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
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2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingTable of Contents
Illumination of the service engine soonindicator, charging system warning light orthe temperature warning light, fluid leaks,strange odors, smoke or loss of enginepower could indicate that the emissioncontrol system is not working properly.
An improperly operating or damagedexhaust system may allow exhaust toenter the vehicle. Have a damaged orimproperly operating exhaust systeminspected and repaired immediately.
Do not make any unauthorized changes toyour vehicle or engine. By law, vehicleowners and anyone who manufactures,repairs, services, sells, leases, tradesvehicles, or supervises a fleet of vehiclesare not permitted to intentionally removean emission control device or prevent itfrom working. Information about yourvehicle’s emission system is on the VehicleEmission Control Information Decallocated on or near the engine. This decalalso lists engine displacement.
Please consult your warranty informationfor complete details.
On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II)
Your vehicle has a computer known as theon-board diagnostics system (OBD-II) thatmonitors the engine’s emission controlsystem. The system protects theenvironment by making sure that yourvehicle continues to meet governmentemission standards. The OBD-II systemalso assists a service technician in properlyservicing your vehicle.
When the service engine soonindicator illuminates, the OBD-IIsystem has detected amalfunction. Temporary malfunctions maycause the service engine soon indicator toilluminate. Examples are:
1.Your vehicle has run out of fuel—theengine may misfire or run poorly.
2.Poor fuel quality or water in thefuel—the engine may misfire or runpoorly.
3.The fuel fill inlet may not have closedproperly. See Refueling (page 185).
4.Driving through deep water—theelectrical system may be wet.
You can correct these temporarymalfunctions by filling the fuel tank withgood quality fuel, properly closing the fuelfill inlet or letting the electrical system dryout. After three driving cycles without theseor any other temporary malfunctionspresent, the service engine soon indicatorshould stay off the next time you start theengine. A driving cycle consists of a coldengine startup followed by mixed city andhighway driving. No additional vehicleservice is required.
If the service engine soon indicator remainson, have your vehicle serviced at the firstavailable opportunity. Although somemalfunctions detected by the OBD-II maynot have symptoms that are apparent,continued driving with the service enginesoon indicator on can result in increasedemissions, lower fuel economy, reducedengine and transmission smoothness andlead to more costly repairs.
Readiness for Inspection andMaintenance (I/M) Testing
Some state and provincial and localgovernments may haveInspection/Maintenance (I/M) programsto inspect the emission control equipmenton your vehicle. Failure to pass thisinspection could prevent you from gettinga vehicle registration.
If the service engine soonindicator is on or the bulb doesnot work, your vehicle may needservice. See On-Board Diagnostics.
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2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingEngine Emission ControlE67028 E67028
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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1.Stop your vehicle as soon as it is safeto do so. Fully apply the parking brake,shift into park (P) or neutral (N).
2.Leave the engine running until thecoolant temperature gauge needlereturns to the normal position. If thetemperature does not drop afterseveral minutes, follow the remainingsteps.
3.Switch the engine off and wait for it tocool. Check the coolant level.
4.If the coolant level is at or below theminimum mark, add prediluted coolantimmediately.
5.If the coolant level is normal, restartthe engine and continue.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
FLUID CHECK
If required, have an authorized dealer checkand change the transmission fluid at thecorrect service interval. See ScheduledMaintenance (page 476).
The automatic transmission does not havea transmission fluid dipstick.
Refer to your scheduled maintenanceinformation for scheduled intervals for fluidchecks and changes. Your transmissiondoes not consume fluid. However, if thetransmission slips, shifts slowly or if younotice a sign of leaking fluid, contact anauthorized dealer.
Do not use supplemental transmissionfluid additives, treatments or cleaningagents. The use of these materials mayaffect transmission operation and resultin damage to internal transmissioncomponents.
BRAKE FLUID CHECK
WARNING: Do not use any fluidother than the recommended brake fluidas this will reduce brake efficiency. Useof incorrect fluid could result in the lossof vehicle control, serious personal injuryor death.
WARNING: Only use brake fluidfrom a sealed container. Contaminationwith dirt, water, petroleum products orother materials may result in brakesystem damage or failure. Failure toadhere to this warning could result in theloss of vehicle control, serious personalinjury or death.
WARNING: Do not allow the fluidto touch your skin or eyes. If thishappens, rinse the affected areasimmediately with plenty of water andcontact your physician.
WARNING: The brake systemcould be affected if the brake fluid levelis below the MIN mark or above the MAXmark on the brake fluid reservoir.
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Materials
SpecificationName
WSS-M17B21-AR-1234yf Refrigerant(U.S.)R-1234yf Refrigerant / Frigorigène R-1234yf(Canada)YN-33-A(U.S.)HS7Z-19B519-BA(Canada)
WSS-M2C300-A2Motorcraft® R-1234yf Refrigerant PAG Oil(U.S.)Motorcraft® R-1234yf Refrigerant PAG Oil / HuilePAG pour frigorigène R-1234yf Motorcraft®(Canada)YN-35(U.S. & Canada)
Automatic Transmission
Note: Only use MERCON® ULVtransmission fluid for automatictransmissions that require MERCON® ULVtransmission fluid. The use of any other fluidcould cause transmission damage.
Capacities
QuantityVariant
12.6 qt (11.9 L)1All.
1 Approximate dry fill capacity. Actual amount could vary during fluid changes.
Materials
SpecificationName
WSS-M2C949-A, MERCON® ULVMotorcraft® MERCON® ULV Automatic Transmis-sion Fluid(U.S.)Motorcraft® MERCON® ULV Automatic Transmis-sion Fluid / MERCON® ULV huile pour boîtes auto-matique Motorcraft®(Canada)XT-12-QULV(U.S. & Canada)
385
2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingCapacities and Specifications
Note:We recommend using DOT 4 LowViscosity (LV) High Performance Brake Fluidor equivalent meeting WSS-M6C65-A2. Useof any fluid other than the recommendedfluid could cause reduced brakeperformance and not meet our performancestandards. Keep brake fluid clean and dry.Contamination with dirt, water, petroleumproducts or other materials could result inbrake system damage and possible failure.
Locks
Materials
SpecificationName
-Motorcraft® Penetrating and Lock Lubricant(U.S.)Motorcraft® Penetrating Fluid / Liquide dégrippantMotorcraft®(Canada)XL-1(U.S.)CXC-51-A(Canada)
Transfer Case
Capacities
QuantityVariant
1.1 qt (1 L)Four-wheel drive.
Materials
SpecificationName
WSS-M2C938-AMERCON® LV,Motorcraft® MERCON® LV Automatic TransmissionFluid(U.S.)Motorcraft® MERCON® LV Automatic TransmissionFluid / Huile pour boîte automatique MERCON® LVMotorcraft®(Canada)XT-10-QLVC(U.S.)CXT-10-LV6(Canada)
389
2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingCapacities and Specifications
Materials
SpecificationName
WSS-M17B21-AR-1234yf Refrigerant(U.S.)R-1234yf Refrigerant / Frigorigène R-1234yf(Canada)YN-33-A(U.S.)HS7Z-19B519-BA(Canada)
WSS-M2C300-A2Motorcraft® R-1234yf Refrigerant PAG Oil(U.S.)Motorcraft® R-1234yf Refrigerant PAG Oil / HuilePAG pour frigorigène R-1234yf Motorcraft®(Canada)YN-35(U.S. & Canada)
Automatic Transmission
Note: Only use MERCON® ULVtransmission fluid for automatictransmissions that require MERCON® ULVtransmission fluid. The use of any other fluidcould cause transmission damage.
Capacities
QuantityVariant
12.6 qt (11.9 L)1All.
1 Approximate dry fill capacity. Actual amount could vary during fluid changes.
Materials
SpecificationName
WSS-M2C949-A, MERCON® ULVMotorcraft® MERCON® ULV Automatic Transmis-sion Fluid(U.S.)Motorcraft® MERCON® ULV Automatic Transmis-sion Fluid / MERCON® ULV huile pour boîtes auto-matique Motorcraft®(Canada)XT-12-QULV(U.S. & Canada)
392
2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingCapacities and Specifications
Note:We recommend using DOT 4 LowViscosity (LV) High Performance Brake Fluidor equivalent meeting WSS-M6C65-A2. Useof any fluid other than the recommendedfluid could cause reduced brakeperformance and not meet our performancestandards. Keep brake fluid clean and dry.Contamination with dirt, water, petroleumproducts or other materials could result inbrake system damage and possible failure.
Locks
Materials
SpecificationName
-Motorcraft® Penetrating and Lock Lubricant(U.S.)Motorcraft® Penetrating Fluid / Liquide dégrippantMotorcraft®(Canada)XL-1(U.S.)CXC-51-A(Canada)
Transfer Case
Capacities
QuantityVariant
1.1 qt (1 L)Four-wheel drive.
Materials
SpecificationName
WSS-M2C938-AMERCON® LV,Motorcraft® MERCON® LV Automatic TransmissionFluid(U.S.)Motorcraft® MERCON® LV Automatic TransmissionFluid / Huile pour boîte automatique MERCON® LVMotorcraft®(Canada)XT-10-QLVC(U.S.)CXT-10-LV6(Canada)
396
2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingCapacities and Specifications