2023 FORD EXPLORER power steering

1.Park your vehicle on a level surface.
2.Look at the brake fluid reservoir to seewhere the brake fluid level is relativeto the MIN and the MAX marks on thereservoir.
Note:If the brake fluid level is between theMIN and the MAX marks on the reservoir, itis acceptable.
Note:If the brake fluid level is below theMIN mark or above the MAX mark, haveyour vehicle checked as soon as possible.
Note:To avoid fluid contamination, thereservoir cap must remain in place and fullytight, unless you are adding fluid.
Only use fluid that meets ourspecifications. See Capacities andSpecifications (page 378).
Brake Fluid Service Interval
Brake fluid absorbs water over time whichdegrades the effectiveness of the brakefluid. Change the brake fluid at thespecified intervals to prevent degradedbraking performance.
For detailed interval information, seeScheduled Maintenance in your Owner'sManual or your local maintenance guide.
POWER STEERING FLUID
CHECK
Your vehicle is equipped with an electricpower steering (EPS) system. There is nofluid reservoir to check or fill.
CHANGING THE 12V BATTERY
- EXCLUDING: HYBRID
ELECTRIC VEHICLE (HEV)
WARNING: Batteries normallyproduce explosive gases which cancause personal injury. Therefore, do notallow flames, sparks or lightedsubstances to come near the battery.When working near the battery, alwaysshield your face and protect your eyes.Always provide correct ventilation.
WARNING: When lifting aplastic-cased battery, excessive pressureon the end walls could cause acid to flowthrough the vent caps, resulting inpersonal injury and damage to thevehicle or battery. Lift the battery with abattery carrier or with your hands onopposite corners.
WARNING: Keep batteries out ofreach of children. Batteries containsulfuric acid. Avoid contact with skin,eyes or clothing. Shield your eyes whenworking near the battery to protectagainst possible splashing of acidsolution. In case of acid contact with skinor eyes, flush immediately with water fora minimum of 15 minutes and get promptmedical attention. If acid is swallowed,call a physician immediately.
329
2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingMaintenanceE170684

•Climate control.
•Heated steering wheel.
•Audio unit.
•Navigation system.
A message may appear in the informationdisplay to alert you that battery protectionactions are active. This message is only fornotification that an action is taking place,and not intended to indicate an electricalproblem or that the battery requiresreplacement.
After battery replacement, or in somecases after charging the battery with anexternal charger, the battery managementsystem requires eight hours of vehicle sleeptime to relearn the battery state of charge.During this time, your vehicle must remainfully locked with the ignition switched off.
Note:Prior to relearning the battery stateof charge, the battery management systemmay temporarily disable some electricalsystems.
Electrical Accessory Installation
To make sure the battery managementsystem works correctly, do not connect anelectrical device ground connectiondirectly to the battery negative post. Thiscan cause inaccurate measurements ofthe battery condition and potentialincorrect system operation.
Note:If you add electrical accessories orcomponents to the vehicle, it may adverselyaffect battery performance and durability.This may also affect the performance ofother electrical systems in the vehicle.
Remove and Reinstall the Battery
Install a battery approved for use by ourspecifications. See Capacities andSpecifications (page 378).
To disconnect or remove the battery, dothe following:
1.Apply the parking brake and switch theignition off.
2.Switch all electrical equipment off, forexample lights and radio.
3.Wait a minimum of two minutes beforedisconnecting the battery.
Note:The engine management system hasa power hold function and remains poweredfor a period of time after you switch theignition off. This is to allow the system tostore diagnostic and adaptive tables.Disconnecting the battery without waitingcan cause damage not covered by thevehicle warranty.
4.Disconnect the negative battery cableterminal.
5.Disconnect the positive battery cableterminal.
6.Remove the battery securing clamp.
7.Remove the battery.
8.To install, reverse the removalprocedure.
Note:Before reconnecting the battery,make sure the ignition remains switched off.
Note:Make sure to fully tighten the batterycables.
If you disconnect or replace the vehiclebattery, you must reset the followingfeatures:
•Window bounce-back. See PowerWindows (page 94).
•Clock Settings.
•Pre-set radio stations.
Battery Disposal
Make sure that you dispose ofold batteries in anenvironmentally friendly way.Seek advice from your local authorityabout recycling old batteries.
331
2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingMaintenanceE107998

•Climate control.
•Heated steering wheel.
•Audio unit.
•Navigation system.
A message may appear in the informationdisplay to alert you that battery protectionactions are active. This message is only fornotification that an action is taking place,and not intended to indicate an electricalproblem or that the battery requiresreplacement.
After battery replacement, or in somecases after charging the battery with anexternal charger, the battery managementsystem requires eight hours of vehicle sleeptime to relearn the battery state of charge.During this time, your vehicle must remainfully locked with the ignition switched off.
Note:Prior to relearning the battery stateof charge, the battery management systemmay temporarily disable some electricalsystems.
Electrical Accessory Installation
To make sure the battery managementsystem works correctly, do not connect anelectrical device ground connectiondirectly to the battery negative post. Thiscan cause inaccurate measurements ofthe battery condition and potentialincorrect system operation.
Note:If you add electrical accessories orcomponents to the vehicle, it may adverselyaffect battery performance and durability.This may also affect the performance ofother electrical systems in the vehicle.
Remove and Reinstall the Battery
Install a battery approved for use by ourspecifications. See Capacities andSpecifications (page 378).
To disconnect or remove the battery, dothe following:
1.Apply the parking brake and switch theignition off.
2.Switch all electrical equipment off, forexample lights and radio.
3.Wait a minimum of two minutes beforedisconnecting the battery.
Note:The engine management system hasa power hold function and remains poweredfor a period of time after you switch theignition off. This is to allow the system tostore diagnostic and adaptive tables.Disconnecting the battery without waitingcan cause damage not covered by thevehicle warranty.
4.Disconnect the negative battery cableterminal.
5.Disconnect the positive battery cableterminal.
6.Remove the battery securing clamp.
7.Remove the battery.
8.To install, reverse the removalprocedure.
Note:Before reconnecting the battery,make sure the ignition remains switched off.
Note:Make sure to fully tighten the batterycables.
If you disconnect or replace the vehiclebattery, you must reset the followingfeatures:
•Window bounce-back. See PowerWindows (page 94).
•Clock Settings.
•Pre-set radio stations.
Battery Disposal
Make sure that you dispose ofold batteries in anenvironmentally friendly way.Seek advice from your local authorityabout recycling old batteries.
334
2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingMaintenanceE107998

Utility vehicles and trucks handledifferently than passenger cars in thevarious driving conditions that areencountered on streets, highways andoff-road. Utility vehicles and trucks are notdesigned for cornering at speeds as highas passenger cars any more than low-slungsports cars are designed to performsatisfactorily under off-road conditions.
Study your owner's manual and anysupplements for specific information aboutequipment features, instructions for safedriving and additional precautions toreduce the risk of an accident or seriousinjury.
Four-Wheel Drive system (ifequipped)
WARNING: Do not becomeoverconfident in the ability of four-wheeldrive vehicles. Although a four-wheeldrive vehicle may accelerate better thana two-wheel drive vehicle in low tractionsituations, it won't stop any faster thantwo-wheel drive vehicles. Always driveat a safe speed.
A vehicle equipped with Four-Wheel Drivehas the ability to use all four wheels topower itself. This increases traction whichmay enable you to safely drive over terrainand road conditions that a conventionaltwo-wheel drive vehicle cannot. Power issupplied to all four wheels through atransfer case. Four-wheel drive vehiclesallow you to select different modes asnecessary. You can find more informationon transfer case operation, drive modeselection, and transfer case maintenancein this manual. See Four-Wheel Drive(page 203). You should become thoroughlyfamiliar with this information before youoperate your vehicle.
We recommend installing the temporaryspare wheel and tire on the front axle whenpossible. This could provide limited 4WDtraction.
Four-wheel drive: Never use a spare tire ofa different size than the one provided withyour vehicle. This could cause thefour-wheel drive system to default torear-wheel drive.
How your vehicle differs fromother vehicles
Sport utility vehicles and trucks can differfrom some other vehicles in a fewnoticeable ways. Your vehicle may be:
•Higher - to allow higher load carryingcapacity and to allow it to travel overrough terrain without getting hung upor damaging underbody components.
•Shorter - to give it the capability toapproach inclines and drive over thecrest of a hill without getting hung upor damaging underbody components.All other things held equal, a shorterwheelbase may make your vehiclequicker to respond to steering inputsthan a vehicle with a longer wheelbase.
•Narrower - to provide greatermaneuverability in tight spaces,particularly in off-road use.
As a result of the above dimensionaldifferences, sport utility vehicles and trucksoften have a higher center of gravity and agreater difference in center of gravitybetween the loaded and unloadedcondition. These differences that makeyour vehicle so versatile also make ithandle differently than an ordinarypassenger car.
348
2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingWheels and Tires

WARNING: Snow tires must be thesame size, load index and speed ratingas those originally provided by Ford. Useof any tire or wheel not recommendedby Ford can affect the safety andperformance of your vehicle, which couldresult in an increased risk of loss ofcontrol, vehicle rollover, personal injuryand death. Additionally, the use ofnon-recommended tires and wheels cancause steering, suspension, axle, transfercase or power transfer unit failure.Follow the Ford recommended tireinflation pressure found on the SafetyCompliance Certification Label (on thedoor hinge pillar, door latch post or thedoor edge that meets the door latchpost, next to the driver seat), or TireLabel on the B-Pillar or the edge of thedriver door. Failure to follow the tirepressure recommendations can causeuneven treadwear patterns andadversely affect the way your vehiclehandles.
USING SNOW CHAINS
WARNING: Do not exceed 30 mph(50 km/h). Failure to follow thisinstruction could result in the loss ofcontrol of your vehicle, personal injury ordeath.
WARNING: Do not use snow chainson snow-free roads.
WARNING: Only fit snow chains tospecified tires.
WARNING: If your vehicle is fittedwith wheel trims, remove them beforefitting snow chains.
Only use snow chains on rear wheels.Install snow chains in pairs. Do not useself-tensioning snow chains.
Only use snow chains on the followingspecified tire sizes:
•255/60R18
•Only install chains that are 10 mmor less.
•255/65R18
•Only install chains that are 10 mmor less.
•265/60R18
•Only install chains that are 10 mmor less.
•255/55R20
•Only install chains that are 10 mmor less.
We recommend you use steel wheels ofthe same size and specification if snowchains are required because chains maychip aluminum wheels.
Follow these guidelines when using snowtires and traction devices:
•If possible, avoid fully loading yourvehicle.
•Purchase snow chains from amanufacturer that clearly labels bodyto tire dimension restrictions.
•When driving with snow chains do notexceed 30 mph (50 km/h) or themaximum speed recommended by thechain manufacturer, whichever is less.
•Drive cautiously. If you hear the snowchains rub or bang against the vehicle,stop and tighten them. If this does notwork, remove the snow chains toprevent vehicle damage.
•Remove the snow chains when theyare no longer needed. Do not use snowchains on dry roads.
363
2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingWheels and Tires

•Idling: The vehicle is running and in park(P). The engine and/or the high voltagebattery are on.
•Electric Driving: The vehicle is runningand in drive (D) or neutral (N). The highvoltage battery provides power to thewheels.
•Hybrid Driving: The vehicle is runningand in drive (D) or neutral (N). Theengine and the high voltage batteryprovide power to the wheels.
•Regenerative Braking: The vehicle isrunning in drive (D) and is slowingdown. Power captured by theregenerative braking system is sentback to the high voltage battery.
Engine On Due To
The following conditions help to explainwhy the engine is on, and what you can doto allow all electric operation.
•Drive Power: The engine is on due toaccelerator pedal pressure or speedcontrol activation. Reduce pressure onthe accelerator pedal or switch off thespeed control to return to full electricmode.
•High Speed: The engine is on becausethe vehicle speed exceeds the level forfull electric operation. Reduce thespeed to return to electric operation.
•Heater Setting: The engine is onbecause of the heater setting. Reduceor turn off the heater setting to returnto electric operation.
•Neutral Gear: The engine is on becausethe vehicle is in neutral (N). Shift outof neutral gear to return to electricoperation.
•Engine Cold: The engine is on becauseit is cold. The vehicle returns to electricoperation once the engine is sufficientlywarm.
•Battery Charging: The engine is on tocharge the high voltage battery. Thevehicle returns to electric operationonce the battery is charged.
•Low Gear: The engine is on becausethe vehicle is in low gear. Shift out oflow gear to return to electric operation.
•Normal Operation: The engine is on tooptimize vehicle operation. The vehiclereturns to electric operation whenpossible.
•Engine Braking Active: The engine is onto provide increased powertrainbraking. This can occur when you turnon grade assist, when speed control ison or when driving with your foot offthe accelerator pedal. Turning offgrade assist or speed control mayallow the vehicle to return to electricoperation.
•Battery Temperature: The engine is ondue to a high or low high voltagebattery temperature. This is a normaloperating condition. The vehicle returnsto electric operation when possible.
•Drive Mode: The engine is on due to thedrive mode selection. Select anappropriate drive mode for electric onlyoperation.
APPS
The system allows you interact with selectmobile apps while keeping your eyes onthe road. Voice commands, your steeringwheel buttons, or a quick tap on yourtouchscreen give you advanced control ofcompatible mobile apps. You can alsostream your favorite music or podcasts,share your time of arrival with friends, andkeep connected safely.
455
2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingSYNC™ 3

3
360 Degree Camera....................................237
4
4WDSee: Four-Wheel Drive.....................................203
9
911 Assist...........................................................55
A
A/CSee: Climate Control..........................................137About This Manual...........................................9ABSSee: Brakes...........................................................210ABS driving hintsSee: Hints on Driving With Anti-LockBrakes..................................................................211Accessories....................................................473AccessoriesSee: Replacement PartsRecommendation............................................12Active Park Assist........................................230Adaptive Cruise Control.............................241Adaptive Cruise Control –Troubleshooting............................................250Adaptive Cruise Control Indicators -Vehicles With: Intelligent AdaptiveCruise Control............................................248Adaptive Cruise Control Indicators -Vehicles With: Lane Centering............248Adaptive Cruise Control Indicators -Vehicles With: Stop and Go..................248Adaptive Cruise Control Limitations -Vehicles With: Lane Centering.............242Adaptive Cruise Control Limitations -Vehicles With: Stop and Go..................243Adaptive Cruise Control Precautions -Vehicles With: Lane Centering..............241Adaptive Cruise Control Precautions -Vehicles With: Stop and Go...................241
Adaptive Cruise Control –Troubleshooting........................................250Adaptive Cruise Control – InformationMessages.........................................................250Adaptive Headlamps...................................89Adjusting the Headlamps.........................335Adjusting the Set SpeedTolerance.....................................................250Adjusting the Steering Wheel - VehiclesWith: Manual Adjustable SteeringColumn............................................................79Adjusting the Steering Wheel - VehiclesWith: Power Adjustable SteeringColumn............................................................79AFSSee: Adaptive Headlamps...............................89Airbag Disposal...............................................53Air ConditioningSee: Climate Control..........................................137Air FilterSee: Changing the Engine Air Filter - 2.3LEcoBoost™......................................................321See: Changing the Engine Air Filter -3.0L.....................................................................322See: Changing the Engine Air Filter -3.3L.....................................................................323AlarmSee: Anti-Theft Alarm.........................................77Ambient Lighting - Vehicles With: 10.1Inch Center Display Screen......................91Ambient Lighting - Vehicles With: 8 InchCenter Display Screen..............................90Anti-Theft Alarm.............................................77Appendices.....................................................531Apps.................................................................455At a Glance.......................................................20At a Glance - ST.............................................20Audible Warnings and Indicators...........109Audio Control...................................................81Audio System.................................................419General Information..........................................419Audio Unit.......................................................419Auto Hold.........................................................214Autolamps........................................................87Automatic Climate Control.......................137Automatic High Beam Control..................92Automatic High Beam ControlIndicators........................................................93
561
2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingIndex

Overriding Automatic High BeamControl............................................................93Overriding Reverse Braking Assist..........217Overriding the Set Speed..........................247
P
Parking Aids...................................................225Principle of Operation......................................225Passive Anti-Theft System..........................77PATSSee: Passive Anti-Theft System......................77Pedestrian Alert System.............................54Pedestrian Protection..................................54Perchlorate.........................................................12Personalized Settings...................................117Personal Safety System™..........................45Phone...............................................................447Post-Crash Alert System..........................296Power Door LocksSee: Locking and Unlocking.............................68Power Liftgate..................................................73Power Seats....................................................147Power Steering Fluid Check.....................329Power Windows.............................................94Pre-Collision Assist....................................268Programming the Garage Door Openerto Your Garage Door OpenerMotor...............................................................161Programming the Garage Door Openerto Your Gate Opener Motor...................162Programming the Garage Door Openerto Your Hand-Held Transmitter............161Protecting the Environment........................19PunctureSee: Changing a Road Wheel........................370
R
Radio Frequency CertificationLabels...........................................................485Blind Spot Information SystemSensors............................................................485Body Control Module........................................491Cruise Control Module.....................................494Garage Door Opener.........................................497Keys and Remote Controls............................498Passive Anti-Theft System............................505
Radio Transceiver Module.............................509SYNC........................................................................511Telematics Control Unit...................................516Tire Pressure Monitoring SystemSensors..............................................................516Wireless Accessory Charging Module........523Rear Axle........................................................209Rear Occupant Alert System AudibleWarnings.......................................................159Rear Occupant Alert SystemIndicators......................................................159Rear Occupant Alert SystemLimitations...................................................158Rear Occupant Alert SystemPrecautions..................................................158Rear Occupant Alert System...................158Rear Parking Aid...........................................225Rear Passenger Climate Controls..........140Rear Seats........................................................151Rear Under Floor Storage.........................275Rear View Camera.......................................234Rear View CameraSee: Rear View Camera...................................234Rear Window Wiper and Washers...........85Rear Wiper BladesSee: Changing the Rear Wiper Blades.......337Recommended Towing Weights...........284Reduced Engine Performance...............288Refueling - Excluding: Hybrid ElectricVehicle (HEV).............................................185Refueling - Hybrid Electric Vehicle(HEV).............................................................188Remote Control...............................................57Remote Start..................................................142Repairing Minor Paint Damage..............344Replacement PartsRecommendation........................................12Replacing a Lost Key or RemoteControl............................................................63Replacing the Cabin Air Filter...................143Reporting Safety Defects (CanadaOnly)..............................................................303Reporting Safety Defects (U.S.Only)..............................................................303Reprogramming the Garage DoorOpener...........................................................163Resuming the Set Speed..........................240Reverse Braking Assist Indicators...........217
566
2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingIndex