maintenance FORD EXPLORER 2021 Service Manual

1. Park your vehicle on a level surface.
2. Look at the brake fluid reservoir to see
where the brake fluid level is relative
to the MIN and the MAX marks on the
reservoir.
Note: If the brake fluid level is between the
MIN
and the MAX marks on the reservoir, it
is acceptable.
Note: If the brake fluid level is below the
MIN
mark or above the MAX mark, have
your vehicle checked as soon as possible.
Note: To avoid fluid contamination, the
reservoir cap must remain in place and fully
tight, unless you are adding fluid.
Only use fluid that meets our
specifications. See
Capacities and
Specifications (page 385).
Brake Fluid Service Interval
Brake fluid absorbs water over time which
degrades the effectiveness of the brake
fluid. Change the brake fluid at the
specified intervals to prevent degraded
braking performance. For detailed interval information, see
Scheduled Maintenance in your Owner's
Manual or your local maintenance guide.
POWER STEERING FLUID
CHECK
Your vehicle is equipped with an electric
power steering (EPS) system. There is no
fluid reservoir to check or fill.
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.
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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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After battery replacement, or in some
cases after charging the battery with an
external charger, the battery management
system requires eight hours of vehicle sleep
time to relearn the battery state of charge.
During this time your vehicle must remain
fully locked with the ignition switched off.
Note:
Prior to relearning the battery state
of charge, the battery management system
may temporarily disable some electrical
systems.
Electrical Accessory Installation
To make sure the battery management
system works correctly, do not connect an
electrical device ground connection
directly to the battery negative post. This
can cause inaccurate measurements of
the battery condition and potential
incorrect system operation.
Note: If you add electrical accessories or
components to the vehicle, it may adversely
affect battery performance and durability.
This may also affect the performance of
other electrical systems in the vehicle.
Remove and Reinstall the Battery
To disconnect or remove the battery, do
the following:
1. Apply the parking brake and switch the
ignition off.
2. Switch all electrical equipment off, for
example lights and radio.
3. Wait a minimum of two minutes before
disconnecting the battery.
Note: The engine management system has
a power hold function and remains powered
for a period of time after you switch the
ignition off. This is to allow diagnostic and
adaptive tables to be stored. Disconnecting
the battery without waiting can cause
damage not covered by the vehicle
Warranty. 4. Disconnect the negative battery cable
terminal.
5. Disconnect the positive battery cable terminal.
6. Remove the battery securing clamp.
7. Remove the battery.
8. To install, reverse the removal procedure.
Note: Before reconnecting the battery,
make sure the ignition remains switched off.
Note: Make sure the battery cable terminals
are fully tightened.
If you disconnect or replace the vehicle
battery, you must reset the following
features:
• Window bounce-back. See Power
Windows (page 96).
• Clock Settings.
• Pre-set radio stations.
Battery Disposal Make sure that you dispose of
old batteries in an
environmentally friendly way.
Seek advice from your local authority
about recycling old batteries.
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.
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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 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 beam bulb.
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. 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
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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.
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. See
Capacities and
Specifications (page 391).
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.
FUEL FILTER
Your vehicle is equipped with a lifetime
fuel filter that is integrated with the fuel
tank. Regular maintenance or replacement
is not needed. 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 FRONT 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.
1. Lift the wiper arm and then press the
wiper blade locking buttons together.
Note: Do not hold the wiper blade to lift the
wiper arm.
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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. To install, reverse the removal procedure.
Note: Make sure that the wiper blade locks
into place.
CHANGING THE REAR 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. 1. Lift the wiper arm.
Note:
Do not hold the wiper blade to lift the
wiper arm.
2. Remove the wiper blade. Note:
Make sure that the wiper arm does
not spring back against the glass when the
wiper blade is not attached.
3. To install, reverse the removal procedure.
Note: Make sure that the wiper blade locks
into place.
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 419).
Install in the reverse order unless otherwise
stated.
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
access cover.
3. Remove the side cover.
4. Remove the screw that secures the lamp assembly.
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5. Gently pull the lamp assembly away
from the vehicle.
6. Turn the bulb holder counterclockwise
and remove it.
7. Remove the bulb by pulling it straight out. Rear direction indicator.
A
Reverse lamp.
B
LED Lamps
LED lamps are not serviceable items. See
an authorized dealer if they fail.
The following lamps are LED:
• Headlamp low beam.
• Headlamp high beam.
• Front direction indicator.
• Side direction indicator.
• Daytime running lamps.
• Front fog lamps (if equipped).
• Brake and rear lamp.
• Rear side marker lamp. •
Rear fog lamps (if equipped).
• Front side marker lamps.
• Front signature lamps.
• 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.
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B
A
12
203A
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You should:
•
Remove dust and loose dirt with a
vacuum cleaner.
• Clean and treat spills and stains as
soon as possible.
Do not use the following products as these
may damage the leather:
• Oil and petroleum or silicone-based
leather conditioners.
• Household cleaners.
• Alcohol solutions.
• Solvents or cleaners intended
specifically for rubber, vinyl and
plastics.
REPAIRING MINOR PAINT
DAMAGE
Authorized dealers have touch-up paint to
match your vehicle ’s color. Your vehicle
color code is printed on a sticker on the
front, left-hand side door jamb. Take your
color code to your authorized dealer to
make sure you get the correct color.
Before repairing minor paint damage, use
a cleaner to remove particles such as bird
droppings, tree sap, insect deposits, tar
spots, road salt and industrial fallout.
Read the instructions before using cleaning
products.
CLEANING THE WHEELS
1. Regularly clean them with a wheel cleaner. We recommend that you use
Ford approved wheel cleaner if
available.
2. Remove dirt and brake dust with a sponge. 3.
Remove tar and grease with a bug and
tar remover. We recommend that you
use Ford approved bug and tar remover
if available.
4. Thoroughly rinse the wheels with water
after cleaning.
If you intend on parking your vehicle for an
extended period after cleaning the wheels
with a wheel cleaner, drive your vehicle for
a few minutes before doing so. This
reduces the risk of corrosion of the brake
discs, brake pads and linings.
Do not clean the wheels when they are hot.
Note: Some car washes could damage
wheel rims and covers.
Note: Using non-recommended cleaners,
harsh cleaning products, chrome wheel
cleaners or abrasive materials could
damage wheel rims and covers.
VEHICLE STORAGE
If you plan on storing your vehicle for 30
days or more, read the following
maintenance recommendations to make
sure your vehicle stays in good operating
condition.
We engineer and test all motor vehicles
and their components for reliable, regular
driving. Under various conditions,
long-term storage may lead to degraded
engine performance or failure unless you
use specific precautions to preserve engine
components.
General
• Store all vehicles in a dry, ventilated
place.
• Protect from sunlight, if possible.
• If vehicles are stored outside, they
require regular maintenance to protect
against rust and damage.
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GENERAL INFORMATION
The recommended tire inflation pressures
are found on the Tire Label which is
located on the B-pillar or the edge of the
driver door. This information can also be
found on the Safety Compliance
Certification Label, affixed to either the
door hinge pillar, door-latch post, or the
door edge that meets the door-latch post,
next to the driver
’s seating position.
We strongly recommend maintaining these
tire pressures at all times. Failure to follow
the tire pressure recommendations can
cause uneven treadwear patterns, reduced
fuel economy, and adversely affect the
way your vehicle handles.
Note: Check and set the tire pressure at the
ambient temperature in which you are
intending to drive your vehicle and when the
tires are cold.
Note: Check your tire pressures at least
once per month.
If your vehicle has a spare tire, set the
pressure to the highest value given for your
vehicle and tire size combination.
Use only approved wheels and tire sizes;
using other sizes could damage your
vehicle.
If you change the diameter of the factory
installed tires, the speedometer could
display the incorrect speed. This could
effect the functionality of the 4WD system
(if equipped). Take your vehicle to an
authorized dealer and have the engine
management system reprogrammed.
If you intend to change the size of the
factory installed tires, check the suitability
with an authorized dealer.
Additional information related to the
functionality and maintenance of your tires
can be found in the Wheels and Tire
section. See Tire Care (page 353). Self-Sealing Tires
(If Equipped)
Self-Sealing tires are a special type of tire
that have a material on the inside of the
tire that can seal punctures up to
0.2 in
(6 mm) in diameter in the tread area. This
material does not protect from damage or
punctures in the sidewall of the tire.
Self-sealing tires can be identified by the
tire manufacturer with a special mark.
If your TPMS warning light comes on,
inspect your tires for damage and re-inflate
your tires to the pressure indicated on the
tire placard. See
Tire Pressure
Monitoring System (page 368). If your
tires are damaged or continue to lose air,
take your vehicle to the nearest authorized
dealer to have your tires inspected and
repaired/replaced as necessary.
Note: Replace self-sealing tires with
self-sealing tires to maintain the
functionality provided.
Note: Do not drive on a deflated
self-sealing tire. This damages the tire
beyond repair.
Notice to utility vehicle and truck
owners WARNING:
Vehicles with a higher
center of gravity (utility and four-wheel
drive vehicles) handle differently than
vehicles with a lower center of gravity
(passenger cars). Avoid sharp turns,
excessive speed and abrupt steering in
these vehicles. Failure to drive cautiously
increases the risk of losing control of your
vehicle, vehicle rollover, personal injury
and death. WARNING:
In a rollover crash, an
unbelted person is significantly more
likely to die than a person wearing a
seatbelt.
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Utility vehicles and trucks handle
differently than passenger cars in the
various driving conditions that are
encountered on streets, highways and
off-road. Utility vehicles and trucks are not
designed for cornering at speeds as high
as passenger cars any more than low-slung
sports cars are designed to perform
satisfactorily under off-road conditions.
Study your owner's manual and any
supplements for specific information about
equipment features, instructions for safe
driving and additional precautions to
reduce the risk of an accident or serious
injury.
Four-Wheel Drive system (if
equipped)
WARNING: Do not become
overconfident in the ability of four-wheel
drive vehicles. Although a four-wheel
drive vehicle may accelerate better than
a two-wheel drive vehicle in low traction
situations, it won't stop any faster than
two-wheel drive vehicles. Always drive
at a safe speed.
A vehicle equipped with Four-Wheel Drive
has the ability to use all four wheels to
power itself. This increases traction which
may enable you to safely drive over terrain
and road conditions that a conventional
two-wheel drive vehicle cannot. Power is
supplied to all four wheels through a
transfer case. Four-wheel drive vehicles
allow you to select different modes as
necessary. You can find more information
on transfer case operation, drive mode
selection, and transfer case maintenance
in this manual. See
Four-Wheel Drive
(page 207). You should become thoroughly
familiar with this information before you
operate your vehicle. We recommend installing the temporary
spare wheel and tire on the front axle when
possible. This could provide limited 4WD
traction.
Four-wheel drive: Never use a spare tire of
a different size than the one provided with
your vehicle. This could cause the
four-wheel drive system to default to
rear-wheel drive.
How your vehicle differs from
other vehicles
Sport utility vehicles and trucks can differ
from some other vehicles in a few
noticeable ways. Your vehicle may be:
•
Higher - to allow higher load carrying
capacity and to allow it to travel over
rough terrain without getting hung up
or damaging underbody components.
• Shorter - to give it the capability to
approach inclines and drive over the
crest of a hill without getting hung up
or damaging underbody components.
All other things held equal, a shorter
wheelbase may make your vehicle
quicker to respond to steering inputs
than a vehicle with a longer wheelbase.
• Narrower - to provide greater
maneuverability in tight spaces,
particularly in off-road use.
As a result of the above dimensional
differences, sport utility vehicles and trucks
often have a higher center of gravity and a
greater difference in center of gravity
between the loaded and unloaded
condition. These differences that make
your vehicle so versatile also make it
handle differently than an ordinary
passenger car.
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