1997 Ford Explorer Service and Repair Manual

This factory service and repair manual for the 1997 Ford Explorer covers three engines: the 4.0L V6 in single overhead-cam form, the same 4.0L displacement in overhead-valve form, and the 5.0L V8 with overhead valves, all naturally aspirated and gasoline-fueled. Both the 4-door and 2-door sport utility bodies are included across five trims: Eddie Bauer, Limited, Sport, XL and XLT. Since the two V6 designs share a displacement but not their valvetrains, the manual keeps procedures, specifications, torque values, wiring diagrams and diagnostics separate for each engine.

Engines covered

• 4.0L V6 (245 cu in) — SOHC, naturally aspirated, gasoline
• 5.0L V8 (302 cu in) — OHV, naturally aspirated, gasoline
• 4.0L V6 (245 cu in) — OHV, naturally aspirated, gasoline

Body styles covered

• 4-door sport utility
• 2-door sport utility

Trims covered

• Eddie Bauer
• Limited
• Sport
• XL
• XLT

Known issues on the 1997 Explorer. Eight recalls are recorded for this year. Original throttle bodies on the 4.0L single overhead-cam engine could be built with too narrow a gap between plate and bore, so engine deposits made the pedal stick and then surge free; the speed control deactivation switch could start a fire; and a front sway bar link could fracture. Owners have filed 1,981 complaints with NHTSA, led by tires at 754, engine and engine cooling at 216 and vehicle speed control at 174. Throttle body service, speed control wiring and engine cooling diagnostics are set out in the manual with specifications and torque values.