
Changing the air filter element
1. Release the clamps that secure
the air filter housing cover.
2. Carefully separate the two halves
of the air filter housing.
3. Remove the air filter element
from the air filter housing.
4. Wipe the air filter housing and
cover clean to remove any dirt or
debris and to ensure good sealing.
5. Install a new air filter element. Be careful not to crimp the filter
element edges between the air filter housing and cover. This could cause
filter damage and allow unfiltered air to enter the engine if not properly
seated.
6. Replace the air filter housing
cover and secure the clamps. Be
sure that the air cleaner cover tabs
are engaged into the slots of the air
cleaner housing.
Note:Failure to use the correct air filter element may result in severe
engine damage. The customer warranty may be void for any damage to
the engine if the correct air filter element is not used.
VEHICLE STORAGE
If you plan on storing your vehicle for an extended period of time
(30 days or more), refer to the following maintenance recommendations
to ensure your vehicle stays in good operating condition.
All motor vehicles and their components were engineered and tested for
reliable, regular driving. Long term storage under various conditions may
lead to component degradation or failure unless specific precautions are
taken to preserve the components.
Maintenance and Specifications
407
2011 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

Ford ESP Can Quickly Pay for Itself
One service bill – the cost of parts and labor – can easily exceed the
price of your Ford ESP Service Contract. With Ford ESP, you minimize
your risk for unexpected repair bills and rising repair costs.
Avoid the rising cost of properly maintaining your vehicle!
Ford ESP also offers a Premium Maintenance Plan that covers items that
routinely wear out.
The coverage is prepaid, so you never have to worry about affording
your vehicle maintenance. It covers regular checkups, routine
inspections, preventive care and replacement of items that require
periodic attention fornormal “wear”:
•Wiper blades•Brake pads and linings
•Spark plugs (except
California)•Shock absorbers
•Clutch disc•Belts and hoses
Contact your selling Ford or Lincoln dealership today so they can
customize a Ford Extended Service Plan that fits your driving lifestyle
and budget.
Interest free finance options available
Take advantage of our installment payment plan, just a 10% down
payment will provide you with an affordable no interest, no-fee payment
opportunity.
Ford Extended Service Plan
420
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)

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)