
Displacement:
4.0L (245 cubic inches)
Configuration:
V6, 60-degree
Fuel System:
Multi-port electronic fuel injection (MFI)
Firing Order:
1-4-2-5-3-6
Ignition:
Distributorless ignition system (DIS)
Engine Control:
Ford EEC-V with OBD-II
Horsepower:
Approximately 160-205 hp depending on engine option
Torque:
Approximately 225-250 lb-ft depending on engine option
Fuel Requirement:
Regular unleaded gasoline
Wheelbase:
Approximately 101.8 in (2-door) / 111.6 in (4-door)
Length:
Approximately 190 in for 4-door models
Seating Capacity:
Up to 5 passengers (4-door)
Fuel Tank Capacity:
Approximately 21 gallons (4-door)
Ground Clearance:
N/A - varies by trim and suspension setup
Curb Weight:
Approximately 3,400-4,000 lb depending on body style and drivetrain
GVWR:
Approximately 5,000-5,500 lb depending on configuration
Oil and Filter:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles depending on service conditions
Spark Plugs:
Per Ford normal/severe schedule (typically 30,000-60,000 miles depending on plug type)
Transmission Fluid:
Inspect regularly; replace per severe-duty schedule (typically 30,000 miles severe)
Coolant:
Replace per Ford scheduled maintenance interval
Differential and Transfer Case Fluid:
Inspect and replace per severe-duty schedule
Engine Oil:
5W-30 API-rated gasoline engine oil
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Mercon (5R55E)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
Mercon ATF (M5OD-R1)
Coolant:
Ford green extended-life ethylene glycol coolant
Known Issues / Common Wear
Known Issues:
Rear axle and transfer case seal wear; ball joint and tie rod wear on high-mileage vehicles
Common Wear Items:
Brake rotors and pads, leaf spring bushings, radiator and heater hoses, fuel pump
Timing:
4.0L OHV uses timing chain; 4.0L SOHC uses front timing chain set - inspect for wear at high mileage
Manufacturer:
Ford Motor Company, Dearborn, Michigan, USA
Model Lineage:
Explorer introduced 1991; second generation launched for 1995 model year
Second Generation Changes:
1995-2001 generation added independent front suspension, SOHC V6 option, and updated styling; 1998 continued with expanded airbag and trim availability
Production Location:
Louisville Assembly Plant, Kentucky, USA; also built at Hazelwood, Missouri for some configurations