check engine FORD EXPLORER 2023 Workshop 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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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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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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Automatic Transmission............................197Automatic Transmission FluidCheck............................................................328Auto-Start-Stop............................................176Autowipers.......................................................83Auxiliary Power Points................................164
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BatterySee: Changing the 12V Battery - Excluding:Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV)..................329See: Changing the 12V Battery - Hybrid ElectricVehicle (HEV).................................................332Blind Spot Information System.............259BLISSee: Blind Spot Information System..........259Body Styling Kits.........................................346Bonnet LockSee: Opening and Closing the Hood...........315Booster Seats..................................................33Brake Fluid Check........................................328Brakes...............................................................210General Information..........................................210Breaking-In....................................................288Bulb Specification Chart............................412
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Canceling the Set Speed..........................240Capacities and Specifications - 2.3LEcoBoost™.................................................384Capacities and Specifications -3.0L.................................................................391Capacities and Specifications - 3.3L,Gasoline.......................................................398Capacities and Specifications - 3.3L,Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV).............405Capacities and Specifications................378Cargo Nets......................................................276Car WashSee: Cleaning the Exterior..............................340Catalytic Converter......................................193Changing a Bulb...........................................337Changing a Fuse............................................313Changing a Road Wheel...........................370Changing the 12V Battery - Excluding:Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV)..............329
Changing the 12V Battery - HybridElectric Vehicle (HEV).............................332Changing the Engine Air Filter - 2.3LEcoBoost™..................................................321Changing the Engine Air Filter -3.0L.................................................................322Changing the Engine Air Filter -3.3L.................................................................323Changing the Front Wiper Blades.........336Changing the Rear Wiper Blades...........337Changing the Vehicle Wi-Fi HotspotName or Password...................................418Charging a Wireless Device......................166Checking MyKey System Status..............66Checking the Wiper Blades.....................336Child Restraint and SeatbeltMaintenance.................................................43Child Restraint Positioning.........................35Child Safety......................................................23General Information............................................23Child Safety Locks.........................................36Cleaning Leather Seats.............................343Cleaning Products.......................................339Cleaning the Engine.....................................341Cleaning the Exterior.................................340Cleaning the Instrument Panel andInstrument Cluster Lens.........................343Cleaning the Interior...................................342Cleaning the Wheels..................................344Cleaning the Windows and WiperBlades...........................................................342Clearing All MyKeys.......................................66Clearing the Garage Door Opener..........162Climate............................................................445Climate Control..............................................137Cold Weather Precautions.......................288Collision, Damage or Fire Event.............295Connected Vehicle.......................................414Connecting the Vehicle to a MobileNetwork.............................................................414Connected Vehicle Data...............................17Connected Vehicle Limitations...............414Connected Vehicle Requirements.........414Connected Vehicle – Troubleshooting -Vehicles With: Modem.............................415Connected Vehicle – Troubleshooting -Vehicles With: SYNC 3.............................416
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Connecting the Vehicle to a MobileNetwork.........................................................414Connecting FordPass to the Modem..........414Enabling and Disabling the Modem............414What Is the Modem...........................................414Connecting the Vehicle to a Wi-FiNetwork - Vehicles With: SYNC 3........414Coolant CheckSee: Engine Coolant Check............................324Crash Sensors and Airbag Indicator........52Creating a MyKey...........................................65Creating a Vehicle Wi-Fi Hotspot...........418Cross Traffic Alert........................................263Cruise Control...............................................239Cruise Control Indicators..........................240Cruise Control - Vehicles With: CruiseControl.............................................................81Cruise Control - Vehicles With: Stop andGo......................................................................82Cup Holders....................................................167Customer Assistance.................................298Customer Information...............................485Radio Frequency CertificationLabels...............................................................485
D
Data Privacy......................................................15Daytime Running Lamps - Vehicles With:Configurable Daytime RunningLamps.............................................................88Daytime Running Lamps - Vehicles With:Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)............88Digital Radio..................................................420Direction Indicators.......................................89Doors and Locks.............................................68Drive Mode Control......................................273Drive Modes..........................................................273Drive Modes....................................................273Deep Snow/Sand...............................................273Eco...........................................................................274Normal...................................................................274Slippery..................................................................274Sport.......................................................................274Tow/Haul...............................................................274Trail..........................................................................274Driver Alert.....................................................254Driver and Passenger Airbags....................47
Driver and Passenger Knee Airbags.........51Driving Aids....................................................254Driving Economically.................................288Driving Hints..................................................288Driving Through Shallow Water.............289DRLSee: Daytime Running Lamps - Vehicles With:Configurable Daytime RunningLamps.................................................................88See: Daytime Running Lamps - Vehicles With:Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)................88
E
Electric Parking Brake...................................211Electric Vehicle Information....................454Electromagnetic Compatibility...............531Emergency Call Limitations.......................56Emergency Call Requirements.................55Emergency Call System Data.....................18Emission Law.................................................192End User License Agreement.................534Engine Block Heater.....................................174Engine Coolant Check................................324Engine Emission Control............................192Engine ImmobilizerSee: Passive Anti-Theft System......................77Engine Oil Check...........................................319Engine Oil Dipstick - 2.3LEcoBoost™..................................................319Engine Oil Dipstick - 3.0L..........................319Engine Oil Dipstick - 3.3L...........................319Engine Specifications - 2.3LEcoBoost™.................................................378Engine Specifications - 3.0L, ST............378Engine Specifications - 3.0L...................380Engine Specifications - 3.3L,Gasoline.......................................................380Engine Specifications - 3.3L, HybridElectric Vehicle (HEV).............................381Entertainment..............................................435Environment.....................................................19EPBSee: Electric Parking Brake...............................211Essential Towing Checks..........................285Event Data.........................................................16Export Unique Options.................................14Exterior Mirrors - Excluding: ST.................95
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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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Overriding Automatic High BeamControl............................................................93Overriding Reverse Braking Assist..........217Overriding the Set Speed..........................247
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Parking Aids...................................................225Principle of Operation......................................225Passive Anti-Theft System..........................77PATSSee: Passive Anti-Theft System......................77Pedestrian Alert System.............................54Pedestrian Protection..................................54Perchlorate.........................................................12Personalized Settings...................................117Personal Safety System™..........................45Phone...............................................................447Post-Crash Alert System..........................296Power Door LocksSee: Locking and Unlocking.............................68Power Liftgate..................................................73Power Seats....................................................147Power Steering Fluid Check.....................329Power Windows.............................................94Pre-Collision Assist....................................268Programming the Garage Door Openerto Your Garage Door OpenerMotor...............................................................161Programming the Garage Door Openerto Your Gate Opener Motor...................162Programming the Garage Door Openerto Your Hand-Held Transmitter............161Protecting the Environment........................19PunctureSee: Changing a Road Wheel........................370
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Radio Frequency CertificationLabels...........................................................485Blind Spot Information SystemSensors............................................................485Body Control Module........................................491Cruise Control Module.....................................494Garage Door Opener.........................................497Keys and Remote Controls............................498Passive Anti-Theft System............................505
Radio Transceiver Module.............................509SYNC........................................................................511Telematics Control Unit...................................516Tire Pressure Monitoring SystemSensors..............................................................516Wireless Accessory Charging Module........523Rear Axle........................................................209Rear Occupant Alert System AudibleWarnings.......................................................159Rear Occupant Alert SystemIndicators......................................................159Rear Occupant Alert SystemLimitations...................................................158Rear Occupant Alert SystemPrecautions..................................................158Rear Occupant Alert System...................158Rear Parking Aid...........................................225Rear Passenger Climate Controls..........140Rear Seats........................................................151Rear Under Floor Storage.........................275Rear View Camera.......................................234Rear View CameraSee: Rear View Camera...................................234Rear Window Wiper and Washers...........85Rear Wiper BladesSee: Changing the Rear Wiper Blades.......337Recommended Towing Weights...........284Reduced Engine Performance...............288Refueling - Excluding: Hybrid ElectricVehicle (HEV).............................................185Refueling - Hybrid Electric Vehicle(HEV).............................................................188Remote Control...............................................57Remote Start..................................................142Repairing Minor Paint Damage..............344Replacement PartsRecommendation........................................12Replacing a Lost Key or RemoteControl............................................................63Replacing the Cabin Air Filter...................143Reporting Safety Defects (CanadaOnly)..............................................................303Reporting Safety Defects (U.S.Only)..............................................................303Reprogramming the Garage DoorOpener...........................................................163Resuming the Set Speed..........................240Reverse Braking Assist Indicators...........217
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