maintenance schedule FORD EXPLORER 2023 Owner's Manual

Your vehicle can be driven in such a waythat dilutes and increases the level of oilby short trips that do not allow the engineto get to operating temperature, extendedidling, and low speed driving for longperiods of time.
When the oil change message appears inthe instrument cluster display, it is time foran oil change. Make sure you perform theoil change within two weeks or 500 mi(800 km) of the message appearing. Makesure you reset the Intelligent Oil-LifeMonitor after each oil change. See OilChange Indicator Reset (page 320).
If your instrument cluster display resetsprematurely or becomes inoperative, youshould perform the oil change interval atsix months or 5,000 mi (8,000 km) fromyour last oil change. Never exceed one yearor 10,000 mi (16,000 km) between oilchange intervals,
Your vehicle is very sophisticated and builtwith multiple, complex performancesystems. Every manufacturer developsthese systems using differentspecifications and performance features.That is why it is important to rely upon yourdealership to properly diagnose and repairyour vehicle.
We have recommended maintenanceintervals for various parts and componentsystems based upon engineering testing.We rely upon this testing to determine themost appropriate mileage for replacementof oils and fluids to protect your vehicle atthe lowest overall cost to you andrecommends against maintenanceschedules that deviate from the scheduledmaintenance information.
We strongly recommend the use of onlyour genuine manufactured or ourauthorized re-manufactured replacementparts engineered for your vehicle.
Additives and Chemicals
This owner's manual and our WorkshopManual list the recommended additivesand chemicals for your vehicle. We do notrecommend using chemicals or additivesnot approved by us as part of your vehicle’snormal maintenance. Please consult yourwarranty information.
Oils, Fluids and Flushing
In many cases, fluid discoloration is anormal operating characteristic and, byitself, does not necessarily indicate aconcern or that the fluid needs to bechanged. However, a qualified expert, suchas the factory-trained technicians at yourdealership, should inspect discolored fluidsthat also show signs of overheating orforeign material contaminationimmediately.
Make sure to change your vehicle’s oils andfluids at the specified intervals or inconjunction with a repair. Flushing is aviable way to change fluid for many vehiclesub-systems during scheduledmaintenance. It is critical that systems areflushed only with new fluid that is the sameas that required to fill and operate thesystem or using our approved flushingchemical.
Owner Checks and Services
Make sure you perform the following basicmaintenance checks and inspections everymonth or at six-month intervals.
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Check Every Month
Engine oil level.
Function of all interior and exterior lights.
Tires (including spare) for wear and proper pressure.
Windshield washer fluid level.
Holes and slots in the tail pipe to make sure they are functional and clear of debris.
Check Every Six Months
Battery connections. Clean if necessary.
Body and door drain holes for obstructions. Clean if necessary.
Cooling system fluid level and coolant strength.
Door weatherstrips for wear. Lubricate if necessary.
Hinges, latches and outside locks for proper operation. Lubricate if necessary.
Parking brake for proper operation.
Seatbelts and seat latches for wear and function.
Safety warning lamps (brake, ABS, airbag and seatbelt) for operation.
Washer spray and wiper operation. Clean or replace blades as necessary.
Multi-Point Inspection
In order to keep your vehicle running right,it is important to have the systems on yourvehicle checked regularly. This can helpidentify potential issues and prevent majorproblems. We recommend having thefollowing multi-point inspection performedat every scheduled maintenance intervalto help make sure your vehicle keepsrunning great.
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Multi-Point Inspection
Hazard warning system operationAccessory drive belt(s)
Horn operationBattery performance
Radiator, cooler, heater and air conditioninghosesEngine air filter
Suspension components for leaks ordamageExhaust system
Steering and linkageExterior lamps operation
Tires (including spare) for wear and proper
pressure2Fluid levels1; fill if necessary
Windshield for cracks, chips or pitsFor oil and fluid leaks
Washer spray and wiper operationHalf-shaft dust boots
1 Brake, coolant recovery reservoir, automatic transmission and window washer2If your vehicle is equipped with a temporary mobility kit, check the tire sealant expirationUse By date on the canister. Replace as needed.
Be sure to ask your dealership serviceadvisor or technician about the multi-pointvehicle inspection. It is a comprehensiveway to perform a thorough inspection ofyour vehicle. Your checklist gives youimmediate feedback on the overallcondition of your vehicle.
NORMAL SCHEDULED
MAINTENANCE
Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor™
Your vehicle has an Intelligent Oil-LifeMonitor that determines when you shouldchange the engine oil based on how youuse your vehicle. By using severalimportant factors in its calculations, themonitor helps reduce the cost of owningyour vehicle and reduces environmentalwaste at the same time.
This means you do not have to rememberto change the oil on a mileage-basedschedule. Your vehicle lets you know whenan oil change is due by displaying amessage in the information display.
The following table provides examples ofvehicle use and its impact on oil changeintervals. It is a guideline only. Actual oilchange intervals depend on several factorsand generally decrease with severity ofuse.
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When to Expect the OIL CHANGE REQUIRED Message
Vehicle Use and ExampleInterval1
Normal
7,500–10,000 mi(12,000–16,000 km)
Normal commuting with highway drivingNo, or moderate, load or towingFlat to moderately hilly roadsNo extended idling
Severe
5,000–7,500 mi(8,000–12,000 km)
Moderate to heavy load or towingMountainous or off-road conditionsExtended idlingExtended hot or cold operation
Extreme
3,000–5,000 mi(4,800–8,000 km)Maximum load or towingExtreme hot or cold operationExtended engine idling
1 Hybrid vehicles may achieve longer distances between oil changes, but do not exceedthe 1 year maximum oil change interval. Remaining oil life can be accessed through theinformation display. See Information Displays (page 110).
Normal Maintenance Intervals
At Every Oil Change Interval as Indicated by the Information Display1
Change the engine oil and filter.2
Rotate the tires.
Perform a multi-point inspection, recommended.
Inspect the brake pads, rotors, hoses and parking brake.
Inspect the engine cooling system strength and hoses.
Inspect the exhaust system and heat shields.
Inspect the front axle.
Inspect the rear axle and U-joints.
Inspect the half-shaft boots.
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At Every Oil Change Interval as Indicated by the Information Display1
Inspect the steering linkage, ball joints, suspension and the tire-rod ends.
Inspect the tires, tire wear and measure the tread depth.
Inspect the wheels and related components for abnormal noise, wear, looseness ordrag.
1 Do not exceed one year or 10,000 mi (16,000 km) between service intervals.2 Reset the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor after engine oil and filter changes. See Engine OilCheck (page 319).
Brake Fluid Maintenance1
Change the brake fluid.2Every Three Years
1 Perform this maintenance item every three years. Do not exceed the designated timefor the interval.2 Brake fluid servicing requires special equipment available at your authorized dealer.
Other Maintenance Items1
Replace the cabin air filter.Every 20,000 mi(32,000 km)
Replace the engine air filter.Every 30,000 mi(48,000 km)
Change the engine coolant and motor electronics coolant.2At 200,000 mi(322,000 km)
Replace the spark plugs.Every 100,000 mi(160,000 km)
Inspect the accessory drive belt or belts.3Every 100,000 mi(160,000 km)
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Other Maintenance Items1
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 oiland 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 or100,000 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 anyof the following conditions, you need toperform extra maintenance as indicated.If you operate your vehicle occasionallyunder any of these conditions, it is notnecessary to perform the extramaintenance. For specificrecommendations, see your dealershipservice advisor or technician.
Perform the services shown in thefollowing tables when specified or within3,000 mi (4,800 km) of the messageappearing in the instrument cluster displayprompting you to change your oil.
•Example 1: The message comes on at28,750 mi (46,270 km). Perform the30,000 mi (48,000 km) automatictransmission fluid replacement.
•Example 2: The message has not comeon, but the odometer reads 30,000 mi(48,000 km) (for example, theIntelligent Oil-Life Monitor was resetat 25,000 mi (40,000 km). Performthe engine air filter replacement.
Towing a Trailer or Using a Car-top Carrier
Change engine oil and filter as indicated by the instrumentcluster display and perform services listed in the NormalScheduled Maintenance chart.
As required
Inspect front axle.Inspect frequently, serviceas requiredInspect 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)
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Extensive Idling or Low-speed Driving for Long Distances, as in Heavy Commercial Use(Such as Delivery, Taxi, Patrol Car or Livery)Short Trips that do not allow the engine to get to operating temperature causing fueldilution and an increase of the engine oil level
Change engine oil and filter as indicated by the instrumentcluster display and perform services listed in the NormalScheduled Maintenance chart.
As required
Replace cabin air filter.Inspect frequently, serviceas requiredReplace engine air filter.
Replace spark plugs.Every 60,000 mi(96,000 km)
Operating in Dusty or Sandy Conditions - Such as Unpaved or Dusty Roads
Replace cabin air filter.Inspect frequently, serviceas requiredReplace engine air filter.
Inspect the wheels and related components for abnormalnoise, wear, looseness or drag.Every 5,000 mi (8,000 km)
Rotate tires, inspect tires for wear and measure treaddepth.
Change engine oil and filter.1Every 5,000 mi (8,000 km)or six monthsPerform multi-point inspection.
1Reset your Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor after engine oil and filter changes. See Oil ChangeIndicator Reset (page 320).
Exclusive use of E85 - Flex Fuel Vehicles Only
If ran exclusively on E85, fill the fuel tank full with regularunleaded fuel.Every oil change
Exceptions
There are several exceptions to the NormalSchedule:
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Axle and Transfer Case Maintenance
The transfer case, front and rear axles inyour vehicle do not require normalscheduled maintenance. Your vehicle iselectronically monitored and notifies youof required service by displaying a messagein the instrument cluster display. Thetransfer case, front and rear axles are morelikely to require a fluid change if the vehiclehas experienced extended periods ofextreme or severe duty cycle driving.Changing or checking the transfer case,front and/or rear axle lubricant is notnecessary unless the unit has beensubmerged in water, shows signs ofleakage, a message indicating requiredservice displays. Contact your authorizeddealer for service.
California Fuel Filter Replacement
If you register your vehicle in California, theCalifornia Air Resources Board hasdetermined that the failure to perform thismaintenance item does not nullify theemission warranty or limit recall liabilitybefore the completion of your vehicle'suseful life. Ford Motor Company, however,urges you to have all recommendedmaintenance services performed at thespecified intervals and to record all vehicleservice.
Hot Climate Oil Change Intervals
Vehicles operating in the Middle East,North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa orlocations with similar climates using anAmerican Petroleum Institute (API)Certified for Gasoline Engines (Certificationmark) oil of SM or SN quality, the normaloil change interval is 5,000 mi (8,000 km).
If the available API SM or SN oils are notavailable, then the oil change interval is3,000 mi (4,800 km).
Engine Air Filter and Cabin Air FilterReplacement
The life of the engine air filter and cabin airfilter is dependent on exposure to dustyand dirty conditions. Vehicles operated inthese conditions require frequentinspection and replacement of the engineair filter and cabin air filter.
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the State's stringent anti-smog standards.Ford Motor Company must warrant theemission control system on your vehiclefor the periods of time listed belowprovided there has been no abuse, neglector improper maintenance of your vehicle.
Your emission control system may includeparts such as the carburetor orfuel-injection system, the ignition system,catalytic converter and engine computer.Also included may be hoses, belts,connectors and other emission-relatedassemblies. Where a warrantable conditionexists, Ford Motor Company will repair yourvehicle at no cost to you includingdiagnosis, parts and labor.
MANUFACTURER'S WARRANTYCOVERAGE:
(For 1990 and subsequent modelpassenger cars, light-duty trucks, andmedium-duty vehicles.)
- For 3 years or 50,000 miles (whicheveroccurs first);
1) If your vehicle fails a Smog Checkinspection, all necessary repairs andadjustments will be made by Ford MotorCompany to ensure that your emissioncontrol system PERFORMANCEWARRANTY.
2) If any emission-related part on yourvehicle is defective, the part will berepaired or replaced by Ford MotorCompany. This is your short-term emissioncontrol system DEFECTS WARRANTY.
- For 7 years or 70,000 miles (whicheveroccurs first);
1) If an emission-related part listed in thiswarranty booklet specially noted withcoverage for 7 years or 70,000 miles isdefective, the part will be repaired orreplaced by Ford Motor Company. This isyour long-term emission control systemDEFECTS WARRANTY.
OWNER'S WARRANTYRESPONSIBILITIES:
- As the vehicle owner, you are responsiblefor the performance of the requiredmaintenance listed in your owner'smanual. Ford Motor Companyrecommends that you retain all receiptscovering maintenance on your vehicle, butFord Motor Company cannot denywarranty solely for the lack of receipts orfor your failure to ensure the performanceof all scheduled maintenance.
- You are responsible for presenting yourvehicle to a Ford or Lincoln dealer as soonas a problem exists. The warranty repairsshould be completed in a reasonableamount of time, not to exceed 30 days.
- As the vehicle owner, you should also beaware that Ford Motor Company may denyyou warranty coverage if your vehicle or apart has failed due to abuse, neglect,improper maintenance or unapprovedmodifications.
If you have any questions regarding yourwarranty rights and responsibilities, youshould contact Ford Customer Service at1-800-392-3673 or the California AirResource Board at 9528 Telstar Avenue,El Monte, CA 91731.
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Hybrid Vehicle Frequently AskedQuestions - Hybrid Electric Vehicle(HEV).............................................................180Hybrid Vehicle Operation - HybridElectric Vehicle (HEV)..............................178
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Ignition Switch...............................................168In California (U.S. Only)............................299Information Display Control.......................82Information Displays....................................110General Information - Vehicles With: 12.3Inch Instrument Cluster DisplayScreen.................................................................112General Information - Vehicles With: 4.2Inch Instrument Cluster DisplayScreen.................................................................115General Information - Vehicles With: 6.5Inch Instrument Cluster DisplayScreen.................................................................110Information Messages.................................119Installing Child Restraints...........................25Instrument Cluster........................................101Instrument Lighting Dimmer......................87Instrument Panel.............................................21Interior Air Quality.........................................143Interior Lamps.................................................90Interior Mirror...................................................98Introduction........................................................9
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Jump Starting the Vehicle........................293
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Keyless Entry.....................................................71Keyless Starting............................................169Keys and Remote Controls.........................57
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Lane Keeping System................................255Liftgate...............................................................73Lighting Control..............................................86Lighting..............................................................86General Information...........................................86
Limited Slip Differential............................209Load CarriersSee: Roof Racks and Load Carriers.............276Load Carrying.................................................275General Information..........................................275Load Limit........................................................277Locating the Wireless AccessoryCharger..........................................................166Locking and Unlocking................................68Lug NutsSee: Changing a Road Wheel........................370
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Maintenance...................................................315General Information..........................................315Manual Seats.................................................146Memory Function.........................................150Message CenterSee: Information Displays................................110MirrorsSee: Windows and Mirrors................................94Mobile Communications Equipment......14Mobile Device Data........................................18Moonroof..........................................................99Motorcraft Parts - 2.3LEcoBoost™.................................................382Motorcraft Parts - 3.0L..............................382Motorcraft Parts - 3.3L..............................383MyKey – Troubleshooting...........................67MyKey™.............................................................64Principle of Operation........................................64
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Navigation......................................................449Normal Scheduled Maintenance..........479
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Oil Change Indicator Reset......................320Oil CheckSee: Engine Oil Check.......................................319Opening and Closing the Hood...............315Ordering Additional Owner'sLiterature.....................................................303Overhead Console........................................167
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