air suspension FORD EXPLORER 2023 Owners Manual

Your vehicle has anti-lock brakes, thereforeapply the brakes steadily. Do not “pump”the brakes.
Driving on Snow and Ice
WARNING: If you are driving inslippery conditions that require tirechains or cables, then it is critical thatyou drive cautiously. Keep speeds down,allow for longer stopping distances andavoid aggressive steering to reduce thechances of a loss of vehicle controlwhich can lead to serious injury or death.If the rear end of your vehicle slides whilecornering, steer in the direction of theslide until you regain control of yourvehicle.
Note:Excessive tire slippage can causedriveline damage.
4WD vehicles have advantages over 2WDvehicles in snow and ice but can skid likeany other vehicle.
Should you start to slide while driving onsnowy or icy roads, turn the steering wheelin the direction of the slide until you regaincontrol.
Avoid sudden applications of power andquick changes of direction on snow andice. Apply the accelerator slowly andsteadily when starting from a full stop.
Avoid sudden braking as well. Although a4WD vehicle could accelerate better thana two-wheel drive vehicle in snow and ice,it will not stop any faster, because as inother vehicles, braking occurs at all fourwheels. Do not become overconfident asto road conditions.
Make sure you allow sufficient distancebetween you and other vehicles forstopping. Drive slower than usual andconsider using one of the lower gears. Inemergency stopping situations, apply thebrake steadily. Since your vehicle comeswith a four wheel (ABS), do not “pump”the brakes. See Hints on Driving WithAnti-Lock Brakes (page 211).
Maintenance and Modifications
The suspension and steering systems onyour vehicle have been designed andtested to provide predictable performancewhether loaded or empty and durable loadcarrying capability. For this reason, westrongly recommend that you do not makemodifications such as adding or removingparts (such as lowering kits or stabilizerbars) or by using replacement parts notequivalent to the original factoryequipment.
Any modifications to a vehicle that raisethe center of gravity can make it more likelythe vehicle will rollover as a result of a lossof control. We strongly recommend thatcaution be used with any vehicle equippedwith a high load or device (such as ladderor luggage racks).
Failure to maintain your vehicle properlycould void the warranty, increase yourrepair cost, reduce vehicle performanceand operational capabilities and adverselyaffect driver and passenger safety.Frequent inspection of vehicle chassiscomponents is recommended if the vehicleis subjected to off-highway usage.
208
2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingFour-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)

If you feel a sudden vibration orride disturbance while driving, oryou suspect your tire or vehiclehas been damaged, immediatelyreduce your speed. Drive withcaution until you can safely pulloff the road. Stop and inspect thetires for damage. If a tire isunder-inflated or damaged,deflate it, remove wheel andreplace it with your spare tire andwheel. If you cannot detect acause, have the vehicle towed tothe nearest repair facility or tiredealer to have the vehicleinspected.
Tire and Wheel Alignment
A bad jolt from hitting a curb orpothole can cause the front endof your vehicle to become
misaligned or cause damage toyour tires. If your vehicle seems topull to one side when you aredriving, the wheels may be out ofalignment. Have an authorizeddealer check the wheel alignmentperiodically.
Wheel misalignment in the frontor the rear can cause uneven andrapid treadwear of your tires andshould be corrected by anauthorized dealer. Front-wheeldrive vehicles and those with anindependent rear suspension (ifequipped) may require alignmentof all four wheels.
The tires should also be balancedperiodically. An unbalanced tireand wheel assembly may result inirregular tire wear.
Tire Rotation
WARNING: If the tire labelshows different tire pressures forthe front and rear tires and thevehicle has a tire pressuremonitoring system, then youneed to update the settings forthe system sensors. Alwaysperform the system resetprocedure after tire rotation. Ifyou do not reset the system, itmay not provide a low tirepressure warning whennecessary.
Note:If your tires show unevenwear, ask an authorized dealer tocheck for and correct any wheelmisalignment, tire imbalance ormechanical problem involvedbefore tire rotation.
Note:Your vehicle may beequipped with a dissimilar sparewheel and tire assembly. Adissimilar spare wheel and tireassembly is defined as a sparewheel and tire assembly that isdifferent in brand, size orappearance from the road tires andwheels. If you have a dissimilarspare wheel and tire assembly, it isintended for temporary use onlyand should not be used in a tirerotation.
Note:After having your tiresrotated, inflation pressure must bechecked and adjusted to the
vehicle requirements.
361
2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingWheels and Tires

WARNING: Snow tires must be thesame size, load index and speed ratingas those originally provided by Ford. Useof any tire or wheel not recommendedby Ford can affect the safety andperformance of your vehicle, which couldresult in an increased risk of loss ofcontrol, vehicle rollover, personal injuryand death. Additionally, the use ofnon-recommended tires and wheels cancause steering, suspension, axle, transfercase or power transfer unit failure.Follow the Ford recommended tireinflation pressure found on the SafetyCompliance Certification Label (on thedoor hinge pillar, door latch post or thedoor edge that meets the door latchpost, next to the driver seat), or TireLabel on the B-Pillar or the edge of thedriver door. Failure to follow the tirepressure recommendations can causeuneven treadwear patterns andadversely affect the way your vehiclehandles.
USING SNOW CHAINS
WARNING: Do not exceed 30 mph(50 km/h). Failure to follow thisinstruction could result in the loss ofcontrol of your vehicle, personal injury ordeath.
WARNING: Do not use snow chainson snow-free roads.
WARNING: Only fit snow chains tospecified tires.
WARNING: If your vehicle is fittedwith wheel trims, remove them beforefitting snow chains.
Only use snow chains on rear wheels.Install snow chains in pairs. Do not useself-tensioning snow chains.
Only use snow chains on the followingspecified tire sizes:
•255/60R18
•Only install chains that are 10 mmor less.
•255/65R18
•Only install chains that are 10 mmor less.
•265/60R18
•Only install chains that are 10 mmor less.
•255/55R20
•Only install chains that are 10 mmor less.
We recommend you use steel wheels ofthe same size and specification if snowchains are required because chains maychip aluminum wheels.
Follow these guidelines when using snowtires and traction devices:
•If possible, avoid fully loading yourvehicle.
•Purchase snow chains from amanufacturer that clearly labels bodyto tire dimension restrictions.
•When driving with snow chains do notexceed 30 mph (50 km/h) or themaximum speed recommended by thechain manufacturer, whichever is less.
•Drive cautiously. If you hear the snowchains rub or bang against the vehicle,stop and tighten them. If this does notwork, remove the snow chains toprevent vehicle damage.
•Remove the snow chains when theyare no longer needed. Do not use snowchains on dry roads.
363
2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingWheels and Tires

WARNING: Do not work on yourvehicle when the jack is the only supportas your vehicle could slip off the jack.Failure to follow this instruction couldresult in personal injury or death.
WARNING: Use only the specifiedjacking points. If you use other positions,you may damage the body, steering,suspension, engine, braking system orthe fuel lines.
WARNING: Never place anythingbetween the vehicle jack and yourvehicle.
WARNING: Never place anythingbetween the vehicle jack and the ground.
WARNING: Park your vehicle sothat you do not obstruct the flow oftraffic or place yourself in any danger andset up a warning triangle.
WARNING: Do not attempt tochange a tire on the side of the vehicleclose to moving traffic. Pull far enoughoff the road to avoid the danger of beinghit when operating the jack or changingthe wheel.
Note:Passengers should not remain in yourvehicle when the vehicle is being jacked.
Note:Jack at the specified locations toavoid damage to the vehicle.
Note:No maintenance or additionallubrication of your jack is required over theservice life of your vehicle.
1.Park on a level surface, set the parkingbrake and switch on the hazardflashers.
2.Apply the parking brake, place thetransmission in park (P) or reverse (R)for manual transmission. Turn theengine off.
3.If your vehicle has air suspension, usethe touch screen to switch on the AirSuspension Service Mode prior tojacking.
4.Block the wheel diagonally oppositethe flat tire. For example, if the leftfront tire is flat, block the right rearwheel.
372
2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingWheels and TiresE166722 E142551

18.Remove the jack and fully tighten thelug nuts in the order shown. SeeTechnical Specifications (page376).
19.If you enabled the Air SuspensionService Mode, switch the mode offprior to driving.
20.Remove the wheel blocks.
Stowing the jack
1.To store the folded wrench on the jack,engage the bracket of the jack baseand the lug wrench pin, swing thewrench upwards, adjust jack heightuntil the wrench hook engages the holeon jack. Tighten the hex nut clockwiseby hand until secure.
2.Place the jack in the spare tirecompartment, install the wing nut andtighten clockwise by hand until secure.
Stowing the flat tire
You cannot store the full-sized road wheelin the temporary spare tire well.
1.Find the flat tire retainer strap tuckedinside the jack channel. Lower thecarpeted load floor.
2.Stow the flat tire in the cargo area onthe load floor with the wheel facing up.Secure the flat tire with the retainerstrap by following the next steps.
3.Locate the rear left side and right sidecargo tie-down rings. Push the loop endof the retainer strap through one cargotie-down ring. Thread the non-loop endthrough the loop.
4.Weave the retainer strap through thewheel openings.
375
2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingWheels and Tires12345E306781 E176165 E142906 E294325

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

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