automatic transmission fluid FORD EXPLORER 2011 5.G Owners Manual
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BRAKE FLUID
The fluid level will drop slowly as
the brakes wear, and will rise when
the brake components are replaced.
Fluid levels between the MIN and
MAX lines are within the normal
operating range; there is no need to
add fluid. If the fluid levels are
outside of the normal operating
range, the performance of the
system could be compromised; seek
service from your authorized dealer
immediately.
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking automatic transmission fluid
Refer to yourscheduled maintenance informationfor scheduled
intervals for fluid checks and changes. Your transmission does not
consume fluid. However, the fluid level should be checked if the
transmission is not working properly, i.e., if the transmission slips or
shifts slowly or if you notice some sign of fluid leakage.
Automatic transmission fluid expands when warmed. To obtain an
accurate fluid check, drive the vehicle until it is warmed up
(approximately 20 miles [30 km]). If your vehicle has been
operated for an extended period at high speeds, in city traffic
during hot weather or pulling a trailer, the vehicle should be
turned off until normal operating temperatures are reached to
allow the fluid to cool before checking. Depending on vehicle use,
cooling times could take up to 30 minutes or longer.
WARNING:The dipstick cap and surrounding components may
be hot; gloves are recommended.
1. Drive the vehicle 20 miles (30 km) or until it reaches normal operating
temperature.
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
3. With the parking brake engaged and your foot on the brake pedal,
start the engine and move the gearshift lever through all of the gear
ranges. Allow a minimum of 10 seconds for each gear to engage.
MAX
MIN
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Adjusting automatic transmission fluid levels
Before adding any fluid, make sure the correct type is used. The type of
fluid used is normally indicated on the dipstick and also in the
Maintenance product specifications and capacitiessection in this
chapter.
Use of a non-approved automatic transmission fluid may cause
internal transmission component damage.
If necessary, add fluid in 1/2 pint
(250 ml) increments through the
filler tube until the level is correct.
If an overfill occurs, excess fluid
should be removed by an authorized
dealer.
An overfill condition of
transmission fluid may cause shift and/or engagement concerns
and/or possible damage.
Do not use supplemental transmission fluid additives, treatments or
cleaning agents. The use of these materials may affect transmission
operation and result in damage to internal transmission components.
AIR FILTER
Refer toscheduled maintenance informationfor the appropriate
intervals for changing the air filter element.
When changing the air filter element, use only the air filter element
listed. Refer toMotorcraftpart numbersin this chapter.
WARNING:To reduce the risk of vehicle damage and/or
personal burn injuries do not start your engine with the air
cleaner removed and do not remove it while the engine is running.
MAX MIN
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Item CapacityFord Part Name or
equivalentFord Part Number / Ford
Specification
Engine oil 6.0 quarts (5.7L)•MotorcraftSAE
5W-20 Premium
Synthetic Blend Motor
Oil (US)
•MotorcraftSAE
5W-20 Full Synthetic
Motor Oil (US)
•MotorcraftSAE
5W-20 Super Premium
Motor Oil (Canada)
•MotorcraftSAE 5W20
Synthetic Motor Oil
(Canada)
2
•XO-5W20-QSP (US)
•XO-5W20-QFS (US)
•CXO-5W20-LSP12 (Canada)
•CXO-5W20-LFS12 (Canada) /
WSS-M2C930-A with API
Certification Mark
Automatic transmission
fluid12.7 quarts
(12.0L)
3
Motorcraft
MERCONLV AT F
4
XT-10-QLV /
MERCONLV
Rear axle fluid 3.5 pints (1.7L)MotorcraftSAE
75W-140 Synthetic Rear
Axle LubricantXY-75W140-QL /
WSL-M2C192-A
Front axle fluid 2.7 pints (1.3L)MotorcraftSAE 80W-90
Premium Rear Axle
LubricantXY-80W90-QL /
WSP-M2C197-A
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Item CapacityFord Part Name or
equivalentFord Part Number / Ford
Specification
Windshield washer fluid Fill as requiredMotorcraftPremium
Windshield Washer
Concentrate (US)
Premium Quality
Windshield Washer Fluid
(Canada)ZC-32-A (US)
CXC-37-(A, B, D, and F)
(Canada) /
WSB-M8B16-A2/- -
Fuel tank18.6 gallons
(70.4L)——
1Add the coolant type originally equipped in your vehicle. Check the coolant reservoir bottle
labeling for the correct fluid type to use.2Use of synthetic or synthetic blend motor oil is not mandatory. Engine oil need only have the API
Certification mark and meet the requirements of Ford specification WSS-M2C930-A .3Indicates only approximate dry-fill capacity. Some applications may vary based on cooler size and
if equipped with an in-tank cooler. The amount of transmission fluid and fluid level should be
checked by a qualified technician.4Use of a dual usage fluid in an automatic transmission requiring MERCONLV may cause
transmission damage. Use of any fluid other than the recommended fluid may cause transmission
damage. Refer toscheduled maintenance informationto determine the correct service interval.
Maintenance and Specifications
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Multi-point inspection
In order to keep your vehicle running right, it is important to have the
systems on your vehicle checked regularly. This can help identify
potential issues and prevent major problems. Ford Motor Company
recommends the following multi-point inspection be performed at every
scheduled maintenance interval to help ensure your vehicle keeps
running great.
Multi-point inspection – Recommended each visit
Accessory drive belt(s) Half-shaft dust boots (if equipped)
Battery performance Horn operation
Clutch operation (if equipped) Radiator, cooler, heater and A/C hoses
Engine air filter Suspension components for leaks and
damage
Exhaust system Steering and linkage
Exterior lamps and hazard
warning system operationTires for wear and proper pressure,
including spare
Fluid levels*; fill if necessary Windshield for cracks, chips or pits
For oil and fluid leaks Washer spray and wiper operation
*Brake, coolant recovery reservoir, manual and automatic transmission
(with an underhood dipstick), power steering (if equipped) and
window washer
Be sure to ask your dealership service advisor or technician about the
multi-point vehicle inspection. It’s a comprehensive way to perform a
thorough inspection of your vehicle. It’s your checklist that gives you
immediate feedback on the overall condition of your vehicle. You’ll know
what’s been checked, what’s okay, as well as those things that may
require future or immediate attention. The multi-point vehicle inspection
is one more way to keep your vehicle running great!
Scheduled Maintenance Guide
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Oil Change Service Interval* 123456789101112131415
Change engine oil and filter• ••••••••••••••
Rotate tires, inspect tire wear and measure
tread depth• ••••••••••••••
Inspect wheels and related components for
abnormal noise, wear, looseness or drag• ••••••••••••••
Perform multi-point inspection (recommended)• ••••••••••••••
Inspect automatic transmission fluid level (if
equipped with dipstick); consult dealer for
requirements• ••••••••••••••
Inspect brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, brake
linings, hoses and parking brake• ••••••••••••••
Inspect engine cooling system concentration
and hoses• ••••••••••••••
Inspect exhaust system and heat shields• ••••••••••••••
Inspect half-shaft boots (if equipped)• ••••••••••••••
Inspect steering linkage, ball joints, suspension,
tie-rod ends, driveshaft and U-joints; lubricate
if equipped with grease fittings• ••••••••••••••
Inspect cabin air filter (if equipped)• ••••••••••••••
*Oil change service intervals should be completed as indicated by the message center
Reset your Intelligent Oil Life Monitor™ after each engine oil and filter change; refer to theInstrument Clusterchapter
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Perform the services noted in the following table at the specified
time/mileage (km) period either within 3,000 miles (4,800 km) of the
OIL CHANGE REQUIRED message appearing in the message center or
when the time/mileage (km) reading indicates service is due.
Example #1:The OIL CHANGE REQUIRED message comes on at
28,751 miles (46,270 km); perform the 30,000 mile (48,000 km)
automatic transmission fluid replacement.
Example #2:The OIL CHANGE REQUIRED message hasnotcome on
but the odometer reads 30,000 miles (48,000 km); perform the engine air
filter replacement. (i.e., Intelligent Oil Life Monitor™ was reset at
25,000 miles [40,000 km].)
Every 20,000 miles
(32,000 km)Replace cabin air filter (if equipped)
Every 30,000 miles
(48,000 km)Replace climate-controlled seat filter (if
equipped)
Replace engine air filter
Every 100,000 miles
(160,000 km)Change engine coolant
1
Replace spark plugs
Inspect accessory drive belt(s)2
Every 150,000 miles
(240,000 km)Change automatic transmission fluid and filter
(filter not required on 6F35, 6F50, DPS6 and
AWF-21 transmissions); consult dealer for
requirements
Change manual transmission fluid
Change rear axle fluid (RWD vehicles)
Replace accessory drive belt(s) if not replaced
within the last 100,000 miles (160,000 km)
Replace timing belt (Fiesta);failure to replace
belt can cause internal engine damage
1Initial replacement at 100,000 miles (160,000 km) or 72 months; every
50,000 miles (80,000 km) or 36 months thereafter
2Perform a follow-up inspection at 120,000 miles (192,000 km)
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SPECIAL OPERATING CONDITIONS
If you operate your vehicleprimarilyin one of the more demanding
conditions listed below, you will need to have some items maintained
more frequently. If you onlyoccasionallyoperate your vehicle under
these conditions, it is not necessary to perform the additional
maintenance. For specific recommendations, see your dealership service
advisor or technician.
Towing a trailer or using a camper or car-top carrier
As required– Change engine oil and filter as indicated by message
center and perform services listed in the Normal
Scheduled Maintenance chart
Inspect frequently, service as
required– See axle maintenance items under
Exceptions
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km)– Change automatic transmission fluid (except 6R80
transmission)
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km)– Change manual transmission fluid
Perform the services noted in the preceding table at the specified
time/mileage (km) period either within 3,000 miles (4,800 km) of the
OIL CHANGE REQUIRED message appearing in the message center or
when the time/mileage (km) reading indicates service is due.
Example #1:The OIL CHANGE REQUIRED message comes on at
28,751 miles (46,270 km); perform the 30,000 mile (48,000 km)
automatic transmission fluid replacement.
Example #2:The OIL CHANGE REQUIRED message hasnotcome on
but the odometer reads 30,000 miles (48,000 km); perform the engine air
filter replacement. (i.e., Intelligent Oil Life Monitor™ was reset at
25,000 miles [40,000 km].)
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Extensive idling and/or low-speed driving for long distances as in heavy
commercial use such as delivery, taxi, patrol car or livery
As required– Change engine oil and filter as indicated by message
center and perform services listed in the Normal
Scheduled Maintenance chart (except Fiesta)
Inspect frequently, service as
required– Replace cabin air filter (if equipped)
– Replace engine air filter
Every 300 hours of engine
operation*– Change engine oil and filter (Fiesta)
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km)– Change automatic transmission fluid (except Fiesta and
vehicles equipped with a 6R80 transmission)
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km)– Replace spark plugs
* Engine hour meter installation is recommended for these operating
conditions.
Perform the services noted in the preceding table at the specified
time/mileage (km) period either within 3,000 miles (4,800 km) of the
OIL CHANGE REQUIRED message appearing in the message center or
when the time/mileage (km) reading indicates service is due.
Example #1:The OIL CHANGE REQUIRED message comes on at
28,751 miles (46,270 km); perform the 30,000 mile (48,000 km)
automatic transmission fluid replacement.
Example #2:The OIL CHANGE REQUIRED message hasnotcome on
but the odometer reads 30,000 miles (48,000 km); perform the engine air
filter replacement. (i.e., Intelligent Oil Life Monitor™ was reset at
25,000 miles [40,000 km].)
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Operating in dusty conditions such as unpaved or dusty roads
Inspect frequently, service as
required– Replace cabin air filter (if equipped)
– Replace engine air filter
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km)– Inspect the wheels and related components for
abnormal noise, wear, looseness or drag
– Rotate tires, inspect tires for wear and measure tread
depth
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or
6 months– Change engine oil and filter
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km)– Change automatic transmission fluid (except Fiesta and
vehicles equipped with a 6R80 transmission)
Every 50,000 miles (80,000 km)– Change manual transmission fluid
Reset your Intelligent Oil Life Monitor™ after each engine oil and filter
change; refer to theInstrument Clusterchapter.
Exclusive use of E85 (Flex Fuel Vehicles only)
Every oil change interval– If ran exclusively on E85, fill the fuel tank full with
regular unleaded fuel
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