towing FORD EXPLORER 2021 Service Manual

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

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

Trailer Lamps.......................................................
292
When Towing a Trailer..................................... 293
Event Data.........................................................16
Export Unique Options.................................14
Exterior Mirrors - Excluding: ST.................97 360-Degree Camera.......................................... 98
Auto-dimming Feature...................................... 98
Auto-Folding Mirrors .......................................... 97
Blind Spot Information System...................... 98
Direction Indicator Mirrors ............................... 98
Fold-Away Exterior Mirrors............................... 97
Heated Exterior Mirrors ..................................... 98
Memory Mirrors ................................................... 98
Power Exterior Mirrors......................................... 97
Puddle Lamps....................................................... 98
Exterior Mirrors - ST......................................98 Auto-dimming Feature.................................... 100
Auto-Folding Mirrors........................................... 99
Blind Spot Information System.................... 100
Direction Indicator Mirrors.............................. 100
Fold-Away Exterior Mirrors............................... 99
Heated Exterior Mirrors.................................... 100
Memory Mirrors................................................... 100
Power Exterior Mirrors........................................ 98
Puddle Lamps..................................................... 100
F
Fastening the Seatbelts..............................39
Seatbelt Locking Modes................................... 40
Using Seatbelts During Pregnancy................39
Flat Tire See: Changing a Road Wheel........................ 374
Floor Mats.......................................................297
Fog Lamps - Front See: Front Fog Lamps........................................ 89
Ford Credit
..........................................................11
US Only...................................................................... 11
Ford Protect..................................................480 Ford Protect Extended Service Plan
(CANADA ONLY)........................................... 481
Ford Protect Extended Service Plans (U.S. Only)................................................................. 480
Four-Wheel Drive.........................................207 Principle of Operation...................................... 207
Front Fog Lamps
............................................89
Front Fog Lamp Indicator................................. 90Switching the Front Fog Lamps On or
Off........................................................................\
. 89
Front Parking Aid
..........................................232
Object Distance Indicator............................... 233
Front Passenger Sensing System
............48
Front Wiper Blades See: Changing the Front Wiper Blades......340
Fuel and Refueling.......................................185
Fuel Consumption.......................................194 Advertised Capacity.......................................... 194
Calculating Fuel Economy.............................. 195
Fuel Filler Funnel Location........................187
Fuel Filter........................................................340
Fuel Quality - E85........................................185 Choosing the Right Fuel - Flex Fuel
Vehicles............................................................. 185
Switching Between E85 and Gasoline............................................................ 186
Fuel Quality - Gasoline...............................187 Choosing the Right Fuel................................... 187
Fuel Shutoff
..................................................299
Fuses..................................................................312
Fuse Specification Chart............................312 Engine Compartment Fuse Box.................... 312
Passenger Compartment Fuse Panel.........317
G
Garage Door Opener...................................162
Garage Door Opener See: Universal Garage Door Opener............162
Gauges - Vehicles With: 12.3 Inch Instrument Cluster Display
Screen...........................................................104
Distance to Empty............................................. 106
Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge..........106
Fuel Gauge............................................................ 105
Gauge Display...................................................... 105
Information Bar................................................... 105
Information Display........................................... 105
Low Fuel Reminder............................................ 105
Gauges - Vehicles With: 4.2 Inch Instrument Cluster Display
Screen...........................................................106
Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge...........107
Fuel Gauge............................................................ 107
Information Display............................................ 107
565
Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing Index

Rear Under Floor Storage........................280
Adjustable Load Floor..................................... 280
Spare Tire Cover................................................ 280
Rear View Camera.......................................238 Camera Guidelines........................................... 240
Manual Zoom....................................................... 241
Obstacle Distance Indicator.......................... 240
Rear Camera Delay............................................ 241
Using the Rear View Camera System........239
Rear View Camera See: Rear View Camera................................... 238
Rear Window Wiper and Washers..........86 Rear Camera Washer......................................... 86
Rear Window Washer......................................... 86
Rear Window Wiper............................................ 86
Rear Wiper Blades See: Changing the Rear Wiper Blades........341
Recommended Towing Weights...........289
Reduced Engine Performance................295
Refueling - Excluding: Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV)
.............................................189
Refueling System Overview........................... 189
Refueling System Warning.............................. 191
Refueling Your Vehicle..................................... 190
Refueling - Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV).............................................................192
Fuel Filler Door Manual Override Lever................................................................... 194
System Warnings................................................ 193
Remote Control
...............................................57
Car Finder................................................................ 62
Integrated Keyhead Transmitter..................... 57
Intelligent Access Key........................................ 58
Memory Feature.................................................... 61
Remote Start......................................................... 62
Replacing the Battery......................................... 59
Sounding the Panic Alarm................................ 62
Remote Start.................................................144 Automatic Settings............................................ 144
Heated and Cooled Features......................... 144
Last Settings........................................................ 144
Repairing Minor Paint Damage..............348
Replacement Parts Recommendation........................................12
Collision Repairs.................................................... 12
Scheduled Maintenance and Mechanical Repairs.................................................................. 12
Warranty on Replacement Parts..................... 12Replacing a Lost Key or Remote
Control............................................................63
Replacing the Cabin Air Filter...................145
Reporting Safety Defects (Canada Only)...............................................................310
Reporting Safety Defects (U.S. Only)...............................................................310
Resuming the Set Speed..........................245 Resuming the Set Speed from a Complete
Stop.................................................................... 252
Reverse Braking Assist Indicators
...........221
Reverse Braking Assist Precautions.................................................220
Reverse Braking Assist
..............................220
Reverse Braking Assist –
Troubleshooting............................................. 222
Reverse Braking Assist – Troubleshooting
........................................222
Reverse Braking Assist – Frequently Asked
Questions......................................................... 223
Reverse Braking Assist – Information Messages.......................................................... 222
Roadside Assistance
..................................298
Vehicles Sold in Canada: Getting Roadside
Assistance....................................................... 299
Vehicles Sold in the United States: Getting Roadside Assistance................................... 298
Vehicles Sold in the United States: Using Roadside Assistance................................... 298
Roadside Emergencies.............................298
Roof Racks and Load Carriers.................281 Adjusting the Crossbar.................................... 282
Maximum Recommended Load Amounts.......................................................... 282
Running-In See: Breaking-In................................................. 296
Running Out of Fuel
.....................................187
Adding Fuel From a Portable Fuel
Container.......................................................... 188
Filling a Portable Fuel Container.................. 188
S
Safety Canopy ™
..............................................51
Safety Precautions......................................185
Satellite Radio
..............................................429
Satellite Radio Electronic Serial Number
(ESN)................................................................ 430
570
Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing Index

Towing a Trailer............................................288
Load Placement................................................ 288
Towing the Vehicle on Four Wheels..........................................................294
Emergency Towing............................................ 294
Recreational Towing - All-Wheel and Four-Wheel Drive Vehicles........................ 294
Recreational Towing - Front-Wheel Drive Vehicles............................................................ 294
Recreational Towing - Rear-Wheel Drive Vehicles............................................................ 294
Towing.............................................................288
Traction Control............................................224 Principle of Operation...................................... 224
Trailer Sway Control...................................289
Transmission Specifications - ST.........386
Transmission..................................................201
Transporting the Vehicle
..........................303
U
Under Hood Overview - 2.3L EcoBoost™.................................................323
Under Hood Overview - 3.0L...................324
Under Hood Overview - 3.3L...................325
Unique Driving Characteristics...............180
Universal Garage Door Opener...............162 HomeLink Wireless Control System............162
USB Port
.........................................................432
Locating the USB Ports................................... 432
Using Four-Wheel Drive............................207 Driving in Special Conditions With
Four-Wheel drive (4WD).......................... 209
How Your Vehicle Differs from Other Vehicles............................................................ 208
Operating Four-Wheel drive (4WD) Vehicles with Mismatched Tires.............208
Operating Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) Vehicles With Spare Tires.......................... 207
Using MyKey With Remote Start Systems...........................................................67
Using Snow Chains.....................................366
Using Stability Control...............................226 Electronic Stability Control - Base
Model................................................................ 226
Electronic Stability Control - ST Model ........................................................................\
..... 226
Using Summer Tires...................................366 Using Traction Control...............................224
Switching the System Off............................... 224
System Indicator Lights and Messages......................................................... 224
Using a Switch.................................................... 224
Using Voice Recognition...........................435 Apps....................................................................... 440
Automatic Blower Motor Speed Reduction......................................................... 441
Climate................................................................... 437
Entertainment.................................................... 436
General.................................................................. 435
Navigation............................................................ 439
Phone
..................................................................... 438
SiriusXM Traffic and Travel Link.................. 440
Voice Settings...................................................... 441
Utilizing the Mediation/Arbitration Program (Canada Only)........................308
V
Vehicle Care
...................................................343
General Information......................................... 343
Vehicle Identification Number.................391
Vehicle Storage............................................348 Body....................................................................... 349
Brakes.................................................................... 349
Cooling system................................................... 349
Disconnecting Your 12 Volt Battery.............349
Engine.................................................................... 349
Fuel system......................................................... 349
General.................................................................. 348
Miscellaneous..................................................... 350
Plugging in Your HYBRID................................ 349
Removing Vehicle From Storage.................350
Tires........................................................................\
350
Vehicle Wi-Fi Hotspot................................425
Ventilated Seats
...........................................159
Automatic Climate Controlled Seats..........159
Ventilation See: Climate Control......................................... 139
VIN See: Vehicle Identification Number.............391
Voice Control
...................................................82
573
Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing Index