2023 FORD EXPLORER maintenance

REDUCED ENGINE
PERFORMANCE
WARNING: If you continue to driveyour vehicle when the engine isoverheating, the engine could stopwithout warning. Failure to follow thisinstruction could result in the loss ofcontrol of your vehicle.
If the engine coolant temperature gaugeneedle moves to the upper limit position,the engine is overheating. See Gauges(page 104).
You must only drive your vehicle for a shortdistance if the engine overheats. Thedistance you can travel depends onambient temperature, vehicle load andterrain. The engine continues to operatewith limited power for a short period oftime.
If the engine temperature continues to rise,the fuel supply to the engine reduces. Theair conditioning switches off and the enginecooling fan operates continually.
1.Gradually reduce your speed and stopyour vehicle as soon as it is safe to doso.
2.Immediately switch the engine off toprevent severe engine damage.
3.Wait for the engine to cool down.
4.Check the coolant level. See EngineCoolant Check (page 324).
5.Have your vehicle checked as soon aspossible.
COLD WEATHER
PRECAUTIONS
The functional operation of somecomponents and systems can be affectedat temperatures below approximately-13°F (-25°C).
BREAKING-IN
Your vehicle requires a break-in period. Forthe first 1,000 mi (1,600 km), avoid drivingat high speeds, heavy braking, aggressiveshifting or using your vehicle to tow. Duringthis time, your vehicle may exhibit someunusual driving characteristics.
DRIVING ECONOMICALLY
The following helps to improve fuelconsumption:
•Drive smoothly, accelerate gently andanticipate the road ahead to avoidheavy braking.
•Regularly check your tire pressures andmake sure that they are inflated to thecorrect pressure.
•Follow the recommended maintenanceschedule and carry out therecommended checks.
•Plan your journey and check the trafficbefore you set off. It is more efficientto combine errands into a single tripwhenever possible.
•Avoid idling the engine in cold weatheror for extended periods. Start theengine only when you are ready to setoff.
•Do not carry unnecessary weight in yourvehicle as extra weight wastes fuel.
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GETTING THE SERVICES YOU
NEED
Warranty repairs to your vehicle must beperformed by an authorized dealer. Whileany authorized dealer handling your vehicleline will provide warranty service, werecommend you return to your sellingauthorized dealer who wants to ensureyour continued satisfaction.
Please note that certain warranty repairsrequire special training and equipment, sonot all authorized dealers are authorizedto perform all warranty repairs. This meansthat, depending on the warranty repairneeded, you may have to take your vehicleto another authorized dealer.
A reasonable time must be allowed toperform a repair after taking your vehicleto the authorized dealer. Repairs will bemade using Ford or Motorcraft® parts, orremanufactured or other parts that areauthorized by Ford.
Away From Home
If you are away from home when yourvehicle needs service, contact the FordCustomer Relationship Center or use theonline resources listed below to find thenearest authorized dealer.
In the United States:
Mailing address
Ford Motor CompanyCustomer Relationship CenterP.O. Box 6248Dearborn, MI 48126
Telephone
1-800-392-3673 (FORD)TDD for the hearing impaired:7-1-1 (where offered by your telephoneservice provider)If your vehicle is configured as amotorhome please call 1-800-444-3311for support.
Additional information and resources areavailable online:
Website
www.owner.ford.com
These are some of the items that can befound online:
•U.S. dealer locator by Dealer Name,City/State or Zip Code.
•Owner Manuals.
•Maintenance Schedules.
•Recalls.
•Ford Extended Service Plans.
•Ford Genuine Accessories.
•Service specials and promotions.
In Canada:
Mailing address
Customer Relationship CentreFord Motor Company of Canada, LimitedP.O. Box 2000Oakville, Ontario L6K 0C8
Telephone
1-800-565-3673 (FORD)TDD for the hearing impaired:7-1-1 (where offered by your telephoneservice provider)
Website
www.ford.ca
Facebook
FordServiceCA (English)FordServiceQC (Français)
Twitter
@FordServiceCA
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GENERAL INFORMATION
Have your vehicle serviced regularly to helpmaintain its roadworthiness and resalevalue. There is a large network ofauthorized dealers that are there to helpyou with their professional servicingexpertise. We believe that their speciallytrained technicians are best qualified toservice your vehicle properly and expertly.They are supported by a wide range ofhighly specialized tools developedspecifically for servicing your vehicle.
If your vehicle requires professional service,an authorized dealer can provide thenecessary parts and service. Check yourwarranty information to find out whichparts and services are covered.
Use only recommended fuels, lubricants,fluids and service parts conforming tospecifications. Motorcraft® parts aredesigned and built to provide the bestperformance in your vehicle.
Precautions
•Do not work on a hot engine.
•Make sure that nothing gets caught inmoving parts.
•Do not work on a vehicle with theengine running in an enclosed space,unless you are sure you have enoughventilation.
•Keep all open flames and other burningmaterial (such as cigarettes) awayfrom the battery and all fuel relatedparts.
Working with the Engine Off
1.Set the parking brake and shift thetransmission to park (P).
2.Switch off the engine.
3.Block the wheels.
Working with the Engine On
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.
1.Set the parking brake and shift thetransmission to park (P).
2.Block the wheels.
OPENING AND CLOSING THE
HOOD
Opening the Hood
1.Open the left-hand front door.
2.Fully pull the hood release lever andlet it completely retract.
Note:This action releases the hood latch.
3.Fully pull the hood release lever for asecond time.
Note:This action fully releases the hood.
4.Open the hood.
Note:There is no secondary latch under thehood.
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5.Support the hood with the prop rod.
Closing the Hood
WARNING: Make sure that you fullylatch the hood before driving. Failure tofollow this instruction could result inpersonal injury or death.
1.Remove the prop rod from the catchand secure it correctly in the clip.
2.Lower the hood and allow it to dropunder its own weight for the last10–14 in (25–35 cm).
Note:Make sure that the hood is correctlyclosed.
UNDER HOOD OVERVIEW - 2.3L ECOBOOST™
Battery. See Changing the 12V Battery (page 329).A
Engine oil filler cap. See Engine Oil Check (page 319).B
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Engine oil dipstick. See Engine Oil Dipstick (page 319).C
Brake fluid reservoir. See Brake Fluid Check (page 328).D
Engine compartment fuse box. See Changing a Fuse (page 313).E
Engine coolant reservoir. See Engine Coolant Check (page 324).F
Air filter assembly. See Changing the Engine Air Filter (page 321).G
Windshield washer fluid reservoir. See Washer Fluid Check (page 336).H
UNDER HOOD OVERVIEW - 3.0L
Battery. See Changing the 12V Battery (page 329).A
Engine oil filler cap. See Engine Oil Check (page 319).B
Engine oil dipstick. See Engine Oil Dipstick (page 319).C
Brake fluid reservoir. See Brake Fluid Check (page 328).D
Engine compartment fuse box. See Fuses (page 305).E
Engine coolant reservoir. See Engine Coolant Check (page 324).F
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Air filter assembly. See Changing the Engine Air Filter (page 322).G
Washer fluid reservoir. See Washer Fluid Check (page 336).H
UNDER HOOD OVERVIEW - 3.3L
Battery. See Changing the 12V Battery (page 329).A.
Engine oil filler cap. See Engine Oil Check (page 319).B.
Engine oil dipstick. See Engine Oil Dipstick (page 319).C.
Brake fluid reservoir. See Brake Fluid Check (page 328).D.
Engine compartment fuse box. See Fuses (page 305).E.
Engine coolant reservoir cap. See Engine Coolant Check (page 324).F.
Air filter assembly. See Changing the Engine Air Filter (page 321).G.
Inverter system controller coolant reservoir cap- HEV only.H.
Washer fluid reservoir. See Washer Fluid Check (page 336).I.
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ENGINE OIL DIPSTICK - 2.3L
ECOBOOST™
Minimum.A
Nominal.B
Maximum.C
ENGINE OIL DIPSTICK - 3.0L
Minimum.A
Nominal.B
Maximum.C
ENGINE OIL DIPSTICK - 3.3L
Minimum.A
Nominal.B
Maximum.C
ENGINE OIL CHECK
1.Make sure that your vehicle is on levelground.
2.Check the oil level before starting theengine, or switch the engine off afterwarm up and wait 15 minutes for theoil to drain into the oil pan.
Note:Checking the oil level too soon couldresult in an inaccurate reading.
3.Remove the dipstick and wipe it witha clean, lint-free cloth.
4.Reinstall the dipstick and make sure itis fully seated.
5.Remove the dipstick again to check theoil level.
Note: If the oil level is between themaximum and minimum marks, the oil levelis acceptable. Do not add oil.
6.If the oil level is at the minimum mark,immediately add oil.
7.Reinstall the dipstick. Make sure it isfully seated.
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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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2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingMaintenance