maintenance FORD EXPLORER 2016 5.G Owner's Manual

GENERAL INFORMATION
Have your vehicle serviced regularly to help
maintain its roadworthiness and resale
value. There is a large network of
authorized dealers that are there to help
you with their professional servicing
expertise. We believe that their specially
trained technicians are best qualified to
service your vehicle properly and expertly.
They are supported by a wide range of
highly specialized tools developed
specifically for servicing your vehicle.
To help you service your vehicle, we
provide scheduled maintenance
information which makes tracking routine
service easy. See Scheduled
Maintenance (page 486).
If your vehicle requires professional service,
an authorized dealer can provide the
necessary parts and service. Check your
warranty information to find out which
parts and services are covered.
Use only recommended fuels, lubricants,
fluids and service parts conforming to
specifications. Motorcraft® parts are
designed and built to provide the best
performance in your vehicle.
Precautions
• Do not work on a hot engine.
• Make sure that nothing gets caught in
moving parts.
• Do not work on a vehicle with the
engine running in an enclosed space,
unless you are sure you have enough
ventilation.
• Keep all open flames and other burning
material (such as cigarettes) away
from the battery and all fuel related
parts. Working with the Engine Off
1.
Set the parking brake and shift to park
(P).
2. Switch off the engine.
3. Block the wheels.
Working with the Engine On 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. 1.
Set the parking brake and shift to park
(P).
2. Block the wheels
275
Explorer (TUB), enUSA, First Printing Maintenance

OPENING AND CLOSING THE
HOOD
Opening the Hood
1.
Inside the vehicle, pull the hood release
handle located under the left-hand
side of the instrument panel.
2. Slightly lift the hood. 3. Move the catch to the left.
276
Explorer (TUB), enUSA, First Printing MaintenanceE203008
1 2
E203009
3

4.
Open the hood. Support the hood with
the strut.
Closing the Hood
1. Remove the hood strut from the catch
and secure it correctly after use.
2. Lower the hood and allow it to drop under its own weight for the last
8–12 in (20– 30 cm).
Note: Make sure that the hood is correctly
closed.
277
Explorer (TUB), enUSA, First Printing Maintenance4
E203320

UNDER HOOD OVERVIEW - 2.3L ECOBOOST™
Engine coolant reservoir. See Engine Coolant Check (page 282).
A
Brake fluid reservoir (right-hand drive).
See Brake Fluid Check (page 288).
B
Engine oil dipstick.
See Engine Oil Dipstick (page 281).
C
Engine oil filler cap.
See Engine Oil Check (page 281).
D
Brake fluid reservoir (left-hand drive).
See Brake Fluid Check (page 288).
E
Battery.
See Changing the 12V Battery (page 289).
F
Power distribution box.
See Fuses (page 266).
G
Air filter assembly.
See Changing the Engine Air Filter (page 299).
H
Windshield washer fluid reservoir.
See Washer Fluid Check (page 288).
I
278
Explorer (TUB), enUSA, First Printing MaintenanceA
IH
EBCDFG
E188729

UNDER HOOD OVERVIEW - 3.5L DURATEC
Engine coolant reservoir. See Engine Coolant Check (page 282).
A
Brake fluid reservoir.
See Brake Fluid Check (page 288).
B
Battery.
See Changing the 12V Battery (page 289).
C
Power distribution box.
See Fuses (page 266).
D
Air filter assembly.
See Changing the Engine Air Filter (page 299).
E
Engine oil dipstick.
See Engine Oil Dipstick (page 281).
F
Engine oil filler cap.
See Engine Oil Check (page 281).
G
Windshield washer fluid reservoir.
See Washer Fluid Check (page 288).
H
Automatic transmission fluid dipstick.
See Automatic Transmission Fluid
Check (page 286).
J
279
Explorer (TUB), enUSA, First Printing MaintenanceHEJFG
ABCD
E188731

UNDER HOOD OVERVIEW - 3.5L ECOBOOST™
Engine coolant reservoir. See Engine Coolant Check (page 282).
A.
Engine oil filler cap. See
Engine Oil Check (page 281).
B.
Engine oil dipstick. See
Engine Oil Dipstick (page 281).
C.
Brake fluid reservoir. See
Brake Fluid Check (page 288).
D.
Battery. See
Changing the 12V Battery (page 289).
E.
Power distribution box. See
Fuses (page 266).
F.
Air filter assembly. See
Changing the Engine Air Filter (page 299).
G.
Automatic transmission dipstick (under air filter assembly). See
Automatic
Transmission Fluid Check (page 286).
H.
Windshield washer fluid reservoir. See
Washer Fluid Check (page 288).
I.
280
Explorer (TUB), enUSA, First Printing MaintenanceE173375

ENGINE OIL DIPSTICK - 2.3L
ECOBOOST™
Minimum.
A
Maximum.
B
ENGINE OIL DIPSTICK - 3.5L
DURATEC/3.5L ECOBOOST™ MINA
MAX
B
ENGINE OIL CHECK
Note: Check the level before starting the
engine. Note:
Make sure that the level is between
the MIN and the 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 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.
281
Explorer (TUB), enUSA, First Printing MaintenanceE161560
AB E146429 E142732

1. Remove the filler cap.
2. If the engine oil level is not within the
normal range, add engine oil that
meets Ford specifications. See
Capacities and Specifications (page
334).
3. Remove the engine oil filler cap and use a funnel to pour the engine oil into
the opening.
4. Wipe off any spilled oil.
5. Replace the filler cap. Turn it until you feel a strong resistance.
OIL CHANGE INDICATOR
RESET
Use the information display controls on
the steering wheel to reset the oil change
indicator.
From the main menu scroll to: Action and description
Message
Press the right arrow button,
then from this menu scroll
to the following message.
Settings
Press the right arrow button,
then from this menu scroll
to the following message.
Vehicle
Press the right arrow button,
then from this menu scroll
to the following message.
Oil Life
Press and hold the
OK
button until the instrument
cluster displays the
following message.
Hold OK to
Reset
Reset Successful
When the oil change indic-
ator resets the instrument
cluster displays 100%.
Remaining Life Action and description
Message
{00}%
If the instrument cluster
displays one of the following
messages, repeat the
process.
Not Reset
Reset Cancelled
ENGINE COOLANT CHECK WARNINGS
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, spilling
coolant on hot engine parts can burn you. 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. 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 you loosen the cap
slightly. Do not add coolant further than the
MAX mark.
Checking the Engine Coolant
When the engine is cold, check the
concentration and level of the engine
coolant at the intervals listed in the
scheduled maintenance information.
See
Scheduled Maintenance (page 486).
282
Explorer (TUB), enUSA, First Printing Maintenance

Note:
Make sure that the coolant level is
between the MIN and MAX marks on the
coolant reservoir.
Note: Coolant expands when it is hot. The
level may extend beyond the
MAX mark.
Note: If the level is at the MIN mark, below
the MIN mark, or empty, add coolant
immediately.
Maintain coolant concentration 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. We do
not recommend the use of hydrometers or
coolant test strips for measuring coolant
concentrations.
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
Note: Do not use stop leak pellets, cooling
system sealants or additives as they can
cause damage to the engine cooling or
heating systems. Your warranty may not
cover these damages.
Note: During normal vehicle operation, the
coolant may change color from orange to
pink or light red. As long as the coolant is
clear and uncontaminated, this color change
does not indicate the coolant has degraded
nor does it require the coolant to be drained,
the system to be flushed, or the coolant to
be replaced. Do not mix different colors or types of
coolant in your vehicle. 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.
Use prediluted engine coolant meeting the
Ford specification.
In case of emergency, you can add a large
amount of water without engine coolant
in order to reach a vehicle service location.
In this instance, qualified personnel:
1. Must drain the cooling system.
2. Chemically clean the cooling system with Motorcraft Premium Cooling
System Flush.
3. Refill with engine coolant as soon as possible.
Water alone, without engine coolant, can
cause engine damage from corrosion,
overheating or freezing.
Do not use the following as a coolant
substitute:
• Alcohol.
• Methanol.
• Brine.
• Any engine coolant mixed with alcohol
or methanol antifreeze or 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.
When adding coolant:
1. Unscrew the cap slowly. Any pressure will escape as you unscrew the cap.
2. Add prediluted engine coolant meeting
the Ford specification.
3. Check the coolant level in the coolant reservoir the next few times you drive
your vehicle.
283
Explorer (TUB), enUSA, First Printing Maintenance

4. 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%.
• A coolant concentration of 60%
provides improved freeze point
protection. Engine coolant
concentrations above 60% 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%
provides improved overheat protection.
Engine coolant concentrations below
40% 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. What You Should Know About Fail-
Safe Cooling
If you deplete the engine coolant supply,
fail-safe cooling allows you to temporarily
drive your vehicle before you incur
incremental component damage. The
fail-safe distance depends on ambient
temperatures, vehicle load and terrain.
How Fail-Safe Cooling Works
If the engine begins to overheat, the engine
coolant temperature gauge will move to
the red (hot) area and:
the coolant temperature
warning light will illuminate
the service engine soon indicator
will illuminate.
If the engine reaches a preset
over-temperature condition, the engine
automatically switches to alternating
cylinder operation. Each disabled cylinder
acts as an air pump and cools the engine.
When this occurs, your vehicle will still
operate. However:
• The engine power will be limited.
• This will disable the air conditioning
system.
Continued operation increases the engine
temperature, causing the engine to
completely shut down. Your steering and
braking effort increases in this situation.
When the engine temperature cools, you
can re-start your engine. Take your vehicle
to an authorized dealer as soon as possible
to minimize engine damage.
284
Explorer (TUB), enUSA, First Printing Maintenance