
Genuine Ford parts and service
When planning your maintenance services, consider your dealership for
all your vehicle’s needs.
There are a lot of reasons why visiting your dealership for all your
service needs is a great way to help keep your vehicle running great.
Convenience
Many dealerships have extended evening and Saturday hours to make
your service visit more convenient. How’s that for quality service?
Factory-trained technicians
Service technicians participate in extensive factory-sponsored
certification training to help them become experts on the operation of
your vehicle. Ask your dealership about the training and certification
their technicians have received.
Genuine Ford and Motorcraftreplacement parts
Dealerships stock Ford and Motorcraftbranded replacement parts.
These parts meet or exceed Ford Motor Company’s specifications, and
we stand behind them. Parts installed at your dealership carry a
nationwide, 12 month/12,000 mile (20,000 km) parts and labor limited
warranty. Your dealer can give you details.
Value shopping for your vehicle’s maintenance needs
Your dealership recognizes the competitive landscape of maintenance and
light repair automotive services. With factory-trained technicians, and
one-stop service from routine maintenance like oil changes and tire
rotations to repairs like brake service, check out the value your dealers
can offer.
Scheduled Maintenance Guide
425
2011 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

Owner checks and services
Certain basic maintenance checks and inspections should be performed
by the owner or a service technician at the intervals indicated. Service
information and supporting specifications are provided in this owner’s
guide.
Any adverse condition should be brought to the attention of your dealer
or qualified service technician as soon as possible for the proper service
advice. The owner maintenance service checks are generally not covered
by warranties so you may be charged for labor, parts or fluids used.
Engine oil/coolant change intervals
Engine oilAs indicated by the message center (can be up
to one year or 10,000 miles [16,000 km])
Engine coolant,
initial change6 years or 100,000 miles (160,000 km)
(whichever comes first)
Engine coolant,
after initial changeEvery 3 years or 50,000 miles (80,000 km)
Check every month
Engine oil level
Function of all interior and exterior lights
Tires for wear and proper pressure, including spare
Windshield washer fluid level
Check every six months
Battery connections; clean if necessary
Body and door drain holes for obstructions; clean if necessary
Cooling system fluid level and coolant strength
Door weatherstrips for wear; lubricate if necessary
Hinges/latches/outside locks for proper operation; lubricate if necessary
Parking brake for proper operation
Safety belts and seat latches for wear and function
Safety warning lamps (brake, ABS, airbag, safety belt) for operation
Washer spray/wiper operation; clean or replace blades as necessary
Scheduled Maintenance Guide
426
2011 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

Multi-point inspection
In order to keep your vehicle running right, it is important to have the
systems on your vehicle checked regularly. This can help identify
potential issues and prevent major problems. Ford Motor Company
recommends the following multi-point inspection be performed at every
scheduled maintenance interval to help ensure your vehicle keeps
running great.
Multi-point inspection – Recommended each visit
Accessory drive belt(s) Half-shaft dust boots (if equipped)
Battery performance Horn operation
Clutch operation (if equipped) Radiator, cooler, heater and A/C hoses
Engine air filter Suspension components for leaks and
damage
Exhaust system Steering and linkage
Exterior lamps and hazard
warning system operationTires for wear and proper pressure,
including spare
Fluid levels*; fill if necessary Windshield for cracks, chips or pits
For oil and fluid leaks Washer spray and wiper operation
*Brake, coolant recovery reservoir, manual and automatic transmission
(with an underhood dipstick), power steering (if equipped) and
window washer
Be sure to ask your dealership service advisor or technician about the
multi-point vehicle inspection. It’s a comprehensive way to perform a
thorough inspection of your vehicle. It’s your checklist that gives you
immediate feedback on the overall condition of your vehicle. You’ll know
what’s been checked, what’s okay, as well as those things that may
require future or immediate attention. The multi-point vehicle inspection
is one more way to keep your vehicle running great!
Scheduled Maintenance Guide
427
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)

A
Accessory delay ..........................99
Active Park Assist .....................303
Adaptive Cruise Control ...........105
AdvanceTrac ..............................277
Airbag supplemental restraint
system ........................197, 206, 208
and child safety seats ............199
description ..............197, 206, 208
disposal ....................................211
driver airbag ............199, 206, 209
indicator light .................205, 210
operation .................199, 206, 209
passenger airbag .....199, 206, 209
side airbag ...............................206
Air cleaner filter .......406–407, 410
Air conditioning ..............63, 66, 68
manual heating and air
conditioning system .................63
All Wheel Drive (AWD),
driving off road .........................316
Ambulance packages ....................7
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................385
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ......................274–275
Anti-theft system ..............154, 158
arming the system ..........154, 158
disarming a triggered
system .....................................158
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................288
fluid, adding ............................404
fluid, checking ........................404
fluid, refill capacities ..............411
fluid, specification ..................411Selectshift (SST) ....................291
Auxiliary input jack (Line in) ....60
Auxiliary power point .................96
Axle
lubricant specifications ..........411
refill capacities ........................411
B
Battery .......................................382
acid, treating emergencies .....382
jumping a disabled battery ....354
maintenance-free ....................382
replacement, specifications ...410
servicing ..................................382
Belt-Minder.............................193
Blind Spot Information
System .......................................310
Blind spot mirror ......................309
Booster seats .............................228
Brakes ........................................274
anti-lock ...........................274–275
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................275
fluid, checking and adding ....404
fluid, refill capacities ..............411
fluid, specifications .................411
lubricant specifications ..........411
parking ....................................276
shift interlock ..........................287
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....411
Car2UHome Automation
System .......................................116
Cargo net ...................................122
Cell phone use ............................10
Index
442
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)

Overdrive ...................................288
P
Parental MyKey
programming .............................132
Park Assist ................................303
Parking brake ............................276
Parts
(see Motorcraftparts) ...........410
Passenger Occupant
Classification Sensor .................182
Pedals (see Power adjustable
foot pedals) ...............................103
Power adjustable foot pedals ...103
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................332
Power door locks ......................138
Power liftgate ............................124
Power mirrors ...........................101
Power point .................................96
Power steering ..........................284
fluid, refill capacity ................411
fluid, specifications .................411
Power Windows ...........................98
Preparing to drive your
vehicle ........................................286
Push button start system .........270
R
Rear-view camera system .........296
Rear window defroster ...............75
Recommendations for
attaching safety restraints for
children ......................................214Relays ........................................327
Remote entry system .......142–143
illuminated entry ............148–149
locking/unlocking doors .........144
opening the trunk ...................145
Remote start ...........................149
replacement/additional
transmitters .............................148
replacing the batteries ...........147
Remote start .............................149
Remote start climate
operation .....................................75
Reverse sensing system ...........294
Roadside assistance ..................325
Roof rack ...................................128
S
Safety belts (see Safety
restraints) ..........184–186, 191–192
Safety Canopy ...................206, 208
Safety defects, reporting ..........366
Safety restraints 184–186, 191–192
Belt-Minder...........................193
extension assembly ................191
for adults .................185–186, 191
for children .............................211
inflatable safety belt ...............189
Occupant Classification
Sensor ......................................182
warning light and chime ........192
Safety restraints - LATCH
anchors ......................................222
Safety seats for children ..........216
Safety Compliance
Certification Label ....................414
Satellite Radio Information ........57
Index
446
2011 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

Scheduled Maintenance Guide
Normal Scheduled
Maintenance and Log .............429
Seats ..........................................160
child safety seats ....................216
cleaning ...................................373
climate control ........................167
easy access/easyout feature ..169
front seats .......................162, 166
heated ......................................165
memory seat ...................145, 168
second row seats ............171, 174
third row seats ........174, 176–177
Second-row power fold seat ....174
SecuriCode keyless entry
system ........................................152
SecuriLock passive anti-theft
system ........................................154
Setting the clock .........................52
Snowplowing .................................7
SOS Post Crash Alert ...............211
Spare tire
(see Changing the Tire) ...........339
Spark plugs,
specifications .....................410, 414
Special notice
ambulance conversions ..............7
utility-type vehicles ....................7
Specification chart,
lubricants ...................................411
Speed control ............................103
Starting your vehicle ........267–269
jump starting ..........................354
push button start system .......270
Steering wheel
controls ....................................113
tilting .........................................94T
Temporary mobility kit .............344
Third-row power fold seat .......179
Tilt steering wheel ......................94
Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (TPMS)
Tires, Wheels and Loading ....250
Tires ...........................235–236, 336
alignment ................................243
care ..........................................239
changing ..................336, 339, 341
checking the pressure ............239
inflating ...................................237
label .........................................249
replacing ..................................241
rotating ....................................244
safety practices .......................243
sidewall information ...............244
snow tires and chains ............254
spare tire .................................337
Temporary mobility kit ..........344
terminology .............................236
tire grades ...............................236
treadwear ........................235, 240
Touchscreen features
(climate) ......................................71
Towing .......................................262
recreational towing .................265
trailer towing ..........................262
wrecker ....................................357
Transmission .............................288
brake-shift interlock (BSI) ....287
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................404
fluid, refill capacities ..............411
lubricant specifications ..........411
Turn signal ..................................82
Index
447
2011 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)