Target Audience:
Professional technicians and DIY owners performing their own maintenance and repairs
Segment:
Mid-size 4-door SUV, 5-passenger (optional third row on some trims)
Main Competitors:
Chevrolet TrailBlazer, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Dodge Durango
Key Advantage:
Independent rear suspension gave it a lower load floor and better ride than most body-on-frame rivals of the era
Drivetrain:
Rear-wheel drive standard, Control Trac 4WD optional
Engine Range:
4.0L SOHC V6 and 4.6L SOHC V8
Notable Change:
Fully independent rear suspension introduced for 2002
Manual Type:
Official factory service repair workshop manual
Coverage Areas:
Complete vehicle: all systems, diagnostics, repair and overhaul procedures for US/Canada models
Completeness:
Covers every single detail of the 2002-2005 Explorer
Delivery Method:
Instant download - no shipping, no waiting
Compatibility:
Windows, Linux, MAC, IOS, Android
Engine:
4.0L SOHC V6 and 4.6L V8: removal, disassembly, rebuild, specifications
Transmission / Transaxle:
Automatic and manual transmission service, overhaul and adjustments
Driveline:
4WD system, transfer case, front and rear axles, driveshafts
Suspension:
Front and independent rear suspension, shock absorbers, alignment
Steering:
Power steering gear, pump, linkage
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, discs, drums, parking brake, ABS
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation and air conditioning service and diagnostics
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, battery, charging, starting, lighting, gauges
Body:
Panels, doors, trim, glass, mirrors, seats, interior components
Restraints:
Airbag system, seat belts, child restraint provisions
Emissions:
Exhaust system, PCV, EVAP, emission controls
Diagnostics:
Symptom-based troubleshooting and diagnostic trouble code charts
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step removal, installation, disassembly and assembly
Adjustments:
Belt tensions, valve clearances, alignment specs, brake adjustments
Torque Values:
Factory torque specifications for fasteners throughout
Wiring Diagrams:
Complete schematic diagrams for all circuits
Level:
Factory workshop level - written for trained technicians, usable by experienced DIY owners
Specifications:
Complete engine, transmission, chassis and electrical specifications
Part Identification:
Component locations and exploded views for identification
Fluid Capacities:
Factory fluid specifications and fill capacities
Part Numbers:
N/A - not a parts catalog; see Ford dealer for ordering
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 (Explorer / Cologne V6)
Optional Engine:
4.6L SOHC 16-valve V8, Modular family
Configuration:
Longitudinally mounted, rear-wheel drive / 4WD
4.0L V6 Output:
Approximately 210 hp, 240 lb-ft of torque
4.6L V8 Output:
Approximately 239 hp, 282 lb-ft of torque
Type:
Sequential multi-port electronic fuel injection
Fuel:
Regular unleaded gasoline
Standard Transmission (4.0L):
5-speed automatic (5R55 series)
Optional Transmission (4.6L V8):
5R55S 5-speed automatic
Drivetrain:
RWD or Control Trac 4-wheel drive
Shift Control:
Electronic shift control
Overdrive:
5th gear overdrive for highway efficiency
Service:
Fluid, filter and band adjustment procedures covered in the manual
NHTSA Crash Tests:
Four-door Explorer scored well in government frontal and side-impact testing for the era
Detailed Scores:
N/A - verify current ratings at NHTSA.gov
ABS:
4-wheel anti-lock braking system
Traction Control:
Available all-speed traction control
Handling:
AdvanceTrac electronic stability control available on later years
Airbags:
Dual front airbags; side-impact airbags available
Restraints:
Three-point seat belts, LATCH child seat anchors
Structure:
Safety cage body structure with crumple zones
Audio System:
AM/FM stereo with cassette and/or in-dash CD; available premium Audiophile sound system
Optional:
In-dash 6-disc CD changer; rear-seat audio controls available
Era Note:
Modern ADAS features (adaptive cruise, lane assist) were not offered on this generation
Available Aids:
Auto-dimming mirrors, power adjustable pedals, keyless entry
Oil and Filter:
Approximately every 5,000 miles / 6 months (normal service); follow owner guide schedule
Transmission Fluid:
Inspect regularly; change approximately every 30,000-60,000 miles under severe service
Coolant:
Replace per interval schedule, typically 100,000 miles initial
Spark Plugs:
Replace approximately every 100,000 miles (4.6L); 4.0L per schedule
Engine Oil:
5W-30 API certified, per factory specification
ATF:
Mercon V for the 5R55 automatic
Coolant:
Motorcraft gold-type extended-life coolant
Known Issues / Common Wear
4.0L SOHC V6:
Timing chain and guide wear on higher-mileage engines
Rear Suspension:
Inspect rear toe links and bushings; a known wear item on IRS models
Ball Joints:
Front ball joints are a common wear item on higher-mileage trucks
Transmission:
5R55 valve body and servo wear reported; fluid service recommended
Manufacturer:
Ford Motor Company, Dearborn, Michigan
Model Introduction:
Explorer introduced in 1991 as Ford's mid-size SUV
Generation:
Third generation (2002-2005), all-new platform with independent rear suspension
Trim Range:
XLS, XLT, Eddie Bauer, Limited
Assembly Location:
Louisville Assembly Plant, Kentucky (primary US production)