maintenance FORD EXPLORER 2023 User Guide

Audio
Audio
Menu options covered in the SYNC chapter. See General Information (page 427).
Phone
Phone
Menu options covered in the SYNC chapter. See General Information (page 427).
Settings
Settings
Contains vehicle status information.Select Your Setting.Information
Select Your SettingLanguageDisplay
Measure unit
Temperature unit
Tire Pressure
Select Your SettingDriver Assistance
Select Your SettingOil LevelVehicle Maintenance
Oil Life
Brake Fluid Life
Tire Pressure
MyKey InfoMyKey
Create MyKey
Note:Additional vehicle settings areavailable through your touchscreen. SeeSettings (page 458).PERSONALIZED SETTINGS
Select one of these options to display onyour main screen.
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Lane Keeping System
ActionMessage
The system has malfunctioned. Have the system checked as soonas possible.Lane Keeping Sys.MalfunctionService Required
The system has detected a condition that has caused the systemto be temporarily unavailable.Front CameraTemporarily NotAvailable
The system has detected a condition that requires the windshieldto be cleaned to operate properly.Front Camera LowVisibility CleanScreen
The system has malfunctioned. Have the system checked as soonas possible.Front CameraMalfunctionService Required
The system requests the driver to keep their hands on the steeringwheel.Keep Hands onSteering Wheel
Maintenance
ActionMessage
Stop your vehicle as soon as safely possible and turn off the engine.Check the oil level. If the warning stays on or continues to come onwith your engine running, have the system checked as soon aspossible.
Low Engine OilPressure
The engine oil life is low and needs to be changed soon.Change Engine OilSoon
The engine oil life is low and needs to be changed immediately.Oil ChangeRequired
The brake fluid level is low and the brake system should beinspected immediately. See Brake Fluid Check (page 328).Brake Fluid LevelLow
The brake system needs servicing. Stop the vehicle in a safe place.Contact an authorized dealer.Check BrakeSystem
The engine coolant temperature is excessively high.Engine CoolantOver Temperature
The washer fluid is low and needs to be refilled.Washer Fluid LevelLow
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WHAT IS THE CABIN AIR
FILTER
The cabin air filter improves the quality ofair in your vehicle by trapping dust, pollenand other particles.
REPLACING THE CABIN AIR
FILTER
Replace the filter at regular intervals. SeeScheduled Maintenance (page 476).
The cabin air filter is behind the glovecompartment.
To remove the lower glove compartmentand access the filter:
1.Open the glove compartment.
2.Press the tab on each side.
3.Fully lower the glove compartment.
4.Pull the glove compartment towardyou.
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Braking
Your hybrid is equipped with standardhydraulic braking and regenerative braking.Regenerative braking is performed by yourtransmission and it captures brake energyand stores it in the high voltage battery.
You may also notice during extendingdownhill driving that your engine continuesto run instead of shutting off. During thisengine braking, the engine stays on, but itis not using any fuel. You may also hear aslight whine or whistle when operating yourvehicle. This is the normal operation of theelectric motor in the hybrid system.
Driving to Optimize Fuel Economy
Note:Having your engine running is notalways an indication of inefficiency. In somecases, it is actually more efficient thandriving in electric mode.
Your fuel economy should improvethroughout your hybrid's break-in period.As with any vehicle, your driving habits andaccessory usage can significantly impactyour fuel economy. For best results, keepthese tips in mind:
•Keep the tires properly inflated andonly use the recommended size.
•Aggressive driving increases theamount of energy required to moveyour vehicle. In general, you canachieve better fuel economy with mildto moderate acceleration anddeceleration. Moderate braking isparticularly important since it allowsyou to maximize the energy capturedby the regenerative braking system.
Additional Tips:
•Do not carry extra loads.
•Be mindful of adding externalaccessories that may increaseaerodynamic drag.
•Observe posted speed limits.
•Perform all scheduled maintenance.
•There is no need to wait for your engineto warm up. The vehicle is ready todrive immediately after starting.
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HYBRID VEHICLE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS - HYBRID
ELECTRIC VEHICLE (HEV)
AnswerQuestion
The high voltage battery is electrically isol-ated from the rest of the vehicle when theignition is off. When you switch the ignitionon, the high voltage contacts inside thebattery are closed. This makes the electri-city available to the motor and generatorand allows your vehicle to proceed. Theclicks are the sound of these contacts asthey close and open during start up andshut down.
What are the series of clicks from the cargoarea when I switch the ignition on?
The vehicle's computer determines if anengine start is required at key-on. Silent keystarts the engine if it is necessary for cabinheating, windshield defrost, or if the outsidetemperature is low.
Why does the engine sometimes start atkey-on?
There are several reasons the engine stayson for an extended amount of time whenyou first start it. One common reason is tomake sure that the emission's componentsare warm enough to minimize tailpipeemissions. As the climate gets cooler, thisengine-on time is extended.
Why does it take a long time before theengine shuts down?
In order to make sure that the climatecontrol system can begin heating the cabinor defrosting the windshield as soon as yourequest it, the engine coolant temperaturehas to be kept sufficiently hot. Keeping theengine on is required to maintain the correctcoolant temperature.
Why does my engine stay on when it isextremely cold outside?
Your hybrid vehicle can use E15 fuel (15%ethanol, 85% gasoline), but you couldnotice slightly reduced fuel economybecause ethanol contains less energy pergallon than gasoline. Your hybrid vehicle isnot designed to use E85 (85% ethanol).
Can I put E15 or E85 in my vehicle, and howwill it affect my fuel economy?
The high voltage battery system is designedto last the life of the vehicle and requiresno maintenance.
How long will my high voltage battery last?Does it need maintenance?
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EMISSION LAW
WARNING: Do not remove or alterthe original equipment floor covering orinsulation between it and the metal floorof the vehicle. The floor covering andinsulation protect occupants of thevehicle from the engine and exhaustsystem heat and noise. On vehicles withno original equipment floor coveringinsulation, do not carry passengers in amanner that permits prolonged skincontact with the metal floor. Failure tofollow these instructions may result infire or personal injury.
U.S. federal laws and certain state lawsprohibit removing or rendering inoperativeemission control system components.Similar federal or provincial laws mayapply in Canada. We do not approve of anyvehicle modification without firstdetermining applicable laws.
Tampering with emissionscontrol systems includingrelated sensors or the DieselExhaust Fluid system can result in reducedengine power and the illumination of theservice engine soon light.
Tampering With a Noise ControlSystem
Federal laws prohibit the following acts:
•Removal or rendering inoperative byany person other than for purposes ofmaintenance.
•Repair or replacement of any device orelement of the design incorporated intoa new vehicle for the purpose of noisecontrol prior to its sale or delivery tothe ultimate purchaser or while it is inuse.
•The use of the vehicle after any personremoves or renders inoperative anydevice or element of the design.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agencymay presume to constitute tampering asfollows:
•Removal of hood blanket, fender apronabsorbers, fender apron barriers,underbody noise shields or acousticallyabsorptive material.
•Tampering or rendering inoperative theengine speed governor, to allow enginespeed to exceed manufacturerspecifications.
If the engine does not start, runs rough,experiences a decrease in engineperformance, experiences excess fuelconsumption or produces excessiveexhaust smoke, check for the following:
•A plugged or disconnected air inletsystem hose.
•A plugged engine air filter element.
•Water in the fuel filter and waterseparator.
•A clogged fuel filter.
•Contaminated fuel.
•Air in the fuel system, due to looseconnections.
•An open or pinched sensor hose.
•Incorrect engine oil level.
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•Incorrect fuel for climatic conditions.
•Incorrect engine oil viscosity forclimactic conditions.
Note:Some vehicles have a lifetime fuelfilter that is integrated with the fuel tank.Regular maintenance or replacement is notneeded.
Note:If these checks do not help youcorrect the concern, have your vehiclechecked as soon as possible.
Noise Emissions Warranty,Prohibited Tampering Acts andMaintenance
On January 1, 1978, Federal regulationbecame effective governing the noiseemission on trucks over 10,000 lb(4,536 kg) Gross Vehicle Weight Rating(GVWR). The preceding statementsconcerning prohibited tampering acts andmaintenance, and the noise warrantyfound in the Warranty Guide, areapplicable to complete chassis cabs over10,000 lb (4,536 kg) GVWR.
CATALYTIC CONVERTER
WARNING: Do not park, idle ordrive your vehicle on dry grass or otherdry ground cover. The emission systemheats up the engine compartment andexhaust system, creating the risk of fire.
WARNING: The normal operatingtemperature of the exhaust system isvery high. Never work around or attemptto repair any part of the exhaust systemuntil it has cooled. Use special care whenworking around the catalytic converter.The catalytic converter heats up to a veryhigh temperature after only a shortperiod of engine operation and stays hotafter the engine is switched off.
WARNING: Exhaust leaks mayresult in entry of harmful and potentiallylethal fumes into the passengercompartment. If you smell exhaustfumes inside your vehicle, have yourvehicle inspected immediately. Do notdrive if you smell exhaust fumes.
Your vehicle has various emission controlcomponents and a catalytic converter thatenables it to comply with applicableexhaust emission standards.
To make sure that the catalytic converterand other emission control componentscontinue to work properly:
•Do not crank the engine for more than10 seconds at a time.
•Do not run the engine with a spark pluglead disconnected.
•Do not push-start or tow-start yourvehicle. Use booster cables. See JumpStarting the Vehicle (page 293).
•Use only the specified fuel listed.
•Do not switch the ignition off when yourvehicle is moving.
•Avoid running out of fuel.
•Have the items listed in scheduledmaintenance information performedaccording to the specified schedule.
Note:Resulting component damage maynot be covered by the vehicle Warranty.
The scheduled maintenance items listedin scheduled maintenance information areessential to the life and performance ofyour vehicle and to its emissions system.
If you use anything other than Ford,Motorcraft or Ford-authorized parts formaintenance replacements or for serviceof components affecting emission control,such non-Ford parts should be equivalentto genuine Ford Motor Company parts inperformance and durability.
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Illumination of the service engine soonindicator, charging system warning light orthe temperature warning light, fluid leaks,strange odors, smoke or loss of enginepower could indicate that the emissioncontrol system is not working properly.
An improperly operating or damagedexhaust system may allow exhaust toenter the vehicle. Have a damaged orimproperly operating exhaust systeminspected and repaired immediately.
Do not make any unauthorized changes toyour vehicle or engine. By law, vehicleowners and anyone who manufactures,repairs, services, sells, leases, tradesvehicles, or supervises a fleet of vehiclesare not permitted to intentionally removean emission control device or prevent itfrom working. Information about yourvehicle’s emission system is on the VehicleEmission Control Information Decallocated on or near the engine. This decalalso lists engine displacement.
Please consult your warranty informationfor complete details.
On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II)
Your vehicle has a computer known as theon-board diagnostics system (OBD-II) thatmonitors the engine’s emission controlsystem. The system protects theenvironment by making sure that yourvehicle continues to meet governmentemission standards. The OBD-II systemalso assists a service technician in properlyservicing your vehicle.
When the service engine soonindicator illuminates, the OBD-IIsystem has detected amalfunction. Temporary malfunctions maycause the service engine soon indicator toilluminate. Examples are:
1.Your vehicle has run out of fuel—theengine may misfire or run poorly.
2.Poor fuel quality or water in thefuel—the engine may misfire or runpoorly.
3.The fuel fill inlet may not have closedproperly. See Refueling (page 185).
4.Driving through deep water—theelectrical system may be wet.
You can correct these temporarymalfunctions by filling the fuel tank withgood quality fuel, properly closing the fuelfill inlet or letting the electrical system dryout. After three driving cycles without theseor any other temporary malfunctionspresent, the service engine soon indicatorshould stay off the next time you start theengine. A driving cycle consists of a coldengine startup followed by mixed city andhighway driving. No additional vehicleservice is required.
If the service engine soon indicator remainson, have your vehicle serviced at the firstavailable opportunity. Although somemalfunctions detected by the OBD-II maynot have symptoms that are apparent,continued driving with the service enginesoon indicator on can result in increasedemissions, lower fuel economy, reducedengine and transmission smoothness andlead to more costly repairs.
Readiness for Inspection andMaintenance (I/M) Testing
Some state and provincial and localgovernments may haveInspection/Maintenance (I/M) programsto inspect the emission control equipmenton your vehicle. Failure to pass thisinspection could prevent you from gettinga vehicle registration.
If the service engine soonindicator is on or the bulb doesnot work, your vehicle may needservice. See On-Board Diagnostics.
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GENERAL INFORMATION -
HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLE
(HEV)
WARNING: This battery packshould only be serviced by an authorizedelectric vehicle technician. Improperhandling can result in personal injury ordeath.
WARNING: Apply the parkingbrake, shift into park (P), switch theignition off and remove the key beforeyou open the hood or have any serviceor repair work completed. If you do notswitch the ignition off, the engine couldrestart at any time. Failure to follow thisinstruction could result in personal injuryor death.
WARNING: Do not touch theelectronic ignition system parts after youhave switched the ignition on or whenthe engine is running. The systemoperates at high voltage. Failure tofollow this instruction could result inserious personal injury or death.
WARNING: Keep your hands andclothing clear of the engine cooling fan.
Your vehicle consists of varioushigh-voltage components and wiring. Allof the high-voltage power flows throughspecific wiring assemblies labeled as suchor covered with a solid orange convolute,or orange striped tape, or both. Do notcome in contact with these components.
The high-voltage battery system is ahigh-voltage, lithium-ion battery system.The pack is located underneath the vehicle.The high voltage battery system uses anadvanced active liquid heating and coolingsystem to regulate high voltage batterytemperature and help maximize the life ofthe high voltage battery.
Note:The high-voltage battery does notrequire regular service maintenance.
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PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
This system is a proactive system. It hasthe ability to anticipate wheel slip andtransfer torque to the front wheels beforeslip occurs. Even when wheel slip is notpresent, the system is continuouslyadjusting to the torque distribution, in anattempt to improve straight line andcornering behavior, both on and off road.
The system automatically turns on everytime you switch the ignition on.
If any component requires maintenance,a message appears in the informationdisplay.
USING FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE
WARNING: Vehicles with a highercenter of gravity (utility and four-wheeldrive vehicles) handle differently thanvehicles with a lower center of gravity(passenger cars). Avoid sharp turns,excessive speed and abrupt steering inthese vehicles. Failure to drive cautiouslyincreases the risk of losing control of yourvehicle, vehicle rollover, personal injuryand death.
The intelligent 4WD system continuouslymonitors vehicle conditions and adjuststhe power distribution between the frontand rear wheels. It combines transparentall-surface operation with highly capablefour-wheel drive.
The 4WD system is always active andrequires no driver input. It is capable ofhandling all road conditions includingstreet and highway driving as well asoff-road and winter driving. You canoptimize more 4WD control by selectingdifferent drive modes. See Selecting aDrive Mode (page 273).
Note:A warning message displays in theinformation display when a 4WD systemfault is present. See InformationMessages (page 119). A 4WD system faultcauses the 4WD system to default torear-wheel drive only mode. When thiswarning message is displayed, have yourvehicle serviced at an authorized dealer.
Note:A warning message displays in theinformation display if the 4WD systemoverheats. See Information Messages(page 119). This condition could occur if thevehicle is operated in extreme conditionswith excessive wheel slip, such as deepsand. To resume normal 4WD function assoon as possible, stop the vehicle in a safelocation and stop the engine for at least 10minutes. After the engine is restarted andthe 4WD system is adequately cooled, thewarning message turns off and normal 4WDfunction returns.
Operating Four-Wheel Drive (4WD)Vehicles With Spare Tires
Do not use a different size spare tire otherthan the tire provided. If the mini-spare tireis installed, the 4WD system will disableand enter rear-wheel drive only mode toprotect driveline components. Somelimited 4WD traction could be provided ifthe mini-spare is installed on one of thefront wheels. If you are in driving conditionswhere limited 4WD traction is neededwhile the mini-spare is installed, it isrecommended the mini-spare be installedon the front axle. See InformationMessages (page 119).
If the mini-spare is installed, this conditionis indicated by a warning in the informationdisplay. If there is a warning message inthe information display from using thespare tire, this indicator should turn offafter reinstalling or replacing the normalroad tire and cycling the ignition off andon. We recommended reinstalling or
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