2012 FORD EXPLORER warning

If other than Ford, Motorcraftor Ford-authorized parts are used for
maintenance replacements or for service of components affecting
emission control, such non-Ford parts should be equivalent to genuine
Ford Motor Company parts in performance and durability.
Illumination of the service engine soon
indicator, charging system
warning light or the temperature warning light, fluid leaks, strange odors,
smoke or loss of engine power could indicate that the emission control
system is not working properly.
An improperly operating or damaged exhaust system may allow exhaust
to enter the vehicle. Have a damaged or improperly operating exhaust
system inspected and repaired immediately.
Do not make any unauthorized changes to your vehicle or engine. By
law, vehicle owners and anyone who manufactures, repairs, services,
sells, leases, trades vehicles, or supervises a fleet of vehicles are not
permitted to intentionally remove an emission control device or prevent
it from working. Information about your vehicle’s emission system is on
the Vehicle Emission Control Information Decal located on or near the
engine. This decal also lists engine displacement.
Please consult yourWarranty Guidefor complete emission warranty
information.
On-board diagnostics (OBD-II)
Your vehicle is equipped with a computer that monitors the engine’s
emission control system. This system is commonly known as the
on-board diagnostics system (OBD-II). The OBD-II system protects the
environment by ensuring that your vehicle continues to meet
government emission standards. The OBD-II system also assists your
authorized dealer in properly servicing your vehicle. When the service
engine soon
indicator illuminates, the OBD-II system has detected
a malfunction. Temporary malfunctions may cause the service engine
soon
indicator to illuminate. Examples are:
1. The vehicle has run out of fuel—the engine may misfire or run poorly.
2. Poor fuel quality or water in the fuel—the engine may misfire or run
poorly.
3. The fuel fill inlet may not have been properly closed. SeeEasy Fuel
“no cap” fuel systemin this chapter.
4. Driving through deep water—the electrical system may be wet.
Maintenance and Specifications
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Allow the vehicle to sit for at least eight hours without starting the
engine. Then, start the engine and complete the above driving cycle. The
engine must warm up to its normal operating temperature. Once started,
do not turn off the engine until the above driving cycle is complete. If
the vehicle is still not ready for I/M testing, the above driving cycle will
have to be repeated.
BRAKE FLUID
The fluid level will drop slowly as
the brakes wear, and will rise when
the brake components are replaced.
Fluid levels between the MIN and
MAX lines are within the normal
operating range; there is no need to
add fluid. If the fluid levels are
outside of the normal operating
range, the performance of the
system could be compromised; seek
service from your authorized dealer
immediately.
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking automatic transmission fluid (6F50/6F55) (if equipped)
Refer to yourscheduled maintenance informationfor scheduled
intervals for fluid checks and changes. Your transmission does not
consume fluid. However, the fluid level should be checked if the
transmission is not working properly, i.e., if the transmission slips or
shifts slowly or if you notice some sign of fluid leakage.
Automatic transmission fluid expands when warmed. To obtain an
accurate fluid check, drive the vehicle until it is warmed up
(approximately 20 miles [30 km]). If your vehicle has been
operated for an extended period at high speeds, in city traffic
during hot weather or pulling a trailer, the vehicle should be
turned off until normal operating temperatures are reached to
allow the fluid to cool before checking. Depending on vehicle use,
cooling times could take up to 30 minutes or longer.
WARNING:The dipstick cap and surrounding components may
be hot; gloves are recommended.
MAX
MIN
Maintenance and Specifications
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Note:Transmission fluid should be checked by an authorized dealer. If
required, fluid should be added by an authorized dealer.
Do not use supplemental transmission fluid additives, treatments or
cleaning agents. The use of these materials may affect transmission
operation and result in damage to internal transmission components.
AIR FILTER
WARNING:To reduce the risk of vehicle damage and/or
personal burn injuries do not start your engine with the air
cleaner removed and do not remove it while the engine is running.
Refer toscheduled maintenance informationfor the appropriate
intervals for changing the air filter element.
When changing the air filter element, use only the air filter element
listed. Refer toMotorcraftpart numbersin this chapter.
For Ecoboost™ equipped vehicles: When servicing the air cleaner, it is
important that no foreign material enter the air induction system. The
engine and turbocharger are susceptible to damage from even small
particles.
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.
Maintenance and Specifications
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Engine oil/coolant change intervals
Engine oilAs indicated by the message center: do not
exceed 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
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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 component for leaks or
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
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A
Accessory delay ..........................94
Active Park Assist .....................300
Adaptive Cruise Control ...........100
AdvanceTrac ..............................275
Airbag supplemental restraint
system ........................193, 201, 204
and child safety seats ............195
description ..............193, 201, 204
disposal ....................................207
driver airbag ............195, 202, 205
indicator light .................201, 206
operation .................195, 202, 205
passenger airbag .....195, 202, 205
side airbag ...............................201
Air cleaner filter ...............398, 401
Air conditioning ..............60, 63, 65
manual heating and air
conditioning system .................60
All Wheel Drive (AWD),
driving off road .........................313
Ambulance packages ....................6
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................376
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................272
Anti-theft system ..............148, 152
arming the system ..........148, 152
disarming a triggered
system .....................................152
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................286
fluid, adding ....................395, 397
fluid, checking ................395, 397
fluid, refill capacities ..............402
fluid, specification ..................402Selectshift (SST) ....................289
Auxiliary input jack (Line in) ....57
Auxiliary powerpoint ..................90
Axle
lubricant specifications ..........402
refill capacities ........................402
B
Battery .......................................373
acid, treating emergencies .....373
jumping a disabled battery ....343
maintenance-free ....................373
replacement, specifications ...401
servicing ..................................373
Belt-Minder.............................188
Blind Spot Information
System .......................................307
Blind spot mirror ......................305
Booster seats .............................224
Brakes ........................................272
anti-lock ...................................272
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................273
fluid, checking and adding ....395
fluid, refill capacities ..............402
fluid, specifications .................402
lubricant specifications ..........402
parking ....................................274
shift interlock ..........................284
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....402
Car2UHome Automation
System .......................................111
Cargo net ...................................118
Cell phone use ..............................9
Index
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Changing a tire .........................334
Child safety seats ......................212
in front seat ............................212
in rear seat ..............................212
LATCH .....................................218
recommendations ...................210
tether anchorage hardware ...220
Child safety seats - booster
seats ...........................................224
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............358
instrument panel ....................360
interior .....................................361
plastic parts ............................359
washing ....................................356
waxing .....................................357
wheels ......................................357
wiper blades ............................359
Climate control
(see Air conditioning or
Heating) ...........................60, 63, 65
Clock ............................................49
Collision Warning System .........297
Console ........................................90
overhead ....................................89
rear ............................................90
Controls
power seat ...............................157
steering column ......................108
Coolant
checking and adding ..............376
refill capacities ................379, 402
specifications ..........................402
Cross Traffic Alert ....................307
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................98
Customer Assistance ................322Ford Extended Service
Plan ..................................410, 413
Getting assistance outside the
U.S. and Canada .....................352
Getting roadside assistance ...322
Getting the service you
need .........................................348
Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................354
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................352
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................73
Defrost
rear window ..............................68
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..................................395, 397
engine oil .................................370
Driving under special
conditions ..................291, 314, 317
sand .........................................316
snow and ice ...........................318
through water .................316, 321
E
Electronic message center ...22, 26
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................343
running out of fuel .........342, 388
Emission control system ..........392
Engine ........................................405
cleaning ...................................358
coolant .....................................376
fail-safe cooling .......................381
Index
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Inspection/maintenance (I/M)
testing ........................................394
Instrument panel
cleaning ...................................360
cluster ........................................12
lighting up panel and
interior .......................................73
Intelligent Access Key ..............126
Intelligent Access with push
button start ...............................137
J
Jack ............................................334
positioning ...............................334
storage .....................................334
Jump-starting your vehicle ......343
K
Keyless entry system
autolock ...................................134
keypad .....................................146
locking and unlocking doors ..147
programming entry code .......146
Keys ...................................126, 148
positions of the ignition .........264
L
Lamps
autolamp system .......................71
bulb replacement
specifications chart ............78–79
daytime running light ...............73
fog lamps ...................................72
headlamps .................................71
headlamps, flash to pass ..........73
instrument panel, dimming .....73
interior lamps ...........................77
LATCH anchors .........................218Liftgate ......................119–120, 139
Lights, warning and indicator ....12
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........273
Loading instructions .................257
Load limits .................................251
Locks
autolock ...................................134
childproof ................................136
doors ........................................133
Lubricant specifications ...........402
Luggage rack .............................124
Lug nuts ....................................342
Lumbar support, seats .....157, 159
M
Message center .....................22, 26
warning messages ...............26, 36
Mirrors ...................................94–95
automatic dimming rearview
mirror ........................................95
fold away ...................................96
heated ........................................96
programmable memory ..........139
side view mirrors (power) .......95
signal .........................................97
Moon roof ..................................110
Motorcraftparts ..............363, 401
MyFord Connect™ system ........59
MyFord Touch™ system ............59
MyFord™ system ..................48, 59
MyKey ........................................127
O
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................370
Overdrive ...................................285
Index
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