2013 FORD EXPLORER maintenance

Keys and Intelligent
Access MessagesAction / Description
Starting System Fault This message is displayed when there is a
problem with your vehicle’s starting system.
See your authorized dealer for service.
Lane Keeping
System MessagesAction / Description
Lane keeping Sys.
Malfunction Service
requiredThe system has malfunctioned. Contact your
authorized dealer as soon as possible.
Front Camera
Temporarily Not
AvailableThe system has detected a condition that has
caused the system to be temporarily
unavailable.
Front Camera Low
Visibility Clean ScreenThe system has detected a condition the
requires the windshield to be cleaned to
operate properly.
Front Camera
Malfunction Service
RequiredThe system has malfunctioned. Contact your
authorized dealer as soon as possible.
Keep Hands on
Steering WheelDisplayed when the system requests the driver
to keep their hands on the steering wheel.
Maintenance
MessagesAction / Description
LOW Engine Oil
PressureStop the vehicle as soon as safely possible,
turn off the engine. Check the oil level. If the
warning stays on or continues to come on with
your engine running, contact your authorized
dealer as soon as possible.
Change Engine Oil
SoonDisplayed when the engine oil life remaining is
10% or less.
Oil Change Required Displayed when the oil life left reaches 0%.
Engine Coolant Over
TempDisplayed when the engine coolant
temperature is excessively high.
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Maintenance
MessagesAction / Description
Washer Fluid Level
LowIndicates the washer fluid reservoir is less than
one quarter full. Check the washer fluid level.
Steering Malfunction
Service NowDisplays when the steering system needs
service. See your authorized dealer.
Service Power Steering The power steering system has detected a
condition that requires service. See your
authorized dealer.
Service Power Steering
NowThe power steering system has detected a
condition within the power steering system
that requires service immediately. See your
authorized dealer.
Power Steering Assist
FaultThe power steering system has disabled power
steering assist due to a system error. See your
authorized dealer.
MyKeyMessages Action / Description
MyKey active Drive
SafelyDisplayed when MyKeyis active.
MyKey not Created Displayed during key programming when
MyKeycannot be programmed.
Speed Limited to xx
MPH/km/hDisplayed when starting the vehicle and
MyKeyis in use and the MyKey speed limit is
on.
Vehicle Near MyKey
Top SpeedDisplayed when a MyKeyis in use and the
MyKey speed limit is on and the vehicle speed
is 80 mph (130 km/h).
Vehicle Near MyKey
Top SpeedDisplayed when a MyKeyis in use and the
MyKey speed limit is on and the vehicle speed
is approaching 80 mph (130 km/h).
Check Speed Drive
SafelyDisplayed when a MyKeyis in use and the
optional setting is on and the vehicle exceeds
a preselected speed.
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HEATED REAR WINDOW
Note:The ignition must be on to use this feature.
Press the control to clear the rear window of thin ice and fog. Press the
control again within 10 minutes to switch it off. It turns off automatically
after 10 minutes, or when you switch the ignition off.
Do not use razor blades or other sharp objects to clean the inside
of the rear window or to remove decals from the inside of the
rear window. This may cause damage to the heated grid lines and
will not be covered by your warranty.
CABIN AIR FILTER
Note:A cabin air filter must be installed at all times to prevent foreign
objects from entering the system. Running the system without a filter in
place could result in degradation or damage to the system.
Your vehicle is equipped with a cabin air filter, which is located just in
front of the windshield under the cowl grille on the passenger side of the
vehicle.
The particulate air filtration system is designed to reduce the
concentration of airborne particles such as dust, spores and pollen in the
air being supplied to the interior of the vehicle. The particulate filtration
system gives the following benefits to customers:
•Improves the customer’s driving comfort by reducing particle
concentration
•Improves the interior compartment cleanliness
•Protects the climate control components from particle deposits
For more information regarding the interval at which you should replace
the cabin air filter, refer to theScheduled Maintenancechapter.
For additional cabin air filter information, or to replace the filter, see an
authorized dealer.
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To operate the heated seats:
Press the heated seat symbol/button to cycle through the
various heat settings and off. Warmer settings are indicated
by more indicator lights.
If the engine falls below 350 rpm while the heated seats are on, the
feature will turn itself off and will need to be reactivated.
Cooled seats
The cooled seats will only function when the engine is running.
To operate the cooled seats:
Press the cooled seat symbol/button to cycle through the
various cooling settings and off. Cooler settings are
indicated by more indicator lights.
If the engine falls below 350 rpm while the cooled seats are on, the
feature will turn itself off and will need to be reactivated.
Note:When the heated/cooled front seat is active, you will be able to
hear the fan operating inside the seat. This is normal.
Heated and cooled seat air filter replacement (if equipped)
The climate controlled seat system includes air filters that must be
replaced periodically. Refer toScheduled maintenance information.
The filters are located under each front seat and can be accessed from
the 2nd row foot-well area. Move the front seats all the way forward and
to the full up positions to ease access.
To remove an air filter:
1. Turn the vehicle off.
2. Push up on the outside rigid edge
of the filter and rotate toward the
front of the vehicle once tabs are
released, then remove the filter.
A/C
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EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM
WARNING:Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in dry grass
or other dry ground cover. The emission system heats up the
engine compartment and exhaust system, which can start a fire.
WARNING:Exhaust leaks may result in entry of harmful and
potentially lethal fumes into the passenger compartment. If you
smell exhaust fumes inside your vehicle, have your dealer inspect your
vehicle immediately. Do not drive if you smell exhaust fumes.
Your vehicle is equipped with various emission control components and a
catalytic converter which will enable your vehicle to comply with
applicable exhaust emission standards. To make sure that the catalytic
converter and other emission control components continue to work
properly:
•Use only the specified fuel listed.
•Avoid running out of fuel.
•Do not turn off the ignition while your vehicle is moving, especially at
high speeds.
•Have the items listed inscheduled maintenance information
performed according to the specified schedule.
The scheduled maintenance items listed inscheduled maintenance
informationare essential to the life and performance of your vehicle
and to its emissions system.
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.
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Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) Testing
Some state/provincial and local governments may have
Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) programs to inspect the emission control
equipment on your vehicle. Failure to pass this inspection could prevent
you from getting a vehicle registration.
If the service engine soon indicator is on or the bulb does not
work, the vehicle may need to be serviced. Refer toOn-board
diagnostics (OBD-II)in this chapter.
Your vehicle may not pass the I/M test if the service engine soon
indicator is on or not working properly (bulb is burned out), or if the
OBD-II system has determined that some of the emission control systems
have not been properly checked. In this case, the vehicle is considered
not ready for I/M testing.
If the vehicle’s engine or transmission has just been serviced, or the
battery has recently run down or been replaced, the OBD-II system may
indicate that the vehicle is not ready for I/M testing. To determine if the
vehicle is ready for I/M testing, turn the ignition key to the on position
for 15 seconds without cranking the engine. If the service engine soon
indicator blinks eight times, it means that the vehicle is not ready for I/M
testing; if the service engine soon indicator stays on solid, it means that
the vehicle is ready for I/M testing.
The OBD-II system is designed to check the emission control system
during normal driving. A complete check may take several days. If the
vehicle is not ready for I/M testing, the following driving cycle consisting
of mixed city and highway driving may be performed:
15 minutes of steady driving on an expressway/highway followed by
20 minutes of stop-and-go driving with at least four 30-second idle
periods.
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.
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Avoid sudden braking as well. Although a 4WD vehicle may accelerate
better than a two-wheel drive vehicle in snow and ice, it won’t stop any
faster, because as in other vehicles, braking occurs at all four wheels. Do
not become overconfident as to road conditions.
Make sure you allow sufficient distance between you and other vehicles
for stopping. Drive slower than usual and consider using one of the lower
gears. In emergency stopping situations, avoid locking of the wheels. Use
a “squeeze” technique, push on the brake pedal with a steadily increasing
force which allows the wheels to brake yet continue to roll so that you
may steer in the direction you want to travel. If you lock the wheels,
release the brake pedal and repeat the squeeze technique. Since your
vehicle is equipped with a Four Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS),
apply the brake steadily. Do not “pump” the brakes. Refer toBrakesin
this chapter for additional information on the operation of the anti-lock
brake system.
Maintenance and modifications
The suspension and steering systems on your vehicle have been designed
and tested to provide predictable performance whether loaded or empty
and durable load carrying capability. For this reason, Ford Motor
Company strongly recommends that you do not make modifications such
as adding or removing parts (such as lift kits or stabilizer bars) or by
using replacement parts not equivalent to the original factory equipment.
Any modifications to a vehicle that raise the center of gravity can make it
more likely the vehicle will roll over as a result of a loss of control. Ford
Motor Company recommends that caution be used with any vehicle
equipped with a high load or device (such as ladder racks or pickup box
cover).
Failure to maintain your vehicle properly may void the warranty, increase
your repair cost, reduce vehicle performance and operational capabilities
and adversely affect driver and passenger safety. Frequent inspection of
vehicle chassis components is recommended if the vehicle is subjected to
heavy off-road usage.
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RECOMMENDED TOWING WEIGHTS
Engine/Passengers/Trailer Class Maximum
GCWR - lb
(kg)Maximum
Trailer Weight
- lb (kg)
FWD vehicles
2.0L/6–passenger/Class I 6810 (3089) 2000 (907)
2.0L/7–passenger/Class I 6830 (3098) 2000 (907)
3.5L/6–passenger/Class I 6870 (3116) 2000 (907)
3.5L/7–passenger/Class I 6940 (3148) 2020 (916)
3.5L/6–passenger/Class III 9910 (4495) 5000 (2268)*
3.5L/7–passenger/Class III 9980 (4527) 5020 (2277)*
4WD vehicles
3.5L/6–passenger/Class I 7100 (3221) 2000 (907)
3.5L/7–passenger/Class I 7110 (3225) 2020 (916)
3.5L/6–passenger/Class III 10160 (4608) 5000 (2268)
3.5L/7–passenger/Class III 10160 (4608) 5040 (2286)
*For towing trailers up to 3500 lb (1588 kg), use a weight-carrying
hitch and ball which uniformly spreads the trailer tongue loads through
the vehicle’s underbody structure. For towing trailers over 3500 lb
(1588 kg), up to the maximum trailer weight, it is recommended to use
a weight-distributing hitch to increase front axle load while towing.
ESSENTIAL TOWING CHECKS
Follow these guidelines to ensure safe towing:
•Do not tow a trailer until your vehicle has been driven at least
1000 miles (1600 kilometers).
•Consult your local motor vehicle laws for towing a trailer.
•Refer to the instructions included with towing accessories for the
proper installation and adjustment specifications.
•Service your vehicle more frequently if you tow a trailer. Refer to your
scheduled maintenance information.
For load specification terms found on the label and instructions on
calculating your vehicle’s load, refer to theLoad Carryingchapter.
Remember to account for the trailer tongue weight as part of the vehicle
load when calculating the total vehicle weight.
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