
SYMBOL GLOSSARY
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
Fuel pump
resetFuse
compartmentHazard
warning
flasher
Heated rear
windowInterior
luggage
compartment
releaseJack
Introduction11
2015 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide gf, 2nd Printing, September 2014
USA(fus)

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.
Engine coolant temperature (RTT)
Illuminates when the engine coolant temperature is high. Stop
the vehicle as soon as possible, switch off the engine and let
cool.
11 8Instrument Cluster
2015 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide gf, 2nd Printing, September 2014
USA(fus)

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.
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.
MyKey® Messages Action / Description
MyKey active Drive
SafelyDisplayed when MyKey® is active.
MyKey not Created Displayed during key programming when
MyKey® cannot be programmed.
Speed Limited to xx
MPH/km/hDisplayed when starting the vehicle and
MyKey® is in use and the MyKey speed limit
is on.
140Information Displays
2015 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide gf, 2nd Printing, September 2014
USA(fus)

CHANGING A BULB
Lamp Assembly Condensation
Exterior lamps are vented to accommodate normal changes in pressure.
Condensation can be a natural by-product of this design. When moist air
enters the lamp assembly through the vents, there is a possibility that
condensation can occur when the temperature is cold. When normal
condensation occurs, a thin film of mist can form on the interior of the
lens. The thin mist eventually clears and exits through the vents during
normal operation. Clearing time may take as long as 48 hours under dry
weather conditions.
These are examples of acceptable condensation:
•Presence of thin mist (no streaks, drip marks or droplets).
•Fine mist covers less than 50% of the lens.
These are examples of unacceptable moisture (usually caused by a lamp
water leak):
•Water puddle inside the lamp.
•Large water droplets, drip marks or streaks present on the interior of
the lens.
Take your vehicle to a dealer for service if any of the above conditions of
unacceptable moisture are present.
Replacing headlamp bulbs
WARNING:Handle a halogen headlamp bulb carefully and keep
out of children’s reach. Grasp the bulb only by its plastic base
and do not touch the glass. The oil from your hand could cause the
bulb to break the next time the headlamps are operated.
Note:If the bulb is accidentally touched, it should be cleaned with
rubbing alcohol before being used.
1. Make sure that the headlamp control is in the off position.
2. Open the hood.
Maintenance335
2015 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide gf, 2nd Printing, September 2014
USA(fus)

•Avoid cleaners or polishes that increase the gloss of the upper portion
of the instrument panel. The dull finish in this area helps protect the
driver from undesirable windshield reflection.
•Be certain to wash or wipe your hands clean if you have been in
contact with certain products, such as insect repellent and suntan
lotion, in order to avoid possible damage to the interior painted
surfaces.
•Do not use household or glass cleaners as these may damage the
finish of the instrument panel, interior trim and cluster lens.
•Do not allow air fresheners and hand sanitizers to spill on interior
surfaces. If a spill occurs, wipe off immediately. Damage may not be
covered by your warranty.
If a staining liquid like coffee or juice has been spilled on the instrument
panel or on interior trim surfaces, clean as follows:
1. Wipe up spilled liquid using a clean, white, cotton cloth.
2. Use Motorcraft Premium Leather and Vinyl Cleaner or a commercially
available leather cleaning product for automotive interiors. Test any
cleaner or stain remover on an inconspicuous area.
3. Alternatively, wipe the surface with a damp, clean, white, cotton cloth
and a mild soap and water solution. Dry the area with a clean, soft cloth.
4. If necessary, apply more soap and water solution or cleaning product
to a clean, white, cotton cloth and press the cloth onto the soiled area.
Allow this to set at room temperature for 30 minutes.
5. Remove the soaked cloth, then with a clean, damp cloth, use a rubbing
motion for 60 seconds on the soiled area.
6. Following this, wipe area dry with a clean, white, cotton cloth.
CLEANING LEATHER SEATS (IF EQUIPPED)
Note:Follow the same procedure as cleaning leather seats for cleaning
leather instrument panels and leather interior trim surfaces.
For routine cleaning, wipe the surface with a soft, damp cloth and a mild
soap and water solution. Dry the area with a clean, soft cloth.
For cleaning and removing spots and stains such as dye transfer, use
Motorcraft Premium Leather and Vinyl Cleaner or a commercially
available leather cleaning product for automotive interiors.
Note:Test any cleaner or stain remover on an inconspicuous area.
346Vehicle Care
2015 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide gf, 2nd Printing, September 2014
USA(fus)

Engine
•The engine oil and filter should be changed prior to storage, as used
engine oil contains contaminates that may cause engine damage.
•Start the engine every 15 days. Run at fast idle with the climate
controls set to defrost 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.
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 meters) every 15 days to lubricate
working parts and prevent corrosion.
Vehicle Care349
2015 Explorer(exp)
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Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................322
engine oil .................................315
Display settings .........................519
Driver alert ................................248
Driving under special
conditions ..................211, 214, 216
sand .........................................215
snow and ice ...........................217
through water .................216, 284
Dual automatic temperature
control (DATC) .................146, 148
E
Electronic message center .......123
Electronic stability control ......224
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................289
running out of fuel .................197
Emergency brake
(see Parking brake) ..................220
Emission control system ..........202
End user license agreement ....552
Engine ........................................384
cleaning ...................................343
coolant .....................................316
fail-safe cooling .......................320
idle speed control ...................327
lubrication specifications .......386
refill capacities ........................386
service points ..................312–314
Engine block heater .................192
Engine oil
checking and adding ..............315
dipstick ....................................315
filter, specifications ................391refill capacities ........................386
specifications ..........................386
Event data recording ..................13
Exhaust fumes ..........................192
F
Fail safe cooling ........................320
Fleet MyKey programming ........69
Floor mats .................................284
Fluid capacities .........................386
Fuel
cap ...........................................199
capacity ...................................386
choosing the right fuel ...195–196
filler funnel .............................197
filling your vehicle with fuel ..199
filter, specifications ........327, 391
fuel pump shut-off ..................288
octane rating ...........................384
quality ......................................195
running out of fuel .................197
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................194
Fuel and distance computer ....127
outside temperature
indicator ..................................127
to empty indicator ..................127
trip distance ............................127
trip/reset button .....................127
Fuel - flex fuel vehicle
(FFV) .........................................196
Fuses ..................................300, 306
G
Garage door opener ..................177
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ............199
590Index
2015 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide gf, 2nd Printing, September 2014
USA(fus)