2011 FORD EXPLORER instrument cluster

Fuel quality
If you are experiencing starting, rough idle or hesitation driveability
problems during a cold start, try a different brand of “Regular” unleaded
gasoline. Premium unleaded gasoline is not recommended for vehicles
designed to use “Regular” unleaded gasoline because it may cause these
problems to become more pronounced. If the problems persist, see your
authorized dealer.
Do not add aftermarket fuel additive products to your fuel tank. It
should not be necessary to add any aftermarket products to your fuel
tank if you continue to use high quality fuel of the recommended octane
rating. These products have not been approved for your engine and
could cause damage to the fuel system. Repairs to correct the effects of
using an aftermarket product in your fuel may not be covered by your
warranty.
Many of the world’s automakers approved the World-Wide Fuel Charter
that recommends gasoline specifications to provide improved
performance and emission control system protection for your vehicle.
Gasolines that meet the World-Wide Fuel Charter should be used when
available. Ask your fuel supplier about gasolines that meet the
World-Wide Fuel Charter.
Cleaner air
Ford endorses the use of reformulated “cleaner-burning” gasolines to
improve air quality, per the recommendations in theChoosing the right
fuelsection.
Running out of fuel
Avoid running out of fuel because this situation may have an adverse
effect on powertrain components.
If you have run out of fuel:
•You may need to cycle the ignition from off to on several times after
refueling to allow the fuel system to pump the fuel from the tank to
the engine. On restarting, cranking time will take a few seconds longer
than normal.
•Normally, adding 1 gallon (3.8L) of fuel is enough to restart the
engine. If the vehicle is out of fuel and on a steep grade, more than
1 gallon (3.8L) may be required.
•The service engine soon
indicator may come on. For more
information on the service engine soon indicator, refer toWarning
lights and chimesin theInstrument Clusterchapter.
Maintenance and Specifications
396
2011 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

GENERAL MAINTENANCE INFORMATION
Why maintain your vehicle?
This guide describes the scheduled maintenance required for your
vehicle. Carefully following this schedule helps protect against major
repair expenses resulting from neglect or inadequate maintenance and
may also help to increase the value of your vehicle when you sell or
trade it.
It is your responsibility to see that all scheduled maintenance is
performed and that the materials used meet Ford engineering
specifications. Failure to perform scheduled maintenance specific in this
guide will invalidate warranty coverage on parts affected by the lack of
maintenance. Be sure receipts for completed maintenance are kept with
the vehicle and confirmation of the work performed is always recorded in
this guide.
Your dealer has factory-trained technicians who can perform the required
maintenance using genuine Ford parts. They are committed to meeting
your service needs and to assuring your continuing satisfaction.
Protecting your investment
Maintenance is an investment that will pay dividends in the form of
improved reliability, durability and resale value. To ensure the proper
performance of your vehicle and its emission control systems, it is
imperative that scheduled maintenance be completed at the designated
intervals.
For your convenience, your vehicle is equipped with a message center
which determines the proper oil change service interval. You should
perform the engine oil change as indicated by the message center. The
message center will display ENGINE OIL CHANGE SOON or OIL
CHANGE REQUIRED to indicate when an oil change is needed. The
engine oil change service needs to be completed within two weeks or
500 miles (800 km) after the OIL CHANGE REQUIRED message is
displayed. Your oil change service interval can be up to one year or
10,000 miles (16,000 km). Reset your Intelligent Oil Life Monitor™ after
each engine oil and filter change; refer to theInstrument Cluster
chapter.
If your message center is prematurely reset or becomes inoperative, you
should perform the oil change interval at six months or 5,000 miles
(8,000 km) from your last oil change.
Scheduled Maintenance Guide
423
2011 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

NORMAL SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE AND LOG
For your convenience, your vehicle is equipped with a message center
which determines the proper oil change service interval. You should
perform the engine oil change as indicated by the message center. The
message center will display ENGINE OIL CHANGE SOON or OIL
CHANGE REQUIRED to indicate when an oil change is needed. The
engine oil change service needs to be completed within two weeks or
500 miles (800 km) after the OIL CHANGE REQUIRED message is
displayed. Your oil change service interval can be up to one year or
10,000 miles (16,000 km). Reset your Intelligent Oil Life Monitor™ after
each engine oil and filter change; refer to theInstrument Cluster
chapter.
If your message center is prematurely reset or becomes inoperative, you
should perform the oil change interval at six months or 5,000 miles
(8,000 km) from your last oil change.
Scheduled Maintenance Guide
429
2011 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

Oil Change Service Interval* 123456789101112131415
Change engine oil and filter• ••••••••••••••
Rotate tires, inspect tire wear and measure
tread depth• ••••••••••••••
Inspect wheels and related components for
abnormal noise, wear, looseness or drag• ••••••••••••••
Perform multi-point inspection (recommended)• ••••••••••••••
Inspect automatic transmission fluid level (if
equipped with dipstick); consult dealer for
requirements• ••••••••••••••
Inspect brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, brake
linings, hoses and parking brake• ••••••••••••••
Inspect engine cooling system concentration
and hoses• ••••••••••••••
Inspect exhaust system and heat shields• ••••••••••••••
Inspect half-shaft boots (if equipped)• ••••••••••••••
Inspect steering linkage, ball joints, suspension,
tie-rod ends, driveshaft and U-joints; lubricate
if equipped with grease fittings• ••••••••••••••
Inspect cabin air filter (if equipped)• ••••••••••••••
*Oil change service intervals should be completed as indicated by the message center
Reset your Intelligent Oil Life Monitor™ after each engine oil and filter change; refer to theInstrument Clusterchapter
Scheduled Maintenance Guide
430
2011 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

Operating in dusty conditions such as unpaved or dusty roads
Inspect frequently, service as
required– Replace cabin air filter (if equipped)
– Replace engine air filter
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km)– Inspect the wheels and related components for
abnormal noise, wear, looseness or drag
– Rotate tires, inspect tires for wear and measure tread
depth
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or
6 months– Change engine oil and filter
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km)– Change automatic transmission fluid (except Fiesta and
vehicles equipped with a 6R80 transmission)
Every 50,000 miles (80,000 km)– Change manual transmission fluid
Reset your Intelligent Oil Life Monitor™ after each engine oil and filter
change; refer to theInstrument Clusterchapter.
Exclusive use of E85 (Flex Fuel Vehicles only)
Every oil change interval– If ran exclusively on E85, fill the fuel tank full with
regular unleaded fuel
Scheduled Maintenance Guide
437
2011 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

Inspection/maintenance (I/M)
testing ........................................403
Instrument panel
cleaning ...................................370
cluster ........................................14
lighting up panel and
interior .......................................79
Intelligent Access Key ..............131
Intelligent Access with push
button start ...............................143
J
Jack ............................................336
positioning ...............................336
storage .....................................336
Jump-starting your vehicle ......354
K
Keyless entry system
autolock ...................................139
keypad .....................................152
locking and unlocking doors ..153
programming entry code .......152
Keys ...................................130, 155
positions of the ignition .........267
L
Lamps
autolamp system .......................77
bulb replacement
specifications chart ............84–85
daytime running light ...............79
fog lamps ...................................78
headlamps .................................77
headlamps, flash to pass ..........78
instrument panel, dimming .....79
interior lamps ...........................83
LATCH anchors .........................222Liftgate ......................123–124, 145
Lights, warning and indicator ....14
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........275
Loading instructions .................261
Load limits .................................255
Locks
autolock ...................................139
childproof ................................142
doors ........................................138
Lubricant specifications ...........411
Luggage rack .............................128
Lug nuts ....................................352
Lumbar support, seats .....163, 165
M
Message center .....................23, 34
warning messages ...............27, 43
Mirrors ...............................100–101
automatic dimming rearview
mirror ......................................100
fold away .................................102
heated ......................................101
programmable memory ..........145
side view mirrors (power) .....101
signal .......................................102
Moon roof ..................................114
Motorcraftparts ..............374, 410
MyFord Connect™ system ........62
MyFord Touch™ system ............62
MyFord™ system ..................51, 62
MyKey ........................................132
O
Octane rating ............................395
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................380
Index
445
2011 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)