2023 FORD EXPLORER maintenance

High Voltage Electric SystemFailure (If Equipped)
It illuminates if your hybridelectric vehicle has an electricalcomponent fault or failure thatcauses your vehicle to shutdown or entera limited operating mode. A message mayappear in the instrument cluster display.
Hill Descent (If Equipped)
Illuminates when you switch hilldescent on.
Hood Ajar
Illuminates when the ignition ison and the hood is notcompletely closed.
Lamps On
Illuminates when you switch thelow beam headlamps or theparking lamps on.
Liftgate Ajar
Illuminates when the liftgate isnot completely closed.
Low Beam Warning
Illuminates when the low beamheadlamp bulb is not properlyfunctioning.
Low Fuel Level
Illuminates when the fuel levelis low or the fuel tank is nearlyempty. Refuel as soon aspossible.
Low Tire Pressure Warning
Illuminates when the tirepressure is low. If the lampremains on with the enginerunning or when driving, check the tirepressure as soon as possible.
It also momentarily illuminates when youswitch the ignition on to confirm the lampis functional. If it does not illuminate whenyou switch the ignition on, or begins toflash at any time, have the systemchecked.
Low Washer Fluid
Illuminates when the windshieldwasher fluid is low.
Powertrain Fault
Illuminates when the systemdetects a powertrain or a4WD/AWD fault. Contact anauthorized dealer as soon as possible.
Ready to Drive (If Equipped)
Illuminates when you haveswitched on your hybrid electricvehicle and it is ready to drive. Acorresponding message may appearstating ready to drive.
Service Engine Soon
It illuminates when you switchthe ignition on prior to enginestart to check the bulb and toindicate whether your vehicle is ready forInspection and Maintenance testing.
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Normally, it illuminates until the engine iscranked and automatically turns off if nosystem errors are present. However, if after15 seconds it flashes eight times, thisindicates that your vehicle is not ready forInspection and Maintenance testing. SeeCatalytic Converter (page 193).
If it illuminates when the engine is runningthis indicates a system error. The On BoardDiagnostics system has detected an errorin the vehicle emission control system.
If it flashes, engine misfire may beoccurring. Continuing to drive your vehiclemay cause reduced power or the engineto stop. Failure to respond to the warninglamp may cause component damage notcovered by the vehicle Warranty. Haveyour vehicle checked as soon as possible.
Stability Control
It flashes when the system isactive. If it remains illuminatedor does not illuminate when youswitch the ignition on, this indicates asystem error. During a system error thesystem switches off. Immediately have thesystem checked. See Using StabilityControl (page 222).
Stability Control Off
Illuminates when you switch thesystem off. It goes out when youswitch the system back on orwhen you switch the ignition off.
AUDIBLE WARNINGS AND
INDICATORS
Key in Ignition Warning Chime (If
Equipped)
Sounds when you open the driver's doorand you have left the key in the ignition.
Keyless Warning Alert (If Equipped)
Sounds the horn twice when you exit yourvehicle with the intelligent access key, afterthe last door is closed and your keylessvehicle is in RUN, indicating your vehicle isstill on.
Headlamps On Warning Chime
Sounds when you remove the key from theignition and open the driver's door and youhave left the headlamps or parking lampson.
Parking Brake On Warning Chime
Sounds when you have left the parkingbrake on and drive your vehicle. If thewarning chime remains on after you havereleased the parking brake, have thesystem checked by an authorized dealerimmediately.
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2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingInstrument ClusterE138639 E130458

Audio
Audio
Menu options covered in the SYNC chapter. See General Information (page 427).
Phone
Phone
Menu options covered in the SYNC chapter. See General Information (page 427).
Settings
Settings
Contains vehicle status information.Select Your Setting.Information
Select Your SettingLanguageDisplay
Measure unit
Temperature unit
Tire Pressure
Select Your SettingDriver Assistance
Select Your SettingOil LevelVehicle Maintenance
Oil Life
Brake Fluid Life
Tire Pressure
MyKey InfoMyKey
Create MyKey
Note:Additional vehicle settings areavailable through your touchscreen. SeeSettings (page 458).PERSONALIZED SETTINGS
Select one of these options to display onyour main screen.
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2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingInformation Displays

Lane Keeping System
ActionMessage
The system has malfunctioned. Have the system checked as soonas possible.Lane Keeping Sys.MalfunctionService Required
The system has detected a condition that has caused the systemto be temporarily unavailable.Front CameraTemporarily NotAvailable
The system has detected a condition that requires the windshieldto be cleaned to operate properly.Front Camera LowVisibility CleanScreen
The system has malfunctioned. Have the system checked as soonas possible.Front CameraMalfunctionService Required
The system requests the driver to keep their hands on the steeringwheel.Keep Hands onSteering Wheel
Maintenance
ActionMessage
Stop your vehicle as soon as safely possible and turn off the engine.Check the oil level. If the warning stays on or continues to come onwith your engine running, have the system checked as soon aspossible.
Low Engine OilPressure
The engine oil life is low and needs to be changed soon.Change Engine OilSoon
The engine oil life is low and needs to be changed immediately.Oil ChangeRequired
The brake fluid level is low and the brake system should beinspected immediately. See Brake Fluid Check (page 328).Brake Fluid LevelLow
The brake system needs servicing. Stop the vehicle in a safe place.Contact an authorized dealer.Check BrakeSystem
The engine coolant temperature is excessively high.Engine CoolantOver Temperature
The washer fluid is low and needs to be refilled.Washer Fluid LevelLow
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2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingInformation Displays

WHAT IS THE CABIN AIR
FILTER
The cabin air filter improves the quality ofair in your vehicle by trapping dust, pollenand other particles.
REPLACING THE CABIN AIR
FILTER
Replace the filter at regular intervals. SeeScheduled Maintenance (page 476).
The cabin air filter is behind the glovecompartment.
To remove the lower glove compartmentand access the filter:
1.Open the glove compartment.
2.Press the tab on each side.
3.Fully lower the glove compartment.
4.Pull the glove compartment towardyou.
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2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingInterior Air QualityE311296

Braking
Your hybrid is equipped with standardhydraulic braking and regenerative braking.Regenerative braking is performed by yourtransmission and it captures brake energyand stores it in the high voltage battery.
You may also notice during extendingdownhill driving that your engine continuesto run instead of shutting off. During thisengine braking, the engine stays on, but itis not using any fuel. You may also hear aslight whine or whistle when operating yourvehicle. This is the normal operation of theelectric motor in the hybrid system.
Driving to Optimize Fuel Economy
Note:Having your engine running is notalways an indication of inefficiency. In somecases, it is actually more efficient thandriving in electric mode.
Your fuel economy should improvethroughout your hybrid's break-in period.As with any vehicle, your driving habits andaccessory usage can significantly impactyour fuel economy. For best results, keepthese tips in mind:
•Keep the tires properly inflated andonly use the recommended size.
•Aggressive driving increases theamount of energy required to moveyour vehicle. In general, you canachieve better fuel economy with mildto moderate acceleration anddeceleration. Moderate braking isparticularly important since it allowsyou to maximize the energy capturedby the regenerative braking system.
Additional Tips:
•Do not carry extra loads.
•Be mindful of adding externalaccessories that may increaseaerodynamic drag.
•Observe posted speed limits.
•Perform all scheduled maintenance.
•There is no need to wait for your engineto warm up. The vehicle is ready todrive immediately after starting.
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2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingUnique Driving Characteristics

HYBRID VEHICLE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS - HYBRID
ELECTRIC VEHICLE (HEV)
AnswerQuestion
The high voltage battery is electrically isol-ated from the rest of the vehicle when theignition is off. When you switch the ignitionon, the high voltage contacts inside thebattery are closed. This makes the electri-city available to the motor and generatorand allows your vehicle to proceed. Theclicks are the sound of these contacts asthey close and open during start up andshut down.
What are the series of clicks from the cargoarea when I switch the ignition on?
The vehicle's computer determines if anengine start is required at key-on. Silent keystarts the engine if it is necessary for cabinheating, windshield defrost, or if the outsidetemperature is low.
Why does the engine sometimes start atkey-on?
There are several reasons the engine stayson for an extended amount of time whenyou first start it. One common reason is tomake sure that the emission's componentsare warm enough to minimize tailpipeemissions. As the climate gets cooler, thisengine-on time is extended.
Why does it take a long time before theengine shuts down?
In order to make sure that the climatecontrol system can begin heating the cabinor defrosting the windshield as soon as yourequest it, the engine coolant temperaturehas to be kept sufficiently hot. Keeping theengine on is required to maintain the correctcoolant temperature.
Why does my engine stay on when it isextremely cold outside?
Your hybrid vehicle can use E15 fuel (15%ethanol, 85% gasoline), but you couldnotice slightly reduced fuel economybecause ethanol contains less energy pergallon than gasoline. Your hybrid vehicle isnot designed to use E85 (85% ethanol).
Can I put E15 or E85 in my vehicle, and howwill it affect my fuel economy?
The high voltage battery system is designedto last the life of the vehicle and requiresno maintenance.
How long will my high voltage battery last?Does it need maintenance?
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2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingUnique Driving Characteristics

EMISSION LAW
WARNING: Do not remove or alterthe original equipment floor covering orinsulation between it and the metal floorof the vehicle. The floor covering andinsulation protect occupants of thevehicle from the engine and exhaustsystem heat and noise. On vehicles withno original equipment floor coveringinsulation, do not carry passengers in amanner that permits prolonged skincontact with the metal floor. Failure tofollow these instructions may result infire or personal injury.
U.S. federal laws and certain state lawsprohibit removing or rendering inoperativeemission control system components.Similar federal or provincial laws mayapply in Canada. We do not approve of anyvehicle modification without firstdetermining applicable laws.
Tampering with emissionscontrol systems includingrelated sensors or the DieselExhaust Fluid system can result in reducedengine power and the illumination of theservice engine soon light.
Tampering With a Noise ControlSystem
Federal laws prohibit the following acts:
•Removal or rendering inoperative byany person other than for purposes ofmaintenance.
•Repair or replacement of any device orelement of the design incorporated intoa new vehicle for the purpose of noisecontrol prior to its sale or delivery tothe ultimate purchaser or while it is inuse.
•The use of the vehicle after any personremoves or renders inoperative anydevice or element of the design.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agencymay presume to constitute tampering asfollows:
•Removal of hood blanket, fender apronabsorbers, fender apron barriers,underbody noise shields or acousticallyabsorptive material.
•Tampering or rendering inoperative theengine speed governor, to allow enginespeed to exceed manufacturerspecifications.
If the engine does not start, runs rough,experiences a decrease in engineperformance, experiences excess fuelconsumption or produces excessiveexhaust smoke, check for the following:
•A plugged or disconnected air inletsystem hose.
•A plugged engine air filter element.
•Water in the fuel filter and waterseparator.
•A clogged fuel filter.
•Contaminated fuel.
•Air in the fuel system, due to looseconnections.
•An open or pinched sensor hose.
•Incorrect engine oil level.
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