FORD EXPLORER 2023 Owners Manual

Engine oil dipstick. See Engine Oil Dipstick (page 319).C
Brake fluid reservoir. See Brake Fluid Check (page 328).D
Engine compartment fuse box. See Changing a Fuse (page 313).E
Engine coolant reservoir. See Engine Coolant Check (page 324).F
Air filter assembly. See Changing the Engine Air Filter (page 321).G
Windshield washer fluid reservoir. See Washer Fluid Check (page 336).H
UNDER HOOD OVERVIEW - 3.0L
Battery. See Changing the 12V Battery (page 329).A
Engine oil filler cap. See Engine Oil Check (page 319).B
Engine oil dipstick. See Engine Oil Dipstick (page 319).C
Brake fluid reservoir. See Brake Fluid Check (page 328).D
Engine compartment fuse box. See Fuses (page 305).E
Engine coolant reservoir. See Engine Coolant Check (page 324).F
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Air filter assembly. See Changing the Engine Air Filter (page 322).G
Washer fluid reservoir. See Washer Fluid Check (page 336).H
UNDER HOOD OVERVIEW - 3.3L
Battery. See Changing the 12V Battery (page 329).A.
Engine oil filler cap. See Engine Oil Check (page 319).B.
Engine oil dipstick. See Engine Oil Dipstick (page 319).C.
Brake fluid reservoir. See Brake Fluid Check (page 328).D.
Engine compartment fuse box. See Fuses (page 305).E.
Engine coolant reservoir cap. See Engine Coolant Check (page 324).F.
Air filter assembly. See Changing the Engine Air Filter (page 321).G.
Inverter system controller coolant reservoir cap- HEV only.H.
Washer fluid reservoir. See Washer Fluid Check (page 336).I.
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ENGINE OIL DIPSTICK - 2.3L
ECOBOOST™
Minimum.A
Nominal.B
Maximum.C
ENGINE OIL DIPSTICK - 3.0L
Minimum.A
Nominal.B
Maximum.C
ENGINE OIL DIPSTICK - 3.3L
Minimum.A
Nominal.B
Maximum.C
ENGINE OIL CHECK
1.Make sure that your vehicle is on levelground.
2.Check the oil level before starting theengine, or switch the engine off afterwarm up and wait 15 minutes for theoil to drain into the oil pan.
Note:Checking the oil level too soon couldresult in an inaccurate reading.
3.Remove the dipstick and wipe it witha clean, lint-free cloth.
4.Reinstall the dipstick and make sure itis fully seated.
5.Remove the dipstick again to check theoil level.
Note: If the oil level is between themaximum and minimum marks, the oil levelis acceptable. Do not add oil.
6.If the oil level is at the minimum mark,immediately add oil.
7.Reinstall the dipstick. Make sure it isfully seated.
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Note:The oil consumption of new enginesreaches its normal level after approximately3,000 mi (5,000 km).
Note:Increases in oil level can occur fromfrequent short trips that do not allow theengine to get to operating temperature, aswell as frequent idling or low speed drivingfor long periods of time.
Note:If oil levels are continuously notedabove the maximum mark, schedule a visitto your authorized dealer.
Adding Engine Oil
WARNING: Do not add engine oilwhen the engine is hot. Failure to followthis instruction could result in personalinjury.
WARNING: Do not remove the fillercap when the engine is running.
Do not use supplemental engine oiladditives because they are unnecessaryand could lead to engine damage that thevehicle warranty may not cover.
1.Clean the area surrounding the engineoil filler cap before you remove it.
2.Remove the engine oil filler cap.
3.Add engine oil that meets ourspecifications. See Capacities andSpecifications (page 384).
4.Reinstall the engine oil filler cap. Turnit clockwise until you feel a strongresistance.
Note:Make sure you install the oil filler capcorrectly.
Note: Do not add oil further than themaximum mark. Oil levels above themaximum mark may cause engine damage.
Note:Immediately soak up any oil spillagewith an absorbent cloth.
OIL CHANGE INDICATOR
RESET
Use the information display controls onthe steering wheel to reset the oil changeindicator.
From the main menu scroll to:
Action and descriptionMessage
Press the right arrow button,then from this menu scrollto the following message.
Settings
Press the right arrow button,then from this menu scrollto the following message.
Vehicle
Press and hold the OKbutton until the instrumentcluster displays thefollowing message.
Hold OK toReset
Reset Successful
When the oil change indic-ator resets the instrumentcluster displays 100%.
Remaining Life
{00}%
If the instrument clusterdisplays one of the followingmessages, repeat theprocess.
Not Reset
Reset Cancelled
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CHANGING THE ENGINE AIR
FILTER - 2.3L ECOBOOST™
WARNING: To reduce the risk ofvehicle damage and personal burninjuries, do not start your engine with theair cleaner removed and do not removeit while the engine is running.
When changing the engine air filter, do notallow debris or foreign material to enterthe air induction system. Enginecomponents are susceptible to damagenot covered by the vehicle Warranty.
Change the air filter element at the correctinterval. See Scheduled Maintenance(page 476).
Incorrect component use can causedamage not covered by the vehicleWarranty. See Motorcraft Parts (page382).
To replace the air filter element do thefollowing:1.Remove the clips that secure the airfilter housing cover.
2.Using a screwdriver, loosen the clampon air filter housing cover.
3.Gently pull the boot back away fromthe air filter housing cover.
4.Carefully lift the air filter housing coverfrom the air filter housing assembly.
5.Remove the air filter element from theair filter housing.
6.Wipe any dirt or debris from the air filterhousing and cover to make sure no dirtgets in the engine and that you have agood seal.
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7.Install a new air filter element. Becareful not to crimp the filter elementedges between the air filter housingand cover. This could cause filterdamage and allow unfiltered air toenter the engine if it is not properlyseated.
8.Install the air filter housing cover.
9.Engage the clips to secure the air filterhousing cover to the air filter housing.
10.Reconnect the boot to the air filterhousing cover and torque to 3.69 lb.ft(5 Nm).
CHANGING THE ENGINE AIR
FILTER - 3.0L
WARNING: To reduce the risk ofvehicle damage and personal burninjuries, do not start your engine with theair cleaner removed and do not removeit while the engine is running.
When changing the engine air filter, do notallow debris or foreign material to enterthe air induction system. Enginecomponents are susceptible to damagenot covered by the vehicle Warranty.
Change the air filter element at the correctinterval. See Scheduled Maintenance(page 476).
Incorrect component use can causedamage not covered by the vehicleWarranty. See Motorcraft Parts (page382).
To replace the air filter element do thefollowing:
1.Remove the clips that secure the airfilter housing cover.
2.Using a screwdriver, loosen two clampson either side of the air filter housingcover.
3.Gently pull the two boots back awayfrom the air filter housing cover.
4.Carefully lift the air filter housing cover.
5.Remove the air filter element from theair filter housing.
6.Wipe any dirt or debris from the air filterhousing and cover to make sure no dirtgets in the engine and that you have agood seal.
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7.Install a new air filter element. Becareful not to crimp the filter elementedges between the air filter housingand cover. This could cause filterdamage and allow unfiltered air toenter the engine if it is not properlyseated.
8.Install the air filter housing cover.
9.Engage the clips to secure the air filterhousing cover to the air filter housing.
10.Reconnect the two boots on the airfilter housing cover and torque to3.69 lb.ft (5 Nm).
CHANGING THE ENGINE AIR
FILTER - 3.3L
WARNING: To reduce the risk ofvehicle damage and personal burninjuries, do not start your engine with theair cleaner removed and do not removeit while the engine is running.
Note: Failure to use the correct air filterelement may result in severe enginedamage. Resulting component damagemay not be covered by the vehicle Warranty.
Note: When servicing the air cleaner, donot allow foreign material to enter the airinduction system. The engine is susceptibleto damage from even small particles.
When changing the air filter element, useonly the air filter element listed.
Change the air filter element at the properintervals. See Scheduled Maintenance(page 476).
1.Release the clamps that secure the airfilter cover to the housing.
2.Using a screwdriver, loosen the clampon the air filter housing cover.
3.Gently pull the boot back away fromthe air filter housing cover.
4.Carefully lift the air filter housing cover.
5.Remove the air filter element from theair filter housing.
6.Wipe any dirt or debris from the air filterhousing and cover to make sure no dirtgets in the engine and that you have agood seal.
7.Install a new air filter element. Becareful not to crimp the filter elementedges between the air filter housingand cover. This could cause filterdamage and allow unfiltered air toenter the engine if it is not properlyseated.
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8.Install the air filter housing cover.
9.Engage the clips to secure the air filterhousing cover to the air filter housing.
10.Reconnect the boot to the air filterhousing cover and torque to 3.69 lb.ft(5 Nm).
ENGINE COOLANT CHECK
WARNING: Do not remove thecoolant reservoir cap when the engine ison or the cooling system is hot. Wait 10minutes for the cooling system to cooldown. Cover the coolant reservoir capwith a thick cloth to prevent thepossibility of scalding and slowly removethe cap. Failure to follow this instructioncould result in personal injury.
WARNING: Do not put coolant inthe windshield washer reservoir. Ifsprayed on the windshield, coolant couldmake it difficult to see through thewindshield.
WARNING: To reduce the risk ofpersonal injury, make sure the engine iscool before unscrewing the coolantpressure relief cap. The cooling systemis under pressure. Steam and hot liquidcan come out forcefully when you loosenthe cap slightly.
When the engine is cold, check theconcentration and level of the coolant atthe intervals listed in the scheduledmaintenance information. See ScheduledMaintenance (page 476).
Note:Make sure that the coolant level isbetween the MIN and the MAX marks onthe coolant reservoir.
Note: Coolant expands when it is hot. Thelevel may extend beyond the MAX mark.
Maintain coolant concentration within48% to 50%, which equates to a freezepoint between -29°F (-34°C) and -35°F(-37°C). Coolant concentration should bechecked using a refractometer. We do notrecommend the use of hydrometers orcoolant test strips for measuring coolantconcentration.
Adding Coolant
WARNING: Do not add coolantfurther than the MAX mark.
WARNING: Do not add coolantwhen the vehicle is on or the coolingsystem is hot. Failure to follow thisinstruction could result in personal injury.
WARNING: Do not remove thecoolant reservoir cap when the engine ison or the cooling system is hot. Wait 10minutes for the cooling system to cooldown. Cover the coolant reservoir capwith a thick cloth to prevent thepossibility of scalding and slowly removethe cap. Failure to follow this instructioncould result in personal injury.
WARNING: Do not put coolant inthe windshield washer reservoir. Ifsprayed on the windshield, coolant couldmake it difficult to see through thewindshield.
Note: Do not use stop leak pellets, coolingsystem sealants, or non-specified additivesas they can cause damage to the enginecooling or heating systems. Resultingcomponent damage may not be covered bythe vehicle Warranty.
Note:Automotive fluids are notinterchangeable.
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It is very important to use predilutedcoolant approved to the correctspecification in order to avoid plugging thesmall passageways in the engine coolingsystem. See Capacities andSpecifications (page 378). Do not mixdifferent colors or types of coolant in yourvehicle. Mixing of engine coolants or usingan incorrect coolant may harm the engineor cooling system components and maynot be covered by the vehicle Warranty.
Note:If prediluted coolant is not available,use the approved concentrated coolantdiluting it to 50/50 with distilled water. SeeCapacities and Specifications (page 378).Using water that has not been deionisedmay contribute to deposit formation,corrosion and plugging of the small coolingsystem passageways.
Note: Coolants marketed for all makes andmodels may not be approved to ourspecifications and may cause damage tothe cooling system. Resulting componentdamage may not be covered by the vehicleWarranty.
If the coolant level is at or below theminimum mark, add prediluted coolantimmediately.
To top up the coolant level do thefollowing:
1.Unscrew the cap slowly. Any pressureescapes as you unscrew the cap.
2.Add prediluted coolant approved tothe correct specification. SeeCapacities and Specifications (page378).
3.Add enough prediluted coolant toreach the correct level.
4.Replace the coolant reservoir cap. Turnthe cap clockwise until it contacts thehard stop.
5.Check the coolant level in the coolantreservoir the next few times you driveyour vehicle. If necessary, add enoughprediluted engine coolant to bring thecoolant level to the correct level.
If you have to add more than 1.1 qt (1 L) ofengine coolant per month, have yourvehicle checked as soon as possible.Operating an engine with a low level ofcoolant can result in engine overheatingand possible engine damage.
In case of emergency, you can add a largeamount of water without engine coolantin order to reach a vehicle service location.In this instance, qualified personnel:
1.Must drain the cooling system.
2.Chemically clean the coolant system.
3.Refill with engine coolant as soon aspossible.
Water alone, without engine coolant, cancause engine damage from corrosion,overheating or freezing.
Do not use the following as a coolantsubstitute:
•Alcohol.
•Methanol.
•Brine.
•Any coolant mixed with alcohol ormethanol antifreeze.
Alcohol and other liquids can cause enginedamage from overheating or freezing.
Do not add extra inhibitors or additives tothe coolant. These can be harmful andcompromise the corrosion protection ofthe coolant.
Recycled Coolant
We do not recommend the use of recycledcoolant as an approved recycling processis not yet available.
Note:Dispose of used coolant in theappropriate manner.
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Follow your community's regulations andstandards for recycling and disposing ofautomotive fluids.
Severe Climates
If you drive in extremely cold climates:
•It may be necessary to increase thecoolant concentration above 50%.
•A coolant concentration of 60%provides improved freeze pointprotection.
•Coolant concentrations above 60%decrease the overheat protectioncharacteristics of the coolant and maycause engine damage.
If you drive in extremely hot climates:
•You can decrease the coolantconcentration to 40%.
•A coolant concentration of 40%provides improved overheat protection.
•Coolant concentrations below 40%decrease the overheat and corrosionprotection characteristics of thecoolant and may cause enginedamage.
Vehicles driven year-round in non-extremeclimates should use prediluted coolant foroptimum cooling system and engineprotection.
Coolant Change
At specific mileage intervals, as listed inthe scheduled maintenance information,the coolant should be changed. Addprediluted coolant approved to the correctspecification. See Capacities andSpecifications (page 378).
Fail-Safe Cooling
Fail-safe cooling allows you to temporarilydrive your vehicle before any incrementalcomponent damage occurs. The fail-safedistance depends on ambienttemperature, vehicle load and terrain.
How Fail-Safe Cooling Works
If the engine begins to overheat,the coolant temperature gaugemoves toward the red zone:
A warning lamp illuminates anda message may appear in theinformation display.
If the engine reaches a presetover-temperature condition, the engineautomatically switches to alternatingcylinder operation. Each disabled cylinderacts as an air pump and cools the engine.
When this occurs, your vehicle stilloperates, however:
•Engine power is limited.
•The air conditioning system turns off.
Continued operation increases the enginetemperature, causing the engine tocompletely shut down. Your steering andbraking effort increases in this situation.
When the engine temperature cools, youcan re-start the engine. Have your vehiclechecked as soon as possible to minimizeengine damage.
When Fail-Safe Mode Is Activated
WARNING: Fail-safe mode is foruse during emergencies only. Operateyour vehicle in fail-safe mode only aslong as necessary to bring your vehicleto rest in a safe location and seekimmediate repairs. When in fail-safemode, your vehicle will have limitedpower, will not be able to maintain
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