engine oil FORD EXPLORER 2021 Service Manual

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 has an Intelligent Oil-Life
Monitor that determines when you should
change the engine oil based on how you
use your vehicle. 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.
485
Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing Scheduled Maintenance

When to Expect the OIL CHANGE REQUIRED Message
Vehicle Use and Example
Interval 1
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
(4,800–8,000 km) Maximum load or towing
Extreme hot or cold operation
Extended engine idling
1 Hybrid vehicles may achieve longer distances between oil changes, but do not exceed
the 1 year maximum oil change interval. Remaining oil life can be accessed through the
information display. See Information Displays (page 112).
Normal Maintenance Intervals At Every Oil Change Interval as Indicated by the Information Display
1
Change the engine oil and filter. 2
Rotate the tires.
Perform a multi-point inspection, recommended.
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 front axle.
Inspect the rear axle and U-joints.
Inspect the half-shaft boots.
486
Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing Scheduled Maintenance

At Every Oil Change Interval as Indicated by the Information Display
1
Inspect the steering linkage, ball joints, suspension and the tire-rod ends.
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 12,500 mi (20,000 km) between service intervals.
2 Reset the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor after engine oil and filter changes. See Engine Oil
Check
(page 326). Brake Fluid Maintenance
1
Change the brake fluid. 2
Every Three Years
1 Perform this maintenance item every three years. Do not exceed the designated time
for the interval.
2 Brake fluid servicing requires special equipment available at your authorized dealer. Other Maintenance Items
1
Replace the cabin air filter.
Every
20,000 mi
(32,000 km)
Replace the engine air filter.
Every
30,000 mi
(48,000 km)
Change the engine coolant and motor electronics coolant. 2
At
200,000 mi
(322,000 km)
Replace the spark plugs.
Every
100,000 mi
(160,000 km)
Inspect the accessory drive belt or belts. 3
Every
100,000 mi
(160,000 km)
487
Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing Scheduled Maintenance

Other Maintenance Items
1
Change the automatic transmission fluid.
Every 150,000 mi
(240,000 km) Replace the accessory drive belt or belts. 4
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 Initial replacement at 10 years or
200,000 mi (322,000 km), then every 5 years or
100,000 mi (160,000 km).
3 After initial inspection, inspect every other oil change until replaced.
4 If not replaced within the last
100,000 mi (160,000 km).
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 front axle.
Inspect frequently, service
as required
Inspect rear axle and U-joints.
Inspect half-shaft boots.
See axle maintenance items under Exceptions.
Replace spark plugs.
Every
60,000 mi
(96,000 km)
488
Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-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.
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.
1 Reset your Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor after engine oil and filter changes. See Oil Change
Indicator Reset
(page 327). 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: Axle and Transfer Case Maintenance
The transfer case, front and rear axles in
your vehicle do not require normal
scheduled maintenance. Your vehicle is
electronically monitored and notifies you
of required service by displaying a message
in the information display. The transfer
case, front and rear axles are more likely
489
Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing Scheduled Maintenance

to require a fluid change if the vehicle has
experienced extended periods of extreme
or severe duty cycle driving. Changing or
checking the transfer case, front and/or
rear axle lubricant is not necessary unless
the unit has been submerged in water,
shows signs of leakage, a message
indicating required service displays.
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.
490
Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing Scheduled Maintenance

Blind Spot Information System.............264
Blind Spot Information System with Trailer
Tow.................................................................... 266
Switching the System On and Off..............268
System Errors...................................................... 268
Using the Blind Spot Information System.............................................................. 265
BLIS See: Blind Spot Information System.........264
Body Styling Kits.........................................350
Bonnet Lock See: Opening and Closing the Hood...........322
Booster Seats..................................................33 Types of Booster Seats...................................... 33
Brake Fluid Check........................................335 Brake Fluid Service Interval........................... 336
Brakes...............................................................214 General Information.......................................... 214
Breaking-In....................................................296 Brakes and Clutch............................................. 296
Tires........................................................................\
296
Bulb Specification Chart...........................419
C
Canceling the Set Speed..........................245
Capacities and Specifications - 2.3L EcoBoost™..................................................391
Air Conditioning System.................................. 391
Alternative Engine Oil for Extremely Cold Climates........................................................... 394
Automatic Transmission................................. 392
Engine Coolant................................................... 393
Engine Oil.............................................................. 393
Front Axle............................................................. 396
Fuel Tank.............................................................. 395
Grease.................................................................... 395
Hydraulic Brake System.................................. 395
Locks...................................................................... 395
Rear Axle............................................................... 397
Transfer Case...................................................... 396
Washer Reservoir............................................... 397
Capacities and Specifications - 3.0L................................................................398
Air Conditioning System................................. 398
Alternative Engine Oil for Extremely Cold Climates............................................................ 401
Automatic Transmission................................ 399Engine Coolant..................................................
400
Engine Oil............................................................. 400
Front Axle............................................................. 403
Fuel Tank.............................................................. 402
Grease.................................................................... 402
Hydraulic Brake System.................................. 402
Locks...................................................................... 402
Rear Axle.............................................................. 404
Transfer Case...................................................... 403
Washer Reservoir.............................................. 404
Capacities and Specifications - 3.3L, Gasoline.......................................................405
Air Conditioning System................................. 405
Alternative Engine Oil for Extremely Cold Climates.......................................................... 408
Automatic Transmission................................ 406
Engine Coolant................................................... 407
Engine Oil.............................................................. 407
Front Axle.............................................................. 410
Fuel Tank.............................................................. 409
Grease................................................................... 409
Hydraulic Brake System................................. 409
Locks...................................................................... 409
Rear Axle................................................................. 411
Transfer Case....................................................... 410
Washer Reservoir................................................. 411
Capacities and Specifications - 3.3L, Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV)...............412
Air Conditioning System................................... 412
Alternative Engine Oil for Extremely Cold Climates............................................................ 415
Automatic Transmission.................................. 413
Engine Coolant.................................................... 414
Engine Oil.............................................................. 414
Front Axle............................................................... 417
Fuel Tank............................................................... 416
Grease..................................................................... 416
Hydraulic Brake System................................... 416
Locks....................................................................... 416
Rear Axle................................................................ 418
Transfer Case........................................................ 417
Washer Reservoir................................................ 418
Capacities and Specifications................382
Cargo Nets
.....................................................280
Car Wash See: Cleaning the Exterior.............................. 344
Catalytic Converter......................................197 On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II)................... 198
561
Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing Index

Proper Driver and Front Passenger Seating
Adjustment........................................................ 47
Driver and Passenger Knee Airbags.........51
Driving Aids....................................................259
Driving Hints..................................................295
Driving Through Water..............................296
DRL See: Daytime Running Lamps - Vehicles With:
Configurable Daytime Running
Lamps................................................................. 89
See: Daytime Running Lamps - Vehicles With: Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)................89
E
Economical Driving
.....................................295
Electric Parking Brake.................................215
Applying the Electric Parking Brake.............215
Automatically Releasing the Electric
Parking Brake.................................................. 216
Manually Releasing the Electric Parking Brake................................................................... 216
Releasing the Electric Parking Brake if the Vehicle Battery is Running Out of
Charge................................................................ 217
Electric Vehicle Information
....................460
Engine On Due To............................................... 461
Power Flow.......................................................... 460
Vehicle Operational States........................... 460
Electromagnetic Compatibility
..............530
Emergency Call Limitations.......................56
Emergency Call Requirements.................55
Emergency Call System Data.....................18
Emission Law
.................................................196
Noise Emissions Warranty, Prohibited
Tampering Acts and Maintenance..........197
Tampering With a Noise Control System.............................................................. 196
End User License Agreement..................533 VEHICLE SOFTWARE END USER LICENSE
AGREEMENT (EULA) ................................. 533
Engine Block Heater
.....................................178
Using the Engine Block Heater...................... 179
Engine Coolant Check.................................331 Adding Coolant.................................................... 331
Coolant Change.................................................. 333
Engine Coolant Temperature Management.................................................. 334Fail-Safe Cooling...............................................
333
Recycled Coolant............................................... 332
Severe Climates................................................. 333
Engine Emission Control...........................196
Engine Immobilizer See: Passive Anti-Theft System..................... 78
Engine Oil Check..........................................326 Adding Engine Oil............................................... 327
Engine Oil Dipstick - 2.3L EcoBoost™.................................................326
Engine Oil Dipstick - 3.0L.........................326
Engine Oil Dipstick - 3.3L..........................326
Engine Specifications - 2.3L EcoBoost™.................................................382
Drivebelt Routing............................................... 382
Engine Specifications - 3.0L, ST
............383
Drivebelt Routing............................................... 384
Engine Specifications - 3.0L...................383 Drivebelt Routing............................................... 383
Engine Specifications - 3.3L, Gasoline.......................................................385
Drivebelt Routing............................................... 385
Engine Specifications - 3.3L, Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV)............................386
Drivebelt Routing............................................... 386
Entertainment...............................................441 AM/FM Radio...................................................... 442
Apps....................................................................... 450
Bluetooth Stereo or USB................................ 449
CD........................................................................\
... 448
HD Radio ™ Information (If
Available)........................................................ 445
SiriusXM® Satellite Radio (If Activated)........................................................ 443
Sources.................................................................. 442
Supported Media Players, Formats and Metadata Information................................ 450
USB Ports............................................................. 450
Environment.....................................................19
EPB See: Electric Parking Brake.............................. 215
Essential Towing Checks..........................292 Before Towing a Trailer.................................... 293
Hitches................................................................... 292
Launching or Retrieving a Boat or Personal Watercraft (PWC)........................................ 293
Safety Chains...................................................... 292
Trailer Brakes....................................................... 292
564
Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing Index

Locking and Unlocking................................69
Activating Intelligent Access............................ 70
Autolock.................................................................... 71
Battery Saver.......................................................... 72
Illuminated Entry.................................................... 71
Illuminated Exit...................................................... 72
Locking and Unlocking the Doors with the Key Blade........................................................... 69
Power Door Locks................................................ 69
Remote Control.................................................... 69
Smart Unlocks for Integrated Keyhead Remote Control................................................ 70
Smart Unlocks for Intelligent Access Keys........................................................................\
71
Luggage Covers.............................................281
Lug Nuts See: Changing a Road Wheel........................ 374
M
Maintenance..................................................322 General Information.......................................... 322
Manual Seats.................................................148
Adjusting the Seat Backrest........................... 149
Moving the Seat Backward and Forward............................................................. 148
Memory Function
..........................................152
Easy Entry and Exit Feature............................ 153
Linking a PreSet Position to your Remote Control .............................................................. 153
Saving a PreSet Position.................................. 152
Message Center See: Information Displays................................. 112
Mirrors See: Windows and Mirrors............................... 96
Mobile Communications Equipment.......13
Mobile Device Data........................................18
Moonroof..........................................................101 Bounce-Back........................................................102
Opening and Closing the Moonroof.............101
Rear SunShade Opening and Closing........102
Motorcraft Parts - 2.3L EcoBoost™
................................................388
Motorcraft Parts - 3.0L.............................389
Motorcraft Parts - 3.3L..............................390
MyKey – Troubleshooting
...........................67
MyKey ™.............................................................64
Principle of Operation........................................ 64N
Navigation......................................................455
Changing the Format of the Map................457
cityseeker............................................................. 459
Michelin Travel Guide...................................... 460
Navigation Map Accuracy and Updates........................................................... 460
Route Guidance.................................................. 457
Setting a Destination....................................... 456
SiriusXM Traffic and Travel Link.................. 460
Zoom...................................................................... 457
Normal Scheduled Maintenance
..........485
Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor™........................ 485
Normal Maintenance Intervals.................... 486
O
Oil Change Indicator Reset.......................327
Oil Check See: Engine Oil Check...................................... 326
Opening and Closing the Hood..............322 Closing the Hood................................................ 323
Opening the Hood............................................. 322
Ordering Additional Owner's Literature......................................................310
Obtaining a French Owner ’s Manual..........310
Overhead Console.........................................171
Overriding Automatic High Beam Control............................................................95
Overriding Reverse Braking Assist..........221
Overriding the Set Speed..........................252
P
Parking Aids
...................................................230
Principle of Operation...................................... 230
Passive Anti-Theft System.........................78 Programming a Spare Intelligent Access
Key........................................................................\
. 78
SecuriLock®........................................................... 78
PATS See: Passive Anti-Theft System..................... 78
Pedestrian Alert System
.............................54
Pedestrian Protection..................................54
Perchlorate.........................................................11
Personalized Settings..................................119 Fuel Economy...................................................... 120
568
Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing Index

W
Warning Lamps and Indicators...............107
Adaptive Cruise Control................................... 107
Anti-Lock Braking System.............................. 108
Auto Hold Active................................................. 108
Auto Hold Unavailable..................................... 108
Automatic High Beam Control...................... 108
Auto Start-stop.................................................. 108
Battery.................................................................... 108
Blind Spot Monitor............................................ 108
Brake System Warning Lamp........................ 108
Cruise Control...................................................... 109
Direction Indicator............................................. 109
Door Ajar................................................................ 109
Electric Park Brake............................................. 109
Engine Oil.............................................................. 109
Engine or Motor Coolant Temperature................................................... 109
Fasten Rear Seatbelt........................................ 109
Fasten Seatbelt.................................................. 109
Front Airbag......................................................... 109
Front Fog Lamps................................................ 109
High Beam............................................................ 109
High Voltage Electric System Failure...........110
Hill Descent........................................................... 110
Hood Ajar................................................................ 110
Lamps On............................................................... 110
Liftgate Ajar........................................................... 110
Low Beam Warning............................................ 110
Low Fuel Level...................................................... 110
Low Tire Pressure Warning.............................. 110
Low Washer Fluid................................................ 110
Powertrain Fault.................................................. 110
Ready to Drive....................................................... 110
Service Engine Soon........................................... 110
Stability Control.................................................... 111
Stability Control Off............................................. 111
Washer Fluid Check
....................................340
Washers See: Cleaning the Exterior.............................. 344
See: Wipers and Washers................................. 84
Waxing
.............................................................345
What Is 911 Assist...........................................55
What Is a Connected Vehicle...................421
What Is Adaptive Cruise Control With Lane Centering..........................................246 What Is Automatic High Beam
Control............................................................94
What Is Cruise Control...............................244 Requirements...................................................... 244
What Is Drive Mode Control.....................278
What Is Hill Descent Control
...................228
What Is Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control..........................................................246
What Is Reverse Braking Assist
..............220
What Is the Cabin Air Filter.......................145
What is the Rear Occupant Alert System..........................................................160
Wheel Nuts See: Changing a Road Wheel........................ 374
Wheels and Tires..........................................351 General Information.......................................... 351
Technical Specifications................................ 380
Windows and Mirrors
...................................96
Windshield Washers.....................................85
Front Camera Washer........................................ 86
Windshield Wipers........................................84 Intermittent Wipe................................................ 84
Speed Dependent Wipers................................ 84
Wiper Blades See: Checking the Wiper Blades.................340
Wipers and Washers.....................................84
Wireless Accessory Charger.....................168
574
Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing Index