Segment:
Mid-size sport utility vehicle
Target Audience:
Families and owners needing towing and all-weather capability
Platform:
Ford DN101 (shared with Ranger and Mazda B-Series underpinnings)
Related Model:
Mercury Mountaineer (introduced 1997)
Engine Choices:
4.0L OHV V6 and 4.0L SOHC V6
Transmission Choices:
5-speed manual and 5-speed automatic
Drive Options:
Rear-wheel drive or Control Trac all-wheel drive
Towing:
Towing Package available with heavy-duty cooling and trailer hitch wiring
Advantage Over Rivals:
Broad model range, strong parts availability, and factory towing capability at a mid-size price point
Manual Type:
Factory service repair workshop manual
Coverage:
Complete coverage of the 1997 Ford Explorer - every system and component
Intended Users:
Professional technicians and DIY owners
Delivery Method:
Instant download to computer, tablet, or smartphone
Usage Limits:
Unlimited use - no expiry dates
Engine:
4.0L OHV and 4.0L SOHC V6 - removal, overhaul, timing, torque specifications
Fuel System:
Fuel pump, injectors, pressure testing, tank and lines
Ignition & Electronics:
Distributorless ignition, sensors, PCM diagnostics
Cooling & Heating:
Radiator, water pump, thermostat, HVAC system
Transmission:
5R55E automatic and 5-speed manual - service and overhaul
Transfer Case & Driveline:
BorgWarner 1354/4405 transfer case, driveshafts, differentials
Suspension & Steering:
Front torsion bar suspension, rear leaf springs, power steering
Brakes:
ABS diagnostics, discs, drums, parking brake
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, charging, starting, lighting, gauges
Body & Interior:
Panels, doors, trim, seats, glass, keyless entry
Restraints:
Airbag (SRS) system and seat belts
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting charts, OBD-I/EEC-IV and OBD-II code diagnosis
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step disassembly, repair, and reassembly
Specifications:
Torque specs, clearances, fluid capacities, wear limits
Special Tools:
Required tool lists for each procedure
Maintenance:
Scheduled service and adjustment procedures
Depth:
Factory-level detail equivalent to dealer documentation
Diagrams:
Exploded views, schematics, and wiring diagrams
Parts Information:
Part identification, torque values, and specification tables
Illustrations:
Photos and line drawings supporting each procedure
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
Primary Engine:
4.0L OHV V6 (245 cu in)
Optional Engine:
4.0L SOHC V6 (available in Sport and upscale models)
Configuration:
60-degree V6, cast iron block
Fuel:
Regular unleaded gasoline
Performance & Fuel System
OHV Output:
Approximately 160 hp / 225 lb-ft
SOHC Output:
Approximately 205 hp / 250 lb-ft
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential multi-port electronic fuel injection
Ignition:
Electronic distributorless ignition system
Emissions:
OBD-II compliant
Standard Transmission:
Mazda 5-speed manual (with 4.0L OHV, select models)
Optional Transmission:
5R55E 5-speed electronically controlled automatic
Transfer Case:
BorgWarner electric shift (4WD/Control Trac models)
Axles:
Solid rear axle with available limited-slip differential
Automatic Features:
Electronic shift control with overdrive and adaptive shift strategy
4WD Modes:
2H, 4H, 4L with shift-on-the-fly operation
Service Notes:
Mercon V fluid for automatic transmission
Wheelbase (4-door):
111.5 in
Wheelbase (2-door Sport):
101.8 in
Length (4-door):
Approximately 190.5 in
Length (2-door):
Approximately 178.9 in
Seating:
Up to 5 passengers (4-door)
Curb Weight:
Approximately 3,600-4,100 lb depending on configuration
GVWR:
Approximately 5,000-5,250 lb depending on trim
NHTSA Ratings:
N/A - consult official NHTSA archives for 1997 ratings
ABS:
4-wheel anti-lock braking system
Traction:
Available limited-slip rear differential; Control Trac AWD aids traction
Brakes:
Front disc, rear drum with optional rear disc
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags
Seat Belts:
Front and rear 3-point belts
Structure:
Steel safety-cage body structure with side-impact door beams
Audio System:
AM/FM stereo with cassette; premium audio available on XLT and above
Optional Audio:
CD player and JBL premium sound system on upper trims
Convenience:
Keyless remote entry, power windows, power locks, cruise control
Driver Aids:
Anti-lock brakes; no modern ADAS on this model year
Instrumentation:
Electronic 4WD shift controls, tachometer, trip odometer
Oil & Filter:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles (severe/normal service)
Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed
Spark Plugs:
Replace approximately every 30,000 miles (per schedule)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Inspect regularly; change roughly every 30,000 miles under severe use
Engine Oil:
5W-30, approximately 5 quarts with filter
Transmission Fluid:
Mercon V (5R55E automatic)
Coolant:
Green ethylene glycol coolant, approximately 50/50 mix
Differential:
Sae 75W-140 or per axle specification
Known Issues / Common Wear Items
OHV Timing:
Timing chain and guides wear - inspect at higher mileage
Intake Manifold:
Check for coolant leaks at the plastic upper intake
4WD System:
Transfer case shift motor and hubs are common wear items
Suspension:
Torsion bar bushings and ball joints wear with age
Manufacturer:
Ford Motor Company
Model Origin:
Explorer introduced 1991 as Ford's mid-size SUV
1997 Position:
Second generation, refreshed front styling and drivetrain upgrades
1995-1997 Changes:
New styling, available SOHC V6, Control Trac AWD, 5-speed automatic
1997 Update:
Revised front end, added Mercury Mountaineer twin
Body Range:
Two-door Sport and four-door models
Production Location:
Assembled in St. Louis, Missouri (and Louisville, Kentucky for related units)