2023 FORD EXPLORER recommended oil

Drive Mode Control
What Is Drive Mode Control....................273
How Does Drive Mode Control Work.........................................................................273
Selecting a Drive Mode.............................273
Drive Modes...................................................273
Load Carrying
General Information...................................275
Rear Under Floor Storage........................275
Cargo Nets.....................................................276
Roof Racks and Load Carriers................276
Load Limit.......................................................277
Towing
Towing a Trailer...........................................283
Trailer Sway Control..................................284
Recommended Towing Weights..........284
Essential Towing Checks.........................285
Towing the Vehicle on Four Wheels.....287
Driving Hints
Reduced Engine Performance..............288
Cold Weather Precautions......................288
Breaking-In...................................................288
Driving Economically................................288
Driving Through Shallow Water............289
Floor Mats.....................................................289
Roadside Emergencies
Roadside Assistance..................................291
Hazard Flashers...........................................292
Fuel Shutoff..................................................292
Jump Starting the Vehicle.......................293
Collision, Damage or Fire Event............295
Post-Crash Alert System.........................296
Transporting the Vehicle.........................296
Customer Assistance
Getting the Services You Need.............298
In California (U.S. Only)...........................299
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) AutoLine Program (U.S. Only)....................300
Utilizing the Mediation/ArbitrationProgram (Canada Only).......................301
Getting Assistance Outside the U.S. andCanada........................................................301
Ordering Additional Owner's Literature........................................................................303
Reporting Safety Defects (U.S. Only)........................................................................303
Reporting Safety Defects (Canada Only)........................................................................303
Fuses
Fuse Specification Chart.........................305
Changing a Fuse...........................................313
Maintenance
General Information...................................315
Opening and Closing the Hood..............315
Under Hood Overview - 2.3L EcoBoost™.........................................................................316
Under Hood Overview - 3.0L...................317
Under Hood Overview - 3.3L...................318
Engine Oil Dipstick - 2.3L EcoBoost™.........................................................................319
Engine Oil Dipstick - 3.0L.........................319
Engine Oil Dipstick - 3.3L..........................319
Engine Oil Check..........................................319
Oil Change Indicator Reset.....................320
Changing the Engine Air Filter - 2.3LEcoBoost™................................................321
Changing the Engine Air Filter - 3.0L........................................................................322
Changing the Engine Air Filter - 3.3L....323
Engine Coolant Check..............................324
Automatic Transmission Fluid Check........................................................................328
Brake Fluid Check.......................................328
6
2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingTable of Contents

GENERAL INFORMATION
WARNING: Extended idling at highengine speeds can produce very hightemperatures in the engine and exhaustsystem, creating the risk of fire or otherdamage.
WARNING: Do not park, idle ordrive your vehicle on dry grass or otherdry ground cover. The emission systemheats up the engine compartment andexhaust system, creating the risk of fire.
WARNING: Do not start the enginein a closed garage or in other enclosedareas. Exhaust fumes are toxic. Alwaysopen the garage door before you startthe engine. Failure to follow thisinstruction could result in personal injuryor death.
WARNING: Exhaust leaks mayresult in entry of harmful and potentiallylethal fumes into the passengercompartment. If you smell exhaustfumes inside your vehicle, have yourvehicle inspected immediately. Do notdrive if you smell exhaust fumes.
The powertrain control system meets allCanadian interference-causing equipmentstandard requirements regulating theimpulse electrical field or radio noise.
Note:If you use your vehicle regularly abovethe altitude of 7,500 ft (2,286 m) and underthe temperature of -4.0°F (-20°C), it isrecommended to use the alternative engineoil. See Capacities and Specifications(page 378).
If you disconnect the battery, your vehiclemay exhibit some unusual drivingcharacteristics for approximately 6 mi(10 km) after you reconnect it. This isbecause the engine management systemmust realign itself with the engine. You candisregard any unusual drivingcharacteristics during this period.
When you start the engine, avoid pressingthe accelerator pedal before and duringoperation. Only use the accelerator pedalwhen you have difficulty starting theengine.
IGNITION SWITCH
0 (off) - The ignition is off.
Note: When you switch the ignition off andleave your vehicle, do not leave your key inthe ignition. This could cause your vehiclebattery to lose charge.
I (accessory) - Allows the electricalaccessories, such as the radio, to operatewhile the engine is not running.
Note: Do not leave the ignition key in thisposition for too long.This could cause yourvehicle battery to lose charge.
II (on) - All electrical circuits areoperational and the warning lamps andindicators illuminate.
III (start) - Cranks the engine.
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2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingStarting and Stopping the EngineE304650

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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2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingFuel and RefuelingE161513

You should:
•Remove dust and loose dirt with avacuum cleaner.
•Clean and treat spills and stains assoon as possible.
Do not use the following products as thesemay damage the leather:
•Oil and petroleum or silicone-basedleather conditioners.
•Household cleaners.
•Alcohol solutions.
•Solvents or cleaners intendedspecifically for rubber, vinyl andplastics.
REPAIRING MINOR PAINT
DAMAGE
We recommend that you contact anauthorized dealer to identify your vehiclecolor code. Authorized dealers havetouch-up paint to match your vehicle'scolor.
Before repairing minor paint damage, usea cleaner to remove particles such as birddroppings, tree sap, insect deposits, tarspots, road salt and industrial fallout.
Read the instructions before using cleaningproducts.
CLEANING THE WHEELS
1.Regularly clean them with a wheelcleaner. We recommend that you useFord approved wheel cleaner ifavailable.
2.Remove dirt and brake dust with asponge.
3.Remove tar and grease with a bug andtar remover. We recommend that youuse Ford approved bug and tar removerif available.
4.Thoroughly rinse the wheels with waterafter cleaning.
If you intend on parking your vehicle for anextended period after cleaning the wheelswith a wheel cleaner, drive your vehicle fora few minutes before doing so. Thisreduces the risk of corrosion of the brakediscs, brake pads and linings.
Do not clean the wheels when they are hot.
Note: Some car washes could damagewheel rims and covers.
Note: Using non-recommended cleaners,harsh cleaning products, chrome wheelcleaners or abrasive materials coulddamage wheel rims, covers and bolts.
VEHICLE STORAGE
If you plan on storing your vehicle for 30days or more, read the followingmaintenance recommendations to makesure your vehicle stays in good operatingcondition.
We engineer and test all motor vehiclesand their components for reliable, regulardriving. Under various conditions,long-term storage may lead to degradedengine performance or failure unless youuse specific precautions to preserve enginecomponents.
General
•Store all vehicles in a dry, ventilatedplace.
•Protect from sunlight, if possible.
•If vehicles are stored outside, theyrequire regular maintenance to protectagainst rust and damage.
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2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingVehicle Care

Body
•Wash your vehicle thoroughly toremove dirt, grease, oil, tar or mud fromexterior surfaces, rear-wheel housingand the underside of front fenders.
•Periodically wash your vehicle if it isstored in exposed locations.
•Touch-up exposed or primed metal toprevent rust.
•Cover chrome and stainless steel partswith a thick coat of auto wax to preventdiscoloration. Re-wax as necessarywhen you wash your vehicle.
•Lubricate all hood, door and luggagecompartment hinges and latches witha light grade oil.
•Cover interior trim to prevent fading.
•Keep all rubber parts free from oil andsolvents.
Engine
•Change the engine oil and filter prior tostorage because used engine oilcontains contaminates which maycause engine damage.
•Start the engine every 15 days for aminimum of 15 minutes. Run at fastidle with the climate controls set todefrost until the engine reaches normaloperating temperature.
•With your foot on the brake, shiftthrough all the gears while the engineis running.
•We recommend that you change theengine oil before you use your vehicleagain.
Fuel system
•Fill the fuel tank with high-quality fueluntil the first automatic shutoff of thefuel pump nozzle.
Cooling system
•Protect against freezing temperatures.
•When removing your vehicle fromstorage, check coolant fluid level.Confirm that there are no coolingsystem leaks and that fluid is at therecommended level.
Disconnecting Your 12 Volt Battery
•Check and recharge as necessary. Keepconnections clean.
•If storing your vehicle for more than 30days without recharging the battery,we recommend that you disconnectthe battery cables to maintain batterycharge for quick starting.
Note:It is necessary to reset memoryfeatures if you disconnect the batterycables.
Brakes
•Make sure the brakes and parking brakerelease fully.
Tires
•Maintain recommended air pressure.
Miscellaneous
•Make sure all linkages, cables, leversand pins under your vehicle are coveredwith grease to prevent rust.
•Move vehicles at least 25 ft (7.5 m)every 15 days to lubricate working partsand prevent corrosion.
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2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingVehicle Care

Removing Vehicle From Storage
When your vehicle is ready to come out ofstorage, do the following:
•Wash your vehicle to remove any dirtor grease film build-up on windowsurfaces.
•Check windshield wipers for anydeterioration.
•Check under the hood for any foreignmaterial that may have collectedduring storage such as mice or squirrelnests.
•Check the exhaust for any foreignmaterial that may have collectedduring storage.
•Check tire pressures and set tireinflation per the Tire Label.
•Check brake pedal operation. Driveyour vehicle 15 ft (4.5 m) back andforth to remove rust build-up.
•Check fluid levels (including coolant,oil and gas) to make sure there are noleaks, and fluids are at recommendedlevels.
•If you remove the battery, clean thebattery cable ends and check fordamage.
Contact an authorized dealer if you haveany concerns or issues.
BODY STYLING KITS
The distance between the underside ofyour vehicle and the ground is less thanthat of other models. Drive with extremecare to avoid damage to your vehicle.
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2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingVehicle Care

Engine Coolant
Capacities
QuantityVariant
14.1 qt (13.3 L)Without trailer towing.
15.2 qt (14.4 L)With trailer towing.
Materials
SpecificationName
WSS-M97B57-A2Motorcraft® Yellow Prediluted Antifreeze/Coolant(U.S.)Motorcraft® Yellow Prediluted Antifreeze/Coolant/ Antigel/liquide de refroidissement prédilué jauneMotorcraft®(Canada)VC-13DL-G(U.S.)CVC-13DL-G(Canada)
Engine OilAn oil that displays this symbol conformsto current engine, emission system andfuel economy performance standards ofILSAC.
We recommend Motorcraft® motor oil foryour vehicle. If Motorcraft® oil is notavailable, use motor oils of therecommended viscosity grade that displaythe API Certification Mark for gasolineengines.
Do not use supplemental engine oiladditives because they are unnecessaryand could lead to engine damage that yourvehicle warranty does not cover.
Capacities
Including the Oil FilterVariant
5.2 qt (4.9 L)All.
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2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingCapacities and SpecificationsE142732

Note:If you use your vehicle regularly abovethe altitude of 7,500 ft (2,286 m) and underthe temperature of -4.0°F (-20°C), it isrecommended to use the alternative engineoil.
Fuel Tank
Capacities
QuantityVariant
17.9 gal (67.8 L)All.
Grease
Materials
SpecificationName
ESA-M1C75-BMotorcraft® Premium Long-Life Grease(U.S.)Motorcraft® Premium Long-Life Grease / Graisselongue durée de qualité première Motor-craft®(Canada)XG-1-E1(U.S. & Canada)
ESB-M1C93-BMotorcraft® Multi-Purpose Grease Spray(U.S.)Motorcraft® Multi-Purpose Grease Spray / Graissetout usage en aérosol Motorcraft®(Canada)XL-5-A(U.S. & Canada)
Hydraulic Brake System
Materials
SpecificationName
WSS-M6C65-A2Motorcraft® DOT 4 LV High Performance MotorVehicle Brake Fluid(U.S.)Motorcraft® DOT 4 LV High Performance MotorVehicle Brake Fluid / Liquide de frein automobilehaute performance DOT 4 LV Motorcraft®(Canada)PM-20(U.S. & Canada)
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2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingCapacities and Specifications