check transmission fluid 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

GENERAL INFORMATION
Have your vehicle serviced regularly to help
maintain its roadworthiness and resale
value. There is a large network of
authorized dealers that are there to help
you with their professional servicing
expertise. We believe that their specially
trained technicians are best qualified to
service your vehicle properly and expertly.
They are supported by a wide range of
highly specialized tools developed
specifically for servicing your vehicle.
If your vehicle requires professional service,
an authorized dealer can provide the
necessary parts and service. Check your
warranty information to find out which
parts and services are covered.
Use only recommended fuels, lubricants,
fluids and service parts conforming to
specifications. Motorcraft® parts are
designed and built to provide the best
performance in your vehicle.
Precautions
•
Do not work on a hot engine.
• Make sure that nothing gets caught in
moving parts.
• Do not work on a vehicle with the
engine running in an enclosed space,
unless you are sure you have enough
ventilation.
• Keep all open flames and other burning
material (such as cigarettes) away
from the battery and all fuel related
parts.
Working with the Engine Off
1. Set the parking brake and shift the transmission to park (P).
2. Switch off the engine.
3. Block the wheels. Working with the Engine On WARNING: To reduce the risk of
vehicle damage and personal burn
injuries, do not start your engine with the
air cleaner removed and do not remove
it while the engine is running.
1. Set the parking brake and shift the transmission to park (P).
2. Block the wheels.
OPENING AND CLOSING THE
HOOD
Opening the Hood 1. Open the left-hand front door.
2. Fully pull the hood release lever and
let it completely retract.
Note: This action releases the hood latch.
3. Fully pull the hood release lever for a second time.
Note: This action fully releases the hood.
4. Open the hood.
Note: There is no secondary latch under the
hood.
322
Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing MaintenanceE263274

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

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

Changing the Color..............................................
93
Switching Ambient Lighting Off..................... 93
Switching Ambient Lighting On...................... 92
Ambient Lighting - Vehicles With: 8 Inch Information and Entertainment Display
Screen..............................................................92
Adjusting the Brightness................................... 92
Changing the Color.............................................. 92
Switching Ambient Lighting Off..................... 92
Switching Ambient Lighting On...................... 92
Anti-Theft Alarm............................................78 Arming the Alarm................................................. 79
Disarming the Alarm........................................... 79
Appendices....................................................530
Apps..................................................................461 SiriusXM Traffic and Travel Link................... 463
Using Apps on an Android Device...............462
Using Apps on an iOS Device........................ 462
Using Mobile Navigation on an Android Device............................................................... 462
At a Glance.......................................................20
At a Glance - ST.............................................20
Audible Warnings and Indicators..............111
Headlamps On Warning Chime...................... 111
Key in Ignition Warning Chime......................... 111
Keyless Warning Alert......................................... 111
Parking Brake On Warning Chime.................. 111
Audio Control...................................................82 You can operate the following functions
with the control:............................................... 82
Audio System................................................426 General Information......................................... 426
Audio Unit
......................................................426
Adjusting the Volume...................................... 426
Changing Radio Stations................................ 427
Switching the Audio Unit On and Off.........427
Using Seek, Fast Forward and Reverse.............................................................. 427
Auto Hold
.........................................................218
Auto Hold Indicator............................................ 218
Switching Auto Hold On and Off.................. 218
Using Auto Hold.................................................. 218
Autolamps........................................................88 Windshield Wiper Activated
Headlamps........................................................ 88
Automatic Climate Control......................139 Accessing Rear Climate Controls.................139 Accessing the Air Distribution
Controls............................................................. 139
Accessing the Menu........................................... 139
Setting the Blower Motor Speed.................. 139
Setting the Temperature................................. 140
Switching Auto Mode On and Off................140
Switching Maximum Air Conditioning On and Off................................................................ 141
Switching Maximum Defrost On and Off........................................................................\
. 141
Switching Recirculated Air On and Off........................................................................\
. 141
Switching the Air Conditioning On and Off........................................................................\
. 141
Switching the Climate Control On and Off........................................................................\
. 141
Automatic High Beam Control.................94
Automatic High Beam Control Indicators.......................................................94
Automatic Transmission
...........................201
Automatic Return to Park............................... 202
If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck in Mud or Snow................................................................. 206
Manual Park Release (MPR)......................... 204
SelectShift Automatic ™
Transmission.................................................. 204
Stay in Neutral Mode....................................... 203
Tow Mode ............................................................ 203
Understanding Your Transmission Selector Positions........................................................... 201
Automatic Transmission Fluid Check.............................................................335
Auto-Start-Stop...........................................180 Disabling Auto-Start-Stop.............................. 181
Enabling Auto-Start-Stop.............................. 180
Autowipers
.......................................................84
Autowipers Settings........................................... 85
Auxiliary Power Points
................................167
110 Volt AC Power Point.................................... 167
12 Volt DC Power Point...................................... 167
USB Port and Power Point Locations.........167
B
Battery See: Changing the 12V Battery..................... 336
560
Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing Index

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