Ford Explorer (2018 year). Manual - part 71

Severe Climates

If you drive in extremely cold climates:
•

It may be necessary to increase the
coolant concentration above 50%.

•

A coolant concentration of 60%
provides improved freeze point
protection.  Coolant concentrations
above 60% decrease the overheat
protection characteristics of the
coolant and may cause engine
damage.

If you drive in extremely hot climates:
•

You can decrease the coolant
concentration to 40%.

•

Coolant concentrations below 40%
decrease the freeze and corrosion
protection characteristics of the
coolant and may cause engine
damage.

Vehicles driven year-round in non-extreme
climates should use prediluted coolant for
optimum cooling system and engine
protection.

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 335).

Fail-Safe Cooling

Fail-safe cooling allows you to temporarily
drive your vehicle before any incremental
component damage occurs. The fail-safe
distance depends on ambient
temperature, vehicle load and terrain.

How Fail-Safe Cooling Works

If the engine begins to overheat,
the coolant temperature gauge
moves toward the red zone:

A warning lamp illuminates and
a message may appear in the
information display.

If the engine reaches a preset
over-temperature condition, the engine
automatically switches to alternating
cylinder operation.  Each disabled cylinder
acts as an air pump and cools the engine.

When this occurs, your vehicle still
operates, however:
•

Engine power is limited.

•

The air conditioning system turns off.

Continued operation increases the engine
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.

When Fail-Safe Mode Is Activated

WARNINGS

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 high-speed operation, and
may 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.

Never remove the coolant reservoir
cap when the engine is running or
hot.

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:

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 a short

period 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.

Note: Driving your vehicle without repair
increases the chance of engine damage.

Engine Coolant Temperature
Management

 (If Equipped)

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.

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.

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.

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:

1.

Stop your vehicle as soon as it is safe
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. After
several minutes, if the temperature
does not drop, follow the remaining
steps.

3. Switch the engine off and wait for it to

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 - 2.3L
ECOBOOST™

Note: Transmission fluid should be checked
by an authorized dealer. If required, fluid
should be added by an authorized dealer.

Have an authorized dealer check and
change the transmission fluid at the
correct service interval.  See Maintenance
(page 278). Your transmission does not
consume fluid. However, the fluid level
should be checked if the transmission is
not working properly, (i.e., if the
transmission slips or shifts slowly) or if you
notice some sign of fluid leakage.

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.

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
FLUID CHECK - 3.5L DURATEC/
3.5L ECOBOOST™

WARNING

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.

The transmission does not consume fluid.
However, if the transmission slips or shifts
slowly you should check the fluid level. If
you notice a sign of leaking fluid, contact
an authorized dealer.

Checking the Transmission Fluid
Level

WARNING

The dipstick and surrounding
components are hot. Use gloves
when moving components and

checking the transmission fluid level.
Failure to follow this warning could result
in serious personal injury.

Only check the transmission fluid level
when the engine is at normal operating
temperature 179°F (82°C)-199°F (93°C).
Normal operating temperature is reached
after driving approximately 20 mi (30 km).

Minimum.

A

Maximum.

B

Note: Check the fluid level with the engine
running and the transmission in park (P).

1.

Make sure that your vehicle is on level
ground.

2. Rotate the automatic transmission

fluid cap in a counterclockwise
direction.  See Under Hood Overview
(page 281).

3. Remove the cap and dipstick and wipe

it with a clean, lint-free cloth. Replace
the cap and dipstick and remove it
again to check the fluid level.

4. Make sure that the fluid level is

between the MIN and the MAX marks.
If the fluid level is at the MIN mark, add
fluid immediately. See Adding
Transmission Fluid.

5. Replace the automatic transmission

fluid cap and dipstick. Turn it clockwise
until you feel a strong resistance.

Low Fluid Level

If the fluid level is within the minimum
range (below point A) add the correct
specification fluid to be within the hash
mark area.  See Capacities and
Specifications (page 346).

Note: If the fluid level is below the
minimum range do not drive your vehicle. A
low fluid level can damage the transmission.

Correct Fluid Level

If the fluid level is within the hash mark
area (between points A and B) do not add
any fluid.

High Fluid Level

If the fluid level is above the maximum
range (above point B) fluid may need to
be removed. High fluid levels may be
caused by a overheating condition. If you
have operated your vehicle at high speeds,
towing a trailer or in city traffic during hot
weather, allow your vehicle to cool for a
minimum of 30 minutes before rechecking
the level.

Note: An overfill condition can damage the
transmission.

Adding Transmission Fluid

*

1.

Rotate the automatic transmission
fluid cap in a counterclockwise
direction.

2. Remove the cap and dipstick and wipe

it with a clean, lint-free cloth.

3. Add fluid that meets the Ford

specifications.  See Capacities and
Specifications (page 346).  Pour the
fluid directly into the automatic
transmission fluid cap and dipstick
hole.

4. Replace the cap and dipstick and

remove it again to check the fluid level.

5. Make sure that the fluid level is

between the MIN and the MAX marks.

6. Replace the automatic transmission

fluid cap and dipstick. Turn it clockwise
until you feel a strong resistance.

*

Vehicles With EcoBoost Engine

WARNING

Do not run the engine with the air
filter disconnected.

1.

Loosen the clamp holding the air filter
assembly to the rubber hose.

2. Remove the air filter assembly securing

bolts.

3. Lift the air filter assembly to disengage

the locating pins.

4. Rotate the air filter assembly slightly

in a counterclockwise direction.

5. Check the transmission fluid level.

6. Install the air filter assembly in reverse

order. Tighten the air filter assembly
securing bolts until you feel a strong
resistance.

BRAKE FLUID CHECK

WARNINGS

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.