Ford Explorer Guide

Table of contents

Severe service conditions 2 Maintenance recommendations 4 Severe duty equipment 18 Index 28

Severe service conditions

SEVERE SERVICE CONDITIONS USING THE SEVERE DUTY

SUPPLEMENT

This supplement is intended to aid the operators of special service or fleet vehicles used in severe duty or high mileage operations.

Failure to maintain your special service vehicle properly may restrict warranty coverage, reduce vehicle performance and operation and adversely affect vehicle safety.

For a detailed list of severe duty maintenance intervals, refer to the “Service Guide”.

Information about this guide

The information found in this guide was in effect at the time of printing. Ford may change the contents without notice and without incurring obligation.

Engine maintenance

Replace engine oil and filter every three months or 5,000 km (3,000 miles) if your vehicle operates under any of the following conditions:

• Short trips of less than 16 km (10 miles) when outside temperatures remain below –18°C (0°F).

• Operating during hot weather (above 32°C [90°F])

• Towing a trailer or carrying a heavy load.

MAX

• Continuously driving above normal highway speeds.

• Driving in stop-and-go traffic.

• Operating in extremely dusty

conditions. If operating under these conditions, the air cleaner and emission filters must be replaced at more frequent intervals than normal.

• Extensive idling (such as delivery use).

Automatic transmission maintenance

The automatic transmission fluid should be changed every 35,000 km (21,000 miles).

The 5R55E automatic transmission fluid should be changed every 80,000 km (50,000 miles).

If in addition to the specified severe duty operating conditions, your automatic transmission may need to be checked more frequently if your driving habits frequently include any of the following:

• Using your vehicle as a snowplow.

• Off road and 4x4 operation.

Rear axle maintenance

All rear axle lube quantities must be replaced every 160,000 km (100,000 miles)

or anytime that the axle has been submerged in water. Excepting these conditions, the lube should not require

Severe service conditions

DON'T ADD IF IN CROSSHATCHED AREA • CHECK WHEN HOT IDLING IN PARK

Maintenance recommendations

checking or changing unless a leak is suspected or repair required.

Limited slip axles have synthetic lubrication and do not require changing.

For non-limited slip axles, the “Service Guide” states 165,000 km (99,000 miles)

PRIORITY MAINTENANCE CHECKS

The following list of Priority maintenance checks should be

performed according to the frequencies indicated. Continue to read the “Severe Duty Supplement” for more detailed information on these important maintenance checks.

Refer to the “Service Guide” for additional information on owner maintenance checks.

Maintenance checks Frequency

Engine oil recommendations

Windshield washer fluid

Worn or underinflated tires

Automatic transmission fluid

Engine coolant level

Power steering fluid level

Check daily (when refueling)

5,000 km (3,000 miles) or once per month

5,000 km (3,000 miles) or every three months

Maintenance recommendations

Battery cables and connections

Fluid leaks

Brake fluid level

Front disc brake pads

Rear disc brake pads

IMPORTANT MAINTENANCE PRECAUTIONS

For more information on maintenance procedures and precautions for your vehicle, refer to the Maintenance and care chapter of your “Owner Guide”.

To determine the lubricant specifications required for each component, refer to the

Capacities and specifications

chapter of the “Owner Guide”.

Storing your vehicle

During extended periods of vehicle storage (60 days or more), oxidation may cause gasoline to deteriorate. Such deterioration could be detrimental to your vehicle’s systems and performance. A commercial fuel stabilizer (Ford Gas Stabilizer E8AZ-19C544–A [ESE-M99C112–A] or equivalent should be added to vehicles when

5,000 km (3,000 miles) or every three months

10,000 km (6,000 miles) or every six months

Maintenance recommendations

ever storage exceeds 60 days. Follow the instructions provided with the stabilizer for proper use.

Towing your vehicle

Vehicles may be towed with a maximum speed of 80 km/h (50 mph) on smooth roads or 56 km/h (35 mph) on rough roads. No matter what the road conditions, vehicles should not be towed further than 80 km (50 miles).

For more information on towing procedures and guidelines, refer to the Driving chapter of the “Owner Guide”.

IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTICE

Appropriate service methods and proper repair procedures are essential for the safe, reliable operation of all vehicles as well as the personal safety of the individual performing the

Maintenance recommendations

maintenance. Follow these general safety precautions:

• Wear safety glasses for eye

protection.

• Use safety stands whenever a

procedure requires you to work under the vehicle.

• Be sure that the ignition switch

is always in the OFF position unless otherwise specified.

• Be sure that the gearshift is in

the P (Park) position for automatic transmissions or the 1 (First) position for manual transmissions and engage the parking brake.

• Block the opposite diagonal

wheels to prevent the vehicle from moving.

• Operate the engine only in well

ventilated areas.

• Keep yourself and loose clothing

away from moving parts while the engine is running.

• Protect yourself from engine

heat.

• Keep smoking materials and

other lit objects away from the vehicle.

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Maintenance recommendations

TRANSMISSION MAINTENANCE Automatic transmission fluid

(if equipped)

The automatic transmission fluid should be checked at least once per month or every 5,000 km (3,000 miles), whichever occurs first. The correct fluid level is crucial to proper vehicle functioning. If the transmission is not functioning properly (if the transmission slips, shifts slowly or if fluid leakage occurs), the fluid level should be checked and the leakage problem corrected.

Vehicles frequently operated in extreme temperatures or under fleet conditions may require more frequent maintenance.

A burnt or rotten odor and dark color in the transmission fluid indicates a high temperature or sever vehicle usage. If such an odor or discoloration should develop, the transmission should be serviced immediately.

For 4R70W transmissions, use only MERCONt fluid. For 5R55E transmissions,use only MERCONt V (XT-5–QM). Use of other transmission fluid may result in transmission damage, malfunction or failure.

for more information on transmission maintenance, refer to

Checking and adding automatic transmission fluid in the Maintenance and care chapter of

the “Owner Guide”.

DON'T ADD IF IN CROSSHATCHED AREA • CHECK WHEN HOT IDLING IN PARK

Maintenance recommendations

Manual transmission and differential fluid (if equipped)

Clean and remove the filler plug. The fluid level should be up to the bottom of the filler plug hole. For more information on differential fluid maintenance, refer to

Checking and adding differential fluid in the Maintenance and care chapter of the “Owner

Guide”.

Clutch fluid (if equipped)

The clutch fluid for your vehicle is self-adjusting and should not require any routine service.

During normal operation, the fluid level in the clutch fluid reservoir will slowly rise. If the fluid level drops, add fluid to maintain the level at the step in the reservoir body.

If it is necessary to remove the fluid reservoir cap, thoroughly clean the cap before removal to prevent contaminants from entering the reservoir. Remove the internal diaphragm and add only Ford High Performance DOT 3 Brake Fluid C6AZ-19542–AA or an equivalent DOT 3 fluid that meets Ford specification ESA-M6C25–A.

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Ford Explorer Guide

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Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual