Get Cleaning Guide for Ford Explorer SUV Fifth Generation (2005-2011)

Cleaning

WASHING THE EXTERIOR

Wash your vehicle regularly with cool or lukewarm water and a neutral

pH shampoo, such as Motorcraft௡ Detail Wash (ZC-3-A), which is

available from your authorized dealer.

• Never use strong household detergents or soap, such as dish washing

or laundry liquid. These products can discolor and spot painted

surfaces.

• Never wash a vehicle that is “hot to the touch” or during exposure to

strong, direct sunlight.

• Always use a clean sponge or car wash mitt with plenty of water for

best results.

• Dry the vehicle with a chamois or soft terry cloth towel in order to

eliminate water spotting.

• It is especially important to wash the vehicle regularly during the

winter months, as dirt and road salt are difficult to remove and cause

damage to the vehicle.

• Immediately remove items such as gasoline, diesel fuel, bird droppings

and insect deposits because they can cause damage to the vehicle’s

paintwork and trim over time. Use Motorcraft௡ Bug and Tar Remover

(ZC-42), which is available from your authorized dealer.

• Remove any exterior accessories, such as antennas, before entering a

car wash.

• Suntan lotions and insect repellents can damage any painted

surface; if these substances come in contact with your vehicle,

wash off as soon as possible.

• If your vehicle is equipped with running boards, do not use

rubber, plastic and vinyl protectant products on the running

board surface, as the area may become slippery.

Exterior chrome

• Wash the vehicle first, using cool or lukewarm water and a neutral pH

shampoo, such as Motorcraft௡ Detail Wash (ZC-3-A).

• Use Motorcraft௡ Custom Bright Metal Cleaner (ZC-15), available from

your authorized dealer. Apply the product as you would a wax to

clean bumpers and other chrome parts; allow the cleaner to dry for a

few minutes, then wipe off the haze with a clean, dry rag.

• Never use abrasive materials such as steel wool or plastic pads

as they can scratch the chrome surface.

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Cleaning

WAXING

• Wash the vehicle first.

• Do not use waxes that contain abrasives; use Motorcraft௡ Premium

Liquid Wax (ZC-53-A), which is available from your authorized dealer,

or an equivalent quality product.

• Do not allow paint sealant to come in contact with any non-body

(low-gloss black) colored trim, such as grained door handles, roof

racks, bumpers, side moldings, mirror housings or the windshield cowl

area. The paint sealant will “gray” or stain the parts over time.

PAINT CHIPS

Your authorized dealer has touch-up paint to match your vehicle’s color.

Take your color code (printed on a sticker in the driver’s door jamb) to

your authorized dealer to ensure you get the correct color.

• Remove particles such as bird droppings, tree sap, insect deposits, tar

spots, road salt and industrial fallout before repairing paint chips.

• Always read the instructions before using the products.

ALUMINUM WHEELS AND WHEEL COVERS

Aluminum wheels and wheel covers are coated with a clearcoat paint

finish. In order to maintain their shine:

• Clean weekly with Motorcraft௡ Wheel and Tire Cleaner (ZC-37-A),

which is available from your authorized dealer. Heavy dirt and brake

dust accumulation may require agitation with a sponge. Rinse

thoroughly with a strong stream of water.

• Never apply any cleaning chemical to hot or warm wheel rims or

covers.

• Some automatic car washes may cause damage to the finish on your

wheel rims or covers. Chemical-strength cleaners, or cleaning

chemicals, in combination with brush agitation to remove brake dust

and dirt, could wear away the clearcoat finish over time.

• Do not use hydrofluoric acid-based or high caustic-based wheel

cleaners, steel wool, fuels or strong household detergent.

• To remove tar and grease, use Motorcraft௡ Bug and Tar Remover

(ZC-42), available from your authorized dealer.

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ENGINE

Engines are more efficient when they are clean because grease and dirt

buildup keep the engine warmer than normal. When washing:

• Take care when using a power washer to clean the engine. The high

pressure fluid could penetrate the sealed parts and cause damage.

• Do not spray a hot engine with cold water to avoid cracking the

engine block or other engine components.

• Spray Motorcraft௡ Engine Shampoo and Degreaser (ZC-20) on all

parts that require cleaning and pressure rinse clean. In Canada, use

Motorcraft௡ Engine Shampoo (CXC-66-A).

• Cover the highlighted areas to prevent water damage when cleaning

the engine.

• Never wash or rinse the engine while it is running; water in the

running engine may cause internal damage.

• Never wash or rinse any ignition coil, spark plug wire or spark plug

well, or the area in and around these locations.

4.0L V6 ENGINE

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4.6L V8 ENGINE

PLASTIC (NON-PAINTED) EXTERIOR PARTS

Use only approved products to clean plastic parts. These products are

available from your authorized dealer.

• For routine cleaning, use Motorcraft௡ Detail Wash (ZC-3-A).

• If tar or grease spots are present, use Motorcraft௡ Bug and Tar

Remover (ZC-42).

WINDOWS AND WIPER BLADES

The windshield, rear and side windows and the wiper blades should be

cleaned regularly. If the wipers do not wipe properly, substances on the

vehicle’s glass or the wiper blades may be the cause. These may include

hot wax treatments used by commercial car washes, water repellent

coatings, tree sap, or other organic contamination; these contaminants

may cause squeaking or chatter noise from the blades, and streaking and

smearing of the windshield. To clean these items, follow these tips:

• The windshield, rear windows and side windows may be cleaned with

a non-abrasive cleaner such as Motorcraft௡ Ultra-Clear Spray Glass

Cleaner (ZC-23) in the U.S., or Premium Quality Windshield Washer

Fluid [CXC-37-(A, B, D, or F)] in Canada, available from your

authorized dealer.

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• The wiper blades can be cleaned with isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol or

Motorcraft௡ Premium Windshield Washer Concentrate (ZC-32-A),

available from your authorized dealer. This washer fluid contains

special solution in addition to alcohol which helps to remove the hot

wax deposited on the wiper blade and windshield from automated car

wash facilities. Be sure to replace wiper blades when they appear

worn or do not function properly.

• Do not use abrasives, as they may cause scratches.

• Do not use fuel, kerosene, or paint thinner to clean any parts.

If you cannot remove those streaks after cleaning with the glass cleaner

or if the wipers chatter and move in a jerky motion, clean the outer

surface of the windshield and the wiper blades using a sponge or soft

cloth with a neutral detergent or mild-abrasive cleaning solution. After

cleaning, rinse the windshield and wiper blades with clean water. The

windshield is clean if beads do not form when you rinse the windshield

with water.

Do not use sharp objects, such as a razor blade, to clean the

inside of the rear window or to remove decals, as it may cause

damage to the rear window defroster’s heated grid lines.

INSTRUMENT PANEL/INTERIOR TRIM AND CLUSTER LENS

Clean the instrument panel, interior trim areas and cluster lens with a

clean, damp, white cotton cloth, then use a clean and dry white cotton

cloth to dry these areas.

• Avoid cleaners or polishes that increase the gloss of the upper portion

of the instrument panel. The dull finish in this area helps protect the

driver from undesirable windshield reflection.

• Be certain to wash or wipe your hands clean if you have been in

contact with certain products such as insect repellent and suntan

lotion in order to avoid possible damage to the interior painted

surfaces.

• Do not use household or glass cleaners as these may damage the

finish of the instrument panel, interior trim and cluster lens.

WARNING: Do not use chemical solvents or strong detergents

when cleaning the steering wheel or instrument panel to avoid

contamination of the airbag system.

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If a staining liquid like coffee/juice has been spilled on the instrument

panel or on interior trim surfaces, clean as follows:

1. Wipe up spilled liquid using a clean, white, cotton cloth.

2. Wipe the surface with a damp, clean, white cotton cloth. For more

thorough cleaning, use a mild soap and water solution. If the spot cannot

be completely cleaned by this method, the area may be cleaned using a

commercially available cleaning product designed for automotive

interiors.

3. If necessary, apply more soap and water solution or cleaning product

to a clean, white, cotton cloth and press the cloth onto the soiled

area–allow this to set at room temperature for 30 minutes.

4. Remove the soaked cloth, and if it is not soiled badly, use this cloth to

clean the area by using a rubbing motion for 60 seconds.

5. Following this, wipe area dry with a clean, white, cotton cloth.

INTERIOR

For fabric, carpets, cloth seats, safety belts and seats equipped with side

airbags:

• Remove dust and loose dirt with a vacuum cleaner.

• Remove light stains and soil with Motorcraft௡ Professional Strength

Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner (ZC-54).

• If grease or tar is present on the material, spot-clean the area first

with Motorcraft௡ Spot and Stain Remover (ZC-14). In Canada, use

Motorcraft௡ Multi-Purpose Cleaner (CXC-101).

• If a ring forms on the fabric after spot cleaning, clean the entire area

immediately (but do not oversaturate) or the ring will set.

• Do not use household cleaning products or glass cleaners, which can

stain and discolor the fabric and affect the flame retardant abilities of

the seat materials.

WARNING: Do not use cleaning solvents, bleach or dye on the

vehicle’s safety belts, as these actions may weaken the belt

webbing.

WARNING: On vehicles equipped with seat-mounted airbags, do

not use chemical solvents or strong detergents. Such products

could contaminate the side-airbag system and affect performance of

the side airbag in a collision.

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LEATHER SEATS (IF EQUIPPED)

Your leather seating surfaces have a clear, protective coating over the

leather.

• For routine cleaning, wipe the surface with a soft, damp cloth. For

more thorough cleaning, wipe the surface with a mild soap and water

solution. In Canada, use Motorcraft௡ Vinyl Cleaner (CXC-93). Dry the

area with a soft cloth.

• If the leather cannot be completely cleaned using a mild soap and

water solution, the leather may be cleaned using a commercially

available cleaning product designed for automotive leather.

• Do not use household cleaning products, alcohol solutions, solvents or

cleaners intended for rubber, vinyl and plastics, or oil/petroleum-based

leather conditioners. These products may cause premature wearing of

the clear, protective coating.

Note: In some instances, color or dye transfer can occur when wet

clothing comes in contact with leather upholstery. If this occurs, the

leather should be cleaned immediately to avoid permanent staining.

UNDERBODY

Flush the complete underside of your vehicle frequently. Keep body and

door drain holes free from packed dirt.

FORD AND LINCOLN MERCURY CAR CARE PRODUCTS

Your Ford or Lincoln Mercury authorized dealer has many quality

products available to clean your vehicle and protect its finishes. These

quality products have been specifically engineered to fulfill your

automotive needs; they are custom designed to complement the style

and appearance of your vehicle. Each product is made from high quality

materials that meet or exceed rigid specifications. For best results, use

the following products or products of equivalent quality:

Motorcraft௡ Bug and Tar Remover (ZC-42)

Motorcraft௡ Custom Bright Metal Cleaner (ZC-15)

Motorcraft௡ Custom Clear Coat Polish (ZC-8-A)

Motorcraft௡ Detail Wash (ZC-3-A)

Motorcraft௡ Dusting Cloth (ZC-24)

Motorcraft௡ Engine Shampoo and Degreaser (U.S. only) (ZC-20)

Motorcraft௡ Engine Shampoo (Canada only) (CXC-66-A)

Motorcraft௡ Multi-Purpose Cleaner (Canada only) (CXC-101)

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Motorcraft௡ Premium Glass Cleaner (Canada only) (CXC-100)

Motorcraft௡ Premium Liquid Wax (ZC-53-A)

Motorcraft௡ Premium Windshield Washer Concentrate (U.S. only)

(ZC-32-A)

Motorcraft௡ Professional Strength Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner (ZC-54)

Motorcraft௡ Spot and Stain Remover (U.S. only) (ZC-14)

Motorcraft௡ Tire Clean and Shine (ZC-28)

Motorcraft௡ Ultra-Clear Spray Glass Cleaner (ZC-23)

Motorcraft௡ Vinyl Cleaner (Canada only) (CXC-93)

Motorcraft௡ Wheel and Tire Cleaner (ZC-37-A)

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Cleaning for Your Ford Explorer SUV Fifth Generation (2005-2011)

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