2023 FORD EXPLORER warning

Note:The oil consumption of new enginesreaches its normal level after approximately3,000 mi (5,000 km).
Note:Increases in oil level can occur fromfrequent short trips that do not allow theengine to get to operating temperature, aswell as frequent idling or low speed drivingfor long periods of time.
Note:If oil levels are continuously notedabove the maximum mark, schedule a visitto your authorized dealer.
Adding Engine Oil
WARNING: Do not add engine oilwhen the engine is hot. Failure to followthis instruction could result in personalinjury.
WARNING: Do not remove the fillercap when the engine is running.
Do not use supplemental engine oiladditives because they are unnecessaryand could lead to engine damage that thevehicle warranty may not cover.
1.Clean the area surrounding the engineoil filler cap before you remove it.
2.Remove the engine oil filler cap.
3.Add engine oil that meets ourspecifications. See Capacities andSpecifications (page 384).
4.Reinstall the engine oil filler cap. Turnit clockwise until you feel a strongresistance.
Note:Make sure you install the oil filler capcorrectly.
Note: Do not add oil further than themaximum mark. Oil levels above themaximum mark may cause engine damage.
Note:Immediately soak up any oil spillagewith an absorbent cloth.
OIL CHANGE INDICATOR
RESET
Use the information display controls onthe steering wheel to reset the oil changeindicator.
From the main menu scroll to:
Action and descriptionMessage
Press the right arrow button,then from this menu scrollto the following message.
Settings
Press the right arrow button,then from this menu scrollto the following message.
Vehicle
Press and hold the OKbutton until the instrumentcluster displays thefollowing message.
Hold OK toReset
Reset Successful
When the oil change indic-ator resets the instrumentcluster displays 100%.
Remaining Life
{00}%
If the instrument clusterdisplays one of the followingmessages, repeat theprocess.
Not Reset
Reset Cancelled
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CHANGING THE ENGINE AIR
FILTER - 2.3L ECOBOOST™
WARNING: To reduce the risk ofvehicle damage and personal burninjuries, do not start your engine with theair cleaner removed and do not removeit while the engine is running.
When changing the engine air filter, do notallow debris or foreign material to enterthe air induction system. Enginecomponents are susceptible to damagenot covered by the vehicle Warranty.
Change the air filter element at the correctinterval. See Scheduled Maintenance(page 476).
Incorrect component use can causedamage not covered by the vehicleWarranty. See Motorcraft Parts (page382).
To replace the air filter element do thefollowing:1.Remove the clips that secure the airfilter housing cover.
2.Using a screwdriver, loosen the clampon air filter housing cover.
3.Gently pull the boot back away fromthe air filter housing cover.
4.Carefully lift the air filter housing coverfrom the air filter housing assembly.
5.Remove the air filter element from theair filter housing.
6.Wipe any dirt or debris from the air filterhousing and cover to make sure no dirtgets in the engine and that you have agood seal.
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7.Install a new air filter element. Becareful not to crimp the filter elementedges between the air filter housingand cover. This could cause filterdamage and allow unfiltered air toenter the engine if it is not properlyseated.
8.Install the air filter housing cover.
9.Engage the clips to secure the air filterhousing cover to the air filter housing.
10.Reconnect the boot to the air filterhousing cover and torque to 3.69 lb.ft(5 Nm).
CHANGING THE ENGINE AIR
FILTER - 3.0L
WARNING: To reduce the risk ofvehicle damage and personal burninjuries, do not start your engine with theair cleaner removed and do not removeit while the engine is running.
When changing the engine air filter, do notallow debris or foreign material to enterthe air induction system. Enginecomponents are susceptible to damagenot covered by the vehicle Warranty.
Change the air filter element at the correctinterval. See Scheduled Maintenance(page 476).
Incorrect component use can causedamage not covered by the vehicleWarranty. See Motorcraft Parts (page382).
To replace the air filter element do thefollowing:
1.Remove the clips that secure the airfilter housing cover.
2.Using a screwdriver, loosen two clampson either side of the air filter housingcover.
3.Gently pull the two boots back awayfrom the air filter housing cover.
4.Carefully lift the air filter housing cover.
5.Remove the air filter element from theair filter housing.
6.Wipe any dirt or debris from the air filterhousing and cover to make sure no dirtgets in the engine and that you have agood seal.
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7.Install a new air filter element. Becareful not to crimp the filter elementedges between the air filter housingand cover. This could cause filterdamage and allow unfiltered air toenter the engine if it is not properlyseated.
8.Install the air filter housing cover.
9.Engage the clips to secure the air filterhousing cover to the air filter housing.
10.Reconnect the two boots on the airfilter housing cover and torque to3.69 lb.ft (5 Nm).
CHANGING THE ENGINE AIR
FILTER - 3.3L
WARNING: To reduce the risk ofvehicle damage and personal burninjuries, do not start your engine with theair cleaner removed and do not removeit while the engine is running.
Note: Failure to use the correct air filterelement may result in severe enginedamage. Resulting component damagemay not be covered by the vehicle Warranty.
Note: When servicing the air cleaner, donot allow foreign material to enter the airinduction system. The engine is susceptibleto damage from even small particles.
When changing the air filter element, useonly the air filter element listed.
Change the air filter element at the properintervals. See Scheduled Maintenance(page 476).
1.Release the clamps that secure the airfilter cover to the housing.
2.Using a screwdriver, loosen the clampon the air filter housing cover.
3.Gently pull the boot back away fromthe air filter housing cover.
4.Carefully lift the air filter housing cover.
5.Remove the air filter element from theair filter housing.
6.Wipe any dirt or debris from the air filterhousing and cover to make sure no dirtgets in the engine and that you have agood seal.
7.Install a new air filter element. Becareful not to crimp the filter elementedges between the air filter housingand cover. This could cause filterdamage and allow unfiltered air toenter the engine if it is not properlyseated.
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8.Install the air filter housing cover.
9.Engage the clips to secure the air filterhousing cover to the air filter housing.
10.Reconnect the boot to the air filterhousing cover and torque to 3.69 lb.ft(5 Nm).
ENGINE COOLANT CHECK
WARNING: Do not remove thecoolant reservoir cap when the engine ison or the cooling system is hot. Wait 10minutes for the cooling system to cooldown. Cover the coolant reservoir capwith a thick cloth to prevent thepossibility of scalding and slowly removethe cap. Failure to follow this instructioncould result in personal injury.
WARNING: Do not put coolant inthe windshield washer reservoir. Ifsprayed on the windshield, coolant couldmake it difficult to see through thewindshield.
WARNING: To reduce the risk ofpersonal injury, make sure the engine iscool before unscrewing the coolantpressure relief cap. The cooling systemis under pressure. Steam and hot liquidcan come out forcefully when you loosenthe cap slightly.
When the engine is cold, check theconcentration and level of the coolant atthe intervals listed in the scheduledmaintenance information. See ScheduledMaintenance (page 476).
Note:Make sure that the coolant level isbetween the MIN and the MAX marks onthe coolant reservoir.
Note: Coolant expands when it is hot. Thelevel may extend beyond the MAX mark.
Maintain coolant concentration within48% to 50%, which equates to a freezepoint between -29°F (-34°C) and -35°F(-37°C). Coolant concentration should bechecked using a refractometer. We do notrecommend the use of hydrometers orcoolant test strips for measuring coolantconcentration.
Adding Coolant
WARNING: Do not add coolantfurther than the MAX mark.
WARNING: Do not add coolantwhen the vehicle is on or the coolingsystem is hot. Failure to follow thisinstruction could result in personal injury.
WARNING: Do not remove thecoolant reservoir cap when the engine ison or the cooling system is hot. Wait 10minutes for the cooling system to cooldown. Cover the coolant reservoir capwith a thick cloth to prevent thepossibility of scalding and slowly removethe cap. Failure to follow this instructioncould result in personal injury.
WARNING: Do not put coolant inthe windshield washer reservoir. Ifsprayed on the windshield, coolant couldmake it difficult to see through thewindshield.
Note: Do not use stop leak pellets, coolingsystem sealants, or non-specified additivesas they can cause damage to the enginecooling or heating systems. Resultingcomponent damage may not be covered bythe vehicle Warranty.
Note:Automotive fluids are notinterchangeable.
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Follow your community's regulations andstandards for recycling and disposing ofautomotive fluids.
Severe Climates
If you drive in extremely cold climates:
•It may be necessary to increase thecoolant concentration above 50%.
•A coolant concentration of 60%provides improved freeze pointprotection.
•Coolant concentrations above 60%decrease the overheat protectioncharacteristics of the coolant and maycause engine damage.
If you drive in extremely hot climates:
•You can decrease the coolantconcentration to 40%.
•A coolant concentration of 40%provides improved overheat protection.
•Coolant concentrations below 40%decrease the overheat and corrosionprotection characteristics of thecoolant and may cause enginedamage.
Vehicles driven year-round in non-extremeclimates should use prediluted coolant foroptimum cooling system and engineprotection.
Coolant Change
At specific mileage intervals, as listed inthe scheduled maintenance information,the coolant should be changed. Addprediluted coolant approved to the correctspecification. See Capacities andSpecifications (page 378).
Fail-Safe Cooling
Fail-safe cooling allows you to temporarilydrive your vehicle before any incrementalcomponent damage occurs. The fail-safedistance depends on ambienttemperature, vehicle load and terrain.
How Fail-Safe Cooling Works
If the engine begins to overheat,the coolant temperature gaugemoves toward the red zone:
A warning lamp illuminates anda message may appear in theinformation display.
If the engine reaches a presetover-temperature condition, the engineautomatically switches to alternatingcylinder operation. Each disabled cylinderacts as an air pump and cools the engine.
When this occurs, your vehicle stilloperates, however:
•Engine power is limited.
•The air conditioning system turns off.
Continued operation increases the enginetemperature, causing the engine tocompletely shut down. Your steering andbraking effort increases in this situation.
When the engine temperature cools, youcan re-start the engine. Have your vehiclechecked as soon as possible to minimizeengine damage.
When Fail-Safe Mode Is Activated
WARNING: Fail-safe mode is foruse during emergencies only. Operateyour vehicle in fail-safe mode only aslong as necessary to bring your vehicleto rest in a safe location and seekimmediate repairs. When in fail-safemode, your vehicle will have limitedpower, will not be able to maintain
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high-speed operation, and maycompletely shut down without warning,potentially losing engine power, powersteering assist, and power brake assist,which may increase the possibility of acrash resulting in serious injury.
WARNING: Do not remove thecoolant reservoir cap when the engine ison or the cooling system is hot. Wait 10minutes for the cooling system to cooldown. Cover the coolant reservoir capwith a thick cloth to prevent thepossibility of scalding and slowly removethe cap. Failure to follow this instructioncould result in personal injury.
Your vehicle has limited engine powerwhen in the fail-safe mode, drive yourvehicle with caution. Your vehicle does notmaintain high-speed operation and theengine may operate poorly.
Remember that the engine is capable ofautomatically shutting down to preventengine damage. In this situation:
1.Pull off the road as soon as safelypossible and switch the engine off.
2.If you are a member of a roadsideassistance program, we recommendthat you contact your roadsideassistance service provider.
3.If this is not possible, wait for a shortperiod of time for the engine to cool.
4.Check the coolant level. If the coolantlevel is at or below the minimum mark,add prediluted coolant immediately.
5.When the engine temperature cools,you can re-start the engine. Have yourvehicle checked as soon as possible tominimize engine damage.
Note:Driving your vehicle without repairincreases the chance of engine damage.
Engine Coolant TemperatureManagement (If Equipped)
WARNING: To reduce the risk ofcrash and injury, be prepared that thevehicle speed may reduce and thevehicle may not be able to acceleratewith full power until the coolanttemperature reduces.
If you tow a trailer with your vehicle, theengine may temporarily reach a highertemperature during severe operatingconditions, for example ascending a longor steep grade in high ambienttemperatures.
At this time, you may notice the coolanttemperature gauge moves toward the redzone and a message may appear in theinformation display.
You may notice a reduction in vehiclespeed caused by reduced engine power inorder to manage the engine coolanttemperature. Your vehicle may enter thismode if certain high-temperature andhigh-load conditions take place. Theamount of speed reduction depends onvehicle loading, grade and ambienttemperature. If this occurs, there is noneed to stop your vehicle. You cancontinue to drive.
The air conditioning may automaticallyturn on and off during severe operatingconditions to protect the engine fromoverheating. When the coolanttemperature decreases to the normaloperating temperature, the air conditioningturns on.
If the coolant temperature gauge movesfully into the red zone, or if the coolanttemperature warning or service enginesoon messages appear in your informationdisplay, do the following:
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1.Stop your vehicle as soon as it is safeto do so. Fully apply the parking brake,shift into park (P) or neutral (N).
2.Leave the engine running until thecoolant temperature gauge needlereturns to the normal position. If thetemperature does not drop afterseveral minutes, follow the remainingsteps.
3.Switch the engine off and wait for it tocool. Check the coolant level.
4.If the coolant level is at or below theminimum mark, add prediluted coolantimmediately.
5.If the coolant level is normal, restartthe engine and continue.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
FLUID CHECK
If required, have an authorized dealer checkand change the transmission fluid at thecorrect service interval. See ScheduledMaintenance (page 476).
The automatic transmission does not havea transmission fluid dipstick.
Refer to your scheduled maintenanceinformation for scheduled intervals for fluidchecks and changes. Your transmissiondoes not consume fluid. However, if thetransmission slips, shifts slowly or if younotice a sign of leaking fluid, contact anauthorized dealer.
Do not use supplemental transmissionfluid additives, treatments or cleaningagents. The use of these materials mayaffect transmission operation and resultin damage to internal transmissioncomponents.
BRAKE FLUID CHECK
WARNING: Do not use any fluidother than the recommended brake fluidas this will reduce brake efficiency. Useof incorrect fluid could result in the lossof vehicle control, serious personal injuryor death.
WARNING: Only use brake fluidfrom a sealed container. Contaminationwith dirt, water, petroleum products orother materials may result in brakesystem damage or failure. Failure toadhere to this warning could result in theloss of vehicle control, serious personalinjury or death.
WARNING: Do not allow the fluidto touch your skin or eyes. If thishappens, rinse the affected areasimmediately with plenty of water andcontact your physician.
WARNING: The brake systemcould be affected if the brake fluid levelis below the MIN mark or above the MAXmark on the brake fluid reservoir.
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2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingMaintenance