Model Variant:
Explorer (5th generation, U502) - Base, XLT, Limited trims
Body Style:
4-door sport utility vehicle
Production Years Covered:
2011 model year, fifth-generation redesign
Platform:
Ford D4 unibody platform
Assembly Plant:
Chicago Assembly Plant, Chicago, Illinois
Target Audience:
Families and owners needing a midsize SUV; manual serves DIY owners and professional technicians servicing the 2011 Explorer
Segment:
Midsize crossover/SUV (transitioned from body-on-frame to unibody for 2011)
Key Advantage:
Car-like unibody ride with available V6 power, third-row seating, and up to 5,000 lb towing in a family-oriented package
Powertrain:
3.5L Ti-VCT V6 with 6-speed automatic
Interior:
Optional MyFord Touch, third-row seating, available power liftgate
Safety:
Standard AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control, available rear inflatable seatbelts
Coverage:
Complete 2011 Ford Explorer service and repair procedures
Manual Type:
Factory-style service and repair manual software
Page Count:
Full factory manual content, thousands of pages of service data
Delivery Method:
Instant digital download
Binding:
Digital (PDF), printable on demand
Compatibility:
Windows PC, Mac, tablet, and smartphone with PDF reader
Engine:
3.5L Ti-VCT V6 - mechanical, timing, cylinder head, lubrication
Engine Cooling:
Radiator, thermostat, water pump, cooling fans
Fuel System:
Fuel pump, injectors, fuel rail, evaporative emissions
Ignition:
Coil-on-plug ignition system, spark plugs
Transmission:
6-speed 6F50/6F55 automatic transmission service and overhaul
Driveline:
All-wheel drive system, front axles, driveshaft, differential
Suspension:
Front MacPherson strut, rear independent multi-link suspension
Steering:
Electric power-assisted steering (EPAS)
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, ABS, disc brakes front and rear, parking brake
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, air conditioning, automatic climate control
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, battery, charging, starting, lighting
Body:
Doors, liftgate, glass, mirrors, seats, interior trim
Restraints:
Airbags, seatbelt pretensioners, occupant classification
SRS/Modules:
Module locations, reprogramming, DTC diagnostics
Diagnostics:
Trouble code diagnostics, pinpoint tests, symptom charts
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step removal, installation, and overhaul instructions
Specifications:
Torque specs, fluid capacities, alignment specs, wear limits
Wiring Diagrams:
Complete component locator and schematic diagrams
Maintenance:
Scheduled service, fluid changes, inspection checklists
Special Tools:
Required special tool listings for each procedure
Depth:
Factory-level detail written for professional technicians, usable by experienced DIY owners
Illustrations:
Diagrams, exploded views, and photos throughout
Parts Information:
Part numbers, torque values, and component identification referenced per procedure
File Format:
PDF (searchable, bookmarked, zoomable)
Compatibility:
Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android — any device with a PDF reader
Requirements:
A PDF reader application (e.g. Adobe Acrobat Reader, free)
Searchability:
Fully text searchable for fast lookup of any topic
Print Quality:
High-resolution digital pages, printable at full clarity
Binding Type:
N/A — digital download, no physical binding
Paper Type:
N/A — digital download, no physical paper
Engine:
3.5L V6 Duratec with Ti-VCT (twin independent variable camshaft timing)
Configuration:
60-degree V6, DOHC, 24 valves
Bore x Stroke:
92.5 mm x 86.7 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.8:1
Horsepower:
290 hp @ 6,500 rpm
Torque:
255 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm
Fuel Requirement:
Regular unleaded, 87 octane
Type:
Sequential multi-port electronic fuel injection
Fuel Tank Capacity:
Approximately 18.6 gallons
Emissions:
Tier 2 / SULEV compliant with catalytic converters and OBD-II
Standard Transmission:
6-speed 6F50 automatic (6F55 with tow package)
Optional Transmission:
None - all 2011 Explorers use the 6-speed automatic
Gear Ratios:
6 forward gears, wide ratio spread for fuel economy
Shifter:
Column-mounted shifter with SelectShift manual mode
Drive Type:
Front-wheel drive standard; Intelligent 4WD with Terrain Management optional
Tow Mode:
Available Class III trailer tow package, up to 5,000 lb towing
Width:
Approximately 90.7 inches (including mirrors); 78.9 inches body width
Height:
Approximately 69.4 inches
Curb Weight:
Approximately 4,500 lb (varies by driveline and trim)
GVWR:
Approximately 6,000 lb depending on configuration
Towing Capacity:
Up to 5,000 lb with tow package
NHTSA Overall Rating:
5-star overall (2011 model year)
IIHS:
Top Safety Pick for the 2011 model year
Stability Control:
AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control (RSC), standard
Braking Aids:
ABS, electronic brakeforce distribution, brake assist
Tire Monitoring:
Tire pressure monitoring system, standard
Cameras:
Rear view camera standard on Limited, available on XLT
Airbags:
Front, side, and curtain airbags with driver knee airbag
Rear Seatbelts:
Available industry-first rear inflatable seatbelts
Structure:
High-strength steel unibody safety cage
Child Restraints:
LATCH anchors, rear door child safety locks
Audio System:
AM/FM/CD with MP3 capability; available premium Sony audio system
Connectivity:
Bluetooth, USB, auxiliary input, SYNC voice control
Navigation:
Available voice-activated navigation with MyFord Touch
Rear Camera:
Rear view camera with guide lines
Parking Sensors:
Available rear park assist
Blind Spot:
Available BLIS (Blind Spot Information System) with cross-traffic alert
MyKey:
Programmable MyKey for teen driver restrictions
Oil Change:
Approximately every 7,500 miles or 6 months with synthetic blend oil (per Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor)
Tire Rotation:
Every 7,500 miles with oil change
Engine Air Filter:
Replace approximately every 30,000 miles
Cabin Air Filter:
Replace approximately every 15,000-20,000 miles
Engine Oil:
5W-20 synthetic blend, approximately 6 quarts with filter
Transmission Fluid:
Motorcraft MERCON LV
Coolant:
Motorcraft Orange coolant, long-life
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 motor vehicle brake fluid
Power Steering:
Electric power steering - no fluid, no service required
Known Issues / Common Wear
Brakes:
Front brake pad and rotor wear is a common service item
Suspension:
Rear suspension links and bushings wear with mileage
Transmission:
6F50 fluid service recommended under severe duty; check for updated TSBs
Electrical:
MyFord Touch early software issues addressed by dealer updates
Manufacturer:
Ford Motor Company, Dearborn, Michigan, founded 1903
Model Heritage:
Explorer introduced in 1991 as a successor to the Bronco II
First Generation:
1991-1994 body-on-frame two-door/four-door SUV
Generations 2-4:
1995-2010 progressive refinement of body-on-frame platform
Fifth Generation (2011):
Complete redesign to unibody crossover platform, losing 2011-typical weight for better fuel economy
Assembly Plant:
Chicago Assembly Plant, Chicago, Illinois