1997 Ford Explorer Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 174

Maintenance and care 2. If the fluid level is not within the normal range, add only certified engine oil of the preferred viscosity. Add engine oil through the oil filler cap. Remove the filler cap and use a funnel to pour oil in the opening. 3. Recheck the oil level. Make sure the oil level is not above the full mark on the dipstick. Your vehicle has an OIL LIFE LEFT function if you have the Vehicle Message Center. This device displays the percent of useful engine oil life left and when an oil change is required. Use of a CERTIFIED oil of the preferred viscosity is required for this device to work properly. Change your engine oil and oil filter when the Message Center displays CHANGE OIL SOON or OIL CHANGE REQUIRED. If the Message Center malfunctions, you may determine your oil change interval based on the following guidelines. The Vehicle Message Center may be manually reset by depressing the Oil Change Reset switch for five seconds. Continuous contact with used motor oil has caused cancer in laboratory mice. Changing the engine oil and filter Change your engine oil and filter according to the following 175