2012 FORD EXPLORER towing

Habits
•Smooth, moderate operation can yield up to 10% savings in fuel.
•Steady speeds without stopping will usually give the best fuel
economy.
•Idling for long periods of time (greater than one minute) may waste
fuel.
•Anticipate stopping; slowing down may eliminate the need to stop.
•Sudden or hard accelerations may reduce fuel economy.
•Slow down gradually.
•Driving at reasonable speeds (traveling at 55 mph [88 km/h] uses 15%
less fuel than traveling at 65 mph [105 km/h]).
•Revving the engine before turning it off may reduce fuel economy.
•Using the air conditioner or defroster may reduce fuel economy.
•You may want to turn off the speed control in hilly terrain if
unnecessary shifting between the top gears occurs. Unnecessary
shifting of this type could result in reduced fuel economy.
•Warming up a vehicle on cold mornings is not required and may
reduce fuel economy.
•Resting your foot on the brake pedal while driving may reduce fuel
economy.
•Combine errands and minimize stop-and-go driving.
Maintenance
•Keep tires properly inflated and use only recommended size.
•Operating a vehicle with the wheels out of alignment will reduce fuel
economy.
•Use recommended engine oil. Refer toMaintenance product
specifications and capacitiesin this chapter.
•Perform all regularly scheduled maintenance items. Follow the
recommended maintenance schedule and owner maintenance checks
found inscheduled maintenance information.
Conditions
•Heavily loading a vehicle or towing a trailer may reduce fuel economy
at any speed.
•Carrying unnecessary weight may reduce fuel economy (approximately
1 mpg [0.4 km/L] is lost for every 400 lb [180 kg] of weight carried).
Maintenance and Specifications
391
2012 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

FORD CUSTOM ACCESSORIES FOR YOUR VEHICLE
A wide selection of Ford Custom Accessories are available for your
vehicle through your local Ford or Ford of Canada dealer. These quality
accessories have been specifically engineered to fulfill your automotive
needs; they are custom designed to complement the style and
aerodynamic appearance of your vehicle. In addition, each accessory is
made from high quality materials and meets or exceeds Ford’s rigorous
engineering and safety specifications. Ford Motor Company will repair or
replace any properly dealer-installed Ford Custom Accessories found to
be defective in factory-supplied materials or workmanship during the
warranty period, as well as any component damaged by the defective
accessories. The accessories will be warranted for whichever provides
you the greatest benefit:
•12 months or 12,000 miles (20,000 km) (whichever occurs first), or
•the remainder of your new vehicle limited warranty.
Contact your dealer for details and a copy of the warranty.
The following is a list of several Ford Custom Accessories. Not all
accessories are available for all models. For a complete listing of the
accessories that are available for your vehicle, please contact your dealer
or visit our online store at:www.fordaccessories.com(U.S. only).
Exterior style
•Bug shields•Deflectors
•Bumper protector•Splash guards
•Hitch sensor
Interior style
•Ambient lighting•Floor mats
Lifestyle
•Ash cup / smoker’s package•Portable navigation*
•Trailer hitch balls•Camping tent*
•Rear seat entertainment*•Racks and carriers*
•Trailer hitch ball mounts
•Cargo organization and management
•Trailer hitch drawbars, and towing accessories
Accessories
408
2012 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

FORD ESP EXTENDED SERVICE PLANS (U.S. ONLY)
More than 32 million Ford and Lincoln owners have discovered the
powerful protection of Ford ESP. It is the only extended service plan
backed by Ford Motor Company, and provides “peace of mind”
protection beyond the New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage.
Up to 500+ Covered Vehicle Components
There are four, new-vehicle Extended Service Plans with different levels
of coverage. Ask your dealer for details.
PremiumCare –Our most comprehensive coverage. With over 500
covered components, this plan is so complete that we generally only
discuss what’s not covered!
ExtraCare –Covers 113 components, and includes many high-tech
items.
BaseCare –Covers 84 components.
PowertrainCare –Covers 29 critical components.
Ford ESP is honored by all Ford and Lincoln Dealers in the U.S.
and CanadaIt’s the only extended service plan authorized and backed
by Ford Motor Company. That means you get:
•Reliable, quality service anywhere you go.
•Factory-trained technicians.
•Ford Authorized Parts used with every covered repair.
Rental car reimbursement
If your vehicle is kept overnight for covered repairs,you are
eligible for rental car coverage, including Bumper-to-Bumper warranty
repairs, or manufacturer’s recalls.
Transferable coverage
If you sell your vehicle before your Ford ESP coverage expires, you can
transfer any remaining coverage to the new owner. Whenever you’re
ready to sell your car, prospective buyers may feel better about taking a
risk on your used vehicle. Ford ESP may add resale value!
Plus,exclusive 24/7 roadside assistance,including:
•Towing, flat-tire change and battery jump starts.
•Out-of-fuel and lock-out assistance.
•Travel expense reimbursement for lodging, meals and rental car.
•Destination assistance for taxi, shuttle, rental car coverage and
emergency transportation.
Ford Extended Service Plan
410
2012 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

FORD ESP EXTENDED SERVICE PLANS (CANADA ONLY)
You can get more protection for your vehicle by purchasing a Ford
Extended Service Plan (ESP). Ford ESP is the only service contract
backed by Ford Motor Company of Canada, Limited. Depending on the
plan you purchase, Ford ESP provides benefits such as:
•Rental reimbursement
•Coverage for certain maintenance and wear items
•Protection against repair costs after your New Vehicle Limited
Warranty Coverage expires
•Roadside Assistance benefits
There are several Ford ESP plans available in various time, distance and
deductible combinations. Each plan is tailored to fit your own driving
needs, including reimbursement for towing and rental.
When you purchase Ford ESP, you receive added peace-of-mind
protection throughout Canada and the United States, provided by a
network of participating Ford Motor Company dealers.
For more information, visit your local Ford of Canada dealer or
www.ford.ca to find the Ford Extended Service Plan that is right for you.
Note:Repairs performed outside of Canada and the United States are
not eligible for Ford ESP coverage. This information is subject to change.
Ford Extended Service Plan
413
2012 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

NORMAL SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE AND LOG
Intelligent Oil Life Monitor™
Your vehicle is equipped with an Intelligent Oil Life Monitor™ that
determines when the engine oil should be changed based on how your
vehicles is used. By using several important factors in its calculations,
the monitor helps reduce the cost of owning your vehicle and reduce
environmental waste at the same time. This means you won’t have to
remember to change the oil on a mileage-based schedule; the vehicle lets
you know when an oil change is due by displaying ENGINE OIL
CHANGE DUE or OIL CHANGE REQUIRED in the message center. The
following table is intended to provide examples of vehicle use and its
impact on engine oil change intervals; it is provided as a guideline only.
Actual engine oil change intervals will depend on several factors and will
generally decrease with severity of use.
When to expect the OIL CHANGE REQUIRED message
Miles (km) Vehicle use and examples
7500-10000
(12000-16000)Normal
– Normal commuting with highway driving
– No, or moderate, load/towing
– Flat to moderately hilly roads
– No extended idling
5000-7499
(8000-11999)Severe
– Moderate to heavy load/towing
– Mountainous or off-road conditions
– Extended idling
– Extended hot or cold operation
3000-4999
(4000-7999)Extreme
– Maximum load/towing
– Extreme hot or cold operation
Scheduled Maintenance
420
2012 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

SPECIAL OPERATING CONDITIONS
If you operate your vehicleprimarilyin any of the following conditions,
you need to perform additional maintenance as indicated. If you
occasionallyoperate your vehicle under any of these conditions, it is
not necessary to perform the additional maintenance. For specific
recommendations, see your dealership service advisor or technician.
Towing a trailer or using a camper or car-top carrier
As required Change engine oil and filter as indicated by
message center and perform services listed in the
Normal Scheduled Maintenance chart
Inspect frequently,
service as requiredInspect and lubricate U-joints
See axle maintenance items underExceptions
Every 30,000 miles
(48,000 km)Change automatic transmission fluid (except
Focus)
Every 60,000 miles
(96,000 km)Change manual transmission fluid
Perform the services in the preceding table when specified or within
3,000 miles (4,800 km) of the OIL CHANGE REQUIRED message
appearing in the message center.
Example #1:The OIL CHANGE REQUIRED message comes on at
28,751 miles (46,270 km); perform the 30,000 mile (48,000 km)
automatic transmission fluid replacement.
Example #2:The OIL CHANGE REQUIRED message hasnotcome on
but the odometer reads 30,000 miles (48,000 km); perform the engine air
filter replacement. (i.e., Intelligent Oil Life Monitor™ was reset at
25,000 miles [40,000 km].)
Extensive idling and/or low-speed driving for long distances as
in heavy commercial use (i.e. delivery, taxi, patrol car or livery)
As required Change engine oil and filter as indicated by
message center and perform services listed in the
Normal Scheduled Maintenance chart
Inspect frequently,
service as requiredReplace cabin air filter (if equipped)
Replace engine air filter
Every 30,000 miles
(48,000 km)Change automatic transmission fluid (except
Focus)
Every 60,000 miles
(96,000 km)Replace spark plugs
Scheduled Maintenance
426
2012 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

EXCEPTIONS
There are several exceptions to the Normal Schedule. They are listed
below:
Normal vehicle axle maintenance:Rear axles and power take-off
(PTO) units with synthetic fluid and light-duty trucks equipped with
Ford-design axles are lubricated for life; do not check or change fluid
unless a leak is suspected, service is required or the assembly has been
submerged in water. During long periods of trailer towing with outside
temperatures above 70°F (21°C) and at wide-open throttle for long
periods above 45 mph (72 km/h), non-synthetic rear axle fluids should
be changed every 3,000 miles (4,800 km) or three months, whichever
comes first. This interval can be waived if the axle is filled with 75W140
synthetic gear fluid meeting Ford specification WSL-M2C192-A, part
number F1TZ-19580-B or equivalent. Add friction modifier XL-3
(EST-M2C118-A) or equivalent for complete refill of Traction-Lok rear
axles (refer toMaintenance product specifications and capacitiesin
theMaintenance and Specificationschapter for details).
Police/Taxi/Livery vehicle axle maintenance:Change rear axle fluid
every 100,000 miles (160,000 km). Rear axle fluid change may be waived
if the axle was filled with 75W140 synthetic gear fluid meeting Ford
specification WSL-M2C192-A, part number FITZ-19580-B or equivalent.
Add four ounces (118 mL) of additive friction modifier XL-3
(EST-M2C118-A) or equivalent for complete refill of Traction-Lok rear
axles. The axle fluid should be changed anytime the axle has been
submerged in water
California fuel filter replacement:If the vehicle is registered in
California, the California Air Resources Board has determined that the
failure to perform this maintenance item will not nullify the emission
warranty or limit recall liability prior to the completion of the vehicle’s
useful life. Ford Motor Company, however, urges you to have all
recommended maintenance services performed at the specified intervals
and to record all vehicle service.
Class A Motorhome:Change brake fluid every two years.
Scheduled Maintenance
430
2012 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

Scheduled Maintenance Guide
Normal Scheduled
Maintenance and Log .............420
Seats ..........................................154
child safety seats ....................212
climate control ........................161
easy access/easyout feature ..164
front seats .......................156, 160
heated ......................................159
memory seat ...................139, 163
second row seats ............166, 169
third row seats ........169, 171–172
Second-row power fold seat ....168
SecuriCode keyless entry
system ........................................146
SecuriLock passive anti-theft
system ........................................148
Setting the clock .........................49
Snowplowing .................................6
SOS Post Crash Alert ...............207
Spare tire
(see Changing the Tire) ...........337
Spark plugs,
specifications .....................401, 405
Special notice
ambulance conversions ..............6
utility-type vehicles ....................6
Specification chart,
lubricants ...................................402
Speed control ..............................98
Starting your
vehicle ........................264–265, 267
jump starting ..........................343
push button start system .......267Steering wheel
controls ....................................108
tilting .........................................88
SYNC..........................................59
T
Third-row power fold seat .......174
Tilt steering wheel ......................88
Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (TPMS)
Tires, Wheels and Loading ....246
Tires ...........................231–233, 334
alignment ................................240
care ..........................................236
changing ..................334, 337–338
checking the pressure ............236
inflating ...................................234
label .........................................245
replacing ..................................237
rotating ....................................240
safety practices .......................239
sidewall information ...............241
snow tires and chains ............250
spare tire .................................334
terminology .............................233
tire grades ...............................232
treadwear ........................232, 236
Towing .......................................258
recreational towing .................262
trailer towing ..........................258
wrecker ....................................346
Transmission .............................285
brake-shift interlock (BSI) ....284
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .....................395, 397
fluid, refill capacities ..............402
lubricant specifications ..........402
Turn signal ..................................76
Index
438
2012 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)