Get Cleaning -> WINDOWS AND WIPER BLADES Guide for Ford Explorer SUV Fifth Generation (2005-2011)

Cleaning

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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Cleaning

• 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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Cleaning

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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Cleaning -> WINDOWS AND WIPER BLADES for Your Ford Explorer SUV Fifth Generation (2005-2011)

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