heating FORD EXPLORER 2015 5.G User Guide
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WARNING:Obtain immediate service if a system error is
detected. You may not notice any difference in the feel of your
steering, but a serious condition may exist. Failure to do so may result
in loss of steering control.
Your vehicle is equipped with an electric power-assisted steering system.
There is no fluid reservoir to check or fill.
If your vehicle loses electrical power while you are driving (or if the
ignition is turned off), you can steer the vehicle manually, but it takes
more effort. Extreme continuous steering may increase the effort it takes
for you to steer. This occurs to prevent internal overheating and
permanent damage to your steering system. If this should occur, you will
neither lose the ability to steer the vehicle manually nor will it cause
permanent damage. Typical steering and driving maneuvers will allow the
system to cool and steering assist will return to normal.
When a steering system error is detected, steering messages may appear
in the information display.
Steering Tips
If the steering wanders or pulls, check for:
•an improperly inflated tire
•uneven tire wear
•loose or worn suspension components
•loose or worn steering components
•improper vehicle alignment
A high crown in the road or high crosswinds may also make the steering
seem to wander/pull.
Driving Aids263
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If the level is below the COLD FILL RANGE, add coolant immediately.
SeeAdding Engine Coolantin this chapter.
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).
Note:For best results, coolant concentration should be tested with a
refractometer such as Robinair Coolant and Battery Refractometer
75240. Ford does not recommend the use of hydrometers or coolant test
strips for measuring coolant concentration.
Note:Automotive fluids are not interchangeable. Do not use engine
coolant/antifreeze or windshield washer fluid outside of its specified
function and vehicle location.
Adding Engine Coolant
WARNING:Do not add engine coolant when the engine is hot.
Steam and scalding liquids released from a hot cooling system
can burn you badly. Also, you can be burned if you spill coolant on hot
engine parts.
WARNING:Do not put engine coolant in the windshield washer
fluid container. If sprayed on the windshield, engine coolant
could make it difficult to see through the windshield.
WARNING:To reduce the risk of personal injury, make sure the
engine is cool before unscrewing the coolant pressure relief cap.
The cooling system is under pressure; steam and hot liquid can come
out forcefully when the cap is loosened slightly.
WARNING:Do not add coolant further than the MAX mark.
Note:Do not use stop leak pellets, cooling system sealants or additives
as they can cause damage to the engine cooling or heating systems. This
damage would not be covered under your vehicle’s warranty.
Note:During normal vehicle operation, the engine coolant may change
color from orange to pink or light red. As long as the engine coolant is
clear and uncontaminated, this color change does not indicate the engine
coolant has degraded nor does it require the engine coolant to be
drained, the system to be flushed, or the engine coolant to be replaced.
Maintenance317
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•DO NOT MIX different colors or types of coolant in your vehicle. Make
sure the correct coolant is used. Mixing of engine coolants may harm
your engine’s cooling system. The use of an improper coolant may
harm engine and cooling system components and may void the
warranty.
•In case of emergency, a large amount of water without engine coolant
may be added in order to reach a vehicle service location. In this
instance, the cooling system must be drained, chemically cleaned with
Motorcraft Premium Cooling System Flush, and refilled with engine
coolant as soon as possible. Water alone (without engine coolant) can
cause engine damage from corrosion, overheating or freezing.
•Do not use alcohol, methanol, brine or any engine coolants mixed with
alcohol or methanol antifreeze (coolant). Alcohol and other liquids can
cause engine damage from overheating or freezing.
•Do not add extra inhibitors or additives to the coolant. These can be
harmful and compromise the corrosion protection of the engine
coolant.
Unscrew the cap slowly. Any pressure will escape as you unscrew the
cap.
Add prediluted engine coolant meeting the Ford specification. See
Capacities and Specificationsfor more information.
Whenever coolant has been added, the coolant level in the coolant
reservoir should be checked the next few times you drive the vehicle. If
necessary, add enough prediluted engine coolant to bring the coolant
level to the proper level.
Recycled Engine Coolant
Ford Motor Company does not recommend the use of recycled engine
coolant since a Ford-approved recycling process is not yet available.
Used engine coolant should be disposed of in an appropriate
manner. Follow your community’s regulations and standards for recycling
and disposing of automotive fluids.
Severe Climates
If you drive in extremely cold climates:
•It may be necessary to have a Ford authorized dealer increase the
coolant concentration above 50%.
318Maintenance
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•A coolant concentration of 60% will provide improved freeze point
protection. Engine coolant concentrations above 60% will decrease the
overheat protection characteristics of the engine coolant and may
cause engine damage.
If you drive in extremely hot climates:
•It may be necessary to have a Ford authorized dealer decrease the
coolant concentration to 40%.
•A coolant concentration of 40% will provide improved overheat
protection. Engine coolant concentrations below 40% will decrease the
freeze and corrosion protection characteristics of the engine coolant
and may cause engine damage.
Vehicles driven year-round in non-extreme climates should use prediluted
engine coolant for optimum cooling system and engine protection.
Engine Fluid Temperature Management (If Equipped)
WARNING:To reduce the risk of collision and injury, be prepared
that the vehicle speed may reduce and the vehicle may not be able
to accelerate with full power until the fluid temperatures reduce.
Your vehicle has been designed to pull a trailer, but because of the added
load, the vehicle’s engine may temporarily reach higher temperatures
during severe operating conditions such as ascending a long or steep
grade while pulling a trailer in hot ambient temperatures.
At this time, you may notice your engine coolant temperature gauge
needle move toward the H and the POWER REDUCED TO LOWER
TEMP message may appear in the information display.
You may notice a reduction in the vehicle’s speed caused by reduced
engine power. Your vehicle has been designed to enter this mode if
certain high temperature/high load conditions take place in order to
manage the engine’s fluid temperatures. The amount of speed reduction
will depend on the vehicle loading, towing, grade, ambient temperature,
and other factors. If this occurs, there is no need to pull off the road.
The vehicle can continue to be driven while this message is active.
The air conditioning may also cycle on and off during severe operating
conditions to protect overheating of the engine. When the engine coolant
temperature decreases to a more normal operating temperature, the air
conditioning will turn on once again.
Maintenance319
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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.
If necessary, add fluid in 1/2 pint
(250 ml) increments through the
filler tube until the level is correct.
MAX MIN
MAX MIN
Maintenance325
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Oils, Fluids and Flushing
In many cases, fluid discoloration is a normal operating characteristic
and, by itself, does not necessarily indicate a concern or that the fluid
needs to be changed. However, discolored fluids that also show signs of
overheating and foreign material contamination should be inspected
immediately by a qualified expert, such as the factory-trained technicians
at your dealership. Your vehicle’s oils and fluids should be changed at the
specified intervals or in conjunction with a repair. Flushing is a viable
way to change fluid for many vehicle sub-systems during scheduled
maintenance. It is critical that systems are flushed only with new fluid
that is the same as that required to fill and operate the system, or using
a Ford-approved flushing chemical.
Owner Checks and Services
Certain basic maintenance checks and inspections should be performed
every month or at six month intervals.
Check every month
Engine oil level.
Function of all interior and exterior lights.
Tires (including spare) for wear and proper pressure.
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 and 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 and wiper operation. Clean or replace blades as
necessary.
Scheduled Maintenance573
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911 Assist™ ......................436, 513
A
ABS (see Brakes) .....................220
Accessing and using your USB
port ............................................493
Accessing call history/phone
book during active call .............425
Accessing your calendar ..........513
Accessing your media menu
features ......................................448
Accessing your phone menu
features ......................................427
Accessory delay ........................108
Active call menu options .........425
Active Park Assist .....................230
Adaptive Cruise Control ...........240
Adding (pairing) a phone ........500
Advanced menu options ...434, 454
Advanced menu options
(prompts, languages, defaults,
master reset, installing
applications) ..............................434
Airbag supplemental restraint
system ..........................................52
and child safety seats ..............53
description ................................52
disposal ......................................61
driver airbag ..............................52
passenger airbag .......................52
side airbag ...........................52, 57
Air cleaner filter .......331–332, 391
Air conditioning ........................144
manual heating and air
conditioning system ...............144
Air filter .....................................332Air filter, cabin ..........................153
All Wheel Drive (AWD),
driving off road .........................212
Ambient mood/lighting .............520
Ambulance packages ..................16
AM/FM .......................................480
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................316
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................220
Anti-theft system ..................85, 88
arming the system ..............85, 88
disarming a triggered system ..88
AppLink™ .................................444
Audio system
Single CD ................401, 406–407
Audio system
(see Radio) ................401, 406–407
Automatic transmission ............205
fluid, adding ............................322
fluid, checking ........................322
fluid, refill capacities ..............386
fluid, specification ..................386
Selectshift (SST) ....................208
Auxiliary Input Jack .................489
Auxiliary input jack (Line in) ..414
Auxiliary powerpoint ................182
A/V inputs ..........................416, 497
Axle
lubricant specifications ..........386
refill capacities ........................386
B
Battery .......................................327
acid, treating emergencies .....327
jumping a disabled battery ....289
588Index
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maintenance-free ....................327
replacement, specifications ...391
servicing ..................................327
Blind Spot Information
System .......................................254
Booster seats ...............................23
Brakes ........................................219
anti-lock ...................................220
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................220
brake warning light ................220
fluid, checking and adding ....326
fluid, refill capacities ..............386
fluid, specifications .................386
lubricant specifications ..........386
parking ....................................220
shift interlock ..........................209
trailer .......................................278
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....386
Cargo net ...................................264
CD ..............................401, 406–407
CD player ..........................399, 491
CD voice commands .................492
Cell phone use ............................17
Changing a tire .........................375
Changing the air filter ..............332
Child safety restraints ..........31, 33
Child safety seats
attaching with tether straps ....33
automatic locking mode
(retractor) .................................41
LATCH .......................................31
Child safety seats - booster
seats .............................................23
Cleaning the touchscreen ........470Cleaning your vehicle ...............341
engine compartment ..............343
instrument panel ....................345
interior .....................................345
plastic parts ............................342
washing ....................................341
waxing .....................................343
wheels ......................................347
wiper blades ............................344
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ..........144
Climate voice commands .........532
Clock ..................................401, 518
Collision Warning System .........259
Console ......................................185
overhead ..................................186
rear ..........................................185
Coolant ......................................316
checking and adding ..............316
refill capacities ........................386
specifications ..........................386
Cross Traffic Alert ....................254
Cruise control ...........................239
Customer Assistance ................286
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................396
Getting roadside assistance ...286
Getting the service you
need .........................................292
Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................298
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................296
D
Defrost .......................144, 146, 148
rear window ............................153
Index589
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Gauges ...............................115–116
odometer .................................127
trip odometer ..........................127
H
Hazard flashers .........................288
HD Radio™ ...............................481
Headlamps
aiming ......................................333
bulb specifications ..................339
flash to pass ..............................98
high beam .........................98, 101
Head restraints .........................156
Heated steering wheel ..............530
Heating ......................144, 146, 148
Help ............................................529
Hill descent mode .....................226
Hill start assist ..........................221
Homelink wireless control
system ........................................177
Hood ..........................................311
How to use voice commands ...475
I
Ignition ...............................188, 384
Illuminated visor mirror ...112–113
Information displays .................123
Inspection/maintenance (I/M)
testing ........................................204
Instrument panel
cleaning ...................................345
cluster ......................................117
Intelligent Access Key ................63J
Jack ............................................375
positioning ...............................375
storage .....................................375
Joining two calls
(multiparty/conference call) ....425
Jump-starting your vehicle ......289
K
Keyless entry system
autolock .....................................76
keypad .......................................82
locking and unlocking doors ....84
programming entry code .........82
Keys .......................................63, 85
positions of the ignition .........188
L
Lamps
bulb replacement
specifications chart ................339
headlamps, flash to pass ..........98
interior lamps .................104–105
Lane keeping system ................250
LATCH anchors ...........................31
Liftgate ............................74, 78–79
Lights, warning and indicator ..117
Listening to music ....................478
Loading instructions .................272
Load limits .................................265
Locks
autolock .....................................76
childproof ..................................37
doors ..........................................73
Lubricant specifications ...........386
Index591
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