2021 FORD EXPLORER brake fluid

COLLISION, DAMAGE OR FIRE
EVENT
Guidance for Ford Motor Company
Electric and Hybrid-Electric
Vehicles Equipped With High
Voltage Batteries
(Vehicle Owner/Operator/General
Public)
Electric and Hybrid-Electric Vehicle
Considerations
In the event of damage or fire involving an
electric vehicle or hybrid-electric vehicle:
•
Always assume the high-voltage
battery and associated components
are energized and fully charged.
• Exposed electrical components, wires,
and high-voltage batteries present
potential high-voltage shock hazards.
• Venting high-voltage battery vapors
are potentially toxic and flammable.
• Physical damage to the vehicle or
high-voltage battery may result in
immediate or delayed release of toxic,
flammable gases and fire.
Vehicle information and general safety
practices:
• Know the make and model of your
vehicle.
• Review the owner ’s manual and
become familiar with your vehicle ’s
safety information and recommended
safety practices.
• Do not attempt to repair damaged
electric and hybrid-electric vehicles
yourself.
Contact an authorized dealer. Crashes
A crash or impact significant enough to
require an emergency response for
conventional vehicles would also require
the same response for an electric or
hybrid-electric vehicle.
If possible:
•
Move your vehicle to a safe, nearby
location and remain on the scene.
• Roll down the windows before
switching your vehicle off.
• Place your vehicle in park (P), set the
parking brake, switch off the vehicle,
activate the hazard warning flashers
and move your key(s) at least 15 ft
(5 m) away from the vehicle.
Always:
• Call emergency assistance if needed
and advise that an electric or
hybrid-electric vehicle is involved.
• Exposed electrical components, wires,
and high-voltage batteries present
potential high-voltage shock hazards.
• Avoid contact with leaking fluids and
gases, and remain out of the way of
oncoming traffic until emergency
responders arrive.
• When emergency responders arrive,
tell them that the vehicle involved is an
electric vehicle or hybrid-electric
vehicle.
Fires
As with any vehicle, call emergency
assistance immediately if you see sparks,
smoke or flames coming from the vehicle.
Remain a safe distance from the vehicle
and try to stay clear of the smoke.
• Exit the vehicle immediately.
• Advise emergency assistance that an
electric or hybrid-electric vehicle is
involved.
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GENERAL INFORMATION
Have your vehicle serviced regularly to help
maintain its roadworthiness and resale
value. There is a large network of
authorized dealers that are there to help
you with their professional servicing
expertise. We believe that their specially
trained technicians are best qualified to
service your vehicle properly and expertly.
They are supported by a wide range of
highly specialized tools developed
specifically for servicing your vehicle.
If your vehicle requires professional service,
an authorized dealer can provide the
necessary parts and service. Check your
warranty information to find out which
parts and services are covered.
Use only recommended fuels, lubricants,
fluids and service parts conforming to
specifications. Motorcraft® parts are
designed and built to provide the best
performance in your vehicle.
Precautions
•
Do not work on a hot engine.
• Make sure that nothing gets caught in
moving parts.
• Do not work on a vehicle with the
engine running in an enclosed space,
unless you are sure you have enough
ventilation.
• Keep all open flames and other burning
material (such as cigarettes) away
from the battery and all fuel related
parts.
Working with the Engine Off
1. Set the parking brake and shift the transmission to park (P).
2. Switch off the engine.
3. Block the wheels. Working with the Engine On WARNING: To reduce the risk of
vehicle damage and personal burn
injuries, do not start your engine with the
air cleaner removed and do not remove
it while the engine is running.
1. Set the parking brake and shift the transmission to park (P).
2. Block the wheels.
OPENING AND CLOSING THE
HOOD
Opening the Hood 1. Open the left-hand front door.
2. Fully pull the hood release lever and
let it completely retract.
Note: This action releases the hood latch.
3. Fully pull the hood release lever for a second time.
Note: This action fully releases the hood.
4. Open the hood.
Note: There is no secondary latch under the
hood.
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Engine oil dipstick. See Engine Oil Dipstick (page 326).
C
Brake fluid reservoir. See
Brake Fluid Check (page 335).
D
Engine compartment fusebox. See
Changing a Fuse (page 320).
E
Engine coolant reservoir. See
Engine Coolant Check (page 331).
F
Air filter assembly. See
Changing the Engine Air Filter (page 328).
G
Windshield washer fluid reservoir. See
Washer Fluid Check (page 340).
H
UNDER HOOD OVERVIEW - 3.0L Battery.
See Changing the 12V Battery (page 336).
A
Engine oil filler cap.
See Engine Oil Check (page 326).
B
Engine oil dipstick.
See Engine Oil Dipstick (page 326).
C
Brake fluid reservoir.
See Brake Fluid Check (page 335).
D
Engine compartment fuse box.
See Fuses (page 312).
E
Engine coolant reservoir.
See Engine Coolant Check (page 331).
F
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Air filter assembly. See Changing the Engine Air Filter (page 329).
G
Washer fluid reservoir. See
Washer Fluid Check (page 340).
H
UNDER HOOD OVERVIEW - 3.3L Battery.
See Changing the 12V Battery (page 336).
A.
Engine oil filler cap.
See Engine Oil Check (page 326).
B.
Engine oil dipstick.
See Engine Oil Dipstick (page 326).
C.
Brake fluid reservoir.
See Brake Fluid Check (page 335).
D.
Engine compartment fuse box.
See Fuses (page 312).
E.
Engine coolant reservoir cap.
See Engine Coolant Check (page 331).
F.
Air filter assembly. See
Changing the Engine Air Filter (page 328).
G.
Inverter system controller coolant reservoir cap- HEV only.
H.
Washer fluid reservoir. See
Washer Fluid Check (page 340).
I.
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1. Stop your vehicle as soon as it is safe
to do so. Fully apply the parking brake,
shift into park (P) or neutral (N).
2. Leave the engine running until the coolant temperature gauge needle
returns to the normal position. If the
temperature does not drop after
several minutes, follow the remaining
steps.
3. Switch the engine off and wait for it to
cool. Check the coolant level.
4. If the coolant level is at or below the minimum mark, add prediluted coolant
immediately.
5. If the coolant level is normal, restart the engine and continue.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
FLUID CHECK
If required, have an authorized dealer check
and change the transmission fluid at the
correct service interval. See Scheduled
Maintenance (page 482).
The automatic transmission does not have
a transmission fluid dipstick.
Refer to your scheduled maintenance
information for scheduled intervals for fluid
checks and changes. Your transmission
does not consume fluid. However, if the
transmission slips, shifts slowly or if you
notice a sign of leaking fluid, contact an
authorized dealer.
Do not use supplemental transmission
fluid additives, treatments or cleaning
agents. The use of these materials may
affect transmission operation and result
in damage to internal transmission
components. BRAKE FLUID CHECK WARNING:
Do not use any fluid
other than the recommended brake fluid
as this will reduce brake efficiency. Use
of incorrect fluid could result in the loss
of vehicle control, serious personal injury
or death. WARNING:
Only use brake fluid
from a sealed container. Contamination
with dirt, water, petroleum products or
other materials may result in brake
system damage or failure. Failure to
adhere to this warning could result in the
loss of vehicle control, serious personal
injury or death. WARNING:
Do not allow the fluid
to touch your skin or eyes. If this
happens, rinse the affected areas
immediately with plenty of water and
contact your physician. WARNING:
The brake system
could be affected if the brake fluid level
is below the MIN mark or above the MAX
mark on the brake fluid reservoir.
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1. Park your vehicle on a level surface.
2. Look at the brake fluid reservoir to see
where the brake fluid level is relative
to the MIN and the MAX marks on the
reservoir.
Note: If the brake fluid level is between the
MIN
and the MAX marks on the reservoir, it
is acceptable.
Note: If the brake fluid level is below the
MIN
mark or above the MAX mark, have
your vehicle checked as soon as possible.
Note: To avoid fluid contamination, the
reservoir cap must remain in place and fully
tight, unless you are adding fluid.
Only use fluid that meets our
specifications. See
Capacities and
Specifications (page 385).
Brake Fluid Service Interval
Brake fluid absorbs water over time which
degrades the effectiveness of the brake
fluid. Change the brake fluid at the
specified intervals to prevent degraded
braking performance. For detailed interval information, see
Scheduled Maintenance in your Owner's
Manual or your local maintenance guide.
POWER STEERING FLUID
CHECK
Your vehicle is equipped with an electric
power steering (EPS) system. There is no
fluid reservoir to check or fill.
CHANGING THE 12V BATTERY
WARNING:
Batteries normally
produce explosive gases which can
cause personal injury. Therefore, do not
allow flames, sparks or lighted
substances to come near the battery.
When working near the battery, always
shield your face and protect your eyes.
Always provide correct ventilation. WARNING:
When lifting a
plastic-cased battery, excessive pressure
on the end walls could cause acid to flow
through the vent caps, resulting in
personal injury and damage to the
vehicle or battery. Lift the battery with a
battery carrier or with your hands on
opposite corners. WARNING:
Keep batteries out of
reach of children. Batteries contain
sulfuric acid. Avoid contact with skin,
eyes or clothing. Shield your eyes when
working near the battery to protect
against possible splashing of acid
solution. In case of acid contact with skin
or eyes, flush immediately with water for
a minimum of 15 minutes and get prompt
medical attention. If acid is swallowed,
call a physician immediately.
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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.
Disconnecting Your 12 Volt 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 you disconnect the battery
cables.
Plugging in Your HYBRID
We recommend the following options for
your plug-in vehicle (PHEV) :
• Leave your vehicle plugged in. The 12
volt battery maintains power if left
plugged in. However, this periodically
uses electricity from the household
outlet.
• Connect a battery charger to your 12
volt battery and leave it on a
continuous, slow charge.
• Disconnect the 12 volt battery. If your
12 volt battery is located in the luggage
compartment, do not fully shut the
luggage compartment after
disconnecting the 12 volt battery. Only
leave the luggage compartment open
if your vehicle is stored in a locked
location.
Brakes
• Make sure the brakes and parking brake
release fully.
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Tires
•
Maintain recommended air pressure.
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. BODY STYLING KITS
(IF EQUIPPED)
The distance between the underside of
your vehicle and the ground is less than
that of other models. Drive with extreme
care to avoid damage to your vehicle.
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