towing FORD EXPLORER 2018 Owner's Guide

Only check the transmission fluid level
when the engine is at normal operating
temperature 179°F (82°C)-199°F (93°C).
Normal operating temperature is reached
after driving approximately 20 mi (30 km).
Minimum.
A
Maximum.
B
Note: Check the fluid level with the engine
running and the transmission in park (P).
1. Make sure that your vehicle is on level ground.
2. Rotate the automatic transmission fluid cap in a counterclockwise
direction. See Under Hood Overview
(page 286).
3. Remove the cap and dipstick and wipe
it with a clean, lint-free cloth. Replace
the cap and dipstick and remove it
again to check the fluid level.
4. Make sure that the fluid level is between the MIN and the MAX marks.
If the fluid level is at the MIN mark, add
fluid immediately. See
Adding
Transmission Fluid.
5. Replace the automatic transmission fluid cap and dipstick. Turn it clockwise
until you feel a strong resistance.
Low Fluid Level
If the fluid level is within the minimum
range (below point A) add the correct
specification fluid to be within the hash
mark area. See
Capacities and
Specifications (page 354). Note:
If the fluid level is below the
minimum range do not drive your vehicle. A
low fluid level can damage the transmission.
Correct Fluid Level
If the fluid level is within the hash mark
area (between points A and B) do not add
any fluid.
High Fluid Level
If the fluid level is above the maximum
range (above point B) fluid may need to
be removed. High fluid levels may be
caused by a overheating condition. If you
have operated your vehicle at high speeds,
towing a trailer or in city traffic during hot
weather, allow your vehicle to cool for a
minimum of 30 minutes before rechecking
the level.
Note: An overfill condition can damage the
transmission.
Adding Transmission Fluid *
1. Rotate the automatic transmission fluid cap in a counterclockwise
direction.
2. Remove the cap and dipstick and wipe
it with a clean, lint-free cloth.
3. Add fluid that meets the Ford specifications. See
Capacities and
Specifications (page 354). Pour the
fluid directly into the automatic
transmission fluid cap and dipstick
hole.
4. Replace the cap and dipstick and remove it again to check the fluid level.
5. Make sure that the fluid level is between the MIN and the MAX marks.
6. Replace the automatic transmission fluid cap and dipstick. Turn it clockwise
until you feel a strong resistance.
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AB

2.
Full-size dissimilar spare with label
on wheel: This spare tire has a label on
the wheel that states: THIS WHEEL AND
TIRE ASSEMBLY FOR TEMPORARY USE
ONLY.
When driving with one of the dissimilar
spare tires listed above, do not:
• Exceed
50 mph (80 km/h).
• Load the vehicle beyond maximum
vehicle load rating listed on the Safety
Compliance Label.
• Tow a trailer.
• Use snow chains on the end of the
vehicle with the dissimilar spare tire.
• Use more than one dissimilar spare tire
at a time.
• Use commercial car washing
equipment.
• Try to repair the dissimilar spare tire.
Use of one of the dissimilar spare tires
listed above at any one wheel location can
lead to impairment of the following:
• Handling, stability and braking
performance.
• Comfort and noise.
• Ground clearance and parking at curbs.
• Winter weather driving capability.
• Wet weather driving capability.
• All-wheel driving capability.
3. Full-size dissimilar spare without
label on wheel
When driving with the full-size dissimilar
spare wheel and tire assembly, do not:
• Exceed
70 mph (113 km/h).
• Use more than one dissimilar spare
wheel and tire assembly at a time.
• Use commercial car washing
equipment.
• Use snow chains on the end of the
vehicle with the dissimilar spare wheel
and tire assembly. The usage of a full-size dissimilar spare
wheel and tire assembly can lead to
impairment of the following:
•
Handling, stability and braking
performance.
• Comfort and noise.
• Ground clearance and parking at curbs.
• Winter weather driving capability.
• Wet weather driving capability.
• All-wheel driving capability.
When driving with the full-size dissimilar
spare wheel and tire assembly additional
caution should be given to:
• Towing a trailer.
• Driving vehicles equipped with a
camper body.
• Driving vehicles with a load on the
cargo rack.
Drive cautiously when using a full-size
dissimilar spare wheel and tire assembly
and seek service as soon as possible.
Tire Change Procedure WARNING:
When one of the front
wheels is off the ground, the transmission
alone will not prevent the vehicle from
moving or slipping off the jack, even if the
transmission is in park (P). WARNING:
To help prevent your
vehicle from moving when changing a
wheel, shift the transmission into park (P),
set the parking brake and use an
appropriate block or wheel chock to secure
the wheel diagonally opposite to the wheel
being changed. For example, when
changing the front left wheel, place an
appropriate block or wheel chock on the
right rear wheel.
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9. Turn the lead screw, where the lug
wrench attaches, of the jack by hand
to release the lug wrench from the jack.
Press the button on the wrench to
extend the handle. Fold down the
wrench socket.
10. Loosen each wheel lug nut one-half turn counterclockwise, but do not
remove them until the wheel is off
the ground.11.
The vehicle jacking points are shown
here, and are depicted on the warning
label on the jack.
12. Small arrow-shaped marks on the sills show the location of the jacking
points.13. Raise the wheel by turning the jack
handle clockwise.
14. Remove the lug nuts with the lug wrench. 15. Replace the flat tire with the spare
tire, marking sure the valve stem is
facing outward. Reinstall the lug nuts
until the wheel is snug against the
hub. Do not fully tighten the lug nuts
until the wheel has been lowered.
16. Lower the wheel by turning the jack handle counterclockwise. 17.
Remove the jack and fully tighten the
lug nuts in the order shown. See
Technical Specifications (page
341).
Stowing the flat tire
1. Stand the flat tire vertically in the mini-spare tub with the tire's valve
stem facing rearward toward the
luggage compartment.
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4
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2. Fasten the flat tire to the luggage
compartment back panel by inserting
the L-shaped bolt through one of the
lug bolt holes in the wheel.
3. Turn the L-shaped bolt clockwise into the threaded hole in the luggage
compartment back panel until the tire
is secured.
4. Unblock the diagonally opposite wheel. Stowing the jack With the road wheel in the vertical position
in the spare tire tub, the jack assembly
does not fit in its standard position. Secure
the jack in the alternate position by
inserting the wing bolt through the jack as
shown.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Wheel Lug Nut Torque Specifications WARNING: When you install a wheel, always remove any corrosion, dirt or foreign
materials present on the mounting surfaces of the wheel or the surface of the wheel hub,
brake drum or brake disc that contacts the wheel. Make sure to secure any fasteners that
attach the rotor to the hub so they do not interfere with the mounting surfaces of the
wheel. Installing wheels without correct metal-to-metal contact at the wheel mounting
surfaces can cause the wheel nuts to loosen and the wheel to come off while your vehicle
is in motion, resulting in loss of vehicle control, personal injury or death. Ib-ft (Nm)
*
Bolt size
100 (135)
1/2-20 x 1.5
* Torque specifications are for nut and bolt threads free of dirt and rust. Use only Ford
recommended replacement fasteners.
Retighten the lug nuts to the specified torque within 100 miles (160 kilometers) after any
wheel disturbance (such as tire rotation, changing a flat tire, wheel removal).
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For a complete listing of the accessories
that are available for your vehicle, please
contact your authorized dealer or visit the
online store web site:
Web Address (United States)
www.Accessories.Ford.com Web Address (Canada)
www.Accessories.Ford.ca
Ford Motor Company will repair or replace
any properly authorized dealer-installed
Ford Original Accessory found to be
defective in factory-supplied materials or
workmanship during the warranty period,
as well as any component damaged by the
defective accessories.
Ford Motor Company will warrant your
Ford Original Accessory through the
warranty that provides the greatest
benefit:
• 24 months, unlimited mileage.
• The remainder of your new vehicle
limited warranty.
Contact an authorized dealer for details
and a copy of the warranty.
Exterior Style
• Bumper protector.
• Hood deflectors.
• Running boards.
• Side window deflectors*.
• Splash guards.
Interior Style
• Ambient lighting.
• Cargo area protector.
• Floor mats. •
Rear console.
• Seat covers*.
Lifestyle
• Ash cup or smoker's package.
• Camping tent*.
• Car covers*.
• Cargo organization and management.
• Rear seat entertainment*.
• Roof crossbars.
• Roof racks and carriers*.
• Trailer hitch balls.
• Trailer hitch drawbars and towing
accessories.
Peace of Mind
• Cargo shade.
• In-vehicle safe*.
• Keyless entry keypad.
• Parking sensors*.
• Remote start.
• Roadside assistance kits*.
• Vehicle security systems.
• Wheel locks.
*Ford Licensed Accessories. The accessory
manufacturer designs, develops and
therefore warrants Ford Licensed
Accessories, and does not design or test
these accessories to Ford Motor Company
engineering requirements. Contact an
authorized Ford dealer for the
manufacturer ’s limited warranty details,
and request a copy of the Ford Licensed
Accessories product limited warranty from
the accessory manufacturer.
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PROTECT YOURSELF FROM THE RISING
COST OF VEHICLE REPAIRS WITH A FORD
PROTECT EXTENDED SERVICE PLAN.
Ford Protect Extended Service
Plans (U.S. Only)
Ford Protect extended service plan means
peace of mind. It’
s the extended service
plan backed by Ford Motor Company, and
provides more protection beyond the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage. When
you visit your Ford Dealer, Insist on Ford
Protect extended service plans!
Ford Protect Can Quickly Pay for Itself
One trip to the Service Center could easily
exceed the price of your Ford Protect
extended service plan. With Ford Protect
extended service plan you minimize your
risk for unexpected repair bills and rising
repair costs.
Up to 1,000+ Covered Vehicle
Components
There are four mechanical Ford Protect
extended service plans with different levels
of coverage. Ask your authorized dealer for
details.
1. PremiumCARE - Our most comprehensive coverage. With over
1,000 covered components, this plan
is so complete it’ s probably easier to
list what’ s not covered.
2. ExtraCARE - Covers 113 components, and includes many high-tech items.
3. BaseCARE - Covers 84 components.
4. PowertrainCARE - Covers 29 critical components.
Ford Protect extended service plans are
honored by all authorized Ford dealers in
the U.S., Canada and Mexico. That means you get:
•
Reliable, quality service at any Ford or
Lincoln dealership.
• Repairs performed by factory trained
technicians, using genuine parts.
Rental Car Reimbursement
1st day Rental Benefit
If you bring your car into your dealer for
service, we ’ll give you a loaner to use for
the day.
Extended Rental Benefits
If your vehicle is kept overnight for covered
repairs, you are eligible for rental car
coverage, including warranty repairs, and
Field Service Actions.
Roadside Assistance
Exclusive 24/7 roadside assistance,
including:
• Towing, flat-tire change and battery
jump starts.
• Out of fuel and lock-out assistance.
• Travel expense reimbursement for
lodging, meals and rental car.
• Assistance for taxi, shuttle, rental car
coverage or other transportation.
Transferable Coverage
If you sell your vehicle before your Ford
Protect extended service plan coverage
expires, you can transfer any remaining
coverage to the new owner. Which should
give you and your potential buyer a little
more peace of mind.
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Less Cost to Properly Maintain Your
Vehicle
Ford Protect extended service plan also
offers a Premium Maintenance Plan that
covers all scheduled maintenance, and
selected wear items. The coverage is
prepaid, so you never have to worry about
the cost of your vehicle
’s maintenance.
Covered maintenance includes:
• Windshield wiper blades.
• Spark plugs.
• The clutch disc (if equipped).
• Brake pads and linings.
• Shock absorbers.
• Struts.
• Engine Belts.
• Engine coolant hoses, clamps and
o-rings.
• Diesel exhaust fluid replenishment (if
equipped).
• Cabin air filter replacement every
20,000 mi (32,000 km) (electric
vehicles only).
Interest Free Finance Options
Just a 10% down payment will provide you
with an affordable, no interest, no fee
payment program allowing you all the
security and benefits Ford Protect
extended service plan has to offer while
paying over time. You are pre-approved
with no credit check or hassles. To learn
more, call our Ford Protect extended
service plan specialists at 800-367-3377.
Ford Protect Extended Service Plan
P.O. Box 321067
Detroit, MI 48232 Ford Protect Extended Service
Plan (CANADA ONLY)
You can get more protection for your
vehicle by purchasing a Ford Protect
extended service plan. Ford Protect
extended service plan is the only service
contract backed by Ford Motor Company
of Canada, Limited. Depending on the plan
you purchase, Ford Protect extended
service plan provides benefits such as:
•
Rental reimbursement.
• Coverage for certain maintenance and
wear items.
• Protection against repair costs after
your New Vehicle Limited Warranty
Coverage expires.
• Roadside Assistance benefits.
There are several Ford Protect extended
service plans available in various time,
distance and deductible combinations.
Each plan is tailored to fit your own driving
needs, including reimbursement for towing
and rental. When you purchase Ford
Protect extended service plan, you receive
added peace-of-mind protection
throughout Canada, the United States and
Mexico, provided by a network of
participating authorized Ford Motor
Company dealers.
Note: Repairs performed outside of
Canada, the United States and Mexico are
not eligible for Ford Protect extended
service plan coverage.
This information is subject to change. For
more information; visit your local Ford of
Canada dealer or www.ford.ca to find the
Ford Protect extended service plan that is
right for you.
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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.
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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)
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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
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