2013 FORD EXPLORER brake fluid

Towing 288
Trailertowing........................................288
Wrecker towing.......................................293
Recreational towing....................................294
Driving Hints 296
Economical driving....................................296
Floormats..........................................298
Roadside Emergencies 300
Getting roadside assistance..............................300
Hazard warning flashers................................301
Fuel cut-off switch....................................302
Jump-starting the vehicle...............................302
Customer Assistance 305
Reporting safety defects (U.S. only)........................312
Reporting safety defects (Canada only).....................312
Fuses 313
Changing a fuse......................................313
Fuses and relays......................................313
Fuse specification chart.................................314
Maintenance 323
General information...................................323
Opening and closing the hood............................324
Under hood overview..................................325
Engine oil dipstick....................................327
Engine oil check......................................327
Engine coolant check..................................328
Automatic transmission fluid check........................333
Brake fluid check.....................................336
Power steering fluid check..............................336
Fuel filter...........................................336
6Table of Contents
2013 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

SYMBOL GLOSSARY
WARNING:You risk death or serious injury to yourself and
others if you do not follow the instruction highlighted by the
warning symbol.
These are some of the symbols you may see on your vehicle.
Symbol Description Symbol Description Symbol Description
Safety alertSee Owner’s
ManualAnti-lock
braking
system
Avoid
smoking,
flames, or
sparksBatteryBattery acid
Brake fluid –
non
petroleum
baseBrake systemCabin air
filter
Check fuel
capChild Safety
Door Lock
and UnlockChild seat
lower anchor
Child seat
tether anchorCruise
controlDo not open
when hot
Engine air
filterEngine
coolantEngine
coolant
temperature
Engine oilExplosive gasFan warning
Fasten safety
beltFront airbagFront fog
lamps
10Introduction
2013 Explorer(exp)
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Symbol Description Symbol Description Symbol Description
Fuel pump
resetFuse
compartmentHazard
warning
flasher
Heated rear
windowInterior
luggage
compartment
releaseJack
Lighting
controlLow tire
pressure
warningMaintain
correct fluid
level
Panic alarmParking aid
systemParking
brake system
Power
steering fluidPower
windows
front and
rearPower
window
lockout
Service
engine soonSide airbagStability
control
Windshield
defrost and
demistWindshield
washer and
wiper
Introduction11
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Brake system warning light
To confirm the brake system warning light is functional, it will
momentarily illuminate when the ignition is turned to the on
position when the engine is not running, or in a position
between on and start, or by applying the parking brake when the ignition
is turned to the on position.
If it illuminates when you are driving, check that the parking brake is not
engaged. If the parking brake is not engaged, this indicates low brake
fluid level or a brake system malfunction. Have the system checked
immediately by your authorized dealer.
WARNING:Driving a vehicle with the brake system warning light
on is dangerous. A significant decrease in braking performance
may occur. It will take you longer to stop the vehicle. Have the vehicle
checked by your authorized dealer as soon as possible. Driving
extended distances with the parking brake engaged can cause brake
failure and the risk of personal injury.
Charging system (RTT)
Illuminates when the battery is not charging properly. If it stays
on while the engine is running, there may be a malfunction with
the charging system. Contact your authorized dealer as soon as
possible. This indicates a problem with the electrical system or a related
component.
Door ajar (RTT)
Displays when the ignition is on and any door is not completely
closed.
Engine oil pressure (RTT)
Illuminates when the oil pressure falls below the normal range.
Instrument Cluster11 7
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BLISMessages Action / Description
Blind Spot Not
Available Sensor
BlockedDisplayed when the blind spot information
system/cross traffic alert system sensors are
blocked. Driver can typically clean the sensor
to resolve.
Blind Spot System
FaultDisplayed when a fault with the blind spot
information system has occurred. Contact your
authorized dealer as soon as possible.
Cross Traffic Not
Available Sensor
BlockedDisplayed when the blind spot information
system/cross traffic alert system sensors are
blocked. Driver can typically clean the sensor
to resolve.
Cross Traffic System
FaultDisplayed when a fault with the cross traffic
alert system has occurred. Contact your
authorized dealer as soon as possible.
Vehicle Coming From
XDisplayed when the blind spot information
system with cross traffic alert (CTA) system is
operating and senses a vehicle.
Brake System
MessagesAction / Description
Brake Fluid Level Low Indicates the brake fluid level is low and the
brake system should be inspected immediately.
Check Brake System Displayed when the brake system needs
servicing. If the warning stays on or continues
to come on, contact your authorized dealer as
soon as possible.
Park Brake Engaged Displayed when the parking brake is set, the
engine is running and the vehicle is driven
more than 3 mph (5 km/h). If the warning
stays on after the parking brake is released,
contact your authorized dealer as soon as
possible.
136Information Displays
2013 Explorer(exp)
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Mud and water
Note:Driving through deep water may damage your vehicle.
If you must drive through high water, drive slowly. Traction or brake
capability may be limited.
When driving through water, determine the depth; avoid water higher
than the bottom of the hubs (if possible) and proceed slowly. If the
ignition system gets wet, the vehicle may stall.
Once through water, always try the brakes. Wet brakes do not stop the
vehicle as effectively as dry brakes. Drying can be improved by moving
your vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake pedal.
Be cautious of sudden changes in vehicle speed or direction when you
are driving in mud. Even 4WD vehicles can lose traction in slick mud. As
when you are driving over sand, apply the accelerator slowly and avoid
spinning your wheels. If the vehicle does slide, steer in the direction of
the slide until you regain control of the vehicle.
If the transmission, transfer case or front axle are submerged in water,
their fluids should be checked and changed, if necessary.
If the front or rear axle is submerged in water, the axle lubricant should
be replaced.
After driving through mud, clean off residue stuck to rotating driveshafts
and tires. Excess mud stuck on tires and rotating driveshafts causes an
imbalance that could damage drive components.
“Tread Lightly” is an educational
program designed to increase public
awareness of land-use regulations and
responsibilities in our nations
wilderness areas. Ford Motor
Company joins the U.S. Forest Service
and the Bureau of Land Management in encouraging you to help preserve
our national forest and other public and private lands by “treading lightly.”
Driving on hilly or sloping terrain
Note:Avoid driving crosswise or turning on steep slopes or hills. A
danger lies in losing traction, slipping sideways and possibly rolling over.
Although natural obstacles may make it necessary to travel diagonally up
or down a hill or steep incline, you should always try to drive straight up
or straight down. Whenever driving on a hill, determine beforehand the
route you will use. Do not drive over the crest of a hill without seeing
what conditions are on the other side. Do not drive in reverse over a hill
without the aid of an observer.
Four-Wheel Drive231
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FUSE SPECIFICATION CHART
Power Distribution Box
WARNING:Always disconnect the battery before servicing high
current fuses.
WARNING:To reduce risk of electrical shock, always replace the
cover to the power distribution box before reconnecting the
battery or refilling fluid reservoirs.
The power distribution box is located in the engine compartment. It has
high-current fuses that protect your vehicle’s main electrical systems
from overloads.
If the battery has been disconnected and reconnected, refer to the
Changing the Vehicle Batteryin theMaintenancechapter.
The high-current fuses are coded as follows:
Fuse/Relay
NumberFuse Amp
RatingProtected Components
1 — Not used
2 — Not used
3 30A** Trailer brake control module
97
98
77969594
93 92 91 90 89
88
66
4478
56
39
26
18 1617
312 4 5 6 7 8 919 20 21 22 23 2427 28 29 30 3140 41 42 4355
57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 6579 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87
67
45
32
10 11 12 1333 34 3546 47 48 49 50 5168 69 70 71 72 74
73 76
75
53
37 36 54
38
25
151452
314Fuses
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GENERAL INFORMATION
Have your vehicle serviced regularly to help maintain its roadworthiness
and resale value. There is a large network of Ford authorized dealers that
are there to help you with their professional servicing expertise. We
believe that their specially trained technicians are best qualified to
service your vehicle properly and expertly. They are supported by a wide
range of highly specialized tools developed specifically for servicing your
vehicle.
To help you service your vehicle, we providescheduled maintenance
informationwhich makes tracking routine service easy.
If your vehicle requires professional service, your authorized dealer can
provide the necessary parts and service. Check yourWarranty Guideto
find out which parts and services are covered.
Use only recommended fuels, lubricants, fluids and service parts
conforming to specifications. Motorcraftparts are designed and built to
provide the best performance in your vehicle.
Precautions
•Do not work on a hot engine.
•Make sure that nothing gets caught in moving parts.
•Do not work on a vehicle with the engine running in an enclosed
space, unless you are sure you have enough ventilation.
•Keep all open flames and other burning material (such as cigarettes)
away from the battery and all fuel related parts.
Working with the engine off
1. Set the parking brake and shift to P (Park).
2. Turn off the engine and remove the key (if equipped).
3. Block the wheels.
Working with the engine on
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.
1. Set the parking brake and shift to P (Park).
2. Block the wheels.
Maintenance323
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