2023 FORD EXPLORER maintenance

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.
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2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingMaintenanceE170684

WARNING: Battery posts,terminals and related accessoriescontain lead and lead compounds,chemicals known to the State ofCalifornia to cause cancer andreproductive harm.Wash your handsafter handling.
WARNING: This vehicle may havemore than one battery. Removing thebattery cables from only one batterydoes not disconnect your vehicleelectrical system. Make sure youdisconnect the battery cables from allbatteries when disconnecting power.Failure to do so may cause seriouspersonal injury or property damage.
WARNING: For vehicles withAuto-Start-Stop the battery requirementis different. You must replace the batterywith one of exactly the samespecification.
The battery is in the engine compartment.See Under Hood Overview (page 317).
Your vehicle has a maintenance-freebattery. It does not require additionalwater during service.
If the vehicle battery has a cover and venthose, make sure you correctly install it aftercleaning or replacing the battery.
For longer, trouble-free operation, keep thetop of the battery clean and dry and thebattery cables tightly fastened to thebattery terminals. If any corrosion ispresent on the battery or terminals, removethe cables from the terminals and cleanwith a wire brush. You can neutralize theacid with a solution of baking soda andwater.
We recommend that you disconnect thenegative battery cable terminal from thebattery if you plan to store your vehicle foran extended period.
Note:If you only disconnect the negativebattery cable terminal, make sure it isisolated or placed away from the batteryterminal to avoid unintended connection orarcing.
If you replace the battery make sure itmatches the electrical requirements ofyour vehicle.
If you disconnect or replace the batteryand your vehicle has an automatictransmission, it must relearn its adaptivestrategy. Because of this, the transmissionmay shift firmly when first driven. This isnormal operation while the transmissionfully updates its operation to optimumshift feel.
Battery Sensor Reset
When you install a new battery, reset thebattery sensor by doing the following:
1.Switch the ignition on, and leave theengine off.
Note:Complete Steps 2 and 3 within 10seconds.
2.Flash the high beam headlamps fivetimes, ending with the high beams off.
3.Press and release the brake pedal threetimes.
The battery warning lamp flashes threetimes to confirm that the reset issuccessful.
Battery Management System (If
Equipped)
The system monitors battery conditionsand takes actions to extend battery life. Ifexcessive battery drain is detected, thesystem temporarily disables someelectrical systems to protect the battery.
Systems included are:
•Heated rear window.
•Heated seats.
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•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.
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2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingMaintenanceE107998

CHANGING THE 12V BATTERY
- 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.
WARNING: Battery posts,terminals and related accessoriescontain lead and lead compounds,chemicals known to the State ofCalifornia to cause cancer andreproductive harm.Wash your handsafter handling.
WARNING: This vehicle may havemore than one battery. Removing thebattery cables from only one batterydoes not disconnect your vehicleelectrical system. Make sure youdisconnect the battery cables from allbatteries when disconnecting power.Failure to do so may cause seriouspersonal injury or property damage.
WARNING: For vehicles withAuto-Start-Stop the battery requirementis different. You must replace the batterywith one of exactly the samespecification.
The primary battery is in the enginecompartment. See Under HoodOverview (page 317).
The secondary battery is located behindthe trim panel in the luggagecompartment.
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2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingMaintenance

Your vehicle has a maintenance-freebattery. It does not require additionalwater during service.
If the vehicle battery has a cover and venthose, make sure you correctly install it aftercleaning or replacing the battery.
For longer, trouble-free operation, keep thetop of the battery clean and dry and thebattery cables tightly fastened to thebattery terminals. If any corrosion ispresent on the battery or terminals, removethe cables from the terminals and cleanwith a wire brush. You can neutralize theacid with a solution of baking soda andwater.
We recommend that you disconnect thenegative battery cable terminal from thebattery if you plan to store your vehicle foran extended period.
Note:If you only disconnect the negativebattery cable terminal, make sure it isisolated or placed away from the batteryterminal to avoid unintended connection orarcing.
If you replace the battery make sure itmatches the electrical requirements ofyour vehicle.
If you disconnect or replace the batteryand your vehicle has an automatictransmission, it must relearn its adaptivestrategy. Because of this, the transmissionmay shift firmly when first driven. This isnormal operation while the transmissionfully updates its operation to optimumshift feel.
Battery Sensor Reset
When you install a new battery, reset thebattery sensor by doing the following:
1.Switch the ignition on, and leave theengine off.
Note:Complete Steps 2 and 3 within 10seconds.
2.Flash the high beam headlamps fivetimes, ending with the high beams off.
3.Press and release the brake pedal threetimes.
The battery warning lamp flashes threetimes to confirm that the reset issuccessful.
Battery Management System (If
Equipped)
The system monitors battery conditionsand takes actions to extend battery life. Ifexcessive battery drain is detected, thesystem temporarily disables someelectrical systems to protect the battery.
Systems included are:
•Heated rear window.
•Heated seats.
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2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingMaintenance E371794

•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.
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2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingMaintenanceE107998

ADJUSTING THE HEADLAMPS
Vertical Aim Adjustment
If your vehicle has been involved in a crash,have the aim of the headlamp beamchecked by an authorized dealer.
8 ft (2.4 m)A
Ground to the center of theheadlamp high beam bulbB
25 ft (7.6 m)C
Horizontal reference lineD
Vertical Aim Adjustment Procedure
1.Park your vehicle on level groundapproximately 25 ft (7.6 m) from a wallor screen.
2.Measure the distance from the groundto the center of the headlamp beambulb and mark an 8 ft (2.4 m) longhorizontal reference line on the wall orscreen at this height.
Note:There may be an identifying mark onthe lens to help you locate the center lineof the headlamp beam bulb.
Note:To see a clearer light pattern foradjusting, you may want to block the lightfrom one headlamp while adjusting theother.
3.Switch on the low beam headlampsand open the hood.
4.On the wall or screen you will observea flat zone of high intensity lightlocated at the top of the beam pattern.If the top edge of the flat zone of highintensity light is not on the horizontalreference line, adjust the aim of theheadlamp beam.
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5.Use a suitable tool, for example ascrewdriver or socket wrench, to turnthe adjuster clockwise orcounterclockwise to adjust the verticalaim of the headlamp. The horizontaledge of the brighter light should touchthe horizontal reference line.
6.Close the hood and switch off thelamps.
WASHER FLUID CHECK
WARNING: If you operate yourvehicle in temperatures below 41.0°F(5°C), use washer fluid with antifreezeprotection. Failure to use washer fluidwith antifreeze protection in coldweather could result in impairedwindshield vision and increase the riskof injury or accident.
Note:The front and rear washer systemsare supplied from the same reservoir.
Add fluid to fill the reservoir if the level islow. Only use a washer fluid that meetsour specifications. See Capacities andSpecifications (page 378).
State or local regulations on volatileorganic compounds may restrict the useof methanol, a common windshield washerantifreeze additive. Washer fluidscontaining non-methanol antifreezeagents should be used only if they providecold weather protection without damagingthe vehicle’s paint finish, wiper blades orwasher system.
FUEL FILTER
Your vehicle is equipped with a lifetimefuel filter that is integrated with the fueltank. Regular maintenance or replacementis not needed.
CHECKING THE WIPER
BLADES
Run the tip of your fingers over the edge ofthe blade to check for roughness.
Clean the wiper blades with washer fluidor water applied with a soft sponge orcloth.
CHANGING THE FRONT WIPER
BLADES
You can improve poor wiper quality bycleaning the wiper blades and thewindshield.
Replace the wiper blades at least annuallyfor optimum performance.
1.Lift the wiper arm and then press thewiper blade locking buttons together.
Note:Do not hold the wiper blade to lift thewiper arm.
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2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingMaintenanceE142463 E129990