Page 281 of 541
UNDER HOOD OVERVIEW - 2.3L ECOBOOST™
Engine coolant reservoir. See Engine Coolant Check (page 282).
A
Brake fluid reservoir (right-hand drive).
See Brake Fluid Check (page 288).
B
Engine oil dipstick.
See Engine Oil Dipstick (page 281).
C
Engine oil filler cap.
See Engine Oil Check (page 281).
D
Brake fluid reservoir (left-hand drive).
See Brake Fluid Check (page 288).
E
Battery.
See Changing the 12V Battery (page 289).
F
Power distribution box.
See Fuses (page 266).
G
Air filter assembly.
See Changing the Engine Air Filter (page 299).
H
Windshield washer fluid reservoir.
See Washer Fluid Check (page 288).
I
278
Explorer (TUB), enUSA, First Printing MaintenanceA
IH
EBCDFG
E188729
Page 282 of 541
UNDER HOOD OVERVIEW - 3.5L DURATEC
Engine coolant reservoir. See Engine Coolant Check (page 282).
A
Brake fluid reservoir.
See Brake Fluid Check (page 288).
B
Battery.
See Changing the 12V Battery (page 289).
C
Power distribution box.
See Fuses (page 266).
D
Air filter assembly.
See Changing the Engine Air Filter (page 299).
E
Engine oil dipstick.
See Engine Oil Dipstick (page 281).
F
Engine oil filler cap.
See Engine Oil Check (page 281).
G
Windshield washer fluid reservoir.
See Washer Fluid Check (page 288).
H
Automatic transmission fluid dipstick.
See Automatic Transmission Fluid
Check (page 286).
J
279
Explorer (TUB), enUSA, First Printing MaintenanceHEJFG
ABCD
E188731
Page 283 of 541
UNDER HOOD OVERVIEW - 3.5L ECOBOOST™
Engine coolant reservoir. See Engine Coolant Check (page 282).
A.
Engine oil filler cap. See
Engine Oil Check (page 281).
B.
Engine oil dipstick. See
Engine Oil Dipstick (page 281).
C.
Brake fluid reservoir. See
Brake Fluid Check (page 288).
D.
Battery. See
Changing the 12V Battery (page 289).
E.
Power distribution box. See
Fuses (page 266).
F.
Air filter assembly. See
Changing the Engine Air Filter (page 299).
G.
Automatic transmission dipstick (under air filter assembly). See
Automatic
Transmission Fluid Check (page 286).
H.
Windshield washer fluid reservoir. See
Washer Fluid Check (page 288).
I.
280
Explorer (TUB), enUSA, First Printing MaintenanceE173375
Page 284 of 541

ENGINE OIL DIPSTICK - 2.3L
ECOBOOST™
Minimum.
A
Maximum.
B
ENGINE OIL DIPSTICK - 3.5L
DURATEC/3.5L ECOBOOST™ MINA
MAX
B
ENGINE OIL CHECK
Note: Check the level before starting the
engine. Note:
Make sure that the level is between
the MIN and the MAX marks.
1. Make sure that your vehicle is on level ground.
2. Turn the engine off and wait 10 minutes
for the oil to drain into the oil pan.
3. Remove the dipstick and wipe it with a clean, lint-free cloth. Replace the
dipstick and remove it again to check
the oil level.
If the level is at the MIN mark, add oil
immediately.
Adding Engine Oil
Note: Do not remove the filler cap when
the engine is running.
Note: Do not add oil further than the MAX
mark. Oil levels above the MAX mark may
cause engine damage. Only use oils certified for gasoline engines
by the American Petroleum Institute (API).
An oil with this trademark symbol
conforms to the current engine and
emission system protection standards and
fuel economy requirements of the
International Lubricants Specification
Advisory Council (ILSAC), comprised of
U.S. and Japanese automobile
manufacturers.
281
Explorer (TUB), enUSA, First Printing MaintenanceE161560
AB E146429 E142732
Page 285 of 541

1. Remove the filler cap.
2. If the engine oil level is not within the
normal range, add engine oil that
meets Ford specifications. See
Capacities and Specifications (page
334).
3. Remove the engine oil filler cap and use a funnel to pour the engine oil into
the opening.
4. Wipe off any spilled oil.
5. Replace the filler cap. Turn it until you feel a strong resistance.
OIL CHANGE INDICATOR
RESET
Use the information display controls on
the steering wheel to reset the oil change
indicator.
From the main menu scroll to: Action and description
Message
Press the right arrow button,
then from this menu scroll
to the following message.
Settings
Press the right arrow button,
then from this menu scroll
to the following message.
Vehicle
Press the right arrow button,
then from this menu scroll
to the following message.
Oil Life
Press and hold the
OK
button until the instrument
cluster displays the
following message.
Hold OK to
Reset
Reset Successful
When the oil change indic-
ator resets the instrument
cluster displays 100%.
Remaining Life Action and description
Message
{00}%
If the instrument cluster
displays one of the following
messages, repeat the
process.
Not Reset
Reset Cancelled
ENGINE COOLANT CHECK WARNINGS
Do not add engine coolant when the
engine is hot. Steam and scalding
liquids released from a hot cooling
system can burn you badly. Also, spilling
coolant on hot engine parts can burn you. Do not put engine coolant in the
windshield washer fluid container. If
sprayed on the windshield, engine
coolant could make it difficult to see
through the windshield. To reduce the risk of personal injury,
make sure the engine is cool before
unscrewing the coolant pressure
relief cap. The cooling system is under
pressure. Steam and hot liquid can come
out forcefully when you loosen the cap
slightly. Do not add coolant further than the
MAX mark.
Checking the Engine Coolant
When the engine is cold, check the
concentration and level of the engine
coolant at the intervals listed in the
scheduled maintenance information.
See
Scheduled Maintenance (page 486).
282
Explorer (TUB), enUSA, First Printing Maintenance
Page 308 of 541

General
•
Store all vehicles in a dry, ventilated
place.
• Protect from sunlight, if possible.
• If vehicles are stored outside, they
require regular maintenance to protect
against rust and damage.
Body
• Wash your vehicle thoroughly to
remove dirt, grease, oil, tar or mud from
exterior surfaces, rear-wheel housing
and the underside of front fenders.
• Periodically wash your vehicle if it is
stored in exposed locations.
• Touch-up exposed or primed metal to
prevent rust.
• Cover chrome and stainless steel parts
with a thick coat of auto wax to prevent
discoloration. Re-wax as necessary
when you wash your vehicle.
• Lubricate all hood, door and luggage
compartment hinges and latches with
a light grade oil.
• Cover interior trim to prevent fading.
• Keep all rubber parts free from oil and
solvents.
Engine
• Change the engine oil and filter prior to
storage because used engine oil
contains contaminates which may
cause engine damage.
• Start the engine every 15 days for a
minimum of 15 minutes. Run at fast idle
with the climate controls set to defrost
until the engine reaches normal
operating temperature. •
With your foot on the brake, shift
through all the gears while the engine
is running.
• We recommend that you change the
engine oil before you use your vehicle
again.
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 your vehicle from
storage, check coolant fluid level.
Confirm that there are no cooling
system leaks and that 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,
we recommend that you disconnect
the battery cables to maintain battery
charge for quick starting.
Note: It is necessary to reset memory
features if battery cables are disconnected.
Brakes
• Make sure the brakes and parking brake
release fully.
Tires
• Maintain recommended air pressure.
305
Explorer (TUB), enUSA, First Printing Vehicle Care
Page 309 of 541

Miscellaneous
•
Make sure all linkages, cables, levers
and pins under your vehicle are covered
with grease to prevent rust.
• Move vehicles at least 25 ft (7.5 m)
every 15 days to lubricate working parts
and prevent corrosion.
Removing Vehicle From Storage
When your vehicle is ready to come out of
storage, do the following:
• Wash your vehicle to remove any dirt
or grease film build-up on window
surfaces.
• Check windshield wipers for any
deterioration.
• Check under the hood for any foreign
material that may have collected
during storage such as mice or squirrel
nests.
• Check the exhaust for any foreign
material that may have collected
during storage.
• Check tire pressures and set tire
inflation per the Tire Label.
• Check brake pedal operation. Drive
your vehicle
15 ft (4.5 m) back and
forth to remove rust build-up.
• Check fluid levels (including coolant,
oil and gas) to make sure there are no
leaks, and fluids are at recommended
levels.
• If you remove the battery, clean the
battery cable ends and check for
damage.
Contact an authorized dealer if you have
any concerns or issues.
306
Explorer (TUB), enUSA, First Printing Vehicle Care
Page 490 of 541

When the oil change message appears in
the information display, it is time for an oil
change. Make sure you perform the oil
change within two weeks or 500 miles
(800 kilometers) of the message
appearing. Make sure you reset the
Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor after each oil
change. See Oil Change Indicator Reset
(page 282).
If your information display resets
prematurely or becomes inoperative, you
should perform the oil change interval at
six months or 5000 miles (8000
kilometers) from your last oil change.
Never exceed one year or 10000 miles
(16000 kilometers) between oil change
intervals.
Your vehicle is very sophisticated and built
with multiple, complex, performance
systems. Every manufacturer develops
these systems using different
specifications and performance features.
That is why it is important to rely upon your
dealership to properly diagnose and repair
your vehicle.
Ford Motor Company has recommended
maintenance intervals for various parts
and component systems based upon
engineering testing. Ford Motor Company
relies upon this testing to determine the
most appropriate mileage for replacement
of oils and fluids to protect your vehicle at
the lowest overall cost to you and
recommends against maintenance
schedules that deviate from the scheduled
maintenance information.
We strongly recommend the use of only
genuine Ford, Motorcraft or
Ford-authorized re-manufactured
replacement parts engineered for your
vehicle. Additives and Chemicals
This owner's manual and the Ford
Workshop Manual list the recommended
additives and chemicals for your vehicle.
We do not recommend using chemicals or
additives not approved by us as part of
your vehicle
’s normal maintenance. Please
consult your 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, a qualified expert, such
as the factory-trained technicians at your
dealership, should inspect discolored fluids
that also show signs of overheating or
foreign material contamination
immediately.
Make sure to change your vehicle ’s oils and
fluids 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
Make sure you perform the following basic
maintenance checks and inspections every
month or at six-month intervals.
487
Explorer (TUB), enUSA, First Printing Scheduled Maintenance