Target Audience:
Families, fleet operators, and light-duty towing users seeking a midsize SUV
Segment:
Midsize sport utility vehicle
Key Competitors:
Chevrolet TrailBlazer, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Toyota 4Runner, Nissan Pathfinder
Advantage:
Strong towing capacity, available V8 power, and independent rear suspension for improved ride quality
Notable Features:
Available AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control, tire pressure monitoring, side curtain airbags, power liftgate
Engine:
Complete overhaul, removal, installation, and repair for all engine options
Transmission / Transaxle:
Automatic and manual transmission service, rebuild, and clutch procedures
4WD / Driveline:
Transfer case, front differential, rear differential, driveshafts, hubs
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension, shocks, springs, control arms, ball joints
Steering:
Power steering pump, gear, linkage, and alignment specifications
Brakes:
Disc brakes, drum brakes, ABS, parking brake, hydraulic system
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, air conditioning components and refrigerant service
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, fuse locations, connectors, battery, charging, starting
Restraints:
Airbag system, seat belts, occupant sensing diagnostics
Body and Paint:
Panels, doors, glass, trim, bumpers, corrosion repair
Instrumentation:
Gauge cluster, warning indicators, message center
Diagnostics:
Trouble code identification, diagnostic procedures, testing charts
Scheduled Maintenance:
Service intervals, fluid capacities, adjustment specifications
Removal and Installation:
Step-by-step component R&I with torque specifications
Disassembly and Assembly:
Engine, transmission, and axle teardown and rebuild sequences
Technical Depth and Parts
Technical Depth:
Written to factory workshop level for technicians and experienced DIY owners
Torque Specifications:
Provided throughout for fasteners and assemblies
Wiring Diagrams:
Included for full vehicle electrical system
Parts Information:
Part numbers, specifications, and fastener data where applicable
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 (Ford Cologne engine)
Optional Engine:
4.6L SOHC 16-valve V8 (Modular)
4.0L V6 Output:
Approximately 210 hp and 254 lb-ft of torque
4.6L V8 Output:
Approximately 292 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque
Towing Capacity:
Up to approximately 7,300 lb properly equipped with V8
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential multi-port electronic fuel injection
Fuel Requirement:
Regular unleaded gasoline (87 octane)
Fuel Tank Capacity:
Approximately 22.5 gallons
Standard Transmission:
5-speed automatic (5R55S) with 4.0L V6
Optional Transmission:
6-speed automatic (6R60) with 4.6L V8
Drive Configuration:
Rear-wheel drive or Control Trac 4-wheel drive
Shift Features:
Overdrive, tow/haul mode on equipped models
Tow Mode:
Class III/IV towing packages available
Wheelbase:
Approximately 113.7 inches
Length:
Approximately 190.5 inches
Width:
Approximately 78.9 inches
Height:
Approximately 72.8 inches (varies by trim)
Curb Weight:
Approximately 4,400-4,700 lb depending on configuration
GVWR:
Varies by model; see door placard or manual for exact figures
NHTSA Crash Tests:
Strong frontal and side-impact ratings for its class; consult NHTSA for specific scores
Stability Control:
AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control (RSC)
ABS:
4-wheel anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution
Tire Pressure Monitoring:
Standard tire pressure monitoring system
Airbags:
Dual front airbags, front seat side airbags, Safety Canopy side curtain airbags
Belts and Restraints:
Front pretensioners, adjustable shoulder anchors, LATCH child seat anchors
Oil and Filter:
Approximately every 5,000 miles or per Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor
Tire Rotation:
Every 5,000-7,500 miles
Air Filter:
Inspect at oil changes; replace approximately every 30,000 miles
Spark Plugs:
Approximately every 100,000 miles
Coolant:
Per Ford specified interval; check manual for exact schedule
Engine Oil:
5W-30 (V6) per owner manual specification; see manual for V8
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Merron/Mercon V type fluid per specification
Coolant:
Ford specification long-life coolant
Known Issues / Common Wear Items
Known Issues:
Rear differential and 5R55 transmission concerns reported; intake manifold gaskets on 4.0L V6
Common Wear Items:
Ball joints, tie rod ends, brake rotors, wheel bearings on higher-mileage vehicles
Manufacturer:
Ford Motor Company, Dearborn, Michigan, USA
First Generation:
Introduced 1991 as a derivative of the Ford Bronco II/Ranger platform
Third Generation:
2002 redesign introduced independent rear suspension
Fourth Generation:
2006-2010; 2008 model received refinements to trim and safety equipment
Assembly Plant:
Louisville Assembly Plant, Kentucky, USA (Explorer); built alongside Sport Trac and Mountaineer
