2021 FORD EXPLORER power steering fluid

Essential Towing Checks
.........................292
Towing the Vehicle on Four Wheels .....
294
Driving Hints
Reduced Engine Performance ...............
295
Economical Driving ....................................
295
Cold Weather Precautions ......................
296
Breaking-In ...................................................
296
Driving Through Water .............................
296
Floor Mats ......................................................
297
Roadside Emergencies
Roadside Assistance .................................
298
Hazard Flashers ..........................................
299
Fuel Shutoff .................................................
299
Jump Starting the Vehicle ......................
300
Collision, Damage or Fire Event ............
302
Post-Crash Alert System .........................
303
Transporting the Vehicle .........................
303
Customer Assistance
Getting the Services You Need .............
305
In California (U.S. Only) ...........................
306
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) Auto Line Program (U.S. Only) .....................
307
Utilizing the Mediation/Arbitration Program (Canada Only) .....................
308
Getting Assistance Outside the U.S. and Canada ......................................................
308
Ordering Additional Owner's Literature ........................................................................\
.
310
Reporting Safety Defects (U.S. Only) ........................................................................\
.
310
Reporting Safety Defects (Canada Only) ........................................................................\
.
310
Fuses
Fuse Specification Chart ...........................
312
Changing a Fuse .........................................
320Maintenance
General Information
...................................
322
Opening and Closing the Hood .............
322
Under Hood Overview - 2.3L EcoBoost™ ........................................................................\
323
Under Hood Overview - 3.0L ..................
324
Under Hood Overview - 3.3L ..................
325
Engine Oil Dipstick - 2.3L EcoBoost™ ........................................................................\
326
Engine Oil Dipstick - 3.0L ........................
326
Engine Oil Dipstick - 3.3L .........................
326
Engine Oil Check .........................................
326
Oil Change Indicator Reset ......................
327
Changing the Engine Air Filter - 2.3L EcoBoost™ ...............................................
328
Changing the Engine Air Filter - 3.0L ........................................................................\
329
Changing the Engine Air Filter - 3.3L ....
330
Engine Coolant Check ................................
331
Automatic Transmission Fluid Check ........................................................................\
335
Brake Fluid Check .......................................
335
Power Steering Fluid Check ....................
336
Changing the 12V Battery ........................
336
Adjusting the Headlamps .......................
338
Washer Fluid Check ...................................
340
Fuel Filter .......................................................
340
Checking the Wiper Blades ....................
340
Changing the Front Wiper Blades ........
340
Changing the Rear Wiper Blades ...........
341
Changing a Bulb ...........................................
341
Vehicle Care
General Information ..................................
343
Cleaning Products ......................................
343
Cleaning the Exterior .................................
344
Waxing ............................................................
345
Cleaning the Engine ...................................
345
Cleaning the Windows and Wiper Blades ........................................................................\
346
6
Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing Table of Contents

Horn control
Panic alarm
Parking aid
Parking brake
Power steering fluid
Power windows front/rear
Power window lockout
Requires registered technician
Safety alert
See Owner's Manual
See Service Manual
Service engine soon
Passenger airbag activated
Passenger airbag deactivated
Side airbag Shield the eyes
Stability control
Hill descent control
Trail control
Windshield wiping system
Windshield wash and wipe
PERCHLORATE
Certain components in your vehicle such
as airbag modules, seatbelt pretensioners
and remote control batteries may contain
perchlorate material. Special handling
may apply for service or vehicle end of life
disposal.
For more information visit: Web Address
www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazard- ouswaste/perchlorate
FORD CREDIT
US Only
Ford Credit offers a full range of financing
and lease plans to help you acquire your
vehicle. If you have financed or leased your
vehicle through Ford Credit, thank you for
your business.
11
Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing IntroductionE270945 E139213 E231159 E65963 E231158 E270849 E270850 E167012 E138639 E163957 E272858 E270969

STEERING
Electric Power Steering
WARNING: The electric power
steering system has diagnostic checks
that continuously monitor the system. If
a fault is detected, a message displays
in the information display. Stop your
vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.
Switch the ignition off. After at least 10
seconds, switch the ignition on and
watch the information display for a
steering system warning message. If a
steering system warning message
returns, have the system checked as
soon as possible. WARNING:
If the system detects
an error, you may not feel a difference in
the steering, however a serious condition
may exist. Have your vehicle checked as
soon as possible. Failure to do so may
result in loss of steering control.
Your vehicle has an electric power steering
system, there is no fluid reservoir, no
maintenance is required.
If your vehicle loses electrical power while
you are driving, electric power steering
assistance is lost. The steering system still
operates and you can steer your vehicle
manually. Manually steering your vehicle
requires more effort.
Extreme continuous steering may increase
the effort required for you to steer your
vehicle, this increased effort prevents
overheating and permanent damage to
the steering system. You do not lose the
ability to steer your vehicle manually.
Typical steering and driving maneuvers
allow the system to cool and return to
normal operation. Steering Tips
If the steering wanders or pulls, check for:
•
Correct tire pressures.
• Uneven tire wear.
• Loose or worn suspension
components.
• Loose or worn steering components.
• Improper vehicle alignment.
Note: A high crown in the road or high
crosswinds may also make the steering
seem to wander or pull.
Adaptive Learning
(If Equipped)
The electronic power steering system
adaptive learning helps correct road
irregularities and improves overall handling
and steering feel. It communicates with
the brake system to help operate
advanced stability control and accident
avoidance systems. Additionally, whenever
the battery is disconnected or a new
battery installed, you must drive your
vehicle a short distance before the system
relearns the strategy and reactivates all
systems.
PRE-COLLISION ASSIST WARNING: You are responsible for
controlling your vehicle at all times. The
system is designed to be an aid and does
not relieve you of your responsibility to
drive with due care and attention. Failure
to follow this instruction could result in
the loss of control of your vehicle,
personal injury or death.
273
Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing Driving Aids

Follow your community's regulations and
standards for recycling and disposing of
automotive fluids.
Severe Climates
If you drive in extremely cold climates:
•
It may be necessary to increase the
coolant concentration above 50%.
• A coolant concentration of 60%
provides improved freeze point
protection.
• Coolant concentrations above 60%
decrease the overheat protection
characteristics of the coolant and may
cause engine damage.
If you drive in extremely hot climates:
• You can decrease the coolant
concentration to 40%.
• A coolant concentration of 40%
provides improved overheat protection.
• Coolant concentrations below 40%
decrease the overheat and corrosion
protection characteristics of the
coolant and may cause engine
damage.
Vehicles driven year-round in non-extreme
climates should use prediluted coolant for
optimum cooling system and engine
protection.
Coolant Change
At specific mileage intervals, as listed in
the scheduled maintenance information,
the coolant should be changed. Add
prediluted coolant approved to the correct
specification. See Capacities and
Specifications (page 391). Fail-Safe Cooling
Fail-safe cooling allows you to temporarily
drive your vehicle before any incremental
component damage occurs. The fail-safe
distance depends on ambient
temperature, vehicle load and terrain.
How Fail-Safe Cooling Works If the engine begins to overheat,
the coolant temperature gauge
moves toward the red zone:
A warning lamp illuminates and
a message may appear in the
information display.
If the engine reaches a preset
over-temperature condition, the engine
automatically switches to alternating
cylinder operation. Each disabled cylinder
acts as an air pump and cools the engine.
When this occurs, your vehicle still
operates, however:
• Engine power is limited.
• The air conditioning system turns off.
Continued operation increases the engine
temperature, causing the engine to
completely shut down. Your steering and
braking effort increases in this situation.
When the engine temperature cools, you
can re-start the engine. Have your vehicle
checked as soon as possible to minimize
engine damage.
When Fail-Safe Mode Is Activated WARNING: Fail-safe mode is for
use during emergencies only. Operate
your vehicle in fail-safe mode only as
long as necessary to bring your vehicle
to rest in a safe location and seek
immediate repairs. When in fail-safe
mode, your vehicle will have limited
power, will not be able to maintain
333
Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing Maintenance

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.
336
Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing MaintenanceE170684

Hybrid Information..............................................
121
Trip 1 and 2............................................................ 120
Personal Safety System ™..........................45
How Does the Personal Safety System
Work?.................................................................. 45
Phone...............................................................453 Android Auto....................................................... 455
Apple CarPlay..................................................... 455
Pairing Your Cell Phone for the First Time................................................................... 454
Text Messaging................................................... 454
Using Your Cell Phone..................................... 454
Post-Crash Alert System
..........................303
Power Door Locks See: Locking and Unlocking............................. 69
Power Liftgate
..................................................74
Hands-Free Feature............................................ 76
Obstacle Detection.............................................. 76
Opening and Closing the Liftgate................... 74
Setting the Liftgate Open Height................... 76
Stopping the Liftgate Movement................... 75
Switching the Power Liftgate On or Off........................................................................\
. 76
Power Seats...................................................149 Adjusting the Lumbar Support..................... 150
Adjusting the Multi-Contour Front Seats With Active Motion ........................................ 151
Power Steering Fluid Check.....................336
Power Windows
.............................................96
Accessory Delay.................................................... 97
Bounce-Back......................................................... 96
One-Touch Down................................................ 96
One-Touch Up...................................................... 96
Window Lock......................................................... 96
Pre-Collision Assist
.....................................273
Adjusting the Pre-Collision Assist
Settings............................................................. 276
Blocked Sensors................................................. 276
Distance Indication and Alert........................ 275
Evasive Steering Assist.................................... 276
Using the Pre-Collision Assist System............................................................... 274
Protecting the Environment
........................19
Puncture See: Changing a Road Wheel........................ 374R
Radio Frequency Certification
Labels............................................................491
Blind Spot Information System Sensors.............................................................. 491
Body Control Module....................................... 494
Cruise Control Module..................................... 497
Garage Door Opener......................................... 501
Keys and Remote Controls............................. 501
Passive Anti-Theft System............................ 507
Radio Transceiver Module................................ 511
SYNC....................................................................... 515
Telematics Control Unit................................... 519
Tire Pressure Monitoring System Sensors............................................................. 520
Wireless Accessory Charging Module.............................................................. 526
Rear Axle
..........................................................213
Rear Occupant Alert System Audible Warnings........................................................161
Rear Occupant Alert System Indicators.......................................................161
Rear Occupant Alert System Limitations...................................................160
Rear Occupant Alert System Precautions.................................................160
Rear Occupant Alert System...................160
Rear Parking Aid...........................................230 Object Distance Indicator............................... 232
Rear Passenger Climate Controls
...........142
Directing Air to the Overhead Air
Vents................................................................... 143
Directing Air to the Rear Footwell Air Vents................................................................... 143
Rear Climate Control Lock Indicator...........143
Setting the Rear Blower Motor Speed................................................................. 143
Setting the Rear Temperature....................... 143
Switching the Rear Climate Control On and Off........................................................................\
143
Switching the Rear Heated Seats On and Off........................................................................\
143
Rear Seats
.......................................................153
Adjusting the Second Row Rear
Seats................................................................... 153
Adjusting the Third Row Power Seats.........157
569
Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing Index