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Octane recommendations
3.5L V6 engine
“Regular” unleaded gasoline with a pump (R+M)/2 octane rating of 87 is
recommended. Some stations offer fuels posted as “Regular” with an
octane rating below 87, particularly in high altitude areas. Fuels with
octane levels below 87 are not recommended.
2.0L V6 EcoBoost™ engine
“Regular” unleaded gasoline with a pump (R+M)/2 octane rating of 87 is
recommended. Some stations offer fuels posted as “Regular” with an
octane rating below 87, particularly in high altitude areas. Fuels with
octane levels below 87 are not recommended. Premium fuel will provide
improved performance and is recommended for severe duty usage such
as trailer tow.
Do not be concerned if your engine
sometimes knocks lightly. However,
if it knocks heavily while you are
using fuel with the recommended
octane rating, see your authorized
dealer to prevent any engine damage.
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.
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.
87(R+M)/2 METHOD
Maintenance and Specifications
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The amount of usable fuel in the empty reserve varies and should
not be relied upon to increase driving range. When refueling your
vehicle after the fuel gauge indicates empty, you might not be
able to refuel the full amount of the advertised capacity of the
fuel tank due to the empty reserve still present in the tank.
For consistent results when filling the fuel tank:
•Turn the engine/ignition switch to the off position prior to refueling,
an error in the reading will result if the engine is left running.
•Use the same filling rate setting (low — medium — high) each time
the tank is filled.
•Allow no more than two automatic click-offs when filling.
•Always use fuel with the recommended octane rating.
•Use a known quality gasoline, preferably a national brand.
•Have the vehicle loading and distribution the same every time.
Your results will be most accurate if your filling method is consistent.
Calculating fuel economy
1. Fill the fuel tank completely and record the initial odometer reading
(in miles or kilometers).
2. Each time you fill the tank, record the amount of fuel added (in
gallons or liters).
3. After at least three to five tank fill-ups, fill the fuel tank and record
the current odometer reading.
4. Subtract your initial odometer reading from the current odometer
reading.
5. Follow one of the simple calculations in order to determine fuel
economy:
Calculation 1:Divide total miles traveled by total gallons used.
Calculation 2:Multiply liters used by 100, then divide by total
kilometers traveled.
Keep a record for at least one month and record the type of driving (city
or highway). This will provide an accurate estimate of the vehicle’s fuel
economy under current driving conditions. Additionally, keeping records
during summer and winter will show how temperature impacts fuel
economy. In general, lower temperatures give lower fuel economy.
Driving style — good driving and fuel economy habits
Give consideration to the lists that follow and you may be able to change
a number of variables and improve your fuel economy.
Maintenance and Specifications
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ENGINE DATA
Engine 3.5L V6 engine 2.0L
EcoBoost™
engine
Cubic inches 213 122
Required fuel Minimum
87 octaneMinimum
87 octane
Firing order 1-4-2-5-3-6 1-3-4-2
Ignition system EDIS Coil on plug
Spark plug gap 0.049–0.053 inch
(1.25–1.35 mm)0.027-0 .031 inch
(0.70-0.80 mm)
Compression ratio 10.8:1 9.3:1
Engine drivebelt routing
•3.5L V6 engine
•2.0L EcoBoost™ engine
Maintenance and Specifications
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idle speed control ...................373
lubrication specifications .......402
refill capacities ........................402
service points ..................366, 368
Engine block heater .................270
Engine oil ..................................370
checking and adding ..............370
dipstick ....................................370
filter, specifications ................401
refill capacities ........................402
specifications ..........................402
Event data recording ....................7
Exhaust fumes ..........................270
F
Fail safe cooling ........................381
Fleet MyKey programming ......127
Floor mats .........................117–118
Fluid capacities .........................402
Fog lamps ....................................72
Four-Wheel Drive vehicles
driving off road .......................313
preparing to drive your
vehicle .....................................283
Fuel ............................................383
calculating fuel economy .......389
cap ...........................................385
capacity ...................................402
choosing the right fuel ...........386
detergent in fuel .....................388
filler funnel .............................388
filling your vehicle with
fuel ...........................383, 385, 389
filter, specifications ........383, 401
fuel pump shut-off ..................324
improving fuel economy ........389
octane rating ...........................405
quality ......................................387running out of fuel .........342, 388
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................383
Fuses ..................................324–325
G
Garage door opener ..................111
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ............385
Gas mileage
(see Fuel economy) .................389
Gauges .........................................19
H
Hazard flashers .........................323
Headlamps ...................................71
aiming ........................................74
autolamp system .......................71
bulb specifications ....................79
daytime running lights .............73
flash to pass ..............................73
high beam .................................72
turning on and off ....................71
Heating
heating and air conditioning
system ...........................60, 63, 65
Hill descent mode .....................280
Hill start assist ..........................290
Hood ..........................................365
I
Ignition ...............................264, 405
Illuminated visor mirror .............89
Infant seats
(see Safety seats) .....................212
Index
435
2012 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)