Maintenance and Specifications -> BATTERY for Your Ford Explorer SUV Fifth Generation (2005-2011)

Maintenance and Specifications  
BATTERY  
Your vehicle is equipped with a  
Motorcraftmaintenance-free  
battery which normally does not  
require additional water during its  
life of service.  
If your battery has a cover/shield, make sure it is reinstalled  
after the battery has been cleaned or replaced.  
For longer, trouble-free operation, keep the top of the battery clean and  
dry. Also, make certain the battery cables are always tightly fastened to  
the battery terminals.  
If you see any corrosion on the battery or terminals, remove the cables  
from the terminals and clean with a wire brush. You can neutralize the  
acid with a solution of baking soda and water.  
It is recommended that the negative battery cable terminal be  
disconnected from the battery if you plan to store your vehicle for an  
extended period of time. This will minimize the discharge of your battery  
during storage.  
Note: Electrical or electronic accessories or components added to  
the vehicle by the dealer or the owner may adversely affect  
battery performance and durability.  
WARNING: Batteries normally produce explosive gases which  
can cause personal injury. Therefore, do not allow flames, sparks  
or lighted substances to come near the battery. When working near the  
battery, always shield your face and protect your eyes. Always provide  
proper ventilation.  
WARNING: When lifting a plastic-cased battery, excessive  
pressure on the end walls could cause acid to flow through the  
vent caps, resulting in personal injury and/or damage to the vehicle or  
battery. Lift the battery with a battery carrier or with your hands on  
opposite corners.  
361  
2010 Explorer (exp)  
Owners Guide, 2nd Printing  
USA (fus)  
Maintenance and Specifications  
WARNING: Keep batteries out of reach of children. Batteries  
contain sulfuric acid. Avoid contact with skin, eyes or clothing.  
Shield your eyes when working near the battery to protect against  
possible splashing of acid solution. In case of acid contact with skin or  
eyes, flush immediately with water for a minimum of 15 minutes and  
get prompt medical attention. If acid is swallowed, call a physician  
immediately.  
WARNING: Battery posts, terminals and related accessories  
contain lead and lead compounds. Wash hands after handling.  
Because your vehicle’s engine is electronically controlled by a computer,  
some control conditions are maintained by power from the battery. When  
the battery is disconnected or a new battery is installed, the engine must  
relearn its idle and fuel trim strategy for optimum driveability and  
performance. To begin this process:  
1. With the vehicle at a complete stop, set the parking brake.  
2. Put the gearshift lever in P (Park), turn off all accessories and start  
the engine.  
3. Run the engine until it reaches normal operating temperature.  
4. Allow the engine to idle for at least one minute.  
5. Turn the A/C on and allow the engine to idle for at least one minute.  
6. Drive the vehicle to complete the relearning process.  
The vehicle may need to be driven to relearn the idle and fuel trim  
strategy.  
If you do not allow the engine to relearn its idle trim, the idle  
quality of your vehicle may be adversely affected until the idle  
trim is eventually relearned.  
When the battery is disconnected or a new battery installed, the  
transmission must relearn its adaptive strategy. As a result of this, the  
transmission may shift firmly. This operation is considered normal and  
will not affect function or durability of the transmission. Over time the  
adaptive learning process will fully update transmission operation to its  
optimum shift feel.  
If the battery has been disconnected or a new battery has been installed,  
the clock and the preset radio stations must be reset once the battery is  
reconnected.  
362  
2010 Explorer (exp)  
Owners Guide, 2nd Printing  
USA (fus)  
Maintenance and Specifications  
Always dispose of automotive  
batteries in a responsible manner.  
Follow your local authorized  
standards for disposal. Call your  
local authorized recycling center  
to find out more about recycling  
automotive batteries.  
RECYCLE  
ENGINE COOLANT  
Checking engine coolant  
The concentration and level of engine coolant should be checked at the  
intervals listed in scheduled maintenance information. The coolant  
concentration should be maintained at 50/50 coolant and distilled water,  
which equates to a freeze point of -34°F (-36°C). Coolant concentration  
testing is possible with a hydrometer or antifreeze tester. The level of  
coolant should be maintained at the FULL COLD level in the coolant  
reservoir. If the level falls below, add coolant per the instructions in the  
Adding engine coolant section.  
Your vehicle was factory-filled with a 50/50 engine coolant and water  
concentration. If the concentration of coolant falls below 40% or above  
60%, the engine parts could become damaged or not work properly. A  
50/50 mixture of coolant and water provides the following:  
Freeze protection down to -34°F (-36°C).  
Boiling protection up to 265°F (129°C).  
Protection against rust and other forms of corrosion.  
Enables calibrated gauges to work properly.  
When the engine is cold, check the level of the engine coolant in the  
reservoir.  
363  
2010 Explorer (exp)  
Owners Guide, 2nd Printing  
USA (fus)