2013 FORD EXPLORER parking brake

6F50/6F55 transmission (if equipped)
WARNING:The dipstick cap and surrounding components may
be hot; gloves are recommended.
Note: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.
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.
1. Drive the vehicle 20 miles (30 km) or until it reaches normal operating
temperature.
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
3. With the parking brake engaged and your foot on the brake pedal,
start the engine and move the gearshift lever through all of the gear
ranges. Allow a minimum of 10 seconds for each gear to engage.
4. Latch the gearshift lever in P (Park) and leave the engine running.
5. Remove the dipstick, wiping it clean with a clean, dry lint free rag. If
necessary, refer toUnder hood overviewin this chapter for the location
of the dipstick.
6. Install the dipstick making sure it is fully seated in the filler tube by
turning it to the locked position.
7. Remove the dipstick and inspect the fluid level. The fluid should be in
the designated areas for normal operating temperature.
Low fluid level
If the fluid level is below the MIN
range of the dipstick, add fluid to
reach the hash mark level.Note:If
the fluid level is below the MIN level,
do not drive the vehicle. An underfill condition may cause shift and/or
engagement concerns and/or possible damage.
MAX MIN
334Maintenance
2013 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

Battery relearn
Because your vehicle’s engine is electronically controlled by a computer,
some control conditions are maintained by power from the battery. When
the battery is disconnected or a new battery is installed, the engine must
relearn its idle and fuel trim strategy for optimum driveability and
performance. To begin this process:
1. With the vehicle at a complete stop, set the parking brake.
2. Put the gearshift lever in P (Park), turn off all accessories and start
the engine.
3. Run the engine until it reaches normal operating temperature.
4. Allow the engine to idle for at least one minute.
5. Turn the A/C on and allow the engine to idle for at least one minute.
6. Drive the vehicle to complete the relearning process.
•The vehicle may need to be driven to relearn the idle and fuel trim
strategy.
•Note:If you do not allow the engine to relearn its idle trim, the idle
quality of your vehicle may be adversely affected until the idle trim is
eventually relearned.
When the battery is disconnected or a new battery installed, the
transmission must relearn its adaptive strategy. As a result of this, the
transmission may shift firmly. This operation is considered normal and
will not affect function or durability of the transmission. Over time the
adaptive learning process will fully update transmission operation to its
optimum shift feel.
If the battery has been disconnected or a new battery has been installed,
the clock and the preset radio stations must be reset once the battery is
reconnected.
Always dispose of automotive batteries in a responsible manner. Follow
your local authorized standards for disposal. Call your local authorized
recycling center to find out more about recycling automotive batteries.
Battery management system
The battery management system (BMS) monitors battery conditions and
takes actions to extend battery life. If excessive battery drain is detected,
the system may temporarily disable certain electrical features to protect
the battery. Those electrical accessories affected include rear defrost,
heated /cooled seats, climate control fan, heated steering wheel, audio
and navigation system. A message may be displayed on the instrument
338Maintenance
2013 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

Engine
•The engine oil and filter should be changed prior to storage, as used
engine oil contain contaminates that may cause engine damage.
•Start the engine every 15 days. Run at fast idle until it reaches normal
operating temperature.
•With your foot on the brake, shift through all the gears while the
engine is running.
Fuel system
•Fill the fuel tank with high-quality fuel until the first automatic shutoff
of the fuel pump nozzle.
Note:During extended periods of vehicle storage (30 days or more), fuel
may deteriorate due to oxidation. Add a quality gas stabilizer product to
the vehicle fuel system whenever actual or expected storage periods
exceed 30 days. Follow the instructions on the additive label. The vehicle
should then be operated at idle speed to circulate the additive
throughout the fuel system.
Cooling system
•Protect against freezing temperatures.
•
When removing vehicle from storage, check coolant fluid level. Confirm
there are no cooling system leaks, and fluid is at the recommended level.
Battery
•Check and recharge as necessary. Keep connections clean.
•If storing your vehicle for more than 30 days without recharging the
battery, it may be advisable to disconnect the battery cables to ensure
battery charge is maintained for quick starting.
Note:If battery cables are disconnected, it will be necessary to reset
memory features.
Brakes
•Make sure brakes and parking brake are fully released.
Tires
•Maintain recommended air pressure.
Miscellaneous
•Make sure all linkages, cables, levers and pins under vehicle are
covered with grease to prevent rust.
•Move vehicles at least 25 feet (8 m) every 15 days to lubricate
working parts and prevent corrosion.
Vehicle Care357
2013 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

•Ground clearance and parking at curbs
•Winter weather driving capability
•Wet weather driving capability
•All-wheel driving capability (if applicable)
•Load leveling adjustment (if applicable)
When driving with the full-size dissimilar spare tire and wheel assembly,
additional caution should be given to:
•Towing a trailer
•Driving vehicles equipped with a camper body
•Driving vehicles with a load on the cargo rack
Drive cautiously when using a full-size dissimilar spare tire and wheel,
and seek service as soon as possible.
Tire Change Procedure
WARNING:When one of the front wheels is off the ground, the
transmission alone will not prevent the vehicle from moving or
slipping off the jack, even if the vehicle is in P (Park) (automatic
transmission) or R (Reverse) (manual transmission).
WARNING:To help prevent the vehicle from moving when you
change a tire, be sure the parking brake is set, then block (in
both directions) the wheel that is diagonally opposite (other side and
end of the vehicle) to the tire being changed.
WARNING:If the vehicle slips off the jack, you or someone else
could be seriously injured.
WARNING:Do not attempt to change a tire on the side of the
vehicle close to moving traffic. Pull far enough off the road to
avoid the danger of being hit when operating the jack or changing the
wheel.
Wheels and Tires385
2013 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

WARNING:To lessen the risk of personal injury, do not put any
part of your body under the vehicle while changing a tire. Do not
start the engine when your vehicle is on the jack. The jack is only
meant for changing the tire.
Note:Passengers should not remain in the vehicle when the vehicle is
being jacked.
Note:If the 3rd row seat is stowed in the floor, you will need to unstow
it (raised position) to access the spare tire and jack. Refer toUnstowing
the third row seatin theSeatingchapter for this procedure.
1. Park on a level surface, set the parking brake and activate the hazard
flashers.
2. Place the gearshift lever in P (Park) and turn the engine off.
3. Turn the two knobs on the floor
filler counterclockwise, then remove
the floor filler and carpeted floor
panel located in the rear of the
vehicle.
4. Remove the wing nut securing the
spare tire by turning it
counterclockwise.
5. Lift and remove the spare tire from
the spare tire well.
386Wheels and Tires
2013 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

Additives and Chemicals
Ford Motor Company recommended additives and chemicals are listed in
this book and in theWorkshop Manual.Additional chemicals or
additives not approved by Ford and are not recommended as part of
normal maintenance. Please consult yourWarranty Manualfor
complete warranty information.
Oils, Fluids and Flushing
In many cases, fluid discoloration is a normal operating characteristic
and, by itself, does not necessarily indicate a concern or that the fluid
needs to be changed. However, discolored fluids that also show signs of
overheating and/or foreign material contamination should be inspected
immediately by a qualified expert such as the factory-trained technicians
at your dealership. Your vehicle’s oils and fluids should be changed at the
specified intervals or in conjunction with a repair. Flushing is a viable
way to change fluid for many vehicle sub-systems during scheduled
maintenance. It is critical that systems are flushed only with new fluid
that is the same as that required to fill and operate the system, or using
a Ford-approved flushing chemical.
Owner Checks and Services
Certain basic maintenance checks and inspections should be performed
every month or at six months intervals.
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 Maintenance409
2013 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

Normal Scheduled Maintenance - At every oil change interval as
indicated by the message center
Change engine oil and filter
Rotate tires, inspect tire wear and measure tread depth
Perform multi-point inspection (recommended)
Inspect automatic transmission fluid level (if equipped with dipstick);
consult dealer for requirements
Inspect brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, brake linings, hoses and
parking brake
Inspect cabin air filter (if equipped)
Inspect engine cooling system strength and hoses
Inspect exhaust system and heat shields
Inspect rear axle and U-joints; lubricate if equipped with grease fittings
(AWD vehicles)
Inspect half-shaft boots (if equipped)
Inspect steering linkage, ball joints, suspension, tie-rod ends, driveshaft
and U-joints; lubricate if equipped with grease fittings
Inspect wheels and related components for abnormal noise, wear,
looseness or drag
Reset your Intelligent Oil Life Monitor™ after each engine oil and filter
change; refer to theInstrument Clusterchapter
Do not exceed one year or 10,000 miles (16,000 km) between
service intervals
Scheduled Maintenance413
2013 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

Blind Spot Information
System ....................................... 268
Booster seats ............................... 23
Brakes ........................................ 234
anti-lock ................................... 235
anti-lock brake system
(ABS) warning light ............... 235
brake warning light ................ 235
fluid, checking and adding .... 336
fluid, refill capacities .............. 393
fluid, specifications ................. 393
lubricant specifications .......... 393
parking .................................... 235
shift interlock .......................... 224
trailer ....................................... 292
C
Capacities for refilling
fluids .......................................... 393
Car2UHome Automation
System ....................................... 189
Cargo net ................................... 279
CD .............................. 146, 150–151
CD player .......................... 144, 501
CD voice commands ................. 501
Cell phone use ............................ 16
Changing a tire ......................... 383
Child safety restraints .......... 30, 32
Child safety seats
attaching with tether
straps ......................................... 32
automatic locking mode
(retractor) ................................. 40
LATCH ....................................... 30
Child safety seats -
booster seats ............................... 23
Cleaning the touchscreen ........ 475Cleaning your vehicle ............... 350
engine compartment .............. 352
instrument panel .................... 354
interior ..................................... 353
plastic parts ............................ 351
washing .................................... 350
waxing ..................................... 352
wheels ...................................... 355
wiper blades ............................ 353
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) .......... 158
Climate voice commands ......... 538
Clock .................................. 146, 527
Collision Warning System ......... 273
Console ...................................... 202
overhead .................................. 203
rear .......................................... 202
Coolant
checking and adding .............. 328
refill capacities ........................ 393
specifications .......................... 393
Cross Traffic Alert .................... 268
Cruise control ........................... 253
Customer Assistance ................ 300
Ford Extended Service
Plan .................................. 403, 406
Getting assistance outside
the U.S. and Canada .............. 309
Getting roadside assistance ... 300
Getting the service you
need ......................................... 305
Ordering additional owner’s
literature ................................. 311
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ................................... 309
Customizing your home
screen ........................................ 474
570Index
2013 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)