Your vehicle can be driven in such a waythat dilutes and increases the level of oilby short trips that do not allow the engineto get to operating temperature, extendedidling, and low speed driving for longperiods of time.
When the oil change message appears inthe instrument cluster display, it is time foran oil change. Make sure you perform theoil change within two weeks or 500 mi(800 km) of the message appearing. Makesure you reset the Intelligent Oil-LifeMonitor after each oil change. See OilChange Indicator Reset (page 320).
If your instrument cluster display resetsprematurely or becomes inoperative, youshould perform the oil change interval atsix months or 5,000 mi (8,000 km) fromyour last oil change. Never exceed one yearor 10,000 mi (16,000 km) between oilchange intervals,
Your vehicle is very sophisticated and builtwith multiple, complex performancesystems. Every manufacturer developsthese systems using differentspecifications and performance features.That is why it is important to rely upon yourdealership to properly diagnose and repairyour vehicle.
We have recommended maintenanceintervals for various parts and componentsystems based upon engineering testing.We rely upon this testing to determine themost appropriate mileage for replacementof oils and fluids to protect your vehicle atthe lowest overall cost to you andrecommends against maintenanceschedules that deviate from the scheduledmaintenance information.
We strongly recommend the use of onlyour genuine manufactured or ourauthorized re-manufactured replacementparts engineered for your vehicle.
Additives and Chemicals
This owner's manual and our WorkshopManual list the recommended additivesand chemicals for your vehicle. We do notrecommend using chemicals or additivesnot approved by us as part of your vehicle’snormal maintenance. Please consult yourwarranty information.
Oils, Fluids and Flushing
In many cases, fluid discoloration is anormal operating characteristic and, byitself, does not necessarily indicate aconcern or that the fluid needs to bechanged. However, a qualified expert, suchas the factory-trained technicians at yourdealership, should inspect discolored fluidsthat also show signs of overheating orforeign material contaminationimmediately.
Make sure to change your vehicle’s oils andfluids at the specified intervals or inconjunction with a repair. Flushing is aviable way to change fluid for many vehiclesub-systems during scheduledmaintenance. It is critical that systems areflushed only with new fluid that is the sameas that required to fill and operate thesystem or using our approved flushingchemical.
Owner Checks and Services
Make sure you perform the following basicmaintenance checks and inspections everymonth or at six-month intervals.
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At Every Oil Change Interval as Indicated by the Information Display1
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 ordrag.
1 Do not exceed one year or 10,000 mi (16,000 km) between service intervals.2 Reset the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor after engine oil and filter changes. See Engine OilCheck (page 319).
Brake Fluid Maintenance1
Change the brake fluid.2Every Three Years
1 Perform this maintenance item every three years. Do not exceed the designated timefor the interval.2 Brake fluid servicing requires special equipment available at your authorized dealer.
Other Maintenance Items1
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.2At 200,000 mi(322,000 km)
Replace the spark plugs.Every 100,000 mi(160,000 km)
Inspect the accessory drive belt or belts.3Every 100,000 mi(160,000 km)
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Other Maintenance Items1
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 oiland 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 or100,000 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 anyof the following conditions, you need toperform extra maintenance as indicated.If you operate your vehicle occasionallyunder any of these conditions, it is notnecessary to perform the extramaintenance. For specificrecommendations, see your dealershipservice advisor or technician.
Perform the services shown in thefollowing tables when specified or within3,000 mi (4,800 km) of the messageappearing in the instrument cluster displayprompting you to change your oil.
•Example 1: The message comes on at28,750 mi (46,270 km). Perform the30,000 mi (48,000 km) automatictransmission fluid replacement.
•Example 2: The message has not comeon, but the odometer reads 30,000 mi(48,000 km) (for example, theIntelligent Oil-Life Monitor was resetat 25,000 mi (40,000 km). Performthe engine air filter replacement.
Towing a Trailer or Using a Car-top Carrier
Change engine oil and filter as indicated by the instrumentcluster display and perform services listed in the NormalScheduled Maintenance chart.
As required
Inspect front axle.Inspect frequently, serviceas requiredInspect 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(Such as Delivery, Taxi, Patrol Car or Livery)Short Trips that do not allow the engine to get to operating temperature causing fueldilution and an increase of the engine oil level
Change engine oil and filter as indicated by the instrumentcluster display and perform services listed in the NormalScheduled Maintenance chart.
As required
Replace cabin air filter.Inspect frequently, serviceas requiredReplace 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, serviceas requiredReplace engine air filter.
Inspect the wheels and related components for abnormalnoise, wear, looseness or drag.Every 5,000 mi (8,000 km)
Rotate tires, inspect tires for wear and measure treaddepth.
Change engine oil and filter.1Every 5,000 mi (8,000 km)or six monthsPerform multi-point inspection.
1Reset your Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor after engine oil and filter changes. See Oil ChangeIndicator Reset (page 320).
Exclusive use of E85 - Flex Fuel Vehicles Only
If ran exclusively on E85, fill the fuel tank full with regularunleaded fuel.Every oil change
Exceptions
There are several exceptions to the NormalSchedule:
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Hybrid Vehicle Frequently AskedQuestions - Hybrid Electric Vehicle(HEV).............................................................180Hybrid Vehicle Operation - HybridElectric Vehicle (HEV)..............................178
I
Ignition Switch...............................................168In California (U.S. Only)............................299Information Display Control.......................82Information Displays....................................110General Information - Vehicles With: 12.3Inch Instrument Cluster DisplayScreen.................................................................112General Information - Vehicles With: 4.2Inch Instrument Cluster DisplayScreen.................................................................115General Information - Vehicles With: 6.5Inch Instrument Cluster DisplayScreen.................................................................110Information Messages.................................119Installing Child Restraints...........................25Instrument Cluster........................................101Instrument Lighting Dimmer......................87Instrument Panel.............................................21Interior Air Quality.........................................143Interior Lamps.................................................90Interior Mirror...................................................98Introduction........................................................9
J
Jump Starting the Vehicle........................293
K
Keyless Entry.....................................................71Keyless Starting............................................169Keys and Remote Controls.........................57
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Lane Keeping System................................255Liftgate...............................................................73Lighting Control..............................................86Lighting..............................................................86General Information...........................................86
Limited Slip Differential............................209Load CarriersSee: Roof Racks and Load Carriers.............276Load Carrying.................................................275General Information..........................................275Load Limit........................................................277Locating the Wireless AccessoryCharger..........................................................166Locking and Unlocking................................68Lug NutsSee: Changing a Road Wheel........................370
M
Maintenance...................................................315General Information..........................................315Manual Seats.................................................146Memory Function.........................................150Message CenterSee: Information Displays................................110MirrorsSee: Windows and Mirrors................................94Mobile Communications Equipment......14Mobile Device Data........................................18Moonroof..........................................................99Motorcraft Parts - 2.3LEcoBoost™.................................................382Motorcraft Parts - 3.0L..............................382Motorcraft Parts - 3.3L..............................383MyKey – Troubleshooting...........................67MyKey™.............................................................64Principle of Operation........................................64
N
Navigation......................................................449Normal Scheduled Maintenance..........479
O
Oil Change Indicator Reset......................320Oil CheckSee: Engine Oil Check.......................................319Opening and Closing the Hood...............315Ordering Additional Owner'sLiterature.....................................................303Overhead Console........................................167
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2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingIndex