check oil FORD EXPLORER 2015 5.G Owners Manual

Maintenance 310
General information...................................310
Opening and closing the hood............................311
Under hood overview..................................312
Engine oil dipstick....................................315
Engine oil check......................................316
Engine coolant check..................................316
Automatic transmission fluid check........................322
Brake fluid check.....................................326
Fuel filter...........................................327
Washer fluid check....................................327
Battery ............................................327
Checking the wiper blades..............................330
Air filter(s).........................................331
Adjusting the headlamps................................333
Changing a bulb......................................335
Bulb specification chart.................................339
Vehicle Care 341
Cleaning products.....................................341
Cleaning the exterior..................................341
Waxing.............................................343
Repairing minor paint damage............................343
Cleaning the engine...................................343
Cleaning the windows and wiper blades.....................344
Cleaning the interior...................................345
Cleaning the instrument panel and instrument cluster lens.......345
Cleaning leather seats..................................346
Cleaning the alloy wheels...............................347
Vehiclestorage.......................................348
Table of Contents7
2015 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide gf, 2nd Printing, September 2014
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SYMBOL GLOSSARY
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
Heated rear
windowInterior
luggage
compartment
releaseJack
Introduction11
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Brake system warning light
To confirm the brake system warning light is functional, it will
momentarily illuminate when the ignition is turned to the on
position when the engine is not running, or in a position
between on and start, or by applying the parking brake when the ignition
is turned to the on position.
If it illuminates when you are driving, check that the parking brake is not
engaged. If the parking brake is not engaged, this indicates low brake
fluid level or a brake system malfunction. Have the system checked
immediately by your authorized dealer.
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.
11 8Instrument 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
Settings
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
126Information 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
UnlockingAll 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
System Enable / Disable
Windows Remote Open or Close
WipersCourtesy Wipe On / Off
Rain Sensing On / Off
132Information 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.
MyKey® Messages Action / Description
MyKey active Drive
SafelyDisplayed when MyKey® is active.
MyKey not Created Displayed during key programming when
MyKey® cannot be programmed.
Speed Limited to xx
MPH/km/hDisplayed when starting the vehicle and
MyKey® is in use and the MyKey speed limit
is on.
140Information Displays
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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.
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. Wipe off any spilled oil.
4. 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.
Note:Make sure that the level is at the FULL COLD level or within the
COLD FILL RANGE in the coolant reservoir.
Note:Coolant expands when it is hot. The level may extend beyond the
COLD FILL RANGE.
316Maintenance
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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 with the climate
controls set to defrost 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.
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.
Brakes
•Make sure brakes and parking brake are fully released.
Tires
•Maintain recommended air pressure.
Miscellaneous
•Make sure all linkages, cables, levers and pins under vehicle are
covered with grease to prevent rust.
•Move vehicles at least 25 feet (8 meters) every 15 days to lubricate
working parts and prevent corrosion.
Vehicle Care349
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Removing Vehicle from Storage
When your vehicle is ready to come out of storage, do the following:
•Wash your vehicle to remove any dirt or grease film build-up on
window surfaces.
•Check windshield wipers for any deterioration.
•Check under the hood for any foreign material that may have collected
during storage (mice/squirrel nests).
•Check the exhaust for any foreign material that may have collected
during storage.
•Check tire pressures and set tire inflation per the Tire Label.
•Check brake pedal operation. Drive the vehicle 15 feet (4.5 meters)
back and forth to remove rust build-up.
•Check fluid levels (including coolant, oil and gas) to make sure there
are no leaks and fluids are at recommended levels.
•If the battery was removed, clean the battery cable ends and inspect.
Contact your authorized dealer if you have any concerns or issues.
350Vehicle Care
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USA(fus)

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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