2021 FORD EXPLORER maintenance schedule

Multi-Point Inspection
Hazard warning system operation
Accessory drive belt(s)
Horn operation
Battery performance
Radiator, cooler, heater and air conditioninghoses
Engine air filter
Suspension components for leaks ordamage
Exhaust system
Steering and linkage
Exterior lamps operation
Tires (including spare) for wear and properpressure2
Fluid levels 1
; fill if necessary
Windshield for cracks, chips or pits
For oil and fluid leaks
Washer spray and wiper operation
Half-shaft dust boots
1 Brake, coolant recovery reservoir, automatic transmission and window washer
2 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. Your checklist gives you
immediate feedback on the overall
condition of your vehicle.
NORMAL SCHEDULED
MAINTENANCE
Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor™
Your vehicle has an Intelligent Oil-Life
Monitor that determines when you should
change the engine oil based on how you
use your vehicle. By using several
important factors in its calculations, the
monitor helps reduce the cost of owning
your vehicle and reduces environmental
waste at the same time. This means you do not have to remember
to change the oil on a mileage-based
schedule. Your vehicle lets you know when
an oil change is due by displaying a
message in the information display.
The following table provides examples of
vehicle use and its impact on oil change
intervals. It is a guideline only. Actual oil
change intervals depend on several factors
and generally decrease with severity of
use.
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When to Expect the OIL CHANGE REQUIRED Message
Vehicle Use and Example
Interval 1
Normal
7,500– 10,000 mi
(12,000– 16,000 km) Normal commuting with highway driving
No, or moderate, load or towing
Flat to moderately hilly roads
No extended idling
Severe
5,000– 7,500 mi
(8,000– 12,000 km) Moderate to heavy load or towing
Mountainous or off-road conditions
Extended idling
Extended hot or cold operation
Extreme
3,000–5,000 mi
(4,800–8,000 km) Maximum load or towing
Extreme hot or cold operation
Extended engine idling
1 Hybrid vehicles may achieve longer distances between oil changes, but do not exceed
the 1 year maximum oil change interval. Remaining oil life can be accessed through the
information display. See Information Displays (page 112).
Normal Maintenance Intervals At Every Oil Change Interval as Indicated by the Information Display
1
Change the engine oil and filter. 2
Rotate the tires.
Perform a multi-point inspection, recommended.
Inspect the brake pads, rotors, hoses and parking brake.
Inspect the engine cooling system strength and hoses.
Inspect the exhaust system and heat shields.
Inspect the front axle.
Inspect the rear axle and U-joints.
Inspect the half-shaft boots.
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At Every Oil Change Interval as Indicated by the Information Display
1
Inspect the steering linkage, ball joints, suspension and the tire-rod ends.
Inspect the tires, tire wear and measure the tread depth.
Inspect the wheels and related components for abnormal noise, wear, looseness or
drag.
1 Do not exceed one year or 12,500 mi (20,000 km) between service intervals.
2 Reset the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor after engine oil and filter changes. See Engine Oil
Check
(page 326). Brake Fluid Maintenance
1
Change the brake fluid. 2
Every Three Years
1 Perform this maintenance item every three years. Do not exceed the designated time
for the interval.
2 Brake fluid servicing requires special equipment available at your authorized dealer. Other Maintenance Items
1
Replace the cabin air filter.
Every
20,000 mi
(32,000 km)
Replace the engine air filter.
Every
30,000 mi
(48,000 km)
Change the engine coolant and motor electronics coolant. 2
At
200,000 mi
(322,000 km)
Replace the spark plugs.
Every
100,000 mi
(160,000 km)
Inspect the accessory drive belt or belts. 3
Every
100,000 mi
(160,000 km)
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Other Maintenance Items
1
Change the automatic transmission fluid.
Every 150,000 mi
(240,000 km) Replace the accessory drive belt or belts. 4
1 Perform these maintenance items within
3,000 mi (4,800 km) of the last engine oil
and filter change. Do not exceed the designated distance for the interval.
2 Initial replacement at 10 years or
200,000 mi (322,000 km), then every 5 years or
100,000 mi (160,000 km).
3 After initial inspection, inspect every other oil change until replaced.
4 If not replaced within the last
100,000 mi (160,000 km).
SPECIAL OPERATING
CONDITIONS SCHEDULED
MAINTENANCE
If you operate your vehicle primarily in any
of the following conditions, you need to
perform extra maintenance as indicated.
If you operate your vehicle occasionally
under any of these conditions, it is not
necessary to perform the extra
maintenance. For specific
recommendations, see your dealership
service advisor or technician. Perform the services shown in the
following tables when specified or within
3,000 mi (4,800 km)
of the message
appearing in the information display
prompting you to change your oil.
• Example 1: The message comes on at
28,750 mi (46,270 km)
. Perform the
30,000 mi (48,000 km) automatic
transmission fluid replacement.
• Example 2: The message has not come
on, but the odometer reads 30,000 mi
(48,000 km)
(for example, the
Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor was reset
at
25,000 mi (40,000 km). Perform
the engine air filter replacement. Towing a Trailer or Using a Car-top Carrier
Change engine oil and filter as indicated by the information
display and perform services listed in the Normal Sched-
uled Maintenance chart.
As required
Inspect front axle.
Inspect frequently, service
as required
Inspect rear axle and U-joints.
Inspect half-shaft boots.
See axle maintenance items under Exceptions.
Replace spark plugs.
Every
60,000 mi
(96,000 km)
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Extensive Idling or Low-speed Driving for Long Distances, as in Heavy Commercial Use
Change engine oil and filter as indicated by the information
display and perform services listed in the Normal Sched-
uled Maintenance chart.
As required
Replace cabin air filter.
Inspect frequently, service
as required
Replace engine air filter.
Replace spark plugs.
Every 60,000 mi
(96,000 km) Operating in Dusty or Sandy Conditions - Such as Unpaved or Dusty Roads
Replace cabin air filter.
Inspect frequently, service
as required
Replace engine air filter.
Inspect the wheels and related components for abnormal
noise, wear, looseness or drag.
Every
5,000 mi (8,000 km)
Rotate tires, inspect tires for wear and measure tread
depth.
Change engine oil and filter. 1
Every
5,000 mi (8,000 km)
or six months
Perform multi-point inspection.
1 Reset your Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor after engine oil and filter changes. See Oil Change
Indicator Reset
(page 327). Exclusive use of E85 - Flex Fuel Vehicles Only
If ran exclusively on E85, fill the fuel tank full with regular
unleaded fuel.
Every oil change
Exceptions
There are several exceptions to the Normal
Schedule: Axle and Transfer Case Maintenance
The transfer case, front and rear axles in
your vehicle do not require normal
scheduled maintenance. Your vehicle is
electronically monitored and notifies you
of required service by displaying a message
in the information display. The transfer
case, front and rear axles are more likely
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to require a fluid change if the vehicle has
experienced extended periods of extreme
or severe duty cycle driving. Changing or
checking the transfer case, front and/or
rear axle lubricant is not necessary unless
the unit has been submerged in water,
shows signs of leakage, a message
indicating required service displays.
Contact your authorized dealer for service.
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 5,000 mi (8,000 km).
If the available API SM or SN oils are not
available, then the oil change interval is
3,000 mi (4,800 km)
.
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.
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Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing Scheduled Maintenance

Locking and Unlocking................................69
Activating Intelligent Access............................ 70
Autolock.................................................................... 71
Battery Saver.......................................................... 72
Illuminated Entry.................................................... 71
Illuminated Exit...................................................... 72
Locking and Unlocking the Doors with the Key Blade........................................................... 69
Power Door Locks................................................ 69
Remote Control.................................................... 69
Smart Unlocks for Integrated Keyhead Remote Control................................................ 70
Smart Unlocks for Intelligent Access Keys........................................................................\
71
Luggage Covers.............................................281
Lug Nuts See: Changing a Road Wheel........................ 374
M
Maintenance..................................................322 General Information.......................................... 322
Manual Seats.................................................148
Adjusting the Seat Backrest........................... 149
Moving the Seat Backward and Forward............................................................. 148
Memory Function
..........................................152
Easy Entry and Exit Feature............................ 153
Linking a PreSet Position to your Remote Control .............................................................. 153
Saving a PreSet Position.................................. 152
Message Center See: Information Displays................................. 112
Mirrors See: Windows and Mirrors............................... 96
Mobile Communications Equipment.......13
Mobile Device Data........................................18
Moonroof..........................................................101 Bounce-Back........................................................102
Opening and Closing the Moonroof.............101
Rear SunShade Opening and Closing........102
Motorcraft Parts - 2.3L EcoBoost™
................................................388
Motorcraft Parts - 3.0L.............................389
Motorcraft Parts - 3.3L..............................390
MyKey – Troubleshooting
...........................67
MyKey ™.............................................................64
Principle of Operation........................................ 64N
Navigation......................................................455
Changing the Format of the Map................457
cityseeker............................................................. 459
Michelin Travel Guide...................................... 460
Navigation Map Accuracy and Updates........................................................... 460
Route Guidance.................................................. 457
Setting a Destination....................................... 456
SiriusXM Traffic and Travel Link.................. 460
Zoom...................................................................... 457
Normal Scheduled Maintenance
..........485
Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor™........................ 485
Normal Maintenance Intervals.................... 486
O
Oil Change Indicator Reset.......................327
Oil Check See: Engine Oil Check...................................... 326
Opening and Closing the Hood..............322 Closing the Hood................................................ 323
Opening the Hood............................................. 322
Ordering Additional Owner's Literature......................................................310
Obtaining a French Owner ’s Manual..........310
Overhead Console.........................................171
Overriding Automatic High Beam Control............................................................95
Overriding Reverse Braking Assist..........221
Overriding the Set Speed..........................252
P
Parking Aids
...................................................230
Principle of Operation...................................... 230
Passive Anti-Theft System.........................78 Programming a Spare Intelligent Access
Key........................................................................\
. 78
SecuriLock®........................................................... 78
PATS See: Passive Anti-Theft System..................... 78
Pedestrian Alert System
.............................54
Pedestrian Protection..................................54
Perchlorate.........................................................11
Personalized Settings..................................119 Fuel Economy...................................................... 120
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Rear Under Floor Storage........................280
Adjustable Load Floor..................................... 280
Spare Tire Cover................................................ 280
Rear View Camera.......................................238 Camera Guidelines........................................... 240
Manual Zoom....................................................... 241
Obstacle Distance Indicator.......................... 240
Rear Camera Delay............................................ 241
Using the Rear View Camera System........239
Rear View Camera See: Rear View Camera................................... 238
Rear Window Wiper and Washers..........86 Rear Camera Washer......................................... 86
Rear Window Washer......................................... 86
Rear Window Wiper............................................ 86
Rear Wiper Blades See: Changing the Rear Wiper Blades........341
Recommended Towing Weights...........289
Reduced Engine Performance................295
Refueling - Excluding: Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV)
.............................................189
Refueling System Overview........................... 189
Refueling System Warning.............................. 191
Refueling Your Vehicle..................................... 190
Refueling - Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV).............................................................192
Fuel Filler Door Manual Override Lever................................................................... 194
System Warnings................................................ 193
Remote Control
...............................................57
Car Finder................................................................ 62
Integrated Keyhead Transmitter..................... 57
Intelligent Access Key........................................ 58
Memory Feature.................................................... 61
Remote Start......................................................... 62
Replacing the Battery......................................... 59
Sounding the Panic Alarm................................ 62
Remote Start.................................................144 Automatic Settings............................................ 144
Heated and Cooled Features......................... 144
Last Settings........................................................ 144
Repairing Minor Paint Damage..............348
Replacement Parts Recommendation........................................12
Collision Repairs.................................................... 12
Scheduled Maintenance and Mechanical Repairs.................................................................. 12
Warranty on Replacement Parts..................... 12Replacing a Lost Key or Remote
Control............................................................63
Replacing the Cabin Air Filter...................145
Reporting Safety Defects (Canada Only)...............................................................310
Reporting Safety Defects (U.S. Only)...............................................................310
Resuming the Set Speed..........................245 Resuming the Set Speed from a Complete
Stop.................................................................... 252
Reverse Braking Assist Indicators
...........221
Reverse Braking Assist Precautions.................................................220
Reverse Braking Assist
..............................220
Reverse Braking Assist –
Troubleshooting............................................. 222
Reverse Braking Assist – Troubleshooting
........................................222
Reverse Braking Assist – Frequently Asked
Questions......................................................... 223
Reverse Braking Assist – Information Messages.......................................................... 222
Roadside Assistance
..................................298
Vehicles Sold in Canada: Getting Roadside
Assistance....................................................... 299
Vehicles Sold in the United States: Getting Roadside Assistance................................... 298
Vehicles Sold in the United States: Using Roadside Assistance................................... 298
Roadside Emergencies.............................298
Roof Racks and Load Carriers.................281 Adjusting the Crossbar.................................... 282
Maximum Recommended Load Amounts.......................................................... 282
Running-In See: Breaking-In................................................. 296
Running Out of Fuel
.....................................187
Adding Fuel From a Portable Fuel
Container.......................................................... 188
Filling a Portable Fuel Container.................. 188
S
Safety Canopy ™
..............................................51
Safety Precautions......................................185
Satellite Radio
..............................................429
Satellite Radio Electronic Serial Number
(ESN)................................................................ 430
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Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing Index