oil change FORD EXPLORER 2018 User Guide

When the oil change message appears in
the information display, it is time for an oil
change. Make sure you perform the oil
change within two weeks or 500 mi
(800 km) of the message appearing. Make
sure you reset the Intelligent Oil-Life
Monitor after each oil change. See
Oil
Change Indicator Reset (page 290).
If your information display resets
prematurely or becomes inoperative, you
should perform the oil change interval at
six months or
5,000 mi (8,000 km) from
your last oil change. Never exceed one year
or
10,000 mi (16,000 km) between oil
change intervals.
Your vehicle is very sophisticated and built
with multiple, complex, performance
systems. Every manufacturer develops
these systems using different
specifications and performance features.
That is why it is important to rely upon your
dealership to properly diagnose and repair
your vehicle.
Ford Motor Company has recommended
maintenance intervals for various parts
and component systems based upon
engineering testing. Ford Motor Company
relies upon this testing to determine the
most appropriate mileage for replacement
of oils and fluids to protect your vehicle at
the lowest overall cost to you and
recommends against maintenance
schedules that deviate from the scheduled
maintenance information.
We strongly recommend the use of only
genuine Ford, Motorcraft or
Ford-authorized re-manufactured
replacement parts engineered for your
vehicle. Additives and Chemicals
This owner's manual and the Ford
Workshop Manual list the recommended
additives and chemicals for your vehicle.
We do not recommend using chemicals or
additives not approved by us as part of
your vehicle
’s normal maintenance. Please
consult your warranty information.
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, a qualified expert, such
as the factory-trained technicians at your
dealership, should inspect discolored fluids
that also show signs of overheating or
foreign material contamination
immediately.
Make sure to change your vehicle ’s oils and
fluids 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
Make sure you perform the following basic
maintenance checks and inspections every
month or at six-month intervals.
500
Explorer (TUB) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201711, Fourth-Printing Scheduled Maintenance

Multi-Point Inspection
Hazard warning system operation
Accessory drive belt(s)
Horn operation
Battery performance
Radiator, cooler, heater and air conditioninghoses
Engine air filter
Suspension components for leaks ordamage
Exhaust system
Steering and linkage
Exterior lamps operation
Tires (including spare) for wear and properpressure2
Fluid levels 1
; fill if necessary
Windshield for cracks, chips or pits
For oil and fluid leaks
Washer spray and wiper operation
Half-shaft dust boots
1 Brake, coolant recovery reservoir, automatic transmission and window washer
2 If your vehicle is equipped with a temporary mobility kit, check the tire sealant expiration
Use By date on the canister. Replace as needed.
Be sure to ask your dealership service
advisor or technician about the multi-point
vehicle inspection. It is a comprehensive
way to perform a thorough inspection of
your vehicle. Your checklist gives you
immediate feedback on the overall
condition of your vehicle.
NORMAL SCHEDULED
MAINTENANCE
Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor™
Your vehicle is equipped with an Intelligent
Oil-Life Monitor that determines when you
should change the engine oil based on how
your vehicle is used. By using several
important factors in its calculations, the
monitor helps reduce the cost of owning
your vehicle and reduces environmental
waste at the same time. This means you do not have to remember
to change the oil on a mileage-based
schedule. Your vehicle lets you know when
an oil change is due by displaying a
message in the information display.
The following table provides examples of
vehicle use and its impact on oil change
intervals. It is a guideline only. Actual oil
change intervals depend on several factors
and generally decrease with severity of
use.
502
Explorer (TUB) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201711, Fourth-Printing Scheduled Maintenance

When to Expect the OIL CHANGE REQUIRED Message
Vehicle Use and Example
Interval
Normal
7,500– 10,000 mi
(12,000– 16,000 km) Normal commuting with highway driving
No, or moderate, load or towing
Flat to moderately hilly roads
No extended idling
Severe
5,000– 7,500 mi
(8,000– 12,000 km) Moderate to heavy load or towing
Mountainous or off-road conditions
Extended idling
Extended hot or cold operation
Extreme
3,000–5,000 mi
(5,000–8,000 km) Maximum load or towing
Extreme hot or cold operation
Normal Maintenance Intervals At Every Oil Change Interval as Indicated by the Information Display
1
Change engine oil and filter. 2
Rotate the tires.
Perform a multi-point inspection, recommended.
Inspect the automatic transmission fluid level. Consult your dealer for requirements.
Inspect the brake pads, rotors, hoses and parking brake.
Inspect the engine cooling system strength and hoses.
Inspect the exhaust system and heat shields.
Inspect the rear axle and U-joints (four wheel drive only).
Inspect the half-shaft boots.
Inspect the steering linkage, ball joints, suspension, tire-rod ends, driveshaft and U-
joints.
503
Explorer (TUB) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201711, Fourth-Printing Scheduled Maintenance

At Every Oil Change Interval as Indicated by the Information Display
1
Inspect the tires, tire wear and measure the tread depth.
Inspect the wheels and related components for abnormal noise, wear, looseness or
drag.
1 Do not exceed one year or 10,000 mi (16,000 km) between service intervals.
2 Reset the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor after engine oil and filter changes. See
Engine Oil
Check (page 289). Other Maintenance Items
1
Replace brake fluid.
Every 3 Years
Replace cabin air filter.2
Every
20,000 mi
(32,000 km)
Replace engine air filter.
Every
30,000 mi
(48,000 km)
Change engine coolant.3
At
100,000 mi
(160,000 km)
Replace spark plugs.
Every
100,000 mi
(160,000 km) Inspect accessory drive belt or belts. 4
Change automatic transmission fluid.
Every
150,000 mi
(240,000 km) Replace accessory drive belt or belts. 5
1 Perform these maintenance items within 3,000 mi (4,800 km) of the last engine oil and
filter change. Do not exceed the designated distance for the interval.
2 Should be performed by an authorized dealer.
3 Initial replacement at six years or
100,000 mi (160,000 km), then every three years or
50,000 mi (80,000 km).
4 After initial inspection, inspect every other oil change until replaced.
5 If not replaced within the last
100,000 mi (160,000 km).
504
Explorer (TUB) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201711, Fourth-Printing Scheduled Maintenance

SPECIAL OPERATING
CONDITIONS SCHEDULED
MAINTENANCE
If you operate your vehicle primarily in any
of the following conditions, you need to
perform extra maintenance as indicated.
If you operate your vehicle
occasionally
under any of these conditions, it is not
necessary to perform the extra
maintenance. For specific
recommendations, see your dealership
service advisor or technician. Perform the services shown in the
following tables when specified or within
3,000 mi (4,800 km)
of the message
appearing in the information display
prompting you to change your oil.
• Example 1: The message comes on at
28,750 mi (46,270 km)
. Perform the
30,000 mi (48,000 km) automatic
transmission fluid replacement.
• Example 2
: The message has not
come on, but the odometer reads
30,000 mi (48,000 km) (for example,
the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor was
reset at
25,000 mi (40,000 km).
Perform the engine air filter
replacement. Towing a Trailer or Using a Car-top Carrier
Change engine oil and filter as indicated by the information
display and perform services listed in the Normal Sched-
uled Maintenance chart.
As required
Inspect rear axle and U-joints (four wheel drive only).
Inspect frequently, service
as required
Inspect half-shaft boots.
See axle maintenance items under
Exceptions.
Change automatic transmission fluid.
Every
30,000 mi
(48,000 km)
Replace spark plugs.
Every
60,000 mi
(96,000 km)
505
Explorer (TUB) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201711, Fourth-Printing Scheduled Maintenance

Extensive Idling or Low-speed Driving for Long Distances, as in Heavy Commercial Use
Change engine oil and filter as indicated by the information
display and perform services listed in the Normal Sched-
uled Maintenance chart.
As required
Replace cabin air filter.
Inspect frequently, service
as required
Replace engine air filter.
Change automatic transmission fluid.
Every 30,000 mi
(48,000 km)
Replace spark plugs.
Every
60,000 mi
(96,000 km) Operating in Dusty or Sandy Conditions (Such as Unpaved or Dusty Roads)
Replace cabin air filter.
Inspect frequently, service
as required
Replace engine air filter.
Inspect the wheels and related components for abnormal
noise, wear, looseness or drag.
Every
5,000 mi (8,000 km)
Rotate tires, inspect tires for wear and measure tread
depth.
Change engine oil and filter. 1
Every
5,000 mi (8,000 km)
or six months
Perform multi-point inspection.
Change automatic transmission fluid.
Every
30,000 mi
(48,000 km)
1 Reset your Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor after engine oil and filter changes. See Oil Change
Indicator Reset
(page 290). Exclusive use of E85 (Flex Fuel Vehicles Only)
If ran exclusively on E85, fill the fuel tank full with regular
unleaded fuel.
Every oil change
Exceptions
There are several exceptions to the Normal
Schedule: 506
Explorer (TUB) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201711, Fourth-Printing Scheduled Maintenance

Axle and PTU maintenance: The Power
Transfer Unit (PTU) and rear axle (four
wheel drive only) in your vehicle does not
require any normal scheduled
maintenance. Vehicles are electronically
monitored and notify the driver required
service by displaying a message in the
information display. The PTU lubricant will
be more likely to require a change if the
vehicle has experienced extended periods
of extreme/severe duty cycle driving.
Changing or checking the PTU lubricant is
not necessary unless the unit has been
submerged in water, shows signs of
leakage or a message indicating required
service is displayed. Contact your
authorized dealer for service.
California fuel filter replacement: If you
register your vehicle in California, the
California Air Resources Board has
determined that the failure to perform this
maintenance item does not nullify the
emission warranty or limit recall liability
before the completion of your vehicle's
useful life. Ford Motor Company, however,
urges you to have all recommended
maintenance services performed at the
specified intervals and to record all vehicle
service. Hot climate oil change intervals:
Vehicles operating in the Middle East,
North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa or
locations with similar climates using an
American Petroleum Institute (API)
Certified for Gasoline Engines (Certification
mark) oil of SM or SN quality, the normal
oil change interval is 5,000 mi (8,000 km)
.
If the available API SM or SN oils are not
available, then the oil change interval is
3,000 mi (4,800 km)
.
Engine air filter and cabin air filter
replacement
: The life of the engine air
filter and cabin air filter is dependent on
exposure to dusty and dirty conditions.
Vehicles operated in these conditions
require frequent inspection and
replacement of the engine air filter and
cabin air filter.
SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE
RECORD 507
Explorer (TUB) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201711, Fourth-Printing Scheduled MaintenanceE146852
Repair Order #:Distance:
Engine hours (optional): Multi-point inspection (recommended): Signature:
Dealer stamp

If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck In Mud or
Snow.................................................................. 190
SelectShift Automatic ™
Transmission................................................... 188
Understanding the Positions of Your Automatic Transmission............................. 187
Automatic Transmission Fluid Check - 2.3L EcoBoost™.......................................295
Automatic Transmission Fluid Check - 3.5L Duratec/3.5L Ecoboost™............295
Adding Transmission Fluid ............................ 296
Checking the Transmission Fluid Level.................................................................. 295
Autowipers........................................................81 Autowipers Settings............................................ 82
Auxiliary Power Points
................................165
110 Volt AC Power Point................................... 165
12 Volt DC Power Point..................................... 165
Locations............................................................... 165
B
Battery See: Changing the 12V Battery..................... 298
Blind Spot Information System
..............232
........................................................................\
........... 232
Switching the System On and Off..............234
System Errors...................................................... 234
Using the Blind Spot Information System.............................................................. 233
BLIS See: Blind Spot Information System..........232
Bonnet Lock See: Opening and Closing the Hood..........284
Booster Seats
..................................................29
Types of Booster Seats...................................... 30
Brake Fluid Check........................................297
Brakes...............................................................196 General Information.......................................... 196
Breaking-In.....................................................257
Bulb Specification Chart..........................306
C
Cabin Air Filter................................................142 Capacities and Specifications - 2.3L
EcoBoost™ .................................................
350
Alternative Engine Oil for Extremely Cold
Climates........................................................... 353
Specifications...................................................... 351
Capacities and Specifications - 3.5L Duratec.........................................................354
Alternative Engine Oil for Extremely Cold Climates........................................................... 358
Specifications..................................................... 355
Capacities and Specifications - 3.5L Ecoboost™.................................................358
Alternative Engine Oil for Extremely Cold Climates........................................................... 362
Specifications..................................................... 360
Capacities and Specifications................343
Cargo Nets.......................................................241
Car Wash See: Cleaning the Exterior.............................. 309
Catalytic Converter......................................184 On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II)................... 185
Readiness for Inspection and Maintenance (I/M) Testing................................................... 185
Center Console..............................................167 Rear Seat Armrest.............................................. 167
Second Row Center Console.......................... 167
Changing a Bulb..........................................303 Front Direction Indicator................................. 303
Headlamp............................................................ 303
Headlamp High Beam..................................... 304
LED Lamps........................................................... 305
License Plate Lamp.......................................... 305
Rear Direction Indicator and Reversing Lamp................................................................. 304
Changing a Fuse..........................................282 Fuses...................................................................... 282
Changing a Road Wheel............................337 Dissimilar Spare Wheel and Tire Assembly
Information...................................................... 337
Tire Change Procedure.................................... 338
Changing the 12V Battery.........................298
Changing the Engine Air Filter................308
Changing the Wiper Blades....................300 Front Wiper Blades.......................................... 300
Rear Window Wiper Blade.............................. 301
Checking MyKey System Status................61 MyKey Distance..................................................... 61
Number of Admin Keys...................................... 62
558
Explorer (TUB) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201711, Fourth-Printing Index

Engine Coolant Check................................291
Adding Coolant.................................................... 291
Coolant Change................................................. 293
Engine Coolant Temperature Management.................................................. 294
Fail-Safe Cooling............................................... 293
Recycled Coolant............................................... 293
Severe Climates................................................. 293
Engine Emission Control............................183
Engine Immobilizer See: Passive Anti-Theft System..................... 74
Engine Oil Check..........................................289
Adding Engine Oil.............................................. 289
Engine Oil Dipstick - 2.3L EcoBoost™.................................................288
Engine Oil Dipstick - 3.5L Duratec/3.5L Ecoboost™.................................................289
Engine Specifications - 2.3L EcoBoost™.................................................343
Drivebelt Routing............................................... 343
Engine Specifications - 3.5L Duratec.........................................................343
Drivebelt Routing............................................... 344
Engine Specifications - 3.5L Ecoboost™.................................................344
Drivebelt Routing............................................... 345
Entertainment...............................................437 AM/FM Radio...................................................... 439
Apps........................................................................\
447
Bluetooth Stereo or USB................................ 446
CD (If equipped)................................................ 445
HD Radio ™ Information (If
Available)........................................................ 442
SiriusXM® Satellite Radio (If Activated)....................................................... 440
Sources................................................................. 438
Supported Media Players, Formats and Metadata Information................................. 447
USB Ports.............................................................. 447
Environment
......................................................15
Essential Towing Checks..........................252
Before Towing a Trailer.................................... 253
Hitches................................................................... 252
Launching or Retrieving a Boat or Personal Watercraft (PWC)........................................ 254
Safety Chains...................................................... 252
Trailer Brakes....................................................... 253
Trailer Lamps....................................................... 253When Towing a Trailer.....................................
253
Event Data Recording See: Data Recording.............................................. 9
Export Unique Options.................................14
Exterior Mirrors
................................................92
Auto-dimming Feature...................................... 94
Auto-Folding Mirrors........................................... 93
Blind Spot Information System...................... 94
Direction Indicator Mirrors ............................... 94
Fold-Away Exterior Mirrors............................... 93
Heated Exterior Mirrors ..................................... 94
Integrated Blind Spot Mirror............................ 94
Memory Mirrors .................................................... 94
Power Exterior Mirrors........................................ 92
F
Fastening the Seatbelts..............................36 Rear Inflatable Seatbelt.................................... 38
Seatbelt Locking Modes.................................... 37
Using Seatbelts During Pregnancy................36
Flat Tire See: Changing a Road Wheel........................ 337
Floor Mats......................................................258
Fog Lamps - Front See: Front Fog Lamps......................................... 87
Foot Pedals See: Adjusting the Pedals................................ 80
Ford Credit
..........................................................11
US Only...................................................................... 11
Ford Protect
...................................................497
Ford Protect Extended Service Plan
(CANADA ONLY).......................................... 498
Ford Protect Extended Service Plans (U.S. Only).................................................................. 497
Four-Wheel Drive..........................................191 Principle of Operation........................................ 191
Front Fog Lamps
............................................87
Front Parking Aid.........................................206
Obstacle Distance Indicator.......................... 207
Front Passenger Sensing System............46
Fuel and Refueling
........................................175
Fuel Consumption........................................181
Advertised Capacity........................................... 181
Fuel Economy....................................................... 181
Fuel Filler Funnel Location.........................177
560
Explorer (TUB) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201711, Fourth-Printing Index

Smart Unlocks for Integrated Keyhead
Transmitter........................................................ 65
Smart Unlocks for Intelligent Access Keys...................................................................... 66
Luggage Covers............................................242
Lug Nuts See: Changing a Road Wheel........................ 337
M
Maintenance
.................................................284
General Information......................................... 284
Manual Climate Control.............................133
Manual Liftgate
..............................................69
Closing the Liftgate............................................. 69
Opening the Liftgate........................................... 69
Manual Seats
..................................................147
Lumbar Adjustment.......................................... 148
Moving the Seat Backward and Forward.............................................................. 147
Recline Adjustment............................................ 147
Memory Function.........................................150 Easy Entry and Exit Feature............................. 151
Linking a PreSet Position to your Remote Control or Intelligent Access Key
Fob...................................................................... 150
Saving a PreSet Position................................. 150
Message Center See: Information Displays............................... 105
Mirrors See: Heated Windows and Mirrors...............141
See: Windows and Mirrors................................. 91
Mobile Communications Equipment.......13
Moonroof..........................................................95 Bounce-Back......................................................... 96
Opening and Closing the Moonroof.............96
Opening and Closing the Sunscreen............96
Venting the Moonroof........................................ 96
Motorcraft Parts - 2.3L EcoBoost™.................................................345
Motorcraft Parts - 3.5L Duratec.............346
Motorcraft Parts - 3.5L Ecoboost™..................................................347
MyKey Troubleshooting
...............................62
MyKey ™.............................................................59
Principle of Operation........................................ 59N
Navigation......................................................456
cityseeker............................................................. 463
Destination Mode.............................................. 458
Map Mode............................................................. 457
Navigation Map Updates............................... 464
Navigation Menu................................................. 461
SiriusXM Traffic and Travel Link.................. 464
SYNC AppLink.................................................... 463
Waypoints............................................................ 462
Normal Scheduled Maintenance..........502 Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor™........................ 502
Normal Maintenance Intervals.................... 503
O
Oil Change Indicator Reset......................290
Oil Check See: Engine Oil Check...................................... 289
Opening and Closing the Hood..............284 Closing the Hood............................................... 285
Opening the Hood............................................. 284
Ordering Additional Owner's Literature.......................................................271
Obtaining a French Owner ’s Manual...........271
Overhead Console
.......................................168
P
Parking Aids
...................................................205
Principle of Operation...................................... 205
Parking Brake
..................................................197
Passenger Knee Airbag................................49
Passive Anti-Theft System
.........................74
SecuriLock®........................................................... 74
PATS See: Passive Anti-Theft System..................... 74
Pedals................................................................80
Perchlorate.........................................................11
Personal Safety System ™
..........................43
How Does the Personal Safety System
Work?.................................................................. 43
Phone................................................................451 During a Phone Call.......................................... 454
Making Calls........................................................ 453
Pairing Your Cell Phone for the First Time.................................................................... 451
563
Explorer (TUB) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201711, Fourth-Printing Index