maintenance FORD EXPLORER 2014 5.G Owner's Guide

TRANSMISSION FLUID CHECK
6F35 transmission (if equipped)
Note:Transmission fluid should be checked by an authorized dealer. If
required, fluid should be added by an authorized dealer.
The automatic transmission does not have a transmission fluid dipstick.
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.
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.
6F50/6F55 Transmission
WARNING:The dipstick cap and surrounding components may
be hot; gloves are recommended.
WARNING:Use gloves when moving the air filter assembly;
components will be hot.
Note: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.
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.
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.
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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.
4. Latch the gearshift lever inP(Park) and leave the engine running.
5. Remove the dipstick, wiping it clean with a clean, dry lintfree rag. If
necessary, refer toUnder hood overviewin this chapter for the location
of the dipstick. (For vehicles with the EcoBoost engine, move the air
filter assembly aside to access the transmission dipstick. SeeMoving the
Air Filter Assembly (EcoBoost engine)for more information.
6. Install the dipstick making sure it is fully seated in the filler tube by
turning it to the locked position.
7. Remove the dipstick and inspect the fluid level. The fluid should be in
the designated areas for normal operating temperature.
Moving the Air Filter Assembly (EcoBoost engine)
WARNING:Do not run engine with the air filter disconnected.
1. Shut the engine off.
2. Clean the area around the clamp
that connects the air filter assembly
to the rubber hose (1).
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3. Remove the bolt cover
(if equipped).
4. Remove two bolts that attach the air filter assembly to the front of the
vehicle (2).
5. Loosen the clamp holding the air filter assembly to the rubber
hose (1).
6. Remove the harness retaining clip by pulling up (3). Do not
disconnect the sensor (4).
7. Without disconnecting the sensor (4), pull the air filter assembly up to
disconnect the air filter assembly from the seated grommets located
underneath the air filter assembly.
8. Rotate the air filter assembly
90 degrees counterclockwise and
reinstall into the rubber hose.
9. Tighten the clamp (1).
10. The transmission fluid level indicator can now be accessed.
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Low fluid level
If the fluid level is below the MIN
range of the dipstick, add fluid to
reach the hash mark level.Note:If
the fluid level is below the MIN level,
do not drive the vehicle. An underfill condition may cause shift and/or
engagement concerns and/or possible damage.
Correct fluid level
The transmission fluid should be checked at normal operating
temperature 180°F-200°F (82°C-93°C) on a level surface. The normal
operating temperature can be reached after approximately 20 miles
(30 km) of driving.
The transmission fluid level should be
targeted within the cross-hatch area
if at normal operating temperature
180°F-200°F (82°C-93°C).
High fluid level
If the fluid level is above the MAX
range of the dipstick, remove fluid to
reach the hashmark level.Note:
Fluid level above the MAX level may
cause shift and/or engagement
concerns and/or possible damage.
High fluid levels can be caused by an overheating condition. 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. Depending
on vehicle use, cooling times could take up to 30 minutes or longer.
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 theTechnical
specificationssection in this chapter.
Note:Use of a non-approved automatic transmission fluid may cause
internal transmission component damage.
MAX MIN
MAX MIN
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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.
Note: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.
For vehicles equipped with the EcoBoost engine, reinstall the air filter
assembly.
After the fluid level has been checked and adjusted as necessary, do the
following:
1. Shut the engine off.
2. Loosen the clamp holding the air filter assembly to the rubber hose.
3. Rotate the air filter assembly 90 degrees clockwise without
disconnecting the sensor.
4. Seat the air filter assembly back into the grommets by pushing down
on the air filter assembly.
5. Tighten the clamp.
6. Install and tighten two bolts that attach air filter assembly to the front
of the vehicle.
7. Install the bolt cover (if equipped).
8. Reinstall the harness retaining clip into the front of the air filter
assembly.
BRAKE FLUID CHECK
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.
POWER STEERING FLUID CHECK
Your vehicle is equipped with an electric power steering (EPS) system.
There is no fluid reservoir to check or fill. For additional information on
the electric power steering (EPS) system, Refer toDriving Aids.
MAX MIN
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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.
WASHER FLUID CHECK
WARNING:If you operate your vehicle in temperatures below
40°F (5°C), use washer fluid with antifreeze protection. Failure
to use washer fluid with antifreeze protection in cold weather could
result in impaired windshield vision and increase the risk of injury or
accident.
Add fluid to fill the reservoir if the level is low. Only use a washer fluid
that meets Ford specifications. See the technical specifications chart in
theCapacities and Specificationschapter.
Note:The front and rear washer systems are supplied from the same
reservoir.
State or local regulations on volatile organic compounds may restrict the
use of methanol, a common windshield washer antifreeze additive.
Washer fluids containing non-methanol antifreeze agents should be used
only if they provide cold weather protection without damaging the
vehicle’s paint finish, wiper blades or washer system.
CHANGING THE VEHICLE BATTERY
WARNING:Batteries normally produce explosive gases which
can cause personal injury. Therefore, do not allow flames, sparks
or lighted substances to come near the battery. When working near the
battery, always shield your face and protect your eyes. Always provide
proper ventilation.
WARNING:When lifting a plastic-cased battery, excessive
pressure on the end walls could cause acid to flow through the
vent caps, resulting in personal injury and damage to the vehicle or
battery. Lift the battery with a battery carrier or with your hands on
opposite corners.
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WARNING:Keep batteries out of reach of children. Batteries
contain sulfuric acid. Avoid contact with skin, eyes or clothing.
Shield your eyes when working near the battery to protect against
possible splashing of acid solution. In case of acid contact with skin or
eyes, flush immediately with water for a minimum of 15 minutes and
get prompt medical attention. If acid is swallowed, call a physician
immediately.
WARNING:Battery posts, terminals and related accessories
contain lead and lead compounds. Wash hands after handling.
Your vehicle is equipped with a Motorcraft® maintenance-free battery
which normally does not require additional water during its life of
service.
Note:If your battery has a cover or a shield, make sure it is reinstalled
after the battery has been cleaned or replaced.
For longer, trouble-free operation, keep the top of the battery clean and
dry. Also, make certain the battery cables are always tightly fastened to
the battery terminals.
If you see any corrosion on the battery or terminals, remove the cables
from the terminals and clean with a wire brush. You can neutralize the
acid with a solution of baking soda and water.
It is recommended that the negative battery cable terminal be
disconnected from the battery if you plan to store your vehicle for an
extended period of time.
Battery relearn
Because your vehicle’s engine is electronically controlled by a computer,
some control conditions are maintained by power from the battery. When
the battery is disconnected or a new battery is installed, the engine must
relearn its idle and fuel trim strategy for optimum driveability and
performance. To begin this process:
1. With the vehicle at a complete stop, set the parking brake.
2. Put the gearshift lever inP(Park), turn off all accessories and start
the engine.
3. Run the engine until it reaches normal operating temperature.
4. Allow the engine to idle for at least one minute.
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5. Turn the A/C on and allow the engine to idle for at least one minute.
6. Drive the vehicle to complete the relearning process.
•The vehicle may need to be driven to relearn the idle and fuel trim
strategy.
•Note:If you do not allow the engine to relearn its idle trim, the idle
quality of your vehicle may be adversely affected until the idle trim is
eventually relearned.
When the battery is disconnected or a new battery installed, the
transmission must relearn its adaptive strategy. As a result of this, the
transmission may shift firmly. This operation is considered normal and
will not affect function or durability of the transmission. Over time the
adaptive learning process will fully update transmission operation to its
optimum shift feel.
If the battery has been disconnected or a new battery has been installed,
the clock and the preset radio stations must be reset once the battery is
reconnected.
Always dispose of automotive batteries in a responsible manner. Follow
your local authorized standards for disposal. Call your local authorized
recycling center to find out more about recycling automotive batteries.
Battery management system
The battery management system (BMS) monitors battery conditions and
takes actions to extend battery life. If excessive battery drain is
detected, the system may temporarily disable certain electrical features
to protect the battery. Those electrical accessories affected include rear
defrost, heated/cooled seats, climate control fan, heated steering wheel,
audio and navigation system. A message may be displayed on the
instrument cluster or center stack display to alert the driver that battery
protection actions are active. See theInformation displaysin the
Instrument ClusterandEntertainment Systemschapters for more
information. These messages are only for notification that an action is
taking place, and do not necessarily indicate that an electrical problem
exists or that the battery requires replacement.
Electrical accessory installation
To ensure proper operation of the BMS, any electrical devices that are
added to the vehicle should not have their ground connection made
directly at the negative battery post. A connection at the negative
battery post can cause inaccurate measurements of the battery condition
and potential incorrect system operation.
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Note:Electrical or electronic accessories added to the vehicle by the
dealer or the owner may adversely affect battery performance and
durability and may also affect the performance of other electrical
systems in the vehicle.
When a battery replacement is required, the battery should be replaced
with a Ford recommended replacement battery that matches the
electrical requirements of the vehicle. After battery replacement, or in
some cases after charging the battery with an external charger, the BMS
requires eight hours of vehicle sleep time (key off with doors closed) to
relearn the new battery state of charge. Prior to relearning state of
charge, the BMS may disable electrical features (to protect the battery)
earlier than normal.
CHECKING THE WIPER BLADES
Run the tip of your fingers over the edge of the blade
to check for roughness.
Clean the wiper blades with washer fluid or water
applied with a soft sponge or cloth.
CHANGING THE WIPER BLADES
1. Pull the wiper blade and arm away from
the glass.
2. Squeeze the locking tabs to release the
blade from the arm and pull the blade away
from the arm to remove it.
3. Attach the new blade to the arm and snap
it into place.
Replace wiper blades at least once per year
for optimum performance.
Poor wiper quality can be improved by cleaning the wiper blades and the
windshield.
To prolong the life of the wiper blades, it is highly recommended to
scrape off the ice on the windshield before turning on the wipers. The
layer of ice has many sharp edges and can damage the micro edge of the
wiper rubber element.
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Changing the rear window wiper blade
To replace the rear wiper blade:
1. Press the wiper blade against the
glass with one hand and hold it.
2. Pull the wiper arm away from the
wiper blade to separate.
3. To attach the new wiper to the
wiper arm, align the slot (1) and
cross pin (2) and firmly press the
wiper arm into the wiper blade until
a click is heard.
If you find this procedure too difficult, please see your dealer.
AIR FILTER CHECK
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.
When changing the air filter element, use only the air filter element
listed. Refer toMotorcraft® Part Numbersin theCapacities and
Specificationschapter.
For EcoBoostequipped vehicles: When servicing the air cleaner, it is
important that no foreign material enter the air induction system. The
engine and turbocharger are susceptible to damage from even small
particles.
Refer toScheduled Maintenancefor the appropriate intervals for
changing the air filter element.
Note:Failure to use the correct air filter element may result in severe
engine damage. The customer warranty may be void for any damage to
the engine if the correct air filter element is not used.
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