FORD EXPLORER 2023 Owners 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.
477
2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingScheduled Maintenance

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.
478
2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingScheduled Maintenance

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.
479
2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingScheduled Maintenance

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.
480
2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingScheduled Maintenance

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)
481
2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingScheduled Maintenance

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)
482
2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingScheduled Maintenance

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:
483
2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingScheduled Maintenance

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.
484
2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingScheduled Maintenance

ROLLOVER WARNING
WARNING: Utility vehicles have asignificantly higher rollover rate thanother types of vehicles.
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.
WARNING: In a rollover crash, anunbelted person is significantly morelikely to die than a person wearing aseatbelt.
WARNING: Do not becomeoverconfident in the ability of four-wheeldrive vehicles. Although a four-wheeldrive vehicle may accelerate better thana two-wheel drive vehicle in low tractionsituations, it won't stop any faster thantwo-wheel drive vehicles. Always driveat a safe speed.
Utility vehicles and trucks handledifferently than passenger cars in thevarious driving conditions that areencountered on streets, highways andoff-road. Utility vehicles and trucks are notdesigned for cornering at speeds as highas passenger cars any more than low-slungsports cars are designed to performsatisfactorily under off-road conditions.
RADIO FREQUENCY
CERTIFICATION LABELS
BLIND SPOT INFORMATIONSYSTEM SENSORS
Argentina
Belarus
Brazil
Canada
Short Range Radar Sensor SRR3-B
IC ID: 4135A-SRR3B
485
2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingCustomer InformationE363578 E253816 E340204

DjiboutiEuropean Union EU
486
2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingCustomer InformationE351800 E340826 E310043