engine coolant FORD EXPLORER 2012 5.G Owner's Manual
Page 383 of 439
WARNING:Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the
engine is running or hot.
5. Re-start the engine and take your vehicle to an authorized dealer.
Driving the vehicle without repairing the engine problem
increases the chance of engine damage. Take your vehicle to an
authorized dealer as soon as possible.
FUEL FILTER
Your vehicle is equipped with a lifetime fuel filter that is integrated with
the fuel tank. Regular maintenance or replacement is not needed.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT AUTOMOTIVE FUELS
Important safety precautions
WARNING:Do not overfill the fuel tank. The pressure in an
overfilled tank may cause leakage and lead to fuel spray and fire.
WARNING:The fuel system may be under pressure. If you hear
a hissing sound near the fuel filler door, do not refuel until the
sound stops. Otherwise, fuel may spray out, which could cause serious
personal injury.
WARNING:Automotive fuels can cause serious injury or death
if misused or mishandled.
WARNING:Gasoline may contain benzene, which is a
cancer-causing agent.
Observe the following guidelines when handling automotive fuel:
•Extinguish all smoking materials
and any open flames before
refueling your vehicle.
•Always turn off the vehicle before
refueling.
Maintenance and Specifications
383
2012 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 400 of 439
•Lubricate all hood, door and trunk lid hinges, and latches with a light
grade oil. See theCleaningchapter for more information.
•Cover interior trim to prevent fading.
•Keep all rubber parts free from oil and solvents.
Engine
•The engine oil and filter should be changed prior to storage, as used
engine oil contain contaminates that may cause engine damage.
•Start the engine every 15 days. Run at fast idle until it reaches normal
operating temperature.
•With your foot on the brake, shift through all the gears while the
engine is running.
Fuel system
•Fill the fuel tank with high-quality fuel until the first automatic shutoff
of the fuel pump nozzle.
Note:During extended periods of vehicle storage (30 days or more),
fuel may deteriorate due to oxidation. Add a quality gas stabilizer
product to the vehicle fuel system whenever actual or expected storage
periods exceed 30 days. Follow the instructions on the additive label.
The vehicle should then be operated at idle speed to circulate the
additive throughout the fuel system.
Cooling system
•Protect against freezing temperatures.
•When removing vehicle from storage, check coolant fluid level.
Confirm there are no cooling system leaks, and fluid is at the
recommended level.
Battery
•Check and recharge as necessary. Keep connections clean.
•If storing your vehicle for more than 30 days without recharging the
battery, it may be advisable to disconnect the battery cables to ensure
battery charge is maintained for quick starting.
Note:If battery cables are disconnected, it will be necessary to reset
memory features.
Maintenance and Specifications
400
2012 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 402 of 439
MAINTENANCE PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS AND CAPACITIES
Item CapacityFord Part Name or
equivalentFord Part Number / Ford
Specification
Brake fluidBetween MIN
and MAX on
reservoirMotorcraftHigh Performance
DOT 3 Motor Vehicle Brake
FluidPM-1-C /
WSS-M6C62-A or
WSS-M6C65-A1
Body hinges,
latches, door striker
plates and rotors,
seat tracks, fuel
filler door hinge and
spring, hood latch,
auxiliary latch, seat
tracks—Multi-Purpose Grease
(Lithium grease)XG-4 or XL-5 or equivalent /
ESB-M1C93-B
Door weatherstrips — Silicone Spray LubricantXL-6 /
ESR-M13P4-A
Lock cylinders —MotorcraftPenetrating and
Lock LubricantXL-1 /
None
Engine coolant
(3.5L V6 engine)
1
12.2 quarts
(11.5L)MotorcraftSpecialty Green
Engine Coolant (dark
green-colored)•VC-10-A2 (US)
•CVC-10-A (Canada) /
WSS-M97B55-A
MotorcraftSpecialty Orange
Engine Coolant•VC-3-B (US)
•CVC-3-B (Canada) /
WSS-M97B44-D
Engine coolant
(2.0L EcoBoost™
engine)
1
11.6 quarts
(11.0L)MotorcraftSpecialty Green
Engine Coolant (dark
green-colored)•VC-10-A2 (US)
•CVC-10-A (Canada) /
WSS-M97B55-A
MotorcraftSpecialty Orange
Engine Coolant•VC-3-B (US)
•CVC-3-B (Canada) /
WSS-M97B44-D
Maintenance and Specifications
402
2012 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 404 of 439
Item CapacityFord Part Name or
equivalentFord Part Number / Ford
Specification
Windshield washer
fluidFill 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.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-M2C946-A (2.0L
EcoBoost™ engine) or WSS-M2C945-A (3.5L V6 engine).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
404
2012 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 417 of 439
Engine oil/coolant change intervals
Engine oilAs indicated by the message center: do not
exceed one year or 10,000 miles (16,000 km)
Engine coolant,
initial change6 years or 100,000 miles (160,000 km)
(whichever comes first)
Engine coolant, after
initial changeEvery 3 years or 50,000 miles (80,000 km)
Check every month
Engine oil level
Function of all interior and exterior lights
Tires for wear and proper pressure, including spare
Windshield washer fluid level
Check every six months
Battery connections; clean if necessary
Body and door drain holes for obstructions; clean if necessary
Cooling system fluid level and coolant strength
Door weatherstrips for wear; lubricate if necessary
Hinges/latches/outside locks for proper operation; lubricate if necessary
Parking brake for proper operation
Safety belts and seat latches for wear and function
Safety warning lamps (brake, ABS, airbag, safety belt) for operation
Washer spray/wiper operation; clean or replace blades as necessary
Scheduled Maintenance
417
2012 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 418 of 439
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 component for leaks or
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
418
2012 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 422 of 439
Additional maintenance items
1
Miles (x 1,000) 20 30 40 60 80 90 100 120 140 150
Kilometers (x 1,000) 32 48 64 96 128 144 160 192 225 240
Replace cabin air filter (if equipped)• ••• •••
Replace climate-controlled seat filter (if equipped)•••••
Replace engine air filter•••••
Change engine coolant
2
•
Replace spark plugs•
Inspect accessory drive belt(s)••
Change automatic transmission fluid and filter•
Change manual transmission fluid•
Replace accessory drive belt(s) if not replaced within the last
100,000 miles (160,000 km)•
1Additional maintenance items can be performed within 3,000 miles (4,800 km) of the last oil change. Do not exceed
the designated distance for the interval.2Initial replacement at 6 years or 100,000 miles (160,000 km), then every 3 years or 50,000 miles (80,000 km)
Scheduled Maintenance
422
2012 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 431 of 439
Hot climate oil change intervals:If operating conditions are normal
and you drive your vehicle under typical, everyday conditionsandyou
are using an API performance category oil of SL or later (for example
SM, etc.) then you can follow the 7,500 mile (12,000 km) normal service
oil change intervals schedule. Vehicles operating in the Middle East,
North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa or locations with similar climates must
follow the oil change interval of 3,000 mile (4,800 km) if the owner is
using oils defined by the American Petroleum Institute (API)
performance category of API SK or earlier (for example SJ, etc.)
Edge/MKX AWD only – vehicles operating off-road in sand during high
ambient temperatures must replace the AWD PTU (All-wheel drive
Power Transfer Unit) lube every 20,000 miles (32,000 km).
Engine air filter & cabin air filter replacement:Engine air filter and
cabin air filter life is dependent on exposure to dusty and dirty
conditions. Vehicles operated in these conditions will require frequent
inspection and replacement of the engine air filter and cabin air filter.
ENGINE COOLANT CHANGE RECORD
Initial change 6 years or 100,000 miles (160,000 km)
(whichever comes first)
After initial change Every 3 years or 50,000 miles (80,000 km)
Scheduled Maintenance
431
2012 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 432 of 439
Engine coolant change log
DEALERVALIDATION:
P&A C
ODE:
RO#: HOURS:
DAT E:MILEAGE:D
EALERVALIDATION:
P&A C
ODE:
RO#: HOURS:
DAT E:MILEAGE:
D
EALERVALIDATION:
P&A C
ODE:
RO#: HOURS:
DAT E:MILEAGE:D
EALERVALIDATION:
P&A C
ODE:
RO#: HOURS:
DAT E:MILEAGE:
D
EALERVALIDATION:
P&A C
ODE:
RO#: HOURS:
DAT E:MILEAGE:D
EALERVALIDATION:
P&A C
ODE:
RO#: HOURS:
DAT E:MILEAGE:
Scheduled Maintenance
432
2012 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 433 of 439
A
Accessory delay ..........................94
Active Park Assist .....................300
Adaptive Cruise Control ...........100
AdvanceTrac ..............................275
Airbag supplemental restraint
system ........................193, 201, 204
and child safety seats ............195
description ..............193, 201, 204
disposal ....................................207
driver airbag ............195, 202, 205
indicator light .................201, 206
operation .................195, 202, 205
passenger airbag .....195, 202, 205
side airbag ...............................201
Air cleaner filter ...............398, 401
Air conditioning ..............60, 63, 65
manual heating and air
conditioning system .................60
All Wheel Drive (AWD),
driving off road .........................313
Ambulance packages ....................6
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................376
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................272
Anti-theft system ..............148, 152
arming the system ..........148, 152
disarming a triggered
system .....................................152
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................286
fluid, adding ....................395, 397
fluid, checking ................395, 397
fluid, refill capacities ..............402
fluid, specification ..................402Selectshift (SST) ....................289
Auxiliary input jack (Line in) ....57
Auxiliary powerpoint ..................90
Axle
lubricant specifications ..........402
refill capacities ........................402
B
Battery .......................................373
acid, treating emergencies .....373
jumping a disabled battery ....343
maintenance-free ....................373
replacement, specifications ...401
servicing ..................................373
Belt-Minder.............................188
Blind Spot Information
System .......................................307
Blind spot mirror ......................305
Booster seats .............................224
Brakes ........................................272
anti-lock ...................................272
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................273
fluid, checking and adding ....395
fluid, refill capacities ..............402
fluid, specifications .................402
lubricant specifications ..........402
parking ....................................274
shift interlock ..........................284
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....402
Car2UHome Automation
System .......................................111
Cargo net ...................................118
Cell phone use ..............................9
Index
433
2012 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)