2023 FORD EXPLORER Owners Manual

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
WARNING: Do not overfill the fueltank. The pressure in an overfilled tankmay cause leakage and lead to fuel sprayand fire.
WARNING: The fuel system maybe under pressure. If you hear a hissingsound near the fuel filler inlet, do notrefuel until the sound stops. Otherwise,fuel may spray out, which could causeserious personal injury.
WARNING: Fuels can cause seriousinjury or death if misused or mishandled.
WARNING: Fuel may containbenzene, which is a cancer-causingagent.
WARNING: When refueling alwaysshut the engine off and never allowsparks or open flames near the fuel tankfiller valve. Never smoke or use a cellphone while refueling. Fuel vapor isextremely hazardous under certainconditions. Avoid inhaling excess fumes.
Follow these guidelines when refueling:
•Extinguish all smoking materials andany open flames before refueling yourvehicle.
•Always switch the engine off beforerefueling.
•Automotive fuels can be harmful orfatal if swallowed. Fuel is highly toxicand if swallowed can cause death orpermanent injury. If fuel is swallowedimmediately call a physician, even if nosymptoms are immediately apparent.The toxic effects of fuel may not beapparent for hours.
•Avoid inhaling fuel vapors. Inhaling fuelvapor can lead to eye and respiratorytract irritation. In severe cases,excessive or prolonged breathing offuel vapor can cause serious illness andpermanent injury.
•Avoid getting fuel in your eyes. If yousplash fuel in your eyes, immediatelyremove contact lenses (if worn), flushwith water for 15 minutes and seekmedical attention. Failure to seekproper medical attention could lead topermanent injury.
•Fuels can be harmful if absorbedthrough the skin. If you splash fuel onyour skin, clothing or both, promptlyremove contaminated clothing andthoroughly wash your skin with soapand water. Repeated or prolonged skincontact causes skin irritation.
•Be particularly careful if you are takingAntabuse or other forms of Disulfiramfor the treatment of alcoholism.Breathing fuel vapors could cause anadverse reaction, serious personalinjury or sickness. Immediately call aphysician if you experience any adversereactions.
FUEL QUALITY - E85
Choosing the Right Fuel - Flex FuelVehicles
Flex fuel vehicles have one of the followingidentifiers:
•Yellow fuel filler cap.
•Yellow bezel around the fuel filler inlet.
•Yellow fuel filler housing.
•Yellow E85 label on the fuel tank fillerdoor.
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Your vehicle is designed to operate onregular unleaded gasoline with a minimumpump (R+M)/2 octane rating of 87 orregular unleaded gasoline blended with amaximum of 85% ethanol (E85).
Some fuel stations, particularly those inhigh altitude areas, offer fuels posted asregular unleaded gasoline with an octanerating below 87. The use of these fuelscould result in engine damage that will notbe covered by the vehicle warranty.
For best overall vehicle and engineperformance, premium fuel with an octanerating of 91 or higher is recommended. Theperformance gained by using premium fuelis most noticeable in hot weather as wellas other conditions, for example whentowing a trailer. See Towing (page 283).
Do not be concerned if the enginesometimes knocks lightly. However, if theengine knocks heavily while using fuel withthe recommended octane rating, contactan authorized dealer to prevent any enginedamage.
We recommend Top Tier detergentgasolines, where available to help minimizeengine deposits and maintain optimalvehicle and engine performance. Foradditional information, refer towww.toptiergas.com.
Note:Use of any fuel for which the vehiclewas not designed can impair the emissioncontrol system, cause loss of vehicleperformance, and cause damage to theengine which may not be covered by thevehicle Warranty.
Do not use:
•Diesel fuel.
•Fuels containing kerosene or paraffin.
•Fuels containing more than 85%ethanol or E100 fuel.
•Fuels containing methanol.
•Fuels containing metallic-basedadditives, including manganese-basedcompounds.
•Fuels containing the octane boosteradditive, methylcyclopentadienylmanganese tricarbonyl (MMT).
•Leaded fuel, using leaded fuel isprohibited by law.
The use of fuels with metallic compoundssuch as methylcyclopentadienylmanganese tricarbonyl (commonly knownas MMT), which is a manganese-basedfuel additive, will impair engineperformance and affect the emissioncontrol system.
Switching Between E85 andGasoline
We do not recommend repeatedlyalternating between E85 and gasoline. Ifyou switch from using E85 to gasoline, orfrom gasoline to E85, add as much fuel aspossible, at least half a tank. Drive yourvehicle immediately for a minimum of 5 mi(8 km) to allow it to adapt to the changein ethanol concentration. If you use E85exclusively, we recommend that you fillthe fuel tank with regular unleadedgasoline at each scheduled oil change.
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FUEL QUALITY - GASOLINE
Choosing the Right Fuel
Your vehicle is designed to operate onregular unleaded gasoline with a minimumpump (R+M)/2 octane rating of 87.
Some fuel stations, particularly those inhigh altitude areas, offer fuels posted asregular unleaded gasoline with an octanerating below 87. The use of these fuelscould result in engine damage that will notbe covered by the vehicle warranty.
For best overall vehicle and engineperformance, premium fuel with an octanerating of 91 or higher is recommended. Theperformance gained by using premium fuelis most noticeable in hot weather as wellas other conditions, for example whentowing a trailer. See Towing (page 283).
Do not be concerned if the enginesometimes knocks lightly. However, if theengine knocks heavily while using fuel withthe recommended octane rating, contactan authorized dealer to prevent any enginedamage.
We recommend Top Tier detergentgasolines, where available to help minimizeengine deposits and maintain optimalvehicle and engine performance. Foradditional information, refer towww.toptiergas.com.
Note:Use of any fuel for which the vehiclewas not designed can impair the emissioncontrol system, cause loss of vehicleperformance, and cause damage to theengine which may not be covered by thevehicle Warranty.
Do not use:
•Diesel fuel.
•Fuels containing kerosene or paraffin.
•Fuel containing more than 15% ethanolor E85 fuel.
•Fuels containing methanol.
•Fuels containing metallic-basedadditives, including manganese-basedcompounds.
•Fuels containing the octane boosteradditive, methylcyclopentadienylmanganese tricarbonyl (MMT).
•Leaded fuel, using leaded fuel isprohibited by law.
The use of fuels with metallic compoundssuch as methylcyclopentadienylmanganese tricarbonyl (commonly knownas MMT), which is a manganese-basedfuel additive, will impair engineperformance and affect the emissioncontrol system.
FUEL FILLER FUNNEL
LOCATION
The fuel filler funnel is in the spare wheelstorage tray.
RUNNING OUT OF FUEL
Running out of fuel can cause damage notcovered by the vehicle Warranty.
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If your vehicle runs out of fuel:
•Add a minimum of 1.3 gal (5 L) of fuelto restart the engine.
•You may need to switch the ignitionfrom off to on several times afterrefueling to allow the fuel system topump the fuel from the tank to theengine. When restarting, cranking timetakes a few seconds longer thannormal.
Note:If your vehicle is on a steep slope,more fuel may be required.
Filling a Portable Fuel Container
WARNING: Flow of fuel through afuel pump nozzle can produce staticelectricity. This can cause a fire if you arefilling an ungrounded fuel container.
Use the following guidelines to avoidelectrostatic charge build-up, which canproduce a spark, when filling anungrounded fuel container:
•Only use an approved fuel container totransfer fuel to your vehicle. Place thecontainer on the ground when filling it.
•Do not fill a fuel container when it isinside your vehicle (including the cargoarea).
•Keep the fuel pump nozzle in contactwith the fuel container when filling it.
•Do not use a device that holds the fuelpump nozzle lever in the fill position.
Adding Fuel From a Portable FuelContainer
WARNING: Do not insert the nozzleof a fuel container or an aftermarketfunnel into the fuel filler neck. This maydamage the fuel system filler neck or itsseal and cause fuel to run onto theground.
WARNING: Do not try to pry openor push open the capless fuel systemwith foreign objects. This could damagethe fuel system and its seal and causeinjury to you or others.
WARNING: Do not dispose of fuelin the household refuse or the publicsewage system. Use an authorized wastedisposal facility.
When refueling the vehicle fuel tank froma fuel container, use the fuel filler funnelincluded with your vehicle. See Fuel FillerFunnel Location (page 183).
Note:Do not use aftermarket funnels asthey may not work with the capless fuelsystem and can damage it.
When refueling the vehicle fuel tank froma fuel container, do the following:
1.Fully open the fuel filler door.
2.Fully insert the fuel filler funnel into thefuel filler inlet.
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3.Add fuel to your vehicle from the fuelcontainer.
4.Remove the fuel filler funnel.
5.Fully close the fuel filler door.
6.Clean the fuel filler funnel and place itback in your vehicle or correctly disposeof it.
Note:Extra funnels can be purchased froman authorized dealer if you choose todispose of the funnel.
REFUELING - EXCLUDING:
HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLE
(HEV)
Refueling System Overview
Fuel filler door.A
Fuel tank filler valve.B
Fuel tank filler pipe.C
Your vehicle does not have a fuel tank fillercap.
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Left-hand side. To open the fuelfiller door, press the center rearedge of the fuel filler door andthen release.
A
Right-hand side. To open thefuel filler door, press the centerrear edge of the fuel filler doorand then release.
B
Left-hand side. Pull the rear ofthe fuel filler door to open it.C
Right-hand side. Pull the rear ofthe fuel filler door to open it.D
Refueling Your Vehicle
WARNING: When refueling alwaysshut the engine off and never allowsparks or open flames near the fuel tankfiller valve. Never smoke or use a cellphone while refueling. Fuel vapor isextremely hazardous under certainconditions. Avoid inhaling excess fumes.
WARNING: The fuel system maybe under pressure. If you hear a hissingsound near the fuel filler inlet, do notrefuel until the sound stops. Otherwise,fuel may spray out, which could causeserious personal injury.
WARNING: Do not pry open thefuel tank filler valve. This could damagethe fuel system. Failure to follow thisinstruction could result in fire, personalinjury or death.
WARNING: Do not remove the fuelpump nozzle from its fully insertedposition when refueling.
WARNING: Stop refueling whenthe fuel pump nozzle automaticallyshuts off for the first time. Failure tofollow this will fill the expansion spacein the fuel tank and could lead to fueloverflowing.
WARNING: Do not overfill the fueltank. The pressure in an overfilled tankmay cause leakage and lead to fuel sprayand fire.
WARNING: Wait at least fiveseconds before removing the fuel pumpnozzle to allow any residual fuel to draininto the fuel tank.
WARNING: Read and follow all theinstructions on the pump island.
1.Fully open the fuel filler door.
2.Select the correct fuel pump nozzle foryour vehicle.
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3.Insert the fuel pump nozzle up to thefirst notch on the nozzle A. Keep thefuel pump nozzle resting on the fueltank filler pipe.
4.Hold the fuel pump nozzle in positionB when refueling. Holding the fuelpump nozzle in position A can affectthe flow of fuel and shut off the fuelpump nozzle before the fuel tank is full.
5.Operate the fuel pump nozzle withinthe area shown.
6.When the nozzle shuts off, wait at least5 seconds, then slightly raise the fuelpump nozzle and slowly remove it.
7.Fully close the fuel filler door.
Do not attempt to start the engine if youhave filled the fuel tank with incorrect fuel.Incorrect fuel use could cause damage thatthe vehicle Warranty may not cover. Seeyour authorized dealer immediately.
Refueling System Warning (If Equipped)
If the fuel tank filler valve does not fullyclose, a message could appear in theinformation display.
Message
Check Fuel Fill Inlet
If the message appears, do the following:
1.Stop your vehicle as soon as it is safeto do so and switch the engine off.
2.Shift into park (P) or neutral (N).
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3.Apply the parking brake.
4.Fully open the fuel filler door.
5.Check the fuel tank filler valve for anydebris that may be restricting itsmovement.
6.Remove any debris from the fuel tankfiller valve.
7.Fully insert a fuel pump nozzle or thefuel filler funnel provided with yourvehicle into the fuel filler pipe. SeeFuel Filler Funnel Location (page183). This action should dislodge anydebris that may be preventing the fueltank filler valve from fully closing.
8.Remove the fuel pump nozzle or fuelfiller funnel from the fuel filler pipe.
9.Fully close the fuel filler door.
Note:The message may not immediatelyreset. If the message continues to appearand a warning lamp illuminates, see yourauthorized dealer as soon as possible.
REFUELING - HYBRID
ELECTRIC VEHICLE (HEV)
WARNING: When refueling alwaysshut the engine off and never allowsparks or open flames near the fuel tankfiller valve. Never smoke or use a cellphone while refueling. Fuel vapor isextremely hazardous under certainconditions. Avoid inhaling excess fumes.
WARNING: The fuel system maybe under pressure. If you hear a hissingsound near the fuel filler inlet, do notrefuel until the sound stops. Otherwise,fuel may spray out, which could causeserious personal injury.
WARNING: Do not pry open thefuel tank filler valve. This could damagethe fuel system. Failure to follow thisinstruction could result in fire, personalinjury or death.
WARNING: Do not remove the fuelpump nozzle from its fully insertedposition when refueling.
WARNING: Stop refueling whenthe fuel pump nozzle automaticallyshuts off for the first time. Failure tofollow this will fill the expansion spacein the fuel tank and could lead to fueloverflowing.
WARNING: Do not overfill the fueltank. The pressure in an overfilled tankmay cause leakage and lead to fuel sprayand fire.
WARNING: Wait at least fiveseconds before removing the fuel pumpnozzle to allow any residual fuel to draininto the fuel tank.
WARNING: Read and follow all theinstructions on the pump island.
1.When you stop your vehicle, shift intopark (P) and switch the ignition off.
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