Get Maintenance and Specifications -> EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM Guide for Ford Explorer SUV Fifth Generation (2005-2011)

Maintenance and Specifications

EPA fuel economy estimates

Every new vehicle should have a sticker on the window called the

Monroney Label which contains EPA fuel economy estimates. Contact

your authorized dealer if the Monroney Label is not supplied with your

vehicle. The EPA fuel economy estimates should be your guide for the

fuel economy comparisons with other vehicles. Your fuel economy may

vary depending upon the method of operation and conditions.

EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM

Your vehicle is equipped with various emission control components and a

catalytic converter which will enable your vehicle to comply with

applicable exhaust emission standards. To make sure that the catalytic

converter and other emission control components continue to work

properly:

• Use only the specified fuel listed.

• Avoid running out of fuel.

• Do not turn off the ignition while your vehicle is moving, especially at

high speeds.

• Have the items listed in scheduled maintenance information

performed according to the specified schedule.

The scheduled maintenance items listed in scheduled maintenance

information are essential to the life and performance of your vehicle

and to its emissions system.

If other than Ford, Motorcraft௡ or Ford-authorized parts are used for

maintenance replacements or for service of components affecting

emission control, such non-Ford parts should be equivalent to genuine

Ford Motor Company parts in performance and durability.

WARNING: Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in dry grass

or other dry ground cover. The emission system heats up the

engine compartment and exhaust system, which can start a fire.

Illumination of the service engine soon

indicator, charging system

warning light or the temperature warning light, fluid leaks, strange odors,

smoke or loss of engine power could indicate that the emission control

system is not working properly.

An improperly operating or damaged exhaust system may allow exhaust

to enter the vehicle. Have a damaged or improperly operating exhaust

system inspected and repaired immediately.

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WARNING: Exhaust leaks may result in entry of harmful and

potentially lethal fumes into the passenger compartment.

Do not make any unauthorized changes to your vehicle or engine. By

law, vehicle owners and anyone who manufactures, repairs, services,

sells, leases, trades vehicles, or supervises a fleet of vehicles are not

permitted to intentionally remove an emission control device or prevent

it from working. Information about your vehicle’s emission system is on

the Vehicle Emission Control Information Decal located on or near the

engine. This decal also lists engine displacement.

Please consult your Warranty Guide/Customer Information Guide for

complete emission warranty information.

On board diagnostics (OBD-II)

Your vehicle is equipped with a computer that monitors the engine’s

emission control system. This system is commonly known as the On

Board Diagnostics System (OBD-II). The OBD-II system protects the

environment by ensuring that your vehicle continues to meet

government emission standards. The OBD-II system also assists your

authorized dealer in properly servicing your vehicle. When the service

engine soon

a malfunction. Temporary malfunctions may cause the service engine

soon indicator to illuminate. Examples are:

indicator illuminates, the OBD-II system has detected

1. The vehicle has run out of fuel—the engine may misfire or run poorly.

2. Poor fuel quality or water in the fuel—the engine may misfire or run

poorly.

3. The fuel fill inlet may not have been properly closed. See Easy Fuel™

“no cap” fuel system in this chapter.

4. Driving through deep water—the electrical system may be wet.

These temporary malfunctions can be corrected by filling the fuel tank

with good quality fuel, properly closing the fuel fill inlet or letting the

electrical system dry out. After three driving cycles without these or any

other temporary malfunctions present, the service engine soon

indicator should stay off the next time the engine is started. A driving

cycle consists of a cold engine startup followed by mixed city/highway

driving. No additional vehicle service is required.

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If the service engine soon

indicator remains on, have your vehicle

serviced at the first available opportunity. Although some malfunctions

detected by the OBD-II may not have symptoms that are apparent,

continued driving with the service engine soon

indicator on can

result in increased emissions, lower fuel economy, reduced engine and

transmission smoothness, and lead to more costly repairs.

Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) testing

Some state/provincial and local governments may have

Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) programs to inspect the emission control

equipment on your vehicle. Failure to pass this inspection could prevent

you from getting a vehicle registration. Your vehicle may not pass the I/M

test if the service engine soon

indicator is on or not working

properly (bulb is burned out), or if the OBD-II system has determined

that some of the emission control systems have not been properly

checked. In this case, the vehicle is considered not ready for I/M testing.

If the service engine soon

indicator is on or the bulb does not

work, the vehicle may need to be serviced. Refer to the On board

diagnostics (OBD-II) description in this chapter.

If the vehicle’s engine or transmission has just been serviced, or the

battery has recently run down or been replaced, the OBD-II system may

indicate that the vehicle is not ready for I/M testing. To determine if the

vehicle is ready for I/M testing, turn the ignition key to the on position

for 15 seconds without cranking the engine. If the service engine

soon

indicator blinks eight times, it means that the vehicle is not

ready for I/M testing; if the service engine soon

indicator stays on

solid, it means that the vehicle is ready for I/M testing.

The OBD-II system is designed to check the emission control system

during normal driving. A complete check may take several days. If the

vehicle is not ready for I/M testing, the following driving cycle consisting

of mixed city and highway driving may be performed:

15 minutes of steady driving on an expressway/highway followed by

20 minutes of stop-and-go driving with at least four 30-second idle

periods.

Allow the vehicle to sit for at least eight hours without starting the

engine. Then, start the engine and complete the above driving cycle. The

engine must warm up to its normal operating temperature. Once started,

do not turn off the engine until the above driving cycle is complete. If

the vehicle is still not ready for I/M testing, the above driving cycle will

have to be repeated.

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

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