automatic transmission fluid change FORD EXPLORER 2021 Owners Manual

Essential Towing Checks
.........................292
Towing the Vehicle on Four Wheels .....
294
Driving Hints
Reduced Engine Performance ...............
295
Economical Driving ....................................
295
Cold Weather Precautions ......................
296
Breaking-In ...................................................
296
Driving Through Water .............................
296
Floor Mats ......................................................
297
Roadside Emergencies
Roadside Assistance .................................
298
Hazard Flashers ..........................................
299
Fuel Shutoff .................................................
299
Jump Starting the Vehicle ......................
300
Collision, Damage or Fire Event ............
302
Post-Crash Alert System .........................
303
Transporting the Vehicle .........................
303
Customer Assistance
Getting the Services You Need .............
305
In California (U.S. Only) ...........................
306
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) Auto Line Program (U.S. Only) .....................
307
Utilizing the Mediation/Arbitration Program (Canada Only) .....................
308
Getting Assistance Outside the U.S. and Canada ......................................................
308
Ordering Additional Owner's Literature ........................................................................\
.
310
Reporting Safety Defects (U.S. Only) ........................................................................\
.
310
Reporting Safety Defects (Canada Only) ........................................................................\
.
310
Fuses
Fuse Specification Chart ...........................
312
Changing a Fuse .........................................
320Maintenance
General Information
...................................
322
Opening and Closing the Hood .............
322
Under Hood Overview - 2.3L EcoBoost™ ........................................................................\
323
Under Hood Overview - 3.0L ..................
324
Under Hood Overview - 3.3L ..................
325
Engine Oil Dipstick - 2.3L EcoBoost™ ........................................................................\
326
Engine Oil Dipstick - 3.0L ........................
326
Engine Oil Dipstick - 3.3L .........................
326
Engine Oil Check .........................................
326
Oil Change Indicator Reset ......................
327
Changing the Engine Air Filter - 2.3L EcoBoost™ ...............................................
328
Changing the Engine Air Filter - 3.0L ........................................................................\
329
Changing the Engine Air Filter - 3.3L ....
330
Engine Coolant Check ................................
331
Automatic Transmission Fluid Check ........................................................................\
335
Brake Fluid Check .......................................
335
Power Steering Fluid Check ....................
336
Changing the 12V Battery ........................
336
Adjusting the Headlamps .......................
338
Washer Fluid Check ...................................
340
Fuel Filter .......................................................
340
Checking the Wiper Blades ....................
340
Changing the Front Wiper Blades ........
340
Changing the Rear Wiper Blades ...........
341
Changing a Bulb ...........................................
341
Vehicle Care
General Information ..................................
343
Cleaning Products ......................................
343
Cleaning the Exterior .................................
344
Waxing ............................................................
345
Cleaning the Engine ...................................
345
Cleaning the Windows and Wiper Blades ........................................................................\
346
6
Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing Table of Contents

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.
335
Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing Maintenance

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)
392
Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing Capacities and Specifications

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)
399
Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing Capacities and Specifications

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)
406
Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing Capacities and Specifications

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-M2C31-B2
Motorcraft® R-1234yf Refrigerant POE Oil(U.S.)
Motorcraft® R-1234yf Refrigerant POE Oil / Huile
POE pour frigorigène R-1234yf Motorcraft®(Canada)
YN-34(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
13.7 qt (13 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)
413
Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing Capacities and Specifications

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

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