2015 FORD EXPLORER engine

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 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 month intervals.
Check every month
Engine oil level.
Function of all interior and exterior lights.
Tires (including spare) for wear and proper pressure.
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 and 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 and wiper operation. Clean or replace blades as
necessary.
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Multi-point Inspection
In order to keep your vehicle running right, it is important to have the
systems on your vehicle checked regularly. This can help identify
potential issues and prevent major problems. Ford Motor Company
recommends the following multi-point inspection be performed at every
scheduled maintenance interval to help make sure your vehicle keeps
running great.
Multi-point inspection
Accessory drive belt(s) Hazard warning system operation
Battery performance Horn operation
Engine air filter Radiator, cooler, heater and A/C hoses
Exhaust system Suspension components for leaks or
damage
Exterior lamps operation Steering and linkage
Fluid levels
*; fill if necessary Tires (including spare) for wear and
proper pressure**
For oil and fluid leaks Windshield for cracks, chips or pits
Half-shaft dust boots Washer spray and wiper operation
*Brake, coolant recovery reservoir, automatic transmission (with an
underhood dipstick) and window washer.
**If your vehicle is equipped with a temporary mobility kit, check the tire
sealant expiration Use By date on the canister. Replace as needed.
Be sure to ask your dealership service advisor or technician about the
multi-point vehicle inspection. It is a comprehensive way to perform a
thorough inspection of your vehicle. It is your checklist that gives you
immediate feedback on the overall condition of your vehicle. You will
know what has been checked, what is okay, as well as those things that
may require future or immediate attention. The multi-point vehicle
inspection is one more way to keep your vehicle running great!
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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 needs to be changed based on how your
vehicle 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 information display.
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 depend on several factors and
generally decrease with severity of use.
When to expect the OIL CHANGE REQUIRED message
Interval Vehicle use and examples
7500-10000 miles
(12000-16000 km)Normal
– Normal commuting with highway driving
– No, or moderate, load or towing
– Flat to moderately hilly roads
– No extended idling
5000-7499 miles
(8000-11999 km)Severe
– Moderate to heavy load or towing
– Mountainous or off-road conditions
– Extended idling
– Extended hot or cold operation
3000-4999 miles
(4800-7999 km)Extreme
– Maximum load or towing
– Extreme hot or cold operation
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Normal scheduled maintenance*
At every oil change
interval as indicated by
the information displayChange 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 engine cooling system strength and
hoses.
Inspect exhaust system and heat shields.
Inspect rear axle and U-joints. Lubricate if
equipped with grease fittings (All-wheel drive
vehicles).
Inspect half-shaft boots.
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.
*Do not exceed one year or 10000 miles (16000 kilometers) between
service intervals.
**Reset your Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor after each engine oil and filter
change. See theInstrument Clusterchapter.
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Other maintenance items1
Every 20000 miles
(32000 km)Replace cabin air filter (if equipped).
Every 30000 miles
(48000 km)Replace climate-controlled (heated and
cooled) seat filter.
2
Replace engine air filter.
At 100000 miles
(160000 km)Change engine coolant.3
Every 100000 miles
(160000 km)Replace spark plugs.
Inspect accessory drive belt(s).4
Every 150000 miles
(240000 km)Change automatic transmission fluid
Replace accessory drive belt(s) if not replaced
within the last 100000 miles (160000 km).
1These maintenance items can be performed within 3000 miles
(4800 kilometers) of the last oil change. Do not exceed the designated
distance for the interval.
2If your vehicle has climate-controlled (heated and cooled) seats.
3Initial replacement at six years or 100000 miles (160000 kilometers),
then every three years or 50000 miles (80000 kilometers).
4After initial inspection, inspect every other oil change until replaced.
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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.
Perform the services shown in the following tables when specified or
within 3000 miles (4800 kilometers) of the OIL CHANGE REQUIRED
message appearing in the information display.
Example #1:The OIL CHANGE REQUIRED message comes on at
28751 miles (46270 kilometers); perform the 30000 mile (48000
kilometer) automatic transmission fluid replacement.
Example #2:The OIL CHANGE REQUIRED message hasnotcome on,
but the odometer reads 30000 miles (48000 kilometers); perform the
engine air filter replacement. (For example, the Intelligent Oil-Life
Monitor was reset at 25000 miles [40000 kilometers].)
Towing a trailer or using a camper or car-top carrier
As required Change engine oil and filter as indicated by
the information display and perform services
listed in the Normal Scheduled Maintenance
chart.
Inspect frequently,
service as requiredInspect and lubricate U-joints.
See axle maintenance items under
Exceptions.
Every 30000 miles
(48000 km)Change automatic transmission fluid.
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Extensive idling or low-speed driving for long distances as in
heavy commercial use (such as delivery, taxi, patrol car or
livery)
As required Change engine oil and filter as indicated by
the information display 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 30000 miles
(48000 km)Change automatic transmission fluid.
Every 60000 miles
(96000 km)Replace spark plugs.
Operating in dusty or sandy conditions such as unpaved or
dusty roads
Inspect frequently,
service as requiredReplace cabin air filter (if equipped).
Replace engine air filter.
Every 5000 miles
(8000 km)Inspect the wheels and related components for
abnormal noise, wear, looseness or drag.
Rotate tires, inspect tires for wear and
measure tread depth.
Every 5000 miles
(8000 km) or six
monthsChange engine oil and filter.
*
Perform multi-point inspection.
Every 30000 miles
(48000 km)Change automatic transmission fluid.
*Reset your Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor after each engine oil and filter
change. See theInstrument Clusterchapter.
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EXCEPTIONS
Axle Maintenance
Change the axle fluid anytime an axle is submerged in water.
California Fuel Filter Replacement
If you register your vehicle in California, the California Air Resources
Board has determined that the failure to perform this maintenance item
does not nullify the emission warranty or limit recall liability before the
completion of your 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.
Hot Climate Oil Change Intervals
Vehicles operating in the Middle East, North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa
or locations with similar climates using an American Petroleum Institute
(API) Certified for Gasoline Engines (Certification mark) oil of SM or SN
quality, the normal oil change interval is 3000 miles (5000 kilometers).
If the available API SM or SN oils are not available, then the oil change
interval is 1800 miles (3000 kilometers).
Engine Air Filter and Cabin Air Filter Replacement
The life of the engine air filter and cabin air filter is dependent on
exposure to dusty and dirty conditions. Vehicles operated in these
conditions require frequent inspection and replacement of the engine air
filter and cabin air filter.
ENGINE COOLANT CHANGE RECORD
Initial change Six years or 100000 miles (160000 km)
(whichever comes first)
After initial change Every three years or 50000 miles (80000 km)
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