engine FORD EXPLORER 2021 Owners Manual

The information contained in this publication was correct at the time of going to print. In the interest of
continuous development, we reserve the right to change specifications, design or equipment at any time
without notice or obligation. No part of this publication may be reproduced, transmitted, stored in a
retrieval system or translated into any language in any form by any means without our written permission.
Errors and omissions excepted.
© Ford Motor Company 2020
All rights reserved.
Part Number: 202007 20201207115223
California Proposition 65
WARNING: Operating, servicing and
maintaining a passenger vehicle or off-highway
motor vehicle can expose you to chemicals
including engine exhaust, carbon monoxide,
phthalates, and lead, which are known to the
State of California to cause cancer and birth
defects or other reproductive harm. To minimize
exposure, avoid breathing exhaust, do not idle the
engine except as necessary, service your vehicle
in a well-ventilated area and wear gloves or wash
your hands frequently when servicing your vehicle.
For more information go to
www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/passenger-vehicle. 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
.

Instrument Cluster
Gauges - Vehicles With: 6.5 Inch
Instrument Cluster Display Screen
........................................................................\
.103
Gauges - Vehicles With: 12.3 Inch Instrument Cluster Display Screen
........................................................................\
104
Gauges - Vehicles With: 4.2 Inch Instrument Cluster Display Screen
........................................................................\
106
Warning Lamps and Indicators ..............
107
Audible Warnings and Indicators .............
111
Information Displays
General Information - Vehicles With: 6.5 Inch Instrument Cluster Display Screen
........................................................................\
..
112
General Information - Vehicles With: 12.3 Inch Instrument Cluster Display Screen
........................................................................\
..
114
General Information - Vehicles With: 4.2 Inch Instrument Cluster Display Screen
........................................................................\
..
117
Personalized Settings .................................
119
Information Messages ................................
121
Climate Control
Automatic Climate Control .....................
139
Hints on Controlling the Interior Climate ........................................................................\
..
141
Rear Passenger Climate Controls .........
142
Heated Windshield .....................................
143
Heated Rear Window .................................
144
Heated Exterior Mirrors .............................
144
Remote Start ................................................
144
Interior Air Quality
What Is the Cabin Air Filter ......................
145
Replacing the Cabin Air Filter ..................
145
Seats
Sitting in the Correct Position .................
146Head Restraints
...........................................
146
Manual Seats ................................................
148
Power Seats ..................................................
149
Memory Function .........................................
152
Rear Seats ......................................................
153
Heated Seats ................................................
158
Ventilated Seats ..........................................
159
Rear Occupant Alert System
What is the Rear Occupant Alert System ........................................................................\
160
How Does the Rear Occupant Alert System Work ............................................
160
Rear Occupant Alert System Precautions ........................................................................\
160
Rear Occupant Alert System Limitations ........................................................................\
160
Switching Rear Occupant Alert System On and Off .................................................
160
Rear Occupant Alert System Indicators ........................................................................\
..
161
Rear Occupant Alert System Audible Warnings ......................................................
161
Garage Door Opener
Universal Garage Door Opener ..............
162
Auxiliary Power Points
Auxiliary Power Points ...............................
167
Wireless Accessory Charger ....................
168
Storage Compartments
Cup Holders .....................................................
171
Overhead Console ........................................
171
Starting and Stopping the Engine
General Information ....................................
172
Ignition Switch ...............................................
172
Keyless Starting ............................................
172
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Starting a Gasoline Engine
.......................173
Starting a Hybrid Electric Vehicle System ........................................................................\
.
176
Engine Block Heater ...................................
178
Unique Driving Characteristics
Auto-Start-Stop ..........................................
180
Hybrid Vehicle Operation .........................
182
Hybrid Vehicle Frequently Asked Questions ...................................................
184
Fuel and Refueling
Safety Precautions .....................................
185
Fuel Quality - E85 .......................................
185
Fuel Quality - Gasoline ..............................
187
Fuel Filler Funnel Location .......................
187
Running Out of Fuel ....................................
187
Refueling - Excluding: Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) ...........................................
189
Refueling - Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) ........................................................................\
.
192
Fuel Consumption ......................................
194
Engine Emission Control
Emission Law ................................................
196
Catalytic Converter .....................................
197
High Voltage Battery
General Information - Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) ..........................................
200
Transmission
Automatic Transmission ..........................
201
Four-Wheel Drive
Principle of Operation ...............................
207
Using Four-Wheel Drive ...........................
207
Rear Axle
Limited Slip Differential ............................
213Brakes
General Information
...................................
214
Hints on Driving With Anti-Lock Brakes ........................................................................\
.
215
Electric Parking Brake ................................
215
Hill Start Assist ..............................................
217
Auto Hold ........................................................
218
Reverse Braking Assist
What Is Reverse Braking Assist .............
220
Reverse Braking Assist Precautions .....
220
Switching Reverse Braking Assist On and Off ..................................................................
221
Overriding Reverse Braking Assist .........
221
Reverse Braking Assist Indicators ..........
221
Reverse Braking Assist – Troubleshooting ......................................
222
Traction Control
Principle of Operation ...............................
224
Using Traction Control ..............................
224
Stability Control
Principle of Operation ...............................
225
Using Stability Control ..............................
226
Hill Descent Control
What Is Hill Descent Control ..................
228
Switching Hill Descent Control On and Off ................................................................
228
Setting the Hill Descent Speed .............
228
Hill Descent Control Indicator ................
229
Parking Aids
Principle of Operation ...............................
230
Rear Parking Aid ..........................................
230
Front Parking Aid .........................................
232
Side Sensing System .................................
234
Active Park Assist .......................................
235
Rear View Camera ......................................
238
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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 EcoBoostâ„¢ ........................................................................\
323
Under Hood Overview - 3.0L ..................
324
Under Hood Overview - 3.3L ..................
325
Engine Oil Dipstick - 2.3L EcoBoostâ„¢ ........................................................................\
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 EcoBoostâ„¢ ...............................................
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
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Cleaning the Interior
..................................346
Cleaning the Instrument Panel and Instrument Cluster Lens .......................
347
Cleaning Leather Seats .............................
347
Repairing Minor Paint Damage .............
348
Cleaning the Wheels .................................
348
Vehicle Storage ...........................................
348
Body Styling Kits ........................................
350
Wheels and Tires
General Information ...................................
351
Tire Care .........................................................
353
Using Summer Tires ..................................
366
Using Snow Chains ....................................
366
Tire Pressure Monitoring System .........
368
Changing a Road Wheel ...........................
374
Technical Specifications .........................
380
Capacities and Specifications
Engine Specifications - 2.3L EcoBoostâ„¢ ........................................................................\
382
Engine Specifications - 3.0L ..................
383
Engine Specifications - 3.0L, ST ...........
383
Engine Specifications - 3.3L, Gasoline ........................................................................\
385
Engine Specifications - 3.3L, Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) ..........................
386
Transmission Specifications - ST ........
386
Motorcraft Parts - 2.3L EcoBoostâ„¢ .....
388
Motorcraft Parts - 3.0L ............................
389
Motorcraft Parts - 3.3L .............................
390
Vehicle Identification Number ................
391
Capacities and Specifications - 2.3L EcoBoostâ„¢ ................................................
391
Capacities and Specifications - 3.0L .......................................................................
398
Capacities and Specifications - 3.3L, Gasoline .....................................................
405
Capacities and Specifications - 3.3L, Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) .............
412Bulb Specification Chart
..........................
419
Connected Vehicle
What Is a Connected Vehicle ..................
421
Connected Vehicle Requirements .........
421
Connected Vehicle Limitations ..............
421
Connecting the Vehicle to a Mobile Network .......................................................
421
Connecting the Vehicle to a Wi-Fi Network - Vehicles With: SYNC 3 ......
421
Connected Vehicle – Troubleshooting - Vehicles With: Modem ..........................
422
Connected Vehicle – Troubleshooting - Vehicles With: SYNC 3 ..........................
423
Vehicle Wi-Fi Hotspot
Creating a Vehicle Wi-Fi Hotspot .........
425
Changing the Vehicle Wi-Fi Hotspot Name or Password ................................
425
Audio System
General Information ..................................
426
Audio Unit .....................................................
426
Digital Radio ..................................................
427
Satellite Radio .............................................
429
USB Port ........................................................
432
SYNCâ„¢ 3
General Information ..................................
433
Using Voice Recognition ..........................
435
Entertainment ..............................................
441
Climate ............................................................
451
Phone ..............................................................
453
Navigation .....................................................
455
Electric Vehicle Information ...................
460
Apps .................................................................
461
Settings ..........................................................
464
SYNCâ„¢ 3 Troubleshooting ....................
466
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Brake system
Cabin air filter
Check fuel cap
Child safety door lock or unlock
Child seat lower anchor
Child seat tether anchor
Cruise control
Do not open when hot
Engine air filter
Engine coolant
Engine coolant temperature
Engine oil
Explosive gas
Fan warning
Fasten seatbelt Flammable
Front airbag
Front fog lamps
Fuel pump reset
Fuse compartment
Hazard flashers
Heated rear window
Windshield defrosting system
Interior luggage compartment
release
Jack
Keep out of reach of children
Lighting control
Low tire pressure warning
Maintain correct fluid level
Note operating instructions
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Horn control
Panic alarm
Parking aid
Parking brake
Power steering fluid
Power windows front/rear
Power window lockout
Requires registered technician
Safety alert
See Owner's Manual
See Service Manual
Service engine soon
Passenger airbag activated
Passenger airbag deactivated
Side airbag Shield the eyes
Stability control
Hill descent control
Trail control
Windshield wiping system
Windshield wash and wipe
PERCHLORATE
Certain components in your vehicle such
as airbag modules, seatbelt pretensioners
and remote control batteries may contain
perchlorate material. Special handling
may apply for service or vehicle end of life
disposal.
For more information visit: Web Address
www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazard- ouswaste/perchlorate
FORD CREDIT
US Only
Ford Credit offers a full range of financing
and lease plans to help you acquire your
vehicle. If you have financed or leased your
vehicle through Ford Credit, thank you for
your business.
11
Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing IntroductionE270945 E139213 E231159 E65963 E231158 E270849 E270850 E167012 E138639 E163957 E272858 E270969

SERVICE DATA
Service data recorders in your vehicle are
capable of collecting and storing
diagnostic information about your vehicle.
This potentially includes information about
the performance or status of various
systems and modules in the vehicle, such
as engine, throttle, steering or brake
systems. In order to properly diagnose and
service your vehicle, Ford Motor Company
(Ford of Canada in Canada), and service
and repair facilities may access or share
among them vehicle diagnostic
information received through a direct
connection to your vehicle when
diagnosing or servicing your vehicle.
Additionally, Ford Motor Company (Ford
of Canada, in Canada) may, where
permitted by law, use vehicle diagnostic
information for vehicle improvement or
with other information we may have about
you, for example, your contact information,
to offer you products or services that may
interest you. Data may be provided to our
service providers such as part suppliers
that may help diagnose malfunctions, and
who are similarly obligated to protect data.
We retain this data only as long as
necessary to perform these functions or to
comply with law. We may provide
information where required in response to
official requests to law enforcement or
other government authorities or third
parties acting with lawful authority or court
order, and such information may be used
in legal proceedings. For U.S. only (if
equipped), if you choose to use connected
apps and services, you consent that certain
diagnostic information may also be
accessed electronically by Ford Motor
Company and Ford authorized service
facilities, and that the diagnostic
information may be used to provide
services to you, personalizing your
experience, troubleshoot, and to improve
products and services and offer you
products and services that may interest
you, where permitted by law. For Canada
only, for more information, please review
the Ford of Canada privacy policy at
www.ford.ca, including our U.S. data
storage and use of service providers in
other jurisdictions who may be subject to
legal requirements in Canada, the United
States and other countries applicable to
them, for example, lawful requirements to
disclose personal information to
governmental authorities in those
countries.
EVENT DATA
This vehicle is equipped with an event data
recorder. The main purpose of an event
data recorder is to record, in certain crash
or near crash-like situations, such as an
airbag deployment or hitting a road
obstacle; this data will assist in
understanding how a vehicle
’s systems
performed. The event data recorder is
designed to record data related to vehicle
dynamics and safety systems for a short
period of time, typically 30 seconds or less.
The event data recorder in this vehicle is
designed to record such data as:
• How various systems in your vehicle
were operating.
• Whether or not the driver and
passenger seatbelts were
buckled/fastened.
• How far (if at all) the driver was
depressing the accelerator and/or the
brake pedal.
• How fast the vehicle was traveling.
• Where the driver was positioning the
steering wheel.
This data can help provide a better
understanding of the circumstances in
which crashes and injuries occur.
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Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing Data Privacy

AT A GLANCE - ST
Exterior
•
Front and rear fascias feature unique
ST grille and unique finish.
• ST badging in front grille and on rear
liftgate.
• Trim features unique ST gloss black
finish.
• E-X-P-L-O-R-E-R lettering across
hood.
• Blackout treatment on headlight and
taillight lenses.
Interior
• Unique ST interior trim.
• Ford Performance sill plates.
• ST flat-bottom steering wheel with
integrated transmission shift paddle
controls.
• Selectable Drive Mode controller with
7 settings (Normal, Eco, Sport, Trail,
Slippery, Deep Snow/Sand and
Tow/Haul).
• Unique electronic sound enhancement
in Sport Selectable Drive Mode.
Chassis
• Unique ST-tuned suspension featuring
32 N/mm front coil springs and a 34
mm hollow front stabilizer bar and 106
N/mm rear coil springs and a 21.7 mm
hollow rear stabilizer bar.
• Standard ST brake system consists of
345 mm diameter vented front rotors
with two piston calipers and low-dust
linings; 326 mm solid rear rotors with
single-piston brake calipers and
electric integrated park brake with low
dust linings. •
Optional ST braking system includes
363 mm diameter vented front rotors
with heavy duty two-piston calipers
and low-dust linings; 350 mm diameter
vented rear rotors with heavy-duty
single-piston brake calipers and
electric integrated park brake with
low-dust linings; system requires 21 x
9-inch wheels and P275/45R21
all-season tires.
• Optional low-metallic brake linings are
included with optional P275/45R21
summer tire (late availability).
• ST-tuned electric power assist steering
rack and pinion.
• AdvanceTrac with stability
enhancement system with four modes:
Default, Traction Control Off, Sport and
Disabled.
• Aluminum ST 20 in (50.8 cm) x 8.5 in
(21.6 cm) wheels standard; 21 in
(53.3 cm) x 9 in (22.9 cm) wheels
optional.
• P255/55R20 all-season tires or
optional P275/45R21 all-season tires.
Powertrain
• 3.0L V6 DOHC GTDI engine, 400
horsepower, 415 lb-ft.
• 10R60 10-speed automatic
transmission with SelectShift manual
shift mode.
• 3.58 axle ratios.
• Unique transmission calibration in
Sport Selectable Drive Mode.
• Dual exhaust with quad-tip outlets.
20
Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing At a Glance

Seatbelt fastened.
A
Seatbelt not fastened.
B
Seatbelt recently unfastened.
C
Fault
D
Deactivating and Activating the
Belt-Minder Feature - Front outermost
seats only WARNING: While the system
allows you to deactivate it, this system
is designed to improve your chances of
being safely belted and surviving an
accident. We recommend you leave the
system activated for yourself and others
who may use the vehicle.
Note: The driver and front passenger
warnings switch on and off independently.
When you perform this procedure for one
seating position, do not buckle the other
position as this terminates the process.
Read Steps 1 - 4 before starting the
procedure.
Make sure that:
• You set the parking brake.
• The transmission is in park (P).
• The ignition is off.
• You close all vehicle doors.
• You unbuckle the driver and front
passenger seatbelts. 1.
Switch the ignition on. Do not start the
engine.
2. Wait until the seatbelt warning lamp turns off (about one minute). After
Step 2, wait an additional five seconds
before proceeding with Step 3. Once
you start Step 3, you must complete
the procedure within 60 seconds.
3. For the seating position you are switching off, buckle then unbuckle the
seatbelt three times at a moderate
speed, ending in the unbuckled state.
After Step 3, the seatbelt warning lamp
turns on.
4. When the seatbelt warning lamp is on,
buckle then unbuckle the seatbelt.
After Step 4, the seatbelt warning lamp
flashes for confirmation.
• This switches the feature off if it is
currently on.
• This switches the feature on if it is
currently off.
CHILD RESTRAINT AND
SEATBELT MAINTENANCE
Inspect the vehicle seatbelts and child
safety seat systems periodically to make
sure they work properly and are not
damaged. Inspect the vehicle and child
restraint seatbelts to make sure there are
no nicks, tears or cuts. Replace if
necessary. All vehicle seatbelt assemblies,
including retractors, buckles, front seatbelt
buckle assemblies, buckle support
assemblies (slide bar-if equipped),
shoulder belt height adjusters (if
equipped), shoulder belt guide on seat
backrest (if equipped), child safety seat
LATCH and tether anchors, and attaching
hardware, should be inspected after a
crash. Read the child restraint
manufacturer's instructions for additional
inspection and maintenance information
specific to the child restraint.
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Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing SeatbeltsE274703