05 Explorer Questions

[bmustangguy]

Hey everyone got some questions about my explorer. Not sure if anyone has posted these questions before or not but here goes. First off mine is a 2 wheel drive model with the 4.0. Now how do you go about checking the fluid level in the transmission since it doesnt come with a dipstick. I have looked all over the transmission and dont see a place off hand where you could check it. My other question is has anyone had any problems with their fuel mileage dropping on theirs. When i first got it it was getting between 18 and 19 miles to the gallon and was like that for a long time. Recently it dropped and has been gettin about 16. I have changed out the air filter and fuel filter with no change in mileage. any ideas anyone?

 

[EXPLORER04]

The transmissions on these vehicles are considered "sealed" which means they have no dipstick. To check the level you need a special adapter to open the plug on the tranny oil pan. As to the mileage problem you may want to check spark plugs.

 

[bmustangguy]

I see the plug you are talking about. How do you go about checking it when you remove that plug?

 

[Limited02]

Gas milage drop could be because of the winter fuel blends. Try changing the spark plugs and see how that works for you.

 

[thepotroast]

I second the notion regarding the winter blend fuels. They add more ethanol in the fuels in the winter, and that does indeed lower gas mileage. It's not a myth :