service schedule FORD EXPLORER 2023 Owners Manual

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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•Incorrect fuel for climatic conditions.
•Incorrect engine oil viscosity forclimactic conditions.
Note:Some vehicles have a lifetime fuelfilter that is integrated with the fuel tank.Regular maintenance or replacement is notneeded.
Note:If these checks do not help youcorrect the concern, have your vehiclechecked as soon as possible.
Noise Emissions Warranty,Prohibited Tampering Acts andMaintenance
On January 1, 1978, Federal regulationbecame effective governing the noiseemission on trucks over 10,000 lb(4,536 kg) Gross Vehicle Weight Rating(GVWR). The preceding statementsconcerning prohibited tampering acts andmaintenance, and the noise warrantyfound in the Warranty Guide, areapplicable to complete chassis cabs over10,000 lb (4,536 kg) GVWR.
CATALYTIC CONVERTER
WARNING: Do not park, idle ordrive your vehicle on dry grass or otherdry ground cover. The emission systemheats up the engine compartment andexhaust system, creating the risk of fire.
WARNING: The normal operatingtemperature of the exhaust system isvery high. Never work around or attemptto repair any part of the exhaust systemuntil it has cooled. Use special care whenworking around the catalytic converter.The catalytic converter heats up to a veryhigh temperature after only a shortperiod of engine operation and stays hotafter the engine is switched off.
WARNING: Exhaust leaks mayresult in entry of harmful and potentiallylethal fumes into the passengercompartment. If you smell exhaustfumes inside your vehicle, have yourvehicle inspected immediately. Do notdrive if you smell exhaust fumes.
Your vehicle has various emission controlcomponents and a catalytic converter thatenables it to comply with applicableexhaust emission standards.
To make sure that the catalytic converterand other emission control componentscontinue to work properly:
•Do not crank the engine for more than10 seconds at a time.
•Do not run the engine with a spark pluglead disconnected.
•Do not push-start or tow-start yourvehicle. Use booster cables. See JumpStarting the Vehicle (page 293).
•Use only the specified fuel listed.
•Do not switch the ignition off when yourvehicle is moving.
•Avoid running out of fuel.
•Have the items listed in scheduledmaintenance information performedaccording to the specified schedule.
Note:Resulting component damage maynot be covered by the vehicle Warranty.
The scheduled maintenance items listedin scheduled maintenance information areessential to the life and performance ofyour vehicle and to its emissions system.
If you use anything other than Ford,Motorcraft or Ford-authorized parts formaintenance replacements or for serviceof components affecting emission control,such non-Ford parts should be equivalentto genuine Ford Motor Company parts inperformance and durability.
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ESSENTIAL TOWING CHECKS
Follow these guidelines for safe towing:
•Do not tow a trailer until you drive yourvehicle at least 1,000 mi (1,600 km).
•Consult your local motor vehicle lawsfor towing a trailer.
•See the instructions included withtowing accessories for the properinstallation and adjustmentspecifications.
•Service your vehicle more frequently ifyou tow a trailer. See ScheduledMaintenance (page 476).
•If you use a rental trailer, follow theinstructions the rental agency givesyou.
You can find information on loadspecification terms found on the tire labeland Safety Compliance label as well asinstructions on calculating your vehicle'sload in the Load Carrying chapter. SeeLoad Limit (page 277).
Remember to account for the trailertongue weight as part of your vehicle loadwhen calculating the total vehicle weight.
Hitches
Do not use a hitch that either clamps ontothe bumper or attaches to the axle.
Distribute the trailer load so 10-15% of thetotal trailer weight is on the tongue.
A weight distributing hitch is not requiredfor your vehicle.
Safety Chains
Note:Do not attach safety chains to thebumper.
Always connect the safety chains to thehook retainers of your vehicle hitch.
To connect the trailer’s safety chains, crossthem under the trailer tongue and allowenough slack for turning tight corners. Donot allow the chains to drag on the ground.
Trailer Brakes
WARNING: Do not connect atrailer's hydraulic brake system directlyto your vehicle's brake system. Yourvehicle may not have enough brakingpower and your chances of having acollision greatly increase.
Electric brakes and manual, automatic orsurge-type trailer brakes are safe if youinstall them properly and adjust them tothe manufacturer's specifications. Thetrailer brakes must meet local and federalregulations.
The rating for the tow vehicle's brakingsystem operation is at the gross vehicleweight rating, not the gross combinedweight rating.
Safe control of towed vehicles requiresseparate functioning brake systems forvehicles and trailers weighing more than1,500 lb (680 kg) when loaded.
Trailer Lamps
WARNING: Never connect anytrailer lamp wiring to the vehicle's taillamp wiring; this may damage theelectrical system resulting in fire. Contactyour authorized dealer as soon aspossible for assistance in proper trailertow wiring installation. Additionalelectrical equipment may be required.
Most towed vehicles require trailer lamps.Make sure all running lights, brake lights,direction indicators and hazard flashersare working.
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GETTING THE SERVICES YOU
NEED
Warranty repairs to your vehicle must beperformed by an authorized dealer. Whileany authorized dealer handling your vehicleline will provide warranty service, werecommend you return to your sellingauthorized dealer who wants to ensureyour continued satisfaction.
Please note that certain warranty repairsrequire special training and equipment, sonot all authorized dealers are authorizedto perform all warranty repairs. This meansthat, depending on the warranty repairneeded, you may have to take your vehicleto another authorized dealer.
A reasonable time must be allowed toperform a repair after taking your vehicleto the authorized dealer. Repairs will bemade using Ford or Motorcraft® parts, orremanufactured or other parts that areauthorized by Ford.
Away From Home
If you are away from home when yourvehicle needs service, contact the FordCustomer Relationship Center or use theonline resources listed below to find thenearest authorized dealer.
In the United States:
Mailing address
Ford Motor CompanyCustomer Relationship CenterP.O. Box 6248Dearborn, MI 48126
Telephone
1-800-392-3673 (FORD)TDD for the hearing impaired:7-1-1 (where offered by your telephoneservice provider)If your vehicle is configured as amotorhome please call 1-800-444-3311for support.
Additional information and resources areavailable online:
Website
www.owner.ford.com
These are some of the items that can befound online:
•U.S. dealer locator by Dealer Name,City/State or Zip Code.
•Owner Manuals.
•Maintenance Schedules.
•Recalls.
•Ford Extended Service Plans.
•Ford Genuine Accessories.
•Service specials and promotions.
In Canada:
Mailing address
Customer Relationship CentreFord Motor Company of Canada, LimitedP.O. Box 2000Oakville, Ontario L6K 0C8
Telephone
1-800-565-3673 (FORD)TDD for the hearing impaired:7-1-1 (where offered by your telephoneservice provider)
Website
www.ford.ca
Facebook
FordServiceCA (English)FordServiceQC (Français)
Twitter
@FordServiceCA
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You are required to submit your warrantydispute to BBB AUTO LINE before assertingin court any rights or remedies conferredby California Civil Code Section 1793.22(b).You are also required to use BBB AUTOLINE before exercising rights or seekingremedies created by the FederalMagnuson-Moss Warranty Act, 15 U.S.C.sec. 2301 et seq. If you choose to seekredress by pursuing rights and remediesnot created by California Civil Code Section1793.22(b) or the Magnuson-MossWarranty Act, resort to BBB AUTO LINE isnot required by those statutes.
THE BETTER BUSINESS
BUREAU (BBB) AUTO LINE
PROGRAM (U.S. ONLY)
Your satisfaction is important to FordMotor Company and to your dealer. If awarranty concern has not been resolvedusing the three-step procedure outlinedearlier in this chapter in the Getting theServices you need section, you may beeligible to participate in the BBB AUTOLINE program.
The BBB AUTO LINE program consists oftwo parts – mediation and arbitration.During mediation, a representative of theBBB will contact both you and Ford MotorCompany to explore options for settlementof the claim. If an agreement is not reachedduring mediation or you do not want toparticipate in mediation, and if your claimis eligible, you may participate in thearbitration process. An arbitration hearingwill be scheduled so that you can presentyour case in an informal setting before animpartial person. The arbitrator considersthe testimony provided and makes adecision after the hearing.
Disputes submitted to the BBB AUTO LINEprogram are usually decided within 40days after you file your claim with the BBB.You are not bound by the decision, andmay reject the decision and proceed tocourt where all findings of the BBB AutoLine dispute, and decision, are admissiblein the court action. Should you choose toaccept the BBB AUTO LINE decision, Fordis then bound by the decision, and mustcomply with the decision within 30 daysof receipt of your acceptance letter.
BBB AUTO LINE Application: Using theinformation that follows, please call orwrite to request a program application.You will be asked for your name andaddress, general information about yournew vehicle, information about yourwarranty concerns, and any steps you havealready taken to try to resolve them. ACustomer Claim Form will be mailed thatneeds to be completed, signed andreturned to the BBB along with proof ofownership. Upon receipt, the BBB reviewsthe claim for eligibility under the ProgramSummary Guidelines.
You can get more information bycalling BBB AUTO LINE at1-800-955-5100, or writing to:
BBB AUTO LINE a Division of BBBNational Programs, Inc.1676 International Drive, Suite 550McLean, VA 22102
BBB AUTO LINE applications can also berequested by calling the Ford MotorCompany Customer Relationship Centerat 1-800-392-3673.
For additional information, refer to theBetter Business Bureau website.
Note:Ford Motor Company reserves theright to change eligibility limitations, modifyprocedures, or to discontinue this processat any time without notice and withoutobligation.
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1.Stop your vehicle as soon as it is safeto do so. Fully apply the parking brake,shift into park (P) or neutral (N).
2.Leave the engine running until thecoolant temperature gauge needlereturns to the normal position. If thetemperature does not drop afterseveral minutes, follow the remainingsteps.
3.Switch the engine off and wait for it tocool. Check the coolant level.
4.If the coolant level is at or below theminimum mark, add prediluted coolantimmediately.
5.If the coolant level is normal, restartthe engine and continue.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
FLUID CHECK
If required, have an authorized dealer checkand change the transmission fluid at thecorrect service interval. See ScheduledMaintenance (page 476).
The automatic transmission does not havea transmission fluid dipstick.
Refer to your scheduled maintenanceinformation for scheduled intervals for fluidchecks and changes. Your transmissiondoes not consume fluid. However, if thetransmission slips, shifts slowly or if younotice a sign of leaking fluid, contact anauthorized dealer.
Do not use supplemental transmissionfluid additives, treatments or cleaningagents. The use of these materials mayaffect transmission operation and resultin damage to internal transmissioncomponents.
BRAKE FLUID CHECK
WARNING: Do not use any fluidother than the recommended brake fluidas this will reduce brake efficiency. Useof incorrect fluid could result in the lossof vehicle control, serious personal injuryor death.
WARNING: Only use brake fluidfrom a sealed container. Contaminationwith dirt, water, petroleum products orother materials may result in brakesystem damage or failure. Failure toadhere to this warning could result in theloss of vehicle control, serious personalinjury or death.
WARNING: Do not allow the fluidto touch your skin or eyes. If thishappens, rinse the affected areasimmediately with plenty of water andcontact your physician.
WARNING: The brake systemcould be affected if the brake fluid levelis below the MIN mark or above the MAXmark on the brake fluid reservoir.
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1.Park your vehicle on a level surface.
2.Look at the brake fluid reservoir to seewhere the brake fluid level is relativeto the MIN and the MAX marks on thereservoir.
Note:If the brake fluid level is between theMIN and the MAX marks on the reservoir, itis acceptable.
Note:If the brake fluid level is below theMIN mark or above the MAX mark, haveyour vehicle checked as soon as possible.
Note:To avoid fluid contamination, thereservoir cap must remain in place and fullytight, unless you are adding fluid.
Only use fluid that meets ourspecifications. See Capacities andSpecifications (page 378).
Brake Fluid Service Interval
Brake fluid absorbs water over time whichdegrades the effectiveness of the brakefluid. Change the brake fluid at thespecified intervals to prevent degradedbraking performance.
For detailed interval information, seeScheduled Maintenance in your Owner'sManual or your local maintenance guide.
POWER STEERING FLUID
CHECK
Your vehicle is equipped with an electricpower steering (EPS) system. There is nofluid reservoir to check or fill.
CHANGING THE 12V BATTERY
- EXCLUDING: HYBRID
ELECTRIC VEHICLE (HEV)
WARNING: Batteries normallyproduce explosive gases which cancause personal injury. Therefore, do notallow flames, sparks or lightedsubstances to come near the battery.When working near the battery, alwaysshield your face and protect your eyes.Always provide correct ventilation.
WARNING: When lifting aplastic-cased battery, excessive pressureon the end walls could cause acid to flowthrough the vent caps, resulting inpersonal injury and damage to thevehicle or battery. Lift the battery with abattery carrier or with your hands onopposite corners.
WARNING: Keep batteries out ofreach of children. Batteries containsulfuric acid. Avoid contact with skin,eyes or clothing. Shield your eyes whenworking near the battery to protectagainst possible splashing of acidsolution. In case of acid contact with skinor eyes, flush immediately with water fora minimum of 15 minutes and get promptmedical attention. If acid is swallowed,call a physician immediately.
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Less Cost to Properly Maintain YourVehicle
Ford Protect extended service plan alsooffers a Premium Maintenance Plan thatcovers all scheduled maintenance, andselected wear items. The coverage isprepaid, so you never have to worry aboutthe cost of your vehicle’s maintenance.
Covered maintenance includes:
•Windshield wiper blades.
•Spark plugs.
•The clutch disc (if equipped).
•Brake pads and linings.
•Shock absorbers.
•Struts.
•Engine belts.
•Engine coolant hoses, clamps andO-rings.
•Diesel exhaust fluid replenishment (ifequipped).
•Cabin air filter replacement every20,000 mi (32,000 km) (electricvehicles only).
Interest Free Finance Options
Just a 5% down payment will provide youwith an affordable, no interest, no feepayment program allowing you all thesecurity and benefits Ford Protectextended service plan has to offer whilepaying over time. You are pre-approvedwith no credit check or hassles. To learnmore, call our Ford Protect extendedservice plan specialists at 800-367-3377.
Ford Protect Extended Service PlanP.O. Box 321067Detroit, MI 48232
Ford Protect Extended ServicePlan (CANADA ONLY)
You can get more protection for yourvehicle by purchasing a Ford Protectextended service plan. Ford Protectextended service plan is the only servicecontract backed by Ford Motor Companyof Canada, Limited. Depending on the planyou purchase, Ford Protect extendedservice plan provides benefits such as:
•Rental reimbursement.
•Coverage for certain maintenance andwear items.
•Protection against repair costs afteryour New Vehicle Limited WarrantyCoverage expires.
•Roadside Assistance benefits.
There are several Ford Protect extendedservice plans available in various time,distance and deductible combinations.Each plan is tailored to fit your own drivingneeds, including reimbursement for towingand rental. When you purchase FordProtect extended service plan, you receiveadded peace-of-mind protectionthroughout Canada, the United States andMexico, provided by a network ofparticipating authorized Ford MotorCompany dealers.
Note:Repairs performed outside of Canadaand the United States are not eligible forFord Protect extended service plancoverage.
This information is subject to change. Formore information; visit your local Ford ofCanada dealer or www.ford.ca to find theFord Protect extended service plan that isright for you.
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GENERAL MAINTENANCE
INFORMATION
Why Maintain Your Vehicle?
Carefully following the maintenanceschedule helps protect against major repairexpenses resulting from neglect orinadequate maintenance and may help toincrease the value of your vehicle whenyou sell or trade it. Keep all receipts forcompleted maintenance with your vehicle.
We have established regular maintenanceintervals for your vehicle based uponrigorous testing. It is important that youhave your vehicle serviced at the propertimes. These intervals serve two purposes:one is to maintain the reliability of yourvehicle and the second is to keep your costof owning your vehicle down.
It is your responsibility to have allscheduled maintenance performed and tomake sure that the materials used meetthe specifications identified in this owner'smanual. See Capacities andSpecifications (page 378).
Failure to perform scheduled maintenanceinvalidates warranty coverage on partsaffected by the lack of maintenance.
Why Maintain Your Vehicle at YourDealership?
Factory-Trained Technicians
Service technicians participate in extensivefactory-sponsored certification training tohelp them become experts on theoperation of your vehicle. Ask yourdealership about the training andcertification their technicians havereceived.
Our Genuine Replacement Parts
Dealerships stock our genuinemanufactured or our authorizedre-manufactured replacement parts.These parts meet or exceed ourspecifications. Parts installed at yourdealership carry a nationwide 24-monthor unlimited mile (kilometer) parts andlabor limited warranty.
If you do not use our authorized parts theymay not meet our specifications anddepending on the part, it could affectemissions compliance.
Convenience
Many dealerships have extended eveningand Saturday hours to make your servicevisit more convenient and they offer onestop shopping. They can perform anyservices that are required on your vehicle,from general maintenance to collisionrepairs.
Note:Not all dealers have extended hoursor body shops. Please contact your dealerfor details.
Protecting Your Investment
Maintenance is an investment that paysdividends in the form of improvedreliability, durability and resale value. Tomaintain the proper performance of yourvehicle and its emission control systems,make sure you have scheduledmaintenance performed at the designatedintervals.
Your vehicle has an Intelligent Oil-LifeMonitor system; a message appears in theinstrument cluster display at the proper oilchange interval. This interval may be up toone year or 10,000 mi (16,000 km), hybridvehicles may exceed 10,000 mi(16,000 km).
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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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