Get Fuel and Refueling -> Running Out of Fuel Guide for Ford Explorer SUV Sixth Generation (2012-2020)

Fuel and Refueling

Note: Use of any fuel for which the vehicle

FUEL QUALITY - GASOLINE

Choosing the Right Fuel

was not designed can impair the emission

control system, cause loss of vehicle

performance, and cause damage to the

engine which may not be covered by the

vehicle Warranty.

Do not use:

•

Diesel fuel.

Fuels containing kerosene or paraffin.

Fuel containing more than 15% ethanol

or E85 fuel.

E161513

•

Fuels containing methanol.

Your vehicle is designed to operate on

regular unleaded gasoline with a minimum

pump (R+M)/2 octane rating of 87.

Fuels containing metallic-based

additives, including manganese-based

compounds.

Some fuel stations, particularly those in

high altitude areas, offer fuels posted as

regular unleaded gasoline with an octane

rating below 87. The use of these fuels

could result in engine damage that will not

be covered by the vehicle warranty.

•

Fuels containing the octane booster

additive, methylcyclopentadienyl

manganese tricarbonyl (MMT).

Leaded fuel, using leaded fuel is

prohibited by law.

The use of fuels with metallic compounds

such as methylcyclopentadienyl

manganese tricarbonyl (commonly known

as MMT), which is a manganese-based

fuel additive, will impair engine

performance and affect the emission

control system.

For best overall vehicle and engine

performance, premium fuel with an octane

rating of 91 or higher is recommended. The

performance gained by using premium fuel

is most noticeable in hot weather as well

as other conditions, for example when

towing a trailer. See Towing (page 288).

Do not be concerned if the engine

sometimes knocks lightly. However, if the

engine knocks heavily while using fuel with

the recommended octane rating, contact

an authorized dealer to prevent any engine

damage.

FUEL FILLER FUNNEL

LOCATION

The fuel filler funnel is in the spare wheel

storage tray.

We recommend Top Tier detergent

gasolines, where available to help minimize

engine deposits and maintain optimal

vehicle and engine performance. For

additional information, refer to

RUNNING OUT OF FUEL

Running out of fuel can cause damage not

covered by the vehicle Warranty.

www.toptiergas.com.

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Fuel and Refueling

If your vehicle runs out of fuel:

Adding Fuel From a Portable Fuel

Container

•

Add a minimum of 1.3 gal (5 L) of fuel

to restart the engine.

•

You may need to switch the ignition

from off to on several times after

refueling to allow the fuel system to

pump the fuel from the tank to the

engine. When restarting, cranking time

takes a few seconds longer than

normal.

WARNING: Do not insert the nozzle

of a fuel container or an aftermarket

funnel into the fuel filler neck. This may

damage the fuel system filler neck or its

seal and cause fuel to run onto the

ground.

Note: If your vehicle is on a steep slope,

WARNING: Do not try to pry open

or push open the capless fuel system

with foreign objects. This could damage

the fuel system and its seal and cause

injury to you or others.

more fuel may be required.

Filling a Portable Fuel Container

WARNING: Flow of fuel through a

fuel pump nozzle can produce static

electricity. This can cause a fire if you are

filling an ungrounded fuel container.

WARNING: Do not dispose of fuel

in the household refuse or the public

sewage system. Use an authorized waste

disposal facility.

Use the following guidelines to avoid

electrostatic charge build-up, which can

produce a spark, when filling an

ungrounded fuel container:

When refueling the vehicle fuel tank from

a fuel container, use the fuel filler funnel

included with your vehicle. See Fuel Filler

Funnel Location (page 187).

Note: Do not use aftermarket funnels as

they may not work with the capless fuel

system and can damage it.

•

Only use an approved fuel container to

transfer fuel to your vehicle. Place the

container on the ground when filling it.

•

Do not fill a fuel container when it is

inside your vehicle (including the cargo

area).

When refueling the vehicle fuel tank from

a fuel container, do the following:

1. Fully open the fuel filler door.

•

Keep the fuel pump nozzle in contact

2. Fully insert the fuel filler funnel into the

with the fuel container when filling it.

fuel filler inlet.

Do not use a device that holds the fuel

pump nozzle lever in the fill position.

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Fuel and Refueling

REFUELING - EXCLUDING:

HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLE

(HEV)

Refueling System Overview

A

B

E157452

3. Add fuel to your vehicle from the fuel

container.

C

E267248

4. Remove the fuel filler funnel.

5. Fully close the fuel filler door.

6. Clean the fuel filler funnel and place it

back in your vehicle or correctly dispose

of it.

A

B

C

Fuel filler door.

Fuel tank filler valve.

Fuel tank filler pipe.

Note: Extra funnels can be purchased from

an authorized dealer if you choose to

dispose of the funnel.

Your vehicle does not have a fuel tank filler

cap.

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Fuel and Refueling

WARNING: The fuel system may

be under pressure. If you hear a hissing

sound near the fuel filler inlet, do not

refuel until the sound stops. Otherwise,

fuel may spray out, which could cause

serious personal injury.

WARNING: Do not pry open the

fuel tank filler valve. This could damage

the fuel system. Failure to follow this

instruction could result in fire, personal

injury or death.

WARNING: Do not remove the fuel

pump nozzle from its fully inserted

position when refueling.

E206911

A

Left-hand side. To open the fuel

filler door, press the center rear

edge of the fuel filler door and

then release.

Right-hand side. To open the

fuel filler door, press the center

rear edge of the fuel filler door

and then release.

WARNING: Stop refueling when

the fuel pump nozzle automatically

shuts off for the first time. Failure to

follow this will fill the expansion space

in the fuel tank and could lead to fuel

overflowing.

B

WARNING: Do not overfill the fuel

tank. The pressure in an overfilled tank

may cause leakage and lead to fuel spray

and fire.

C

D

Left-hand side. Pull the rear of

the fuel filler door to open it.

Right-hand side. Pull the rear of

the fuel filler door to open it.

WARNING: Wait at least five

seconds before removing the fuel pump

nozzle to allow any residual fuel to drain

into the fuel tank.

Refueling Your Vehicle

WARNING: When refueling always

shut the engine off and never allow

sparks or open flames near the fuel tank

filler valve. Never smoke or use a cell

phone while refueling. Fuel vapor is

extremely hazardous under certain

conditions. Avoid inhaling excess fumes.

WARNING: Read and follow all the

instructions on the pump island.

1. Fully open the fuel filler door.

2. Select the correct fuel pump nozzle for

your vehicle.

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Fuel and Refueling

E337395

5. Operate the fuel pump nozzle within

the area shown.

E139202

3. Insert the fuel pump nozzle up to the

first notch on the nozzle A. Keep the

fuel pump nozzle resting on the fuel

tank filler pipe.

E119081

6. When the nozzle shuts off, wait at least

5 seconds, then slightly raise the fuel

pump nozzle and slowly remove it.

A

7. Fully close the fuel filler door.

Do not attempt to start the engine if you

have filled the fuel tank with incorrect fuel.

Incorrect fuel use could cause damage that

the vehicle Warranty may not cover. See

your authorized dealer immediately.

Refueling System Warning(IfEquipped)

If the fuel tank filler valve does not fully

close, a message could appear in the

information display.

B

E139203

4. Hold the fuel pump nozzle in position

B when refueling. Holding the fuel

pump nozzle in position A can affect

the flow of fuel and shut off the fuel

pump nozzle before the fuel tank is full.

Message

Check Fuel Fill Inlet

If the message appears, do the following:

1. Stop your vehicle as soon as it is safe

to do so and switch the engine off.

2. Shift into park (P) or neutral (N).

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Fuel and Refueling

3. Apply the parking brake.

4. Fully open the fuel filler door.

WARNING: Do not pry open the

fuel tank filler valve. This could damage

the fuel system. Failure to follow this

instruction could result in fire, personal

injury or death.

5. Check the fuel tank filler valve for any

debris that may be restricting its

movement.

6. Remove any debris from the fuel tank

filler valve.

WARNING: Do not remove the fuel

pump nozzle from its fully inserted

position when refueling.

7. Fully insert a fuel pump nozzle or the

fuel filler funnel provided with your

vehicle into the fuel filler pipe. See

Fuel Filler Funnel Location (page

187). This action should dislodge any

debris that may be preventing the fuel

tank filler valve from fully closing.

WARNING: Stop refueling when

the fuel pump nozzle automatically

shuts off for the first time. Failure to

follow this will fill the expansion space

in the fuel tank and could lead to fuel

overflowing.

8. Remove the fuel pump nozzle or fuel

filler funnel from the fuel filler pipe.

9. Fully close the fuel filler door.

WARNING: Do not overfill the fuel

tank. The pressure in an overfilled tank

may cause leakage and lead to fuel spray

and fire.

Note: The message may not immediately

reset. If the message continues to appear

and a warning lamp illuminates, see your

authorized dealer as soon as possible.

WARNING: Wait at least five

seconds before removing the fuel pump

nozzle to allow any residual fuel to drain

into the fuel tank.

REFUELING - HYBRID

ELECTRIC VEHICLE (HEV)

WARNING: Read and follow all the

instructions on the pump island.

WARNING: When refueling always

shut the engine off and never allow

sparks or open flames near the fuel tank

filler valve. Never smoke or use a cell

phone while refueling. Fuel vapor is

extremely hazardous under certain

conditions. Avoid inhaling excess fumes.

1. When you stop your vehicle, shift into

park (P) and switch the ignition off.

WARNING: The fuel system may

be under pressure. If you hear a hissing

sound near the fuel filler inlet, do not

refuel until the sound stops. Otherwise,

fuel may spray out, which could cause

serious personal injury.

E293006

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Fuel and Refueling

2. Press the button on the left side of the

4. Hold the fuel pump nozzle in position

B when refueling. Holding the fuel

pump nozzle in position A can affect

the flow of fuel and shut off the fuel

pump nozzle before the fuel tank is full.

instrument panel next to the headlamp

switch to open the fuel filler door. The

fuel filler door can take up to 15

seconds to open before you can insert

a fuel filler nozzle.

E206912

5. Operate the fuel pump nozzle within

the area shown.

E139202

E119081

3. Insert the fuel pump nozzle up to the

first notch on the nozzle A. Keep it

resting on the cover of the fuel tank

filler pipe opening.

6. When the pump shuts off, wait 5

seconds, then slowly lift and remove

the nozzle.

7. Fully close the fuel filler door.

A

Note: To close the fuel filler door, press the

center rear edge of the fuel filler door and

then release.

Complete the refueling process within 20

minutes. If 20 minutes elapses, press the

button on the left side of the instrument

panel again. Fuel pump nozzle automatic

shut off could occur if you do not press the

button on the left side instrument panel.

B

E139203

System Warnings

If the fuel filler door fails to open, an

information message appears in the

information display.

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Fuel and Refueling

Message

Description and Action

Refuel

A warning message appears

in the information display

when the fuel system fails

to depressurize or the fuel

filler door fails to open. You

may have to use the fuel

filler door manual override

lever.

Error See

Manual

If the information message appears, do the

following:

1. Check the fuel filler door for anything

that may be obstructing its movement,

for example ice or snow.

2. Remove any obstruction from the fuel

filler door.

3. Press the button on the driver door to

open the fuel filler door.

4. If the fuel filler door fails to open and

the information message remains in

the information display, use the fuel

filler door manual override lever.

E297793

Note: The manual override lever is in the

Fuel Filler Door Manual Override

Lever

driver side rear wheel well area.

2. Pull the manual override lever.

3. Switch the ignition off.

WARNING: The fuel system may

be under pressure. If you hear a hissing

sound near the fuel filler inlet, do not

refuel until the sound stops. Otherwise,

fuel may spray out, which could cause

serious personal injury.

4. Complete the refueling process within

20 minutes.

FUEL CONSUMPTION

Advertised Capacity

The advertised capacity is the maximum

amount of fuel that you can add to the fuel

tank when the fuel gauge indicates empty.

See Capacities and Specifications

(page 391).

Note: The transmission must be in park (P)

or neutral (N).

When using the manual override lever do

the following:

1. Switch the ignition on.

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Fuel and Refueling -> Running Out of Fuel for Your Ford Explorer SUV Sixth Generation (2012-2020)

Related Topics

Fuel and Refueling