Get Maintenance -> Engine Oil Check Guide for Ford Explorer SUV Sixth Generation (2012-2020)

Maintenance

ENGINE OIL DIPSTICK - 2.3L

ENGINE OIL DIPSTICK - 3.3L

ECOBOOST™

E146429

E161560

A

B

Minimum.

Maximum.

A

B

Minimum.

Maximum.

ENGINE OIL CHECK

ENGINE OIL DIPSTICK - 3.0L

To check the engine oil level consistently

and accurately, do the following:

1. Make sure the parking brake is on. Make

sure the transmission is in park (P) or

neutral (N).

2. Run the engine until it reaches normal

operating temperature.

3. Make sure that your vehicle is on level

ground.

4. Switch the engine off and wait 15

minutes for the oil to drain into the oil

pan. Checking the engine oil level too

soon after you switch the engine off

may result in an inaccurate reading.

E169062

A

B

MIN

MAX

5. Open the hood. See Opening and

Closing the Hood (page 322).

6. Remove the dipstick and wipe it with

a clean, lint-free cloth. See Under

Hood Overview (page 323).

7. Reinstall the dipstick and remove it

again to check the oil level. See Under

Hood Overview (page 323).

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Maintenance

8. Make sure that the oil level is between

Only use oils certified for gasoline engines

by the American Petroleum Institute (API).

An oil with this trademark symbol

conforms to the current engine and

emission system protection standards and

fuel economy requirements of the

International Lubricants Specification

Advisory Committee (ILSAC).

the maximum and minimum marks. If

the oil level is at the minimum mark,

add oil immediately. See Capacities

and Specifications (page 391).

9. If the oil level is correct, replace the

dipstick and make sure it is fully seated.

Note: Do not remove the dipstick when the

To top up the engine oil level do the

engine is running.

following:

Note: If the oil level is between the

maximum and minimum marks, the oil level

is acceptable. Do not add oil.

Note: The oil consumption of new engines

reaches its normal level after approximately

3,000 mi (5,000 km).

1. Clean the area surrounding the engine

oil filler cap before you remove it.

2. Remove the engine oil filler cap. See

Under Hood Overview (page 323).

Turn it counterclockwise and remove

it.

3. Add engine oil that meets our

specifications. See Capacities and

Specifications (page 391). You may

have to use a funnel to pour the engine

oil into the opening.

Adding Engine Oil

WARNING: Do not remove the filler

cap when the engine is running.

4. Recheck the oil level.

Do not use supplemental engine oil

5. If the oil level is correct, replace the

additives because they are unnecessary

and could lead to engine damage that may

not be covered by the vehicle Warranty.

dipstick and make sure it is fully seated.

6. Replace the engine oil filler cap. Turn

it clockwise until you feel a strong

resistance.

Note: Do not add oil further than the

maximum mark. Oil levels above the

maximum mark may cause engine damage.

Note: Make sure you install the oil filler cap

correctly.

Note: Soak up any spillage with an

absorbent cloth immediately.

OIL CHANGE INDICATOR

RESET

E142732

Use the information display controls on

the steering wheel to reset the oil change

indicator.

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Maintenance

When changing the engine air filter, do not

From the main menu scroll to:

allow debris or foreign material to enter

the air induction system. Engine

Message

Action and description

components are susceptible to damage

not covered by the vehicle Warranty.

Change the air filter element at the correct

interval. See Scheduled Maintenance

(page 482).

Incorrect component use can cause

damage not covered by the vehicle

Warranty. See Motorcraft Parts (page

388).

Settings

Press the right arrow button,

then from this menu scroll

to the following message.

Vehicle

Press the right arrow button,

then from this menu scroll

to the following message.

Hold OK to Press and hold the OK

Reset

button until the instrument

cluster displays the

To replace the air filter element do the

following:

following message.

Reset Successful

When the oil change indic-

ator resets the instrument

cluster displays 100%.

Remaining Life

{00}%

If the instrument cluster

displays one of the following

messages, repeat the

process.

Not Reset

Reset Cancelled

CHANGING THE ENGINE AIR

FILTER - 2.3L ECOBOOST™

WARNING: To reduce the risk of

vehicle damage and personal burn

injuries, do not start your engine with the

air cleaner removed and do not remove

it while the engine is running.

E294782

1. Remove the clips that secure the air

filter housing cover.

2. Using a screwdriver, loosen the clamp

on air filter housing cover.

3. Gently pull the boot back away from

the air filter housing cover.

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Maintenance

4. Carefully lift the air filter housing cover

Incorrect component use can cause

damage not covered by the vehicle

Warranty. See Motorcraft Parts (page

388).

from the air filter housing assembly.

5. Remove the air filter element from the

air filter housing.

To replace the air filter element do the

6. Wipe any dirt or debris from the air filter

housing and cover to make sure no dirt

gets in the engine and that you have a

good seal.

following:

7. Install a new air filter element. Be

careful not to crimp the filter element

edges between the air filter housing

and cover. This could cause filter

damage and allow unfiltered air to

enter the engine if it is not properly

seated.

8. Install the air filter housing cover.

9. Engage the clips to secure the air filter

housing cover to the air filter housing.

10. Reconnect the boot to the air filter

housing cover and torque to 3.69 lb.ft

(5 Nm).

CHANGING THE ENGINE AIR

FILTER - 3.0L

WARNING: To reduce the risk of

vehicle damage and personal burn

injuries, do not start your engine with the

air cleaner removed and do not remove

it while the engine is running.

E294778

1. Remove the clips that secure the air

filter housing cover.

2. Using a screwdriver, loosen two clamps

on either side of the air filter housing

cover.

When changing the engine air filter, do not

allow debris or foreign material to enter

the air induction system. Engine

3. Gently pull the two boots back away

components are susceptible to damage

from the air filter housing cover.

not covered by the vehicle Warranty.

4. Carefully lift the air filter housing cover.

Change the air filter element at the correct

interval. See Scheduled Maintenance

(page 482).

5. Remove the air filter element from the

air filter housing.

6. Wipe any dirt or debris from the air filter

housing and cover to make sure no dirt

gets in the engine and that you have a

good seal.

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Maintenance

7. Install a new air filter element. Be

careful not to crimp the filter element

edges between the air filter housing

and cover. This could cause filter

damage and allow unfiltered air to

enter the engine if it is not properly

seated.

8. Install the air filter housing cover.

E295061

9. Engage the clips to secure the air filter

housing cover to the air filter housing.

10. Reconnect the two boots on the air

filter housing cover and torque to

3.69 lb.ft (5 Nm).

CHANGING THE ENGINE AIR

FILTER - 3.3L

WARNING: To reduce the risk of

vehicle damage and personal burn

injuries, do not start your engine with the

air cleaner removed and do not remove

it while the engine is running.

x2

1. Release the clamps that secure the air

filter cover to the housing.

Note: Failure to use the correct air filter

element may result in severe engine

2. Using a screwdriver, loosen the clamp

damage. Resulting component damage

may not be covered by the vehicle Warranty.

on the air filter housing cover.

3. Gently pull the boot back away from

the air filter housing cover.

4. Carefully lift the air filter housing cover.

Note: When servicing the air cleaner, do

not allow foreign material to enter the air

induction system. The engine is susceptible

to damage from even small particles.

5. Remove the air filter element from the

air filter housing.

When changing the air filter element, use

6. Wipe any dirt or debris from the air filter

housing and cover to make sure no dirt

gets in the engine and that you have a

good seal.

7. Install a new air filter element. Be

careful not to crimp the filter element

edges between the air filter housing

and cover. This could cause filter

damage and allow unfiltered air to

enter the engine if it is not properly

seated.

only the air filter element listed.

Change the air filter element at the proper

intervals. See Scheduled Maintenance

(page 482).

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Maintenance

8. Install the air filter housing cover.

Note: Coolant expands when it is hot. The

level may extend beyond the MAX mark.

9. Engage the clips to secure the air filter

housing cover to the air filter housing.

Maintain coolant concentration within

48% to 50%, which equates to a freeze

point between -29°F (-34°C) and -35°F

(-37°C). Coolant concentration should be

checked using a refractometer. We do not

recommend the use of hydrometers or

coolant test strips for measuring coolant

concentration.

10. Reconnect the boot to the air filter

housing cover and torque to 3.69 lb.ft

(5 Nm).

ENGINE COOLANT CHECK

Adding Coolant

WARNING: Do not remove the

coolant reservoir cap when the engine is

on or the cooling system is hot. Wait 10

minutes for the cooling system to cool

down. Cover the coolant reservoir cap

with a thick cloth to prevent the

WARNING: Do not add engine

coolant when the engine is on or the

cooling system is hot. Failure to follow

this instruction could result in personal

injury.

possibility of scalding and slowly remove

the cap. Failure to follow this instruction

could result in personal injury.

WARNING: Do not remove the

coolant reservoir cap when the engine is

on or the cooling system is hot. Wait 10

minutes for the cooling system to cool

down. Cover the coolant reservoir cap

with a thick cloth to prevent the

WARNING: Do not put coolant in

the windshield washer reservoir. If

sprayed on the windshield, coolant could

make it difficult to see through the

windshield.

possibility of scalding and slowly remove

the cap. Failure to follow this instruction

could result in personal injury.

WARNING: To reduce the risk of

personal injury, make sure the engine is

cool before unscrewing the coolant

pressure relief cap. The cooling system

is under pressure. Steam and hot liquid

can come out forcefully when you loosen

the cap slightly.

WARNING: Do not put coolant in

the windshield washer reservoir. If

sprayed on the windshield, coolant could

make it difficult to see through the

windshield.

WARNING: Do not add coolant

further than the MAX mark.

Note: Do not use stop leak pellets, cooling

system sealants, or non-specified additives

as they can cause damage to the engine

cooling or heating systems. Resulting

component damage may not be covered by

the vehicle Warranty.

When the engine is cold, check the

concentration and level of the coolant at

the intervals listed in the scheduled

maintenance information. See Scheduled

Maintenance (page 482).

Note: Make sure that the coolant level is

between the MIN and the MAX marks on

the coolant reservoir.

Note: Automotive fluids are not

interchangeable.

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Maintenance

It is very important to use prediluted

5. Check the coolant level in the coolant

reservoir the next few times you drive

your vehicle. If necessary, add enough

prediluted engine coolant to bring the

coolant level to the correct level.

If you have to add more than 1.1 qt (1 L) of

engine coolant per month, have your

vehicle checked as soon as possible.

Operating an engine with a low level of

coolant can result in engine overheating

and possible engine damage.

coolant approved to the correct

specification in order to avoid plugging the

small passageways in the engine cooling

system. See Capacities and

Specifications (page 391). Do not mix

different colors or types of coolant in your

vehicle. Mixing of engine coolants or using

an incorrect coolant may harm the engine

or cooling system components and may

not be covered by the vehicle Warranty.

Note: If prediluted coolant is not available,

use the approved concentrated coolant

diluting it to 50/50 with distilled water. See

Capacities and Specifications (page 391).

Using water that has not been deionised

may contribute to deposit formation,

corrosion and plugging of the small cooling

system passageways.

Note: Coolants marketed for all makes and

models may not be approved to our

specifications and may cause damage to

the cooling system. Resulting component

damage may not be covered by the vehicle

Warranty.

In case of emergency, you can add a large

amount of water without engine coolant

in order to reach a vehicle service location.

In this instance, qualified personnel:

1. Must drain the cooling system.

2. Chemically clean the coolant system.

3. Refill with engine coolant as soon as

possible.

Water alone, without engine coolant, can

cause engine damage from corrosion,

overheating or freezing.

Do not use the following as a coolant

substitute:

If the coolant level is at or below the

minimum mark, add prediluted coolant

immediately.

•

Alcohol.

Methanol.

Brine.

To top up the coolant level do the

following:

Any coolant mixed with alcohol or

1. Unscrew the cap slowly. Any pressure

escapes as you unscrew the cap.

2. Add prediluted coolant approved to

the correct specification. See

Capacities and Specifications (page

391).

methanol antifreeze.

Alcohol and other liquids can cause engine

damage from overheating or freezing.

Do not add extra inhibitors or additives to

the coolant. These can be harmful and

compromise the corrosion protection of

the coolant.

3. Add enough prediluted coolant to

reach the correct level.

Recycled Coolant

We do not recommend the use of recycled

coolant as an approved recycling process

is not yet available.

4. Replace the coolant reservoir cap. Turn

the cap clockwise until it contacts the

hard stop.

Note: Dispose of used coolant in the

appropriate manner.

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Maintenance

Follow your community's regulations and

Fail-Safe Cooling

standards for recycling and disposing of

automotive fluids.

Fail-safe cooling allows you to temporarily

drive your vehicle before any incremental

component damage occurs. The fail-safe

distance depends on ambient

Severe Climates

If you drive in extremely cold climates:

temperature, vehicle load and terrain.

•

It may be necessary to increase the

How Fail-Safe Cooling Works

coolant concentration above 50%.

•

A coolant concentration of 60%

provides improved freeze point

protection.

If the engine begins to overheat,

the coolant temperature gauge

moves toward the red zone:

•

Coolant concentrations above 60%

decrease the overheat protection

characteristics of the coolant and may

cause engine damage.

A warning lamp illuminates and

a message may appear in the

information display.

If the engine reaches a preset

If you drive in extremely hot climates:

over-temperature condition, the engine

automatically switches to alternating

cylinder operation. Each disabled cylinder

acts as an air pump and cools the engine.

•

You can decrease the coolant

concentration to 40%.

A coolant concentration of 40%

provides improved overheat protection.

When this occurs, your vehicle still

Coolant concentrations below 40%

decrease the overheat and corrosion

protection characteristics of the

coolant and may cause engine

damage.

operates, however:

•

Engine power is limited.

The air conditioning system turns off.

Continued operation increases the engine

Vehicles driven year-round in non-extreme

climates should use prediluted coolant for

optimum cooling system and engine

protection.

temperature, causing the engine to

completely shut down. Your steering and

braking effort increases in this situation.

When the engine temperature cools, you

can re-start the engine. Have your vehicle

checked as soon as possible to minimize

engine damage.

Coolant Change

At specific mileage intervals, as listed in

the scheduled maintenance information,

the coolant should be changed. Add

prediluted coolant approved to the correct

specification. See Capacities and

Specifications (page 391).

When Fail-Safe Mode Is Activated

WARNING: Fail-safe mode is for

use during emergencies only. Operate

your vehicle in fail-safe mode only as

long as necessary to bring your vehicle

to rest in a safe location and seek

immediate repairs. When in fail-safe

mode, your vehicle will have limited

power, will not be able to maintain

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Maintenance

Engine Coolant Temperature

high-speed operation, and may

Management^{(If Equipped)}

completely shut down without warning,

potentially losing engine power, power

steering assist, and power brake assist,

which may increase the possibility of a

crash resulting in serious injury.

WARNING: To reduce the risk of

crash and injury, be prepared that the

vehicle speed may reduce and the

vehicle may not be able to accelerate

with full power until the coolant

temperature reduces.

WARNING: Do not remove the

coolant reservoir cap when the engine is

on or the cooling system is hot. Wait 10

minutes for the cooling system to cool

down. Cover the coolant reservoir cap

with a thick cloth to prevent the

If you tow a trailer with your vehicle, the

engine may temporarily reach a higher

temperature during severe operating

conditions, for example ascending a long

or steep grade in high ambient

temperatures.

possibility of scalding and slowly remove

the cap. Failure to follow this instruction

could result in personal injury.

Your vehicle has limited engine power

when in the fail-safe mode, drive your

vehicle with caution. Your vehicle does not

maintain high-speed operation and the

engine may operate poorly.

Remember that the engine is capable of

automatically shutting down to prevent

engine damage. In this situation:

At this time, you may notice the coolant

temperature gauge moves toward the red

zone and a message may appear in the

information display.

You may notice a reduction in vehicle

speed caused by reduced engine power in

order to manage the engine coolant

temperature. Your vehicle may enter this

mode if certain high-temperature and

high-load conditions take place. The

amount of speed reduction depends on

vehicle loading, grade and ambient

temperature. If this occurs, there is no

need to stop your vehicle. You can

continue to drive.

The air conditioning may automatically

turn on and off during severe operating

conditions to protect the engine from

overheating. When the coolant

temperature decreases to the normal

operating temperature, the air conditioning

turns on.

1. Pull off the road as soon as safely

possible and switch the engine off.

2. If you are a member of a roadside

assistance program, we recommend

that you contact your roadside

assistance service provider.

3. If this is not possible, wait for a short

period of time for the engine to cool.

4. Check the coolant level. If the coolant

level is at or below the minimum mark,

add prediluted coolant immediately.

5. When the engine temperature cools,

you can re-start the engine. Have your

vehicle checked as soon as possible to

minimize engine damage.

If the coolant temperature gauge moves

fully into the red zone, or if the coolant

temperature warning or service engine

soon messages appear in your information

display, do the following:

Note: Driving your vehicle without repair

increases the chance of engine damage.

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Maintenance

1. Stop your vehicle as soon as it is safe

BRAKE FLUID CHECK

to do so. Fully apply the parking brake,

shift into park (P) or neutral (N).

2. Leave the engine running until the

coolant temperature gauge needle

returns to the normal position. If the

temperature does not drop after

several minutes, follow the remaining

steps.

WARNING: Do not use any fluid

other than the recommended brake fluid

as this will reduce brake efficiency. Use

of incorrect fluid could result in the loss

of vehicle control, serious personal injury

or death.

3. Switch the engine off and wait for it to

WARNING: Only use brake fluid

from a sealed container. Contamination

with dirt, water, petroleum products or

other materials may result in brake

system damage or failure. Failure to

adhere to this warning could result in the

loss of vehicle control, serious personal

injury or death.

cool. Check the coolant level.

4. If the coolant level is at or below the

minimum mark, add prediluted coolant

immediately.

5. If the coolant level is normal, restart

the engine and continue.

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

FLUID CHECK

WARNING: Do not allow the fluid

to touch your skin or eyes. If this

happens, rinse the affected areas

immediately with plenty of water and

contact your physician.

If required, have an authorized dealer check

and change the transmission fluid at the

correct service interval. See Scheduled

Maintenance (page 482).

WARNING: The brake system

could be affected if the brake fluid level

is below the MIN mark or above the MAX

mark on the brake fluid reservoir.

The automatic transmission does not have

a transmission fluid dipstick.

Refer to your scheduled maintenance

information for scheduled intervals for fluid

checks and changes. Your transmission

does not consume fluid. However, if the

transmission slips, shifts slowly or if you

notice a sign of leaking fluid, contact an

authorized dealer.

Do not use supplemental transmission

fluid additives, treatments or cleaning

agents. The use of these materials may

affect transmission operation and result

in damage to internal transmission

components.

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Maintenance -> Engine Oil Check for Your Ford Explorer SUV Sixth Generation (2012-2020)

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