wheel FORD EXPLORER 2023 Repair Manual

Before Towing a Trailer
Practice turning, stopping and backing upto get the feel of your vehicle-trailercombination before starting on a trip.When turning, make wider turns so thetrailer wheels clear curbs and otherobstacles.
When Towing a Trailer
•Do not drive faster than 70 mph(113 km/h) during the first 500 mi(800 km).
•Do not make full-throttle starts.
•Check your hitch, electrical connectionsand trailer wheel lug nuts thoroughlyafter you have traveled 50 mi (80 km).
•When stopped in congested or heavytraffic during hot weather, place thegearshift in park (P) to aid engine andtransmission cooling and to help A/Cperformance.
•Turn off the speed control with heavyloads or in hilly terrain. The speedcontrol may turn off automaticallywhen you are towing on long, steepgrades.
•Shift to a lower gear when driving downa long or steep hill. Do not apply thebrakes continuously, as they mayoverheat and become less effective.
•If your transmission is equipped with aGrade Assist or Tow/Haul feature, usethis feature when towing. This providesengine braking and helps eliminateexcessive transmission shifting foroptimum fuel economy andtransmission cooling.
•Allow more distance for stopping witha trailer attached. Anticipate stops andbrake gradually.
•Avoid parking on a grade. However, ifyou must park on a grade:
1.Turn the steering wheel to point yourvehicle tires away from traffic flow.
2.Set your vehicle parking brake.
3.Place the automatic transmission inpark (P).
4.Place wheel chocks in front and backof the trailer wheels. (Chocks notincluded with vehicle.)
Launching or Retrieving a Boat orPersonal Watercraft (PWC)
Note:Disconnect the wiring to the trailerbefore backing the trailer into the water.
Note:Reconnect the wiring to the trailerafter removing the trailer from the water.
When backing down a ramp during boatlaunching or retrieval:
•Do not allow the static water level torise above the bottom edge of the rearbumper.
•Do not allow waves to break higherthan 6 in (15 cm) above the bottomedge of the rear bumper.
Exceeding these limits may allow water toenter vehicle components:
•Causing internal damage to thecomponents.
•Affecting driveability, emissions, andreliability.
Replace the rear axle lubricant anytimethe rear axle has been submerged in water.Water may have contaminated the rearaxle lubricant, which is not normallychecked or changed unless a leak issuspected or other axle repair is required.
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TOWING THE VEHICLE ON
FOUR WHEELS
Emergency Towing
WARNING: If your vehicle has asteering wheel lock make sure theignition is in the accessory or on positionwhen being towed.
If your vehicle becomes inoperable withoutaccess to wheel dollies or a vehicletransport trailer, it can be flat-towed withall wheels on the ground, regardless of thepowertrain and transmission configuration,under the following conditions:
•Your vehicle is facing forward fortowing in a forward direction.
•Refer to the Manual Park Releaseprocedure. See AutomaticTransmission (page 197). Failing todo so could result in damage to thetransmission.
•Maximum speed is 35 mph (56 km/h).
•Maximum distance is 50 mi (80 km).
Note:If you are unsure of the vehicle’sconfiguration, contact an authorized dealer.
Recreational Towing - Front-WheelDrive Vehicles (If Equipped)
You cannot recreational tow your vehiclewith all wheels on the ground becausevehicle or transmission damage couldoccur. Place the front wheels on atwo-wheel tow dolly. If you are using a towdolly, follow the instructions specified bythe equipment provider.
Recreational Towing - Rear-WheelDrive Vehicles (If Equipped)
You cannot recreational tow your vehiclewith all wheels on the ground becausevehicle or transmission damage couldoccur. We recommend towing your vehiclewith all four wheels off the ground, suchas when using a car-hauling trailer.Otherwise, you cannot recreational towyour vehicle.
Recreational Towing - All-Wheeland Four-Wheel Drive Vehicles (If
Equipped)
You cannot recreational tow your vehiclewith all wheels on the ground becausevehicle or transmission damage couldoccur. We recommend towing your vehiclewith all four wheels off the ground, suchas when using a car-hauling trailer.Otherwise, you cannot recreational towyour vehicle.
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•Do not add unnecessary accessoriesto the exterior of your vehicle, forexample running boards. If you use aroof rack, remember to fold it down orremove it when not in use.
•Do not shift into neutral when you arebraking or when your vehicle is slowingdown.
•Shut all windows when driving at highspeeds.
•Switch off all electric systems whennot in use, for example air conditioning.Make sure that you unplug anyaccessories from the auxiliary powerpoints when not in use.
DRIVING THROUGH SHALLOW
WATER
WARNING: Do not attempt tocross a deep or flowing body of water.Failure to follow this instruction couldresult in the loss of control of yourvehicle, personal injury or death.
Note:Driving through standing water cancause vehicle damage.
Note:Engine damage can occur if waterenters the air filter.
Before driving through standing water,check the depth. Never drive through waterthat is higher than the bottom of the frontrocker area of your vehicle.
When driving through standing water, drivevery slowly and do not stop your vehicle.Your brake performance and traction couldbe limited. After driving through water andas soon as it is safe to do so:
•Lightly press the brake pedal to dry thebrakes and to check that they work.
•Turn the steering wheel to check thatthe steering power assist works.
Check the function of the following:
•Horn
•Exterior lights
FLOOR MATS
WARNING: Use a floor matdesigned to fit the footwell of yourvehicle that does not obstruct the pedalarea. Failure to follow this instructioncould result in the loss of control of yourvehicle, personal injury or death.
WARNING: Pedals that cannotmove freely can cause loss of vehiclecontrol and increase the risk of seriouspersonal injury.
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•As with any vehicle fire, do not inhalesmoke, vapors or gas from the vehicle,as they may be hazardous.
•Stay out of the roadway and stay outof the way of any oncoming trafficwhile awaiting the arrival of emergencyresponders.
Post-Incident
•Do not store a severely damagedvehicle with a lithium-ion battery insidea structure or within 49 ft (15 m) of anystructure or vehicle.
•Make sure that passenger and luggagecompartments remain ventilated.
•Call emergency assistance if youobserve leaking fluids, sparks, smokeor flames, or hear gurgling or bubblingfrom the high-voltage battery.
POST-CRASH ALERT SYSTEM
The system flashes the direction indicatorsand sounds the horn (intermittently) in theevent of a serious impact that deploys anairbag (front, side, side curtain or SafetyCanopy) or the seatbelt pretensioners.
The horn and indicators turn off when:
•You press the hazard control button.
•You press the panic button on theremote entry transmitter (if equipped).
•Your vehicle runs out of power.
•Sounding of the horn is only enabledin specific markets.
TRANSPORTING THE VEHICLE
If you need to tow your vehicle, contact aprofessional towing service or, if you are amember of a roadside assistance program,your roadside assistance service provider.
We recommend the use of a wheel lift anddollies or flatbed equipment to tow yourvehicle. Do not tow with a slingbelt. We donot approve a slingbelt towing procedure.If you tow your vehicle incorrectly, or byany other means, vehicle damage mayoccur.
We produce a towing manual for allauthorized tow truck operators. Have yourtow truck operator refer to this manual forproper hook-up and towing procedures foryour vehicle.
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Towing an all-wheel or four-wheel drivevehicle requires that all wheels be off theground, such as using a wheel lift anddollies or flatbed equipment. Wheel liftmay only be done by lifting the rear wheelsand putting the front wheels on dollies.This prevents damage to the transmission,all-wheel or four-wheel drive system andvehicle.
If your vehicle becomes inoperable withoutaccess to wheel dollies, a car-haulingtrailer or a flatbed transport vehicle, youcan flat-tow with all wheels on the groundunder limited conditions. See Towing theVehicle on Four Wheels (page 287).
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Protected ComponentFuse RatingFuse or RelayNumber
Trailer brake control module.30A42
Body control module.60A43
Brake on and off switch.10A44
Battery charger control module (hybridelectric vehicle).15A46
Heated backlite.40A50
Heated steering wheel.20A54
Trailer tow park lamps.20A55
Trailer tow battery charge.30A57
Trailer tow backup lamps.10A58
Multi-contour seat module.15A61
Headlamp washer pump.15A62
Four-wheel drive module.40A64
Front window wiper motor.30A69
Rear window wiper motor.15A71
Not used (spare).20A72
Driver door module.30A73
Left-hand heated windshield.50A78
Right-hand heated windshield.50A79
Trailer tow.20A80
Not used (spare).20A82
Rear blower motor.20A88
Trailer tow lighting module.20A91
Integrated spark control (hybrid electricvehicle).15A95
Not used (spare).15A96
Electric AC (hybrid electric vehicle).10A97
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GENERAL INFORMATION
Have your vehicle serviced regularly to helpmaintain its roadworthiness and resalevalue. There is a large network ofauthorized dealers that are there to helpyou with their professional servicingexpertise. We believe that their speciallytrained technicians are best qualified toservice your vehicle properly and expertly.They are supported by a wide range ofhighly specialized tools developedspecifically for servicing your vehicle.
If your vehicle requires professional service,an authorized dealer can provide thenecessary parts and service. Check yourwarranty information to find out whichparts and services are covered.
Use only recommended fuels, lubricants,fluids and service parts conforming tospecifications. Motorcraft® parts aredesigned and built to provide the bestperformance in your vehicle.
Precautions
•Do not work on a hot engine.
•Make sure that nothing gets caught inmoving parts.
•Do not work on a vehicle with theengine running in an enclosed space,unless you are sure you have enoughventilation.
•Keep all open flames and other burningmaterial (such as cigarettes) awayfrom the battery and all fuel relatedparts.
Working with the Engine Off
1.Set the parking brake and shift thetransmission to park (P).
2.Switch off the engine.
3.Block the wheels.
Working with the Engine On
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.
1.Set the parking brake and shift thetransmission to park (P).
2.Block the wheels.
OPENING AND CLOSING THE
HOOD
Opening the Hood
1.Open the left-hand front door.
2.Fully pull the hood release lever andlet it completely retract.
Note:This action releases the hood latch.
3.Fully pull the hood release lever for asecond time.
Note:This action fully releases the hood.
4.Open the hood.
Note:There is no secondary latch under thehood.
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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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•Climate control.
•Heated steering wheel.
•Audio unit.
•Navigation system.
A message may appear in the informationdisplay to alert you that battery protectionactions are active. This message is only fornotification that an action is taking place,and not intended to indicate an electricalproblem or that the battery requiresreplacement.
After battery replacement, or in somecases after charging the battery with anexternal charger, the battery managementsystem requires eight hours of vehicle sleeptime to relearn the battery state of charge.During this time, your vehicle must remainfully locked with the ignition switched off.
Note:Prior to relearning the battery stateof charge, the battery management systemmay temporarily disable some electricalsystems.
Electrical Accessory Installation
To make sure the battery managementsystem works correctly, do not connect anelectrical device ground connectiondirectly to the battery negative post. Thiscan cause inaccurate measurements ofthe battery condition and potentialincorrect system operation.
Note:If you add electrical accessories orcomponents to the vehicle, it may adverselyaffect battery performance and durability.This may also affect the performance ofother electrical systems in the vehicle.
Remove and Reinstall the Battery
Install a battery approved for use by ourspecifications. See Capacities andSpecifications (page 378).
To disconnect or remove the battery, dothe following:
1.Apply the parking brake and switch theignition off.
2.Switch all electrical equipment off, forexample lights and radio.
3.Wait a minimum of two minutes beforedisconnecting the battery.
Note:The engine management system hasa power hold function and remains poweredfor a period of time after you switch theignition off. This is to allow the system tostore diagnostic and adaptive tables.Disconnecting the battery without waitingcan cause damage not covered by thevehicle warranty.
4.Disconnect the negative battery cableterminal.
5.Disconnect the positive battery cableterminal.
6.Remove the battery securing clamp.
7.Remove the battery.
8.To install, reverse the removalprocedure.
Note:Before reconnecting the battery,make sure the ignition remains switched off.
Note:Make sure to fully tighten the batterycables.
If you disconnect or replace the vehiclebattery, you must reset the followingfeatures:
•Window bounce-back. See PowerWindows (page 94).
•Clock Settings.
•Pre-set radio stations.
Battery Disposal
Make sure that you dispose ofold batteries in anenvironmentally friendly way.Seek advice from your local authorityabout recycling old batteries.
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•Climate control.
•Heated steering wheel.
•Audio unit.
•Navigation system.
A message may appear in the informationdisplay to alert you that battery protectionactions are active. This message is only fornotification that an action is taking place,and not intended to indicate an electricalproblem or that the battery requiresreplacement.
After battery replacement, or in somecases after charging the battery with anexternal charger, the battery managementsystem requires eight hours of vehicle sleeptime to relearn the battery state of charge.During this time, your vehicle must remainfully locked with the ignition switched off.
Note:Prior to relearning the battery stateof charge, the battery management systemmay temporarily disable some electricalsystems.
Electrical Accessory Installation
To make sure the battery managementsystem works correctly, do not connect anelectrical device ground connectiondirectly to the battery negative post. Thiscan cause inaccurate measurements ofthe battery condition and potentialincorrect system operation.
Note:If you add electrical accessories orcomponents to the vehicle, it may adverselyaffect battery performance and durability.This may also affect the performance ofother electrical systems in the vehicle.
Remove and Reinstall the Battery
Install a battery approved for use by ourspecifications. See Capacities andSpecifications (page 378).
To disconnect or remove the battery, dothe following:
1.Apply the parking brake and switch theignition off.
2.Switch all electrical equipment off, forexample lights and radio.
3.Wait a minimum of two minutes beforedisconnecting the battery.
Note:The engine management system hasa power hold function and remains poweredfor a period of time after you switch theignition off. This is to allow the system tostore diagnostic and adaptive tables.Disconnecting the battery without waitingcan cause damage not covered by thevehicle warranty.
4.Disconnect the negative battery cableterminal.
5.Disconnect the positive battery cableterminal.
6.Remove the battery securing clamp.
7.Remove the battery.
8.To install, reverse the removalprocedure.
Note:Before reconnecting the battery,make sure the ignition remains switched off.
Note:Make sure to fully tighten the batterycables.
If you disconnect or replace the vehiclebattery, you must reset the followingfeatures:
•Window bounce-back. See PowerWindows (page 94).
•Clock Settings.
•Pre-set radio stations.
Battery Disposal
Make sure that you dispose ofold batteries in anenvironmentally friendly way.Seek advice from your local authorityabout recycling old batteries.
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