automatic transmission FORD EXPLORER 2021 Owner's Manual

Note:
Using deep snow/sand mode on dry,
hard surfaces could produce some vibration,
driveline bind up, and potential excessive
tire wear. This mode is for slippery and loose
surfaces.
Eco For efficient driving. This mode
helps deliver maximum fuel
efficiency and helps to increase
driving range.
Normal For everyday driving. This mode
is a perfect balance of
excitement, comfort and
convenience. This is the default mode after
each ignition cycle.
Slippery For less than ideal road
conditions, such as snow or ice
covered roads. Use this mode for
crossing terrain with a firm surface covered
with loose, wet or slippery material.
Slippery mode lowers throttle response
and, if provided with an automatic
transmission, optimizes shifting for slippery
surfaces.
Note: Using slippery mode on dry, hard
surfaces could produce some vibration,
driveline bind up, and potential excessive
tire wear. This mode is for slippery surfaces. Sport For sporty driving with improved
performance handling, and
response. This mode increases
throttle response and provides a sportier
steering feel. If equipped with automatic
transmission, the powertrain system
provides improved gear holding, helping
your vehicle accelerate faster.
Tow/Haul For improved transmission
operation when towing a trailer
or a heavy load. This mode
moves upshifts to higher engine speeds to
reduce the frequency of transmission
shifting. This mode also provide engine
braking in all forward gears, which slows
your vehicle and assists you in controlling
your vehicle when descending a grade. The
amount of downshift braking provided
varies based on the amount you press the
brake pedal.
Trail For muddy, rutted, soft or uneven
terrain.
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Before Towing a Trailer
Practice turning, stopping and backing up
to get the feel of your vehicle-trailer
combination before starting on a trip.
When turning, make wider turns so the
trailer wheels clear curbs and other
obstacles.
When Towing a Trailer
•
Do not drive faster than 70 mph
(113 km/h) during the first 500 mi
(800 km).
• Do not make full-throttle starts.
• Check your hitch, electrical connections
and trailer wheel lug nuts thoroughly
after you have traveled 50 mi (80 km).
• When stopped in congested or heavy
traffic during hot weather, place the
gearshift in park (P) to aid engine and
transmission cooling and to help A/C
performance.
• Turn off the speed control with heavy
loads or in hilly terrain. The speed
control may turn off automatically
when you are towing on long, steep
grades.
• Shift to a lower gear when driving down
a long or steep hill. Do not apply the
brakes continuously, as they may
overheat and become less effective.
• If your transmission is equipped with a
Grade Assist or Tow/Haul feature, use
this feature when towing. This provides
engine braking and helps eliminate
excessive transmission shifting for
optimum fuel economy and
transmission cooling.
• Allow more distance for stopping with
a trailer attached. Anticipate stops and
brake gradually.
• Avoid parking on a grade. However, if
you must park on a grade:
1. Turn the steering wheel to point your vehicle tires away from traffic flow. 2. Set your vehicle parking brake.
3. Place the automatic transmission in
park (P).
4. Place wheel chocks in front and back of the trailer wheels. (Chocks not
included with vehicle.)
Launching or Retrieving a Boat or
Personal Watercraft (PWC)
Note: Disconnect the wiring to the trailer
before backing the trailer into the water.
Note: Reconnect the wiring to the trailer
after
removing the trailer from the water.
When backing down a ramp during boat
launching or retrieval:
• Do not allow the static water level to
rise above the bottom edge of the rear
bumper.
• Do not allow waves to break higher
than
6 in (15 cm) above the bottom
edge of the rear bumper.
Exceeding these limits may allow water to
enter vehicle components:
• Causing internal damage to the
components.
• Affecting driveability, emissions, and
reliability.
Replace the rear axle lubricant anytime
the rear axle has been submerged in water.
Water may have contaminated the rear
axle lubricant, which is not normally
checked or changed unless a leak is
suspected or other axle repair is required.
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TOWING THE VEHICLE ON
FOUR WHEELS
Emergency Towing
WARNING: If your vehicle has a
steering wheel lock make sure the
ignition is in the accessory or on position
when being towed.
If your vehicle becomes inoperable without
access to wheel dollies or a vehicle
transport trailer, it can be flat-towed with
all wheels on the ground, regardless of the
powertrain and transmission configuration,
under the following conditions:
• Your vehicle is facing forward for
towing in a forward direction.
• Refer to the Manual Park Release
procedure. See
Automatic
Transmission (page 201). Failing to
do so could result in damage to the
transmission.
• Maximum speed is 35 mph (56 km/h).
• Maximum distance is
50 mi (80 km).
Note: If you are unsure of the vehicle ’s
configuration, contact an authorized dealer.
Recreational Towing - Front-Wheel
Drive Vehicles
(If Equipped)
You cannot recreational tow your vehicle
with all wheels on the ground because
vehicle or transmission damage could
occur. Place the front wheels on a
two-wheel tow dolly. If you are using a tow
dolly, follow the instructions specified by
the equipment provider. Recreational Towing - Rear-Wheel
Drive Vehicles
(If Equipped)
You cannot recreational tow your vehicle
with all wheels on the ground because
vehicle or transmission damage could
occur. We recommend towing your vehicle
with all four wheels off the ground, such
as when using a car-hauling trailer.
Otherwise, you cannot recreational tow
your vehicle.
Recreational Towing - All-Wheel
and Four-Wheel Drive Vehicles
(If
Equipped)
You cannot recreational tow your vehicle
with all wheels on the ground because
vehicle or transmission damage could
occur. We recommend towing your vehicle
with all four wheels off the ground, such
as when using a car-hauling trailer.
Otherwise, you cannot recreational tow
your vehicle.
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4. You can attempt to start the vehicle
by pressing the brake pedal and
START/STOP, or press START/STOP
without pressing the brake pedal.
5. If the vehicle does not start, repeat steps 1 through 4.
JUMP STARTING THE VEHICLE 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:
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:
Use only adequately
sized cables with insulated clamps.
Preparing Your Vehicle
Do not attempt to push-start your
automatic transmission vehicle.
Note: Attempting to push-start a vehicle
with an automatic transmission may cause
transmission damage.
Note: Use only a 12-volt supply to start your
vehicle. Note:
Do not disconnect the battery of the
disabled vehicle as this could damage the
vehicle electrical system.
Park the booster vehicle close to the hood
of the disabled vehicle, making sure the
two vehicles do not touch.
Locating the Jump Starting
Connection Points 1. Open the hood. See
Opening and
Closing the Hood (page 322).
2. Remove the access cover.
3. Remove the red protective cover from the positive lead jump connection
point.
4. Locate the negative jump connection point on the rear mounting bolt for the
cross brace, as shown.
Connecting the Jumper Cables WARNING: If the engine is running
while the hood is open, stay clear of
moving engine components. Failure to
follow this warning could result in serious
personal injury or death. WARNING:
Do not connect the
negative jumper cable to any other part
of your vehicle. Use the ground point.
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1. Stop your vehicle as soon as it is safe
to do so. Fully apply the parking brake,
shift into park (P) or neutral (N).
2. Leave the engine running until the coolant temperature gauge needle
returns to the normal position. If the
temperature does not drop after
several minutes, follow the remaining
steps.
3. Switch the engine off and wait for it to
cool. Check the coolant level.
4. If the coolant level is at or below the minimum mark, add prediluted coolant
immediately.
5. If the coolant level is normal, restart the engine and continue.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
FLUID CHECK
If required, have an authorized dealer check
and change the transmission fluid at the
correct service interval. See Scheduled
Maintenance (page 482).
The automatic transmission does not have
a transmission fluid dipstick.
Refer to your scheduled maintenance
information for scheduled intervals for fluid
checks and changes. Your transmission
does not consume fluid. However, if the
transmission slips, shifts slowly or if you
notice a sign of leaking fluid, contact an
authorized dealer.
Do not use supplemental transmission
fluid additives, treatments or cleaning
agents. The use of these materials may
affect transmission operation and result
in damage to internal transmission
components. BRAKE FLUID CHECK WARNING:
Do not use any fluid
other than the recommended brake fluid
as this will reduce brake efficiency. Use
of incorrect fluid could result in the loss
of vehicle control, serious personal injury
or death. WARNING:
Only use brake fluid
from a sealed container. Contamination
with dirt, water, petroleum products or
other materials may result in brake
system damage or failure. Failure to
adhere to this warning could result in the
loss of vehicle control, serious personal
injury or death. WARNING:
Do not allow the fluid
to touch your skin or eyes. If this
happens, rinse the affected areas
immediately with plenty of water and
contact your physician. WARNING:
The brake system
could be affected if the brake fluid level
is below the MIN mark or above the MAX
mark on the brake fluid reservoir.
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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
. WARNING:
This vehicle may have
more than one battery. Removing the
battery cables from only one battery
does not disconnect your vehicle
electrical system. Make sure you
disconnect the battery cables from all
batteries when disconnecting power.
Failure to do so may cause serious
personal injury or property damage. WARNING:
For vehicles with
Auto-Start-Stop the battery requirement
is different. You must replace the battery
with one of exactly the same
specification.
The battery is in the engine compartment.
See
Under Hood Overview (page 323).
Your vehicle has a maintenance-free
battery. It does not require additional
water during service.
If the vehicle battery has a cover and vent
hose, make sure you correctly install it after
cleaning or replacing the battery.
For longer, trouble-free operation, keep the
top of the battery clean and dry and the
battery cables tightly fastened to the
battery terminals. If any corrosion is
present 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.
We recommend that you disconnect the
negative battery cable terminal from the
battery if you plan to store your vehicle for
an extended period. Note:
If you only disconnect the negative
battery cable terminal, make sure it is
isolated or placed away from the battery
terminal to avoid unintended connection or
arcing.
If you replace the battery make sure it
matches the electrical requirements of
your vehicle.
If you disconnect or replace the battery
and your vehicle has an automatic
transmission, it must relearn its adaptive
strategy. Because of this, the transmission
may shift firmly when first driven. This is
normal operation while the transmission
fully updates its operation to optimum
shift feel.
Battery Management System
(If
Equipped)
The battery management system monitors
battery conditions and takes actions to
extend battery life. If excessive battery
drain is detected, the system temporarily
disables some electrical systems to
protect the battery.
Systems included are:
• Heated rear window.
• Heated seats.
• Climate control.
• Heated steering wheel.
• Audio unit.
• Navigation system.
A message may appear in the information
displays to alert you that battery
protection actions are active. These
messages are only for notification that an
action is taking place, and not intended to
indicate an electrical problem or that the
battery requires replacement.
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Capacities
Refrigerant Oil
Refrigerant
Variant
5.41 fl oz (160 ml)
35 oz (0.99 kg)
All.
Materials Specification
Name
WSS-M17B21-A
R-1234yf Refrigerant(U.S.)
R-1234yf Refrigerant / Frigorigène R-1234yf(Canada)
YN-33-A(U.S.)
HS7Z-19B519-BA(Canada)
WSS-M2C300-A2
Motorcraft® R-1234yf Refrigerant PAG Oil(U.S.)
Motorcraft® R-1234yf Refrigerant PAG Oil / Huile
PAG pour frigorigène R-1234yf Motorcraft®(Canada)
YN-35(U.S. & Canada)
Automatic Transmission
Note: Only use MERCON® ULV
transmission fluid for automatic
transmissions that require MERCON® ULV
transmission fluid. The use of any other fluid
could cause transmission damage.
Capacities Quantity
Variant
12.6 qt (11.9 L)1
All.
1 Approximate dry fill capacity. Actual amount could vary during fluid changes.
Materials Specification
Name
WSS-M2C949-A, MERCON® ULV
Motorcraft® MERCON® ULV Automatic Transmis-
sion Fluid(U.S.)
Motorcraft® MERCON® ULV Automatic Transmis-
sion Fluid / MERCON® ULV huile pour boîtes auto-
matique Motorcraft®(Canada)
XT-12-QULV(U.S. & Canada)
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Materials
Specification
Name
-
Motorcraft® Penetrating and Lock Lubricant(U.S.)
Motorcraft® Penetrating Fluid / Liquide dégrippant
Motorcraft®(Canada)
XL-1(U.S.)
CXC-51-A(Canada)
Transfer Case
Capacities Quantity
Variant
1.1 qt (1 L)
All.
Materials Specification
Name
WSS-M2C938-AMERCON® LV,
Motorcraft® MERCON® LV Automatic Transmission
Fluid(U.S.)
Motorcraft® MERCON® LV Automatic Transmission
Fluid / Huile pour boîte automatique MERCON® LV
Motorcraft®(Canada)
XT-10-QLVC(U.S.)
CXT-10-LV6(Canada)
Front Axle
Capacities Quantity
Variant
0.6 qt (0.6 L)
Four-wheel drive.
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Materials
Specification
Name
WSS-M17B21-A
R-1234yf Refrigerant(U.S.)
R-1234yf Refrigerant / Frigorigène R-1234yf(Canada)
YN-33-A(U.S.)
HS7Z-19B519-BA(Canada)
WSS-M2C300-A2
Motorcraft® R-1234yf Refrigerant PAG Oil(U.S.)
Motorcraft® R-1234yf Refrigerant PAG Oil / Huile
PAG pour frigorigène R-1234yf Motorcraft®(Canada)
YN-35(U.S. & Canada)
Automatic Transmission
Note: Only use MERCON® ULV
transmission fluid for automatic
transmissions that require MERCON® ULV
transmission fluid. The use of any other fluid
could cause transmission damage.
Capacities Quantity
Variant
12.6 qt (11.9 L)1
All.
1 Approximate dry fill capacity. Actual amount could vary during fluid changes.
Materials Specification
Name
WSS-M2C949-A, MERCON® ULV
Motorcraft® MERCON® ULV Automatic Transmis-
sion Fluid(U.S.)
Motorcraft® MERCON® ULV Automatic Transmis-
sion Fluid / MERCON® ULV huile pour boîtes auto-
matique Motorcraft®(Canada)
XT-12-QULV(U.S. & Canada)
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Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing Capacities and Specifications

Materials
Specification
Name
-
Motorcraft® Penetrating and Lock Lubricant(U.S.)
Motorcraft® Penetrating Fluid / Liquide dégrippant
Motorcraft®(Canada)
XL-1(U.S.)
CXC-51-A(Canada)
Transfer Case
Capacities Quantity
Variant
1.1 qt (1 L)
All.
Materials Specification
Name
WSS-M2C938-AMERCON® LV,
Motorcraft® MERCON® LV Automatic Transmission
Fluid(U.S.)
Motorcraft® MERCON® LV Automatic Transmission
Fluid / Huile pour boîte automatique MERCON® LV
Motorcraft®(Canada)
XT-10-QLVC(U.S.)
CXT-10-LV6(Canada)
Front Axle
Capacities Quantity
Variant
0.6 qt (0.6 L)
Four-wheel drive.
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Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing Capacities and Specifications