check oil FORD EXPLORER 2014 5.G Owners Manual
Page 7 of 586
Roadside Emergencies 289
Getting roadside assistance..............................289
Hazard warning flashers................................290
Fuel cut-off switch....................................290
Jump-starting the vehicle...............................291
Customer Assistance 294
Reporting safety defects (U.S. only).......................301
Reporting safety defects (Canada only).....................301
Fuses 302
Changing a fuse......................................302
Fuse specification chart................................303
Maintenance 312
General information...................................312
Opening and closing the hood............................313
Under hood overview..................................314
Engine oil dipstick....................................317
Engine oil check......................................317
Engine coolant check..................................318
Automatic transmission fluid check........................324
Brake fluid check.....................................328
Fuel filter...........................................329
Washer fluid check....................................329
Battery ............................................329
Checking the wiper blades..............................332
Air filter(s).........................................333
Adjusting the headlamps................................335
Changing a bulb......................................337
Bulb specification chart.................................341
6Table of Contents
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SYMBOL GLOSSARY
WARNING:You risk death or serious injury to yourself and
others if you do not follow the instruction highlighted by the
warning symbol.
These are some of the symbols you may see on your vehicle.
Symbol Description Symbol Description Symbol Description
Safety alertSee Owner’s
ManualAnti-lock
braking
system
Avoid
smoking,
flames, or
sparksBatteryBattery acid
Brake fluid –
non
petroleum
baseBrake systemCabin air
filter
Check fuel
capChild Safety
Door Lock
and UnlockChild seat
lower anchor
Child seat
tether anchorCruise
controlDo not open
when hot
Engine air
filterEngine
coolantEngine
coolant
temperature
Engine oilExplosive gasFan warning
Fasten safety
beltFront airbagFront fog
lamps
Fuel pump
resetFuse
compartmentHazard
warning
flasher
10Introduction
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WARNING:Driving a vehicle with the brake system warning
light on is dangerous. A significant decrease in braking
performance may occur. It will take you longer to stop the vehicle.
Have the vehicle checked by your authorized dealer as soon as possible.
Driving extended distances with the parking brake engaged can cause
brake failure and the risk of personal injury.
Charging system (RTT)
Illuminates when the battery is not charging properly. If it stays
on while the engine is running, there may be a malfunction with
the charging system. Contact your authorized dealer as soon as
possible. This indicates a problem with the electrical system or a related
component.
Door ajar (RTT)
Displays when the ignition is on and any door is not completely
closed.
Engine oil pressure (RTT)
Illuminates when the oil pressure falls below the normal range.
Engine coolant temperature (RTT)
Illuminates when the engine coolant temperature is high. Stop
the vehicle as soon as possible, switch off the engine and let
cool.
Fog lamps
Illuminates when the fog lamps are turned on.
11 6Instrument Cluster
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Settings
Convenience Auto Highbeam — check enabled (default) / uncheck
disabled
Autolamp Delay Off or number of seconds
Compass Display Display — check enabled (default) /
uncheck disabled
Calibrate Hold OK to
calibrate
Circle slowly to
calibrate
Calibration
complete
Zone Zone 1 — 15
DTE Calculation Normal or Towing
Easy Entry/Exit — check enabled (default) / uncheck
disabled
Locks Autolock — check enabled
(default) / uncheck disabled
Autounlock — check enabled
(default) / uncheck disabled
Remote Unlock All Doors or
Driver First
Oil life Reset Percent Oil Life XXX% — Hold OK
to Reset
Power Liftgate Enable or Disable switch
Remote Start Climate Control Auto or Last
Setting
Seats and Wheel Auto or Off
Wheel Auto or Off
Duration 5, 10 or
15 minutes
System — check enabled (default) /
uncheck disabled
Windows Remote Open or Close
Wipers Courtesy Wipe — check enabled
(default) / uncheck disabled
Rain Sensing — check enabled
(default) / uncheck disabled
124Information Displays
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Settings
In this mode, you can configure different driver setting choices.
Note:Some items are optional and may not appear.
Settings
Vehicle DTE Calculation Normal / Towing
Easy Entry/Exit — check enabled / uncheck disabled
Lighting Auto highbeam On / Off
Autolamp Delay Off or number
of seconds
Locks Autolock On / Off
Autounlock On / Off
Remote Unlocking All doors /
Driver’s door
Oil Life ResetPercent Oil Life XXX %
Hold OK to Reset
Power Liftgate Enabled or Disabled
Remote StartClimate Control
(using this feature
allows you to select
different climate
control modes when
the vehicle is
started using the
remote start
feature)Auto / Last
Settings
Seats and Wheel or
SeatsAuto / Off
Duration5/10
/15 minutes
SystemEnable /
Disable
Windows Remote Open or Close
WipersCourtesy Wipe On / Off
Rain Sensing On / Off
130Information Displays
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Maintenance
MessagesAction / Description
LOW Engine Oil
PressureStop the vehicle as soon as safely possible,
turn off the engine. Check the oil level. If the
warning stays on or continues to come on with
your engine running, contact your authorized
dealer as soon as possible.
Change Engine Oil
SoonDisplayed when the engine oil life remaining is
10% or less.
Oil Change Required Displayed when the oil life left reaches 0%.
Engine Coolant Over
TempDisplayed when the engine coolant
temperature is excessively high.
Washer Fluid Level
LowIndicates the washer fluid reservoir is less than
one quarter full. Check the washer fluid level.
Steering Malfunction
Service NowDisplays when the steering system needs
service. See your authorized dealer.
Service Power Steering The power steering system has detected a
condition that requires service. See your
authorized dealer.
Service Power Steering
NowThe power steering system has detected a
condition within the power steering system
that requires service immediately. See your
authorized dealer.
Power Steering Assist
FaultThe power steering system has disabled power
steering assist due to a system error. See your
authorized dealer.
Information Displays139
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Engine shield
Some vehicles may be equipped with an aero-shield under the engine.
This shield needs to be removed for service, including oil and filter
changes. It is secured with four quick release fasteners.
ENGINE OIL DIPSTICK
A. MIN
B. MAX
ENGINE OIL CHECK
Note:Check the level before starting the engine.
Note:Make sure that the level is between the MIN and MAX marks.
1. Make sure that your vehicle is on level ground.
2. Turn the engine off and wait 10 minutes for the oil to drain into the
oil pan.
3. Remove the dipstick and wipe it with a clean, lint-free cloth. Replace
the dipstick and remove it again to check the oil level.
If the level is at the MIN mark, add oil immediately.
AB
Maintenance317
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Adding Engine Oil
Note:Do not remove the filler cap when the engine is running.
Note:Do not add engine oil further than the MAX mark. Oil levels above
the MAX mark may cause engine damage.
Only use oils certified for gasoline engines by the
American Petroleum Institute (API). An oil with this
trademark symbol conforms to the current engine
and emission system protection standards and fuel
economy requirements of the International Lubricants
Specification Advisory Council (ILSAC), comprised of
U.S. and Japanese automobile manufacturers.
1. Remove the filler cap.
2. Add engine oil that meets Ford specifications. SeeCapacities and
Specificationsfor more information.
3. Replace the filler cap. Turn it until you feel a strong resistance.
ENGINE COOLANT CHECK
Checking the Engine Coolant
The concentration and level of engine coolant should be checked at the
intervals listed inscheduled maintenance information.
WARNING:Do not allow the fluid to touch your skin or eyes.
If this happens, rinse the affected areas immediately with plenty
of water and contact your doctor.
WARNING:Make sure that the level is within the COLD FILL
RANGE.
Make sure that the level is at the FULL COLD level or within the COLD
FILL RANGE in the coolant reservoir.
Coolant expands when it is hot. The level may extend beyond the COLD
FILL RANGE.
If the level is below the COLD FILL RANGE, add coolant immediately.
The coolant concentration should be maintained within 48% to 50%, which
equates to a freeze point between -30 °F (-34 °C) and -34 °F (-37 °C).
318Maintenance
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•Be certain to wash or wipe your hands clean if you have been in contact
with certain products, such as insect repellent and suntan lotion, in
order to avoid possible damage to the interior painted surfaces.
•Do not use household or glass cleaners as these may damage the
finish of the instrument panel, interior trim and cluster lens.
•Do not allow air fresheners and hand sanitizers to spill on interior
surfaces. If a spill occurs, wipe off immediately. Damage may not be
covered by your warranty.
If a staining liquid like coffee or juice has been spilled on the instrument
panel or on interior trim surfaces, clean as follows:
1. Wipe up spilled liquid using a clean, white, cotton cloth.
2.
Wipe the surface with a damp, clean, white, cotton cloth. For more
thorough cleaning, use a mild soap and water solution. If the spot cannot
be completely cleaned by this method, the area may be cleaned using a
commercially available cleaning product designed for automotive interiors.
3. If necessary, apply more soap and water solution or cleaning product
to a clean, white, cotton cloth and press the cloth onto the soiled area;
allow this to set at room temperature for 30 minutes.
4. Remove the soaked cloth, and if it is not soiled badly, use this cloth to
clean the area by using a rubbing motion for 60 seconds.
5. Following this, wipe area dry with a clean, white, cotton cloth.
CLEANING LEATHER SEATS (IF EQUIPPED)
•Remove dust and loose dirt with a vacuum cleaner.
•Clean spills and stains as quickly as possible.
•For routine cleaning, wipe the surface with a soft, damp cloth. For
more thorough cleaning, wipe the surface with a mild soap and water
solution. In Canada, use Motorcraft® Vinyl Cleaner. Dry the area with
a soft cloth.
•If the leather cannot be completely cleaned using a mild soap and
water solution, the leather may be cleaned using a commercially
available leather cleaning product designed for automotive interiors.
•To check for compatibility, first test any cleaner or stain remover on
an inconspicuous part of the leather.
•Do not use household cleaning products, alcohol solutions,
oil/petroleum-based leather conditioners, or solvents or cleaners
intended specifically for rubber, vinyl and plastics. These products
may cause premature wearing or damage to the leather.
348Vehicle Care
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•Protect from sunlight, if possible.
•If vehicles are stored outside, they require regular maintenance to
protect against rust and damage.
Body
•Wash vehicle thoroughly to remove dirt, grease, oil, tar or mud from
exterior surfaces, rear-wheel housing and underside of front fenders.
•Periodically wash vehicles stored in exposed locations.
•Touch up raw or primed metal to prevent rust.
•Cover chrome and stainless steel parts with a thick coat of auto wax
to prevent discoloration. Re-wax as necessary when the vehicle is
washed.
•Lubricate hood latch, all door latches and trunk lid hinges with a light
grade oil.
•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 contains 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.
350Vehicle Care
2014 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, April 2013
USA(fus)