FORD EXPLORER 2018 Owners Manual

POWER STEERING FLUID
CHECK
Your vehicle is equipped with an electric
power steering (EPS) system. There is no
fluid reservoir to check or fill.
WASHER FLUID CHECK
WARNING: If you operate your
vehicle in temperatures below 41.0°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.
Note: The front and rear washer systems
are supplied from the same reservoir.
Add fluid to fill the reservoir if the level is
low. Only use a washer fluid that meets
our specifications.
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 12V 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 correct
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. 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, chemicals known to the
State of California to cause cancer and
reproductive harm. Wash your hands
after handling
.
Your vehicle has a Motorcraft®
maintenance-free battery which normally
does not require additional water during
its life of service.
Note: If your vehicle's battery has a cover
or shield, make sure it is reinstalled after the
battery has been cleaned or replaced.
298
Explorer (TUB) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201711, Fourth-Printing Maintenance

Note:
See an authorized dealer for low
voltage battery access, testing, or
replacement.
When a low voltage battery replacement
is necessary, see an authorized dealer to
replace the low voltage battery with a Ford
recommended replacement low voltage
battery that matches the electrical
requirements of the vehicle.
To ensure proper operation of the battery
management system (BMS), do not allow
a technician to connect any electrical
device ground connection directly to the
low voltage battery negative post. A
connection at the low voltage battery
negative post can cause inaccurate
measurements of the battery condition
and potential incorrect system operation.
Note: If a person adds electrical or
electronic accessories or components to the
vehicle, the accessories or components may
adversely affect the low voltage battery
performance and durability and may also
affect the performance of other electrical
systems in the vehicle.
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.
When a battery replacement is required,
the battery should only be replaced with
a Ford recommended replacement battery
that matches the electrical requirements
of the vehicle.
Because your vehicle ’s engine is
electronically-controlled by a computer,
some engine control settings are
maintained by power from the low voltage
battery. Some engine computer settings,
like the idle trim and fuel trim strategy, optimize the driveability and performance
of the engine. Some other computer
settings, like the clock and radio station
presets, are also maintained in memory by
power from the low voltage battery. When
a technician disconnects and connects the
low voltage battery, these settings are
erased. Complete the following procedure
in order to restore the settings:
1. With the vehicle at a complete stop,
set the parking brake.
2. Shift the transmission into park (P).
3. Switch off all accessories.
4. Fully press the brake pedal and start the vehicle.
5. Run the engine until it reaches normal operating temperature. While the
engine is warming up, complete the
following: Reset the clock. See Audio
System (page 364). Reset the power
windows bounce-back feature. See
Windows and Mirrors
(page 91).
Reset the radio station presets. See
Audio System
(page 364).
6. Allow the engine to idle for at least one
minute. If the engine turns off, press
the accelerator pedal to start the
engine.
7. While the engine is running, press the brake pedal and shift into neutral (N).
8. Allow the engine to run for at least one
minute by pressing on the accelerator
pedal.
9. Drive the vehicle at least 12 mi (20 km)
to completely relearn the idle and fuel
trim strategy.
Note: If you do not allow the engine to
relearn the idle and fuel trim strategy, the
idle quality of your vehicle may be adversely
affected until the engine computer
eventually relearns the idle trim and fuel
trim strategy.
299
Explorer (TUB) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201711, Fourth-Printing Maintenance

Make sure that you dispose of old batteries
in an environmentally friendly way. Seek
advice from your local authority about
recycling old batteries.
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
You can improve poor wiper quality by
cleaning the wiper blades and the
windshield.
Replace the wiper blades at least annually
for optimum performance. Front Wiper Blades 1. Lift the wiper arm and then press the
wiper blade locking buttons together.
Note: Do not hold the wiper blade when
lifting the wiper arm.
Note: Make sure that the wiper arm does
not spring back against the glass when the
wiper blade is not attached.
2. Slightly rotate the wiper blade.
3. Remove the wiper blade.
4. Install in the reverse order.
Note: Make sure that the wiper blade locks
into place.
300
Explorer (TUB) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201711, Fourth-Printing MaintenanceE142463 E129990
1
1 2

Rear Window Wiper Blade
1. Lift the wiper arm.
Note:
Do not hold the wiper blade when
lifting the wiper arm.
Note: Make sure that the wiper arm does
not spring back against the glass when the
wiper blade is not attached.
2. Remove the wiper blade.
Note: Make sure that the wiper blade locks
into place.
ADJUSTING THE HEADLAMPS
Vertical Aim Adjustment
If your vehicle has been involved in a crash,
have the aim of the headlamp beam
checked by an authorized dealer. 8 ft (2.4 m)
A
Ground to the center of the
headlamp high beam bulb
B
25 ft (7.6 m)
C
Horizontal reference line
D
Vertical Aim Adjustment Procedure
1. Park your vehicle on level ground approximately 25 ft (7.6 m) from a wall
or screen.
2. Measure the distance from the ground
to the center of the headlamp high
beam bulb and mark an
8 ft (2.4 m)
long horizontal reference line on the
wall or screen at this height.
Note: There may be an identifying mark on
the lens to help you locate the center line
of the headlamp high beam bulb. Refer to
the graphic below step 4.
Note: To see a clearer light pattern for
adjusting, you may want to block the light
from one headlamp while adjusting the
other.
3. Switch on the low beam headlamps and open the hood.
301
Explorer (TUB) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201711, Fourth-Printing MaintenanceE183236 E142592

4. On the wall or screen you will observe
a flat zone of high intensity light
located at the top of the beam pattern.
If the top edge of the flat zone of high
intensity light is not on the horizontal
reference line, adjust the aim of the
headlamp beam. 5. Use a suitable tool, for example a
screwdriver or socket wrench, to turn
the adjuster clockwise or
counterclockwise to adjust the vertical
aim of the headlamp. The horizontal
edge of the brighter light should touch
the horizontal reference line.
6. Close the hood and switch off the lamps.
302
Explorer (TUB) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201711, Fourth-Printing MaintenanceE142465 E203691
5

REMOVING A HEADLAMP
To gain access to the headlamp securing
bolts and to remove the headlamp
assembly, you must first remove the front
fascia and front bumper assemblies. We
recommend you see an authorized dealer.
CHANGING A BULB
WARNING: Switch the lamps and
the ignition off. Failure to do so could result
in serious personal injury. WARNING:
Bulbs can become hot.
Let the bulb cool down before removing it.
Failure to do so could result in personal
injury.
Use the correct specification bulb. See
Bulb Specification Chart
(page 306).
Install in the reverse order unless otherwise
stated. Headlamp
Headlamp high beam.
A
Front direction indicator.
B
Front Direction Indicator 1.
Switch all of the lamps and the ignition
off.
2. Disconnect the electrical connector.
303
Explorer (TUB) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201711, Fourth-Printing MaintenanceE203692 E203696
AB E203698
4
23

3.
Turn the bulb holder counterclockwise
and remove it.
4. Remove the bulb by pulling it straight out.
Headlamp High Beam
Halogen Bulb 1.
Switch all of the lamps and the ignition
off.
2. Carefully remove the cover.
3. Disconnect the electrical connector.
4. Turn the bulb holder counterclockwise
and remove it.
Note: You cannot separate the bulb from
the bulb holder.
Note: Do not touch the bulb glass. LED Bulb (If Equipped)
LED lamps are not serviceable items. See
an authorized dealer if they fail.
Rear Direction Indicator and
Reversing Lamp
1.
Switch all of the lamps and the ignition
off.
2. Use a suitable tool, for example a screwdriver, to carefully remove the
screw covers.
3. Remove the retaining bolts from the lamp assembly.
4. Gently pull the lamp assembly away from the vehicle.
5. Release the wire from the securing clip.
6. Turn the bulb holder counterclockwise
and remove it.
7. Remove the bulb by pulling it straight out.
304
Explorer (TUB) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201711, Fourth-Printing MaintenanceE203697
2
3
4
4 23
4E203701

Reverse lamp.
A
Rear direction indicator.
B
LED Lamps
LED lamps are not serviceable items. See
an authorized dealer if they fail.
The following lamps are LED:
• Front fog lamps
• Front side marker lamps.
• Front signature lamps.
• Daytime running lamps.
• Headlamp high beam (If equipped).
• Headlamp low beam.
• Side direction indicator.
• Rear side marker lamp. •
Brake and rear lamp.
• Central high mounted brake lamp.
License Plate Lamp 1. Use a suitable tool, for example a
screwdriver, to carefully remove the
lamp.
2. Turn the bulb holder counterclockwise
and remove it.
3. Remove the bulb by pulling it straight out.
305
Explorer (TUB) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201711, Fourth-Printing MaintenanceB
E203702
5
6
A E203703
1
3
2

BULB SPECIFICATION CHART
Replacement bulbs are specified in the
chart below. Headlamp bulbs must be
marked with an authorized D.O.T. marking
for North America to make sure they have
the proper lamp performance, light
brightness, light pattern and safe visibility.
The correct bulbs will not damage the
lamp assembly or void the lamp assembly
warranty and will provide quality bulb
illumination time.
Exterior Lamps Power (Watt)
Specification
Lamp
LED
LED
Front side marker lamps.
LED
LED
Front signature lamps.
27
3757NAK
Front direction indicator.
LED
LED
Daytime running lamps.
LED
LED
Headlamp low beam.
55
9005LL
Headlamp high beam (halogen).
LED
LED
Headlamp high beam (LED).
LED
LED
Front fog lamps.
LED
LED
Side direction indicator.
LED
LED
Rear side marker lamp.
LED
LED
Brake and rear lamp.
LED
LED
Central high mounted brake lamp.
21
WY21W
Rear direction indicator.
21
W21W
Reversing lamps.
5
W5W
License plate lamp.
Note: LED lamps are not serviceable. See an authorized dealer if they fail.
Interior Lamps Power (Watt)
Specification
Lamp
4
194
Glove compartment lamp.
5
W5W
Interior lamp.
-
A6224PF
Vanity mirror lamp.
306
Explorer (TUB) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201711, Fourth-Printing Maintenance

Power (Watt)
Specification
Lamp
5
W5W
Overhead console lamp.
LED
LED
Rear dome lamp.
LED
LED
Luggage compartment lamp.
Note: LED lamps are not serviceable. See an authorized dealer if they fail.
307
Explorer (TUB) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201711, Fourth-Printing Maintenance