maintenance FORD EXPLORER 2023 Owners Manual

Introduction
About This Manual..........................................9
Symbols Glossary............................................9
Perchlorate........................................................12
Ford Credit........................................................12
Replacement Parts Recommendation............................................................................12
Special Notices...............................................13
Mobile Communications Equipment...........................................................................14
Export Unique Options................................14
Data Privacy
Data Privacy.....................................................15
Service Data.....................................................16
Event Data........................................................16
Settings Data...................................................17
Connected Vehicle Data..............................17
Mobile Device Data.......................................18
Emergency Call System Data....................18
Environment
Protecting the Environment.......................19
At a Glance
At a Glance - ST............................................20
Instrument Panel............................................21
Child Safety
General Information.....................................23
Installing Child Restraints..........................25
Booster Seats.................................................33
Child Restraint Positioning........................35
Child Safety Locks........................................36
Seatbelts
Principle of Operation.................................38
Fastening the Seatbelts.............................39
Seatbelt Height Adjustment......................41
Seatbelt Warning Lamp and IndicatorChime.............................................................41
Seatbelt Reminder........................................42
Child Restraint and SeatbeltMaintenance...............................................43
Seatbelt Extensions.....................................44
Personal Safety System™
Personal Safety System™.........................45
Supplementary RestraintsSystem
Principle of Operation.................................46
Driver and Passenger Airbags...................47
Front Passenger Sensing System...........48
Side Airbags....................................................50
Driver and Passenger Knee Airbags........51
Safety Canopy™.............................................51
Crash Sensors and Airbag Indicator.......52
Airbag Disposal..............................................53
Pedestrian Protection - HybridElectric Vehicle (HEV)
Pedestrian Alert System............................54
911 Assist
What Is 911 Assist..........................................55
How Does 911 Assist Work.........................55
Emergency Call Requirements................55
Emergency Call Limitations......................56
Keys and Remote Controls
General Information on RadioFrequencies.................................................57
Remote Control..............................................57
Replacing a Lost Key or Remote Control..........................................................................63
MyKey™
Principle of Operation.................................64
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2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingTable of Contents

Drive Mode Control
What Is Drive Mode Control....................273
How Does Drive Mode Control Work.........................................................................273
Selecting a Drive Mode.............................273
Drive Modes...................................................273
Load Carrying
General Information...................................275
Rear Under Floor Storage........................275
Cargo Nets.....................................................276
Roof Racks and Load Carriers................276
Load Limit.......................................................277
Towing
Towing a Trailer...........................................283
Trailer Sway Control..................................284
Recommended Towing Weights..........284
Essential Towing Checks.........................285
Towing the Vehicle on Four Wheels.....287
Driving Hints
Reduced Engine Performance..............288
Cold Weather Precautions......................288
Breaking-In...................................................288
Driving Economically................................288
Driving Through Shallow Water............289
Floor Mats.....................................................289
Roadside Emergencies
Roadside Assistance..................................291
Hazard Flashers...........................................292
Fuel Shutoff..................................................292
Jump Starting the Vehicle.......................293
Collision, Damage or Fire Event............295
Post-Crash Alert System.........................296
Transporting the Vehicle.........................296
Customer Assistance
Getting the Services You Need.............298
In California (U.S. Only)...........................299
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) AutoLine Program (U.S. Only)....................300
Utilizing the Mediation/ArbitrationProgram (Canada Only).......................301
Getting Assistance Outside the U.S. andCanada........................................................301
Ordering Additional Owner's Literature........................................................................303
Reporting Safety Defects (U.S. Only)........................................................................303
Reporting Safety Defects (Canada Only)........................................................................303
Fuses
Fuse Specification Chart.........................305
Changing a Fuse...........................................313
Maintenance
General Information...................................315
Opening and Closing the Hood..............315
Under Hood Overview - 2.3L EcoBoost™.........................................................................316
Under Hood Overview - 3.0L...................317
Under Hood Overview - 3.3L...................318
Engine Oil Dipstick - 2.3L EcoBoost™.........................................................................319
Engine Oil Dipstick - 3.0L.........................319
Engine Oil Dipstick - 3.3L..........................319
Engine Oil Check..........................................319
Oil Change Indicator Reset.....................320
Changing the Engine Air Filter - 2.3LEcoBoost™................................................321
Changing the Engine Air Filter - 3.0L........................................................................322
Changing the Engine Air Filter - 3.3L....323
Engine Coolant Check..............................324
Automatic Transmission Fluid Check........................................................................328
Brake Fluid Check.......................................328
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2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingTable of Contents

Audio System
General Information...................................419
Audio Unit......................................................419
Digital Radio.................................................420
Satellite Radio.............................................422
USB Port........................................................425
SYNC™ 3
General Information...................................427
Using Voice Recognition..........................429
Entertainment.............................................435
Climate...........................................................445
Phone..............................................................447
Navigation.....................................................449
Electric Vehicle Information...................454
Apps................................................................455
Settings..........................................................458
SYNC™ 3 Troubleshooting....................460
Accessories
Accessories...................................................473
Ford Protect
Ford Protect..................................................474
Scheduled Maintenance
General Maintenance Information.......476
Normal Scheduled Maintenance.........479
Special Operating Conditions ScheduledMaintenance............................................482
Customer Information
Rollover Warning........................................485
Radio Frequency Certification Labels.......................................................................485
Warranty Information...............................529
Appendices
Electromagnetic Compatibility..............531
End User License Agreement................534
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2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingTable of Contents

PERCHLORATE
Certain components in your vehicle suchas airbag modules, seatbelt pretensionersand remote control batteries may containperchlorate material. Special handlingmay apply for service or vehicle end of lifedisposal.
For more information visit:
Web Address
www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazard-ouswaste/perchlorate
FORD CREDIT
US Only
Ford Credit offers a full range of financingand lease plans to help you acquire yourvehicle. If you have financed or leased yourvehicle through Ford Credit, thank you foryour business.
For assistance call 1-800-727-7000, or formore information about Ford Credit andaccess to the online Account Manager tool,visit www.ford.com/finance.
REPLACEMENT PARTS
RECOMMENDATION
We have built your vehicle to the higheststandards using quality parts. Werecommend that you demand the use ofgenuine Ford and Motorcraft partswhenever your vehicle requires scheduledmaintenance or repair. You can clearlyidentify genuine Ford and Motorcraft partsby looking for the Ford, FoMoCo orMotorcraft branding on the parts or theirpackaging.
Scheduled Maintenance andMechanical Repairs
One of the best ways for you to make surethat your vehicle provides years of serviceis to have it maintained in line with ourrecommendations using parts thatconform to the specifications detailed inthis Owner’s Manual.
Genuine Ford and Motorcraft parts meetor exceed these specifications.
Collision Repairs
We hope that you never experience acollision, but accidents happen sometimes.
Genuine Ford replacement collision partsmeet our stringent requirements for fit,finish, structural integrity, corrosionprotection and dent resistance. Duringvehicle development we validate thatthese parts deliver the intended level ofprotection as a whole system. A great wayto know for sure you are getting this levelof protection is to use genuine Fordreplacement collision parts.
Warranty on Replacement Parts
Genuine Ford and Motorcraft replacementparts are the only replacement parts thatbenefit from a Ford Warranty.
The Ford Warranty may not cover damagecaused to your vehicle as a result of failednon-Ford parts.
For additional information, refer to theterms and conditions of the Ford Warranty.
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2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingIntroduction

WARNING: Do not connectwireless plug-in devices to the data linkconnector. Unauthorized third partiescould gain access to vehicle data andimpair the performance of safety relatedsystems. Only allow repair facilities thatfollow our service and repair instructionsto connect their equipment to the datalink connector.
We respect your privacy and arecommitted to protecting it. Theinformation contained in this publicationwas correct at the time of release, but astechnology rapidly changes, werecommend that you visit the local Fordwebsite for the latest information.
Your vehicle has electronic control unitsthat have data recording functionality andthe ability to permanently or temporarilystore data. This data could includeinformation on the condition and status ofyour vehicle, vehicle maintenancerequirements, events and malfunctions.The types of data that can be recorded aredescribed in this section. Some of the datarecorded is stored in event logs or errorlogs.
Note:Error logs are reset following a serviceor repair.
Note:We may provide information inresponse to requests from law enforcement,other government authorities and thirdparties acting with lawful authority orthrough a legal process. Such informationcould be used by them in legal proceedings.
Data recorded includes, for example:
•Operating states of systemcomponents, for example fuel level,tire pressure and battery charge level.
•Vehicle and component status, forexample wheel speed, deceleration,lateral acceleration and seatbeltstatus.
•Events or errors in essential systems,for example headlamps and brakes.
•System responses to driving situations,for example airbag deployment andstability control.
•Environmental conditions, for exampletemperature.
Some of this data, when used incombination with other information, forexample an accident report, damage to avehicle or eyewitness statements, couldbe associated with a specific person.
Services That We Provide
If you use our services, we collect and usedata, for example account information,vehicle location and driving characteristics,that could identify you. We transmit thisdata through a dedicated, protectedconnection. We only collect and use datato enable your use of our services to whichyou have subscribed, with your consent orwhere permitted by law. For additionalinformation, see the terms and conditionsof the services to which you havesubscribed.
For additional information about ourprivacy policy, refer to the local Fordwebsite.
Services That Third PartiesProvide
We recommend that you review the termsand conditions and data privacyinformation for any services equipped withyour vehicle or to which you subscribe. Wetake no responsibility for services that thirdparties provide.
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2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingData Privacy

Seatbelt fastened.A
Seatbelt not fastened.B
Seatbelt recently unfastened.C
FaultD
Deactivating and Activating theBelt-Minder Feature - Front outermostseats only
WARNING: While the systemallows you to deactivate it, this systemis designed to improve your chances ofbeing safely belted and surviving anaccident. We recommend you leave thesystem activated for yourself and otherswho may use the vehicle.
Note:The driver and front passengerwarnings switch on and off independently.When you perform this procedure for oneseating position, do not buckle the otherposition as this terminates the process.
Read Steps 1 - 4 before starting theprocedure.
Make sure that:
•You set the parking brake.
•The transmission is in park (P).
•The ignition is off.
•You close all vehicle doors.
•You unbuckle the driver and frontpassenger seatbelts.
1.Switch the ignition on. Do not start theengine.
2.Wait until the seatbelt warning lampturns off (about one minute). AfterStep 2, wait an additional five secondsbefore proceeding with Step 3. Onceyou start Step 3, you must completethe procedure within 60 seconds.
3.For the seating position you areswitching off, buckle then unbuckle theseatbelt three times at a moderatespeed, ending in the unbuckled state.After Step 3, the seatbelt warning lampturns on.
4.When the seatbelt warning lamp is on,buckle then unbuckle the seatbelt.After Step 4, the seatbelt warning lampflashes for confirmation.
•This switches the feature off if it iscurrently on.
•This switches the feature on if it iscurrently off.
CHILD RESTRAINT AND
SEATBELT MAINTENANCE
Inspect the vehicle seatbelts and childsafety seat systems periodically to makesure they work properly and are notdamaged. Inspect the vehicle and childrestraint seatbelts to make sure there areno nicks, tears or cuts. Replace ifnecessary. All vehicle seatbelt assemblies,including retractors, buckles, front seatbeltbuckle assemblies, buckle supportassemblies (slide bar-if equipped),shoulder belt height adjusters (ifequipped), shoulder belt guide on seatbackrest (if equipped), child safety seatLATCH and tether anchors, and attachinghardware, should be inspected after acrash. Read the child restraintmanufacturer's instructions for additionalinspection and maintenance informationspecific to the child restraint.
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2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingSeatbeltsE274703

While the system is designed to helpreduce serious injuries, contact with adeploying airbag may also cause abrasionsor swelling. Temporary hearing loss is alsoa possibility as a result of the noiseassociated with a deploying airbag.Because airbags must inflate rapidly andwith considerable force, there is the risk ofdeath or serious injuries such as fractures,facial and eye injuries or internal injuries,particularly to occupants who are notproperly restrained or are otherwise out ofposition at the time of airbag deployment.Thus, it is extremely important thatoccupants be properly restrained as faraway from the airbag module as possiblewhile maintaining vehicle control.
Routine maintenance of the airbags is notrequired.
DRIVER AND PASSENGER
AIRBAGS
WARNING: Do not place your armson the airbag cover or through thesteering wheel. Failure to follow thisinstruction could result in personal injury.
WARNING: Keep the areas in frontof the airbags free from obstruction. Donot affix anything to or over the airbagcovers. Objects could become projectilesduring airbag deployment or in a suddenstop. Failure to follow this instructioncould result in personal injury or death.
WARNING: Airbags can kill or injurea child in a child restraint. Never place arear-facing child restraint in front of anactive airbag. If you must use aforward-facing child restraint in the frontseat, move the seat upon which the childrestraint is installed all the way back.
The driver and front passenger airbags willdeploy during significant frontal and nearfrontal crashes.
The driver and passenger front airbagsystem consists of:
•Driver and passenger airbag modules.
•Front passenger sensing system.
· Crash sensors and monitoringsystem with readiness indicator.See Crash Sensors and AirbagIndicator (page 52).
Proper Driver and Front PassengerSeating Adjustment
WARNING: National HighwayTraffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)recommends a minimum distance of atleast 10 in (25 cm) between anoccupant's chest and the driver airbagmodule.
To properly position yourself away fromthe airbag:
•Move your seat to the rear as far as youcan while still reaching the pedalscomfortably.
•Recline the seat slightly (one or twodegrees) from the upright position.
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2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingSupplementary Restraints SystemE151127 E67017

The restraints control module alsomonitors the readiness of the above safetydevices plus the crash and occupantsensors. The readiness of the safetysystem is indicated by a warning indicatorlight in the instrument cluster or by abackup tone if the warning light is notworking. Routine maintenance of theairbag is not required.
A difficulty with the system is indicated byone or more of the following:
•The readiness light will not illuminateimmediately after you switch theignition on.
•The readiness light either flashes orstays lit.
•A series of five beeps is heard. The tonepattern repeats periodically until theproblem, the light or both are repaired.
If any of these things happen, evenintermittently, have the supplementalrestraint system serviced at an authorizeddealer immediately. Unless serviced, thesystem may not function properly in theevent of a crash.
The restraint system is designed toactivate when the vehicle sustainsconditions sufficient to cause the restraintcontrol module to deploy a safety device.
The fact that not all the safety devicesactivate for all occupants in a crash doesnot mean something is wrong with thesystem. Rather, it means the restraintscontrol module determined the accidentconditions (crash severity, type of crash,belt usage) were not appropriate toactivate these safety devices.
•The front airbags are designed toactivate only in frontal and near-frontalcrashes (not rollovers, side impacts orrear impacts) unless the crash causessufficient frontal deceleration.
•The seatbelt pretensioners aredesigned to activate in frontal,near-frontal and side crashes, and inrollovers.
•The knee airbag(s) may deploy basedon crash severity and occupantconditions.
•The side airbags are designed to inflatein certain side impact crashes orrollover events. Side airbags mayactivate in other types of crashes if yourvehicle experiences sufficient sidewaysmotion or deformation, or a certainlikelihood of rollover.
•The Safety Canopy is designed toinflate in certain side impact crashesor rollover events. The Safety Canopymay activate in other types of crashesif your vehicle experiences sufficientsideways motion or deformation, or acertain likelihood of rollover.
AIRBAG DISPOSAL
Contact your authorized dealer as soon aspossible. Airbags must be disposed of byqualified personnel.
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2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingSupplementary Restraints SystemE67017

High Voltage Electric SystemFailure (If Equipped)
It illuminates if your hybridelectric vehicle has an electricalcomponent fault or failure thatcauses your vehicle to shutdown or entera limited operating mode. A message mayappear in the instrument cluster display.
Hill Descent (If Equipped)
Illuminates when you switch hilldescent on.
Hood Ajar
Illuminates when the ignition ison and the hood is notcompletely closed.
Lamps On
Illuminates when you switch thelow beam headlamps or theparking lamps on.
Liftgate Ajar
Illuminates when the liftgate isnot completely closed.
Low Beam Warning
Illuminates when the low beamheadlamp bulb is not properlyfunctioning.
Low Fuel Level
Illuminates when the fuel levelis low or the fuel tank is nearlyempty. Refuel as soon aspossible.
Low Tire Pressure Warning
Illuminates when the tirepressure is low. If the lampremains on with the enginerunning or when driving, check the tirepressure as soon as possible.
It also momentarily illuminates when youswitch the ignition on to confirm the lampis functional. If it does not illuminate whenyou switch the ignition on, or begins toflash at any time, have the systemchecked.
Low Washer Fluid
Illuminates when the windshieldwasher fluid is low.
Powertrain Fault
Illuminates when the systemdetects a powertrain or a4WD/AWD fault. Contact anauthorized dealer as soon as possible.
Ready to Drive (If Equipped)
Illuminates when you haveswitched on your hybrid electricvehicle and it is ready to drive. Acorresponding message may appearstating ready to drive.
Service Engine Soon
It illuminates when you switchthe ignition on prior to enginestart to check the bulb and toindicate whether your vehicle is ready forInspection and Maintenance testing.
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2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingInstrument ClusterE144693 E246598 E71341 E162453 E181350 E139232 E132353 E224090 E67028

Normally, it illuminates until the engine iscranked and automatically turns off if nosystem errors are present. However, if after15 seconds it flashes eight times, thisindicates that your vehicle is not ready forInspection and Maintenance testing. SeeCatalytic Converter (page 193).
If it illuminates when the engine is runningthis indicates a system error. The On BoardDiagnostics system has detected an errorin the vehicle emission control system.
If it flashes, engine misfire may beoccurring. Continuing to drive your vehiclemay cause reduced power or the engineto stop. Failure to respond to the warninglamp may cause component damage notcovered by the vehicle Warranty. Haveyour vehicle checked as soon as possible.
Stability Control
It flashes when the system isactive. If it remains illuminatedor does not illuminate when youswitch the ignition on, this indicates asystem error. During a system error thesystem switches off. Immediately have thesystem checked. See Using StabilityControl (page 222).
Stability Control Off
Illuminates when you switch thesystem off. It goes out when youswitch the system back on orwhen you switch the ignition off.
AUDIBLE WARNINGS AND
INDICATORS
Key in Ignition Warning Chime (If
Equipped)
Sounds when you open the driver's doorand you have left the key in the ignition.
Keyless Warning Alert (If Equipped)
Sounds the horn twice when you exit yourvehicle with the intelligent access key, afterthe last door is closed and your keylessvehicle is in RUN, indicating your vehicle isstill on.
Headlamps On Warning Chime
Sounds when you remove the key from theignition and open the driver's door and youhave left the headlamps or parking lampson.
Parking Brake On Warning Chime
Sounds when you have left the parkingbrake on and drive your vehicle. If thewarning chime remains on after you havereleased the parking brake, have thesystem checked by an authorized dealerimmediately.
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2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingInstrument ClusterE138639 E130458