Vehicle Segment:
Mid-size SUV
Target Audience:
Families, individuals seeking versatile transportation, off-road enthusiasts (depending on trim)
Key Competitors:
Chevrolet TrailBlazer, Dodge Durango, Toyota 4Runner, Nissan Pathfinder, Jeep Grand Cherokee
Versatility:
Available in rear-wheel drive (RWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD) configurations, optional third-row seating on some models
Powertrain Options:
Offers robust V6 and V8 engine choices for varying performance needs
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, emission control, starting, charging, engine management (PCM/ECU)
Transmission Systems:
Automatic transmission (5R55W), manual transmission (if applicable), driveline, axles, driveshafts, differentials
Brake Systems:
Hydraulic system, ABS, traction control, parking brake, brake rotor and pad replacement
Suspension Steering:
Front suspension (independent), rear suspension (solid axle/independent depending on configuration), steering gear, power steering, wheel alignment
Electrical Systems:
Wiring diagrams, body control module (BCM), Powertrain Control Module (PCM), fuses, relays, lighting, power accessories, instrument cluster, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs)
HVAC Systems:
Heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC) system diagnosis and repair, refrigerant handling
Body And Trim:
Exterior body panels, doors, windows, interior trim, bumpers, hoods, liftgates, seat mechanisms
Maintenance Procedures:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, drive belt inspection and replacement, battery service
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting guides based on symptoms, DTC interpretation and resolution, component testing procedures
Repair Procedures:
Component removal and installation, engine rebuild procedures, transmission overhaul, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement, electrical component repair
Specification Data:
Torque specifications, diagnostic specifications, fluid capacities, component measurements, electrical resistance values
Depth Level:
Comprehensive: from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including detailed electrical schematics and troubleshooting trees.
Engine 1:
4.0L SOHC V6 (Triton/SOHC V6)
Engine 1 Displacement:
3958 cc (241.5 cubic inches)
Engine 1 Horsepower:
210 HP @ 5000 RPM
Engine 1 Torque:
246 lb-ft @ 3250 RPM
Engine 1 Bore X Stroke:
92.2 mm x 94.0 mm
Engine 1 Compression Ratio:
9.7:1
Engine 1 Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Engine 2:
4.6L SOHC V8 (Triton/2V V8)
Engine 2 Displacement:
4601 cc (280.8 cubic inches)
Engine 2 Horsepower:
239 HP @ 4750 RPM
Engine 2 Torque:
282 lb-ft @ 3500 RPM
Engine 2 Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Pump Type:
In-tank, electric
Catalytic Converter:
Standard (three-way catalytic converter)
Transmission Type:
5-speed Automatic (5R55W)
Transmission Fluid Type:
MERCON V
Transmission Type Optional:
Not Generally Available for 2006 Model Year (primarily automatic)
Drive Modes:
Selectable 4WD (4x4), Automatic 4WD (4x4 options), RWD
Transfer Case Type:
Electronic Shift-On-Demand (ESOD)
Length:
191.8 inches (4872 mm)
Width:
73.4 inches (1864 mm)
Height:
72.1 inches (1831 mm) with roof rack
Wheelbase:
113.7 inches (2888 mm)
Ground Clearance:
Approx. 8.7 inches (221 mm)
Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:
40.0 cubic feet (1133 liters)
Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row:
13.6 cubic feet (385 liters) (if equipped)
Curb Weight Min:
4500 lbs (2041 kg) (approx. for V6 RWD)
Curb Weight Max:
4900 lbs (2223 kg) (approx. for V8 4WD)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Up to 6400 lbs (2903 kg)
Towing Capacity:
Up to 7,300 lbs (3311 kg) with Class III Trailer Towing Package
NHTSA Driver Front Impact:
5 Stars
NHTSA Passenger Front Impact:
5 Stars
NHTSA Side Impact Driver:
4 Stars
NHTSA Side Impact Rear Passenger:
4 Stars
Rollover Rating:
4 Stars (for 4WD models)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Available Traction Assist
Airbags:
Front airbags (driver and passenger), available front side-impact airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point seatbelts for all occupants, pretensioners for front seats
Audio System:
Optional AM/FM stereo with CD player, premium audio system (e.g., Shaker 500/1000), SiriusXM Satellite Radio ready.
Navigation:
Optional factory-installed touchscreen navigation system.
Parking Assist:
Optional rear parking sensors.
Auxiliary Input:
Optional auxiliary audio input jack.
Climate Control:
Manual or available dual-zone automatic climate control.
Seating:
Cloth or leather-trimmed seats, power adjustable driver's seat, heated front seats (optional).
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first, with synthetic blend or conventional oil.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or as needed based on inspection.
Engine Coolant Change:
Every 100,000 miles (160,000 km) or 5 years for Ford Premium Gold Coolant (Orange).
Spark Plug Replacement:
4.0L V6: 100,000 miles (160,000 km). 4.6L V8: 100,000 miles (160,000 km) (Long-life spark plugs).
Engine Oil Type V6:
SAE 5W-30 (API Service SG, SH, SJ, SL, or SM rating)
Engine Oil Type V8:
SAE 5W-20 or SAE 5W-30 (API Service SG, SH, SJ, SL, or SM rating) - refer to owner's manual for exact specification.
Transmission Fluid:
MERCON V Automatic Transmission Fluid
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 Hydraulic Brake Fluid
Power Steering Fluid:
Ford High-Performance Power Steering Fluid or equivalent (Dexron II/III).
Common Issue 1:
Ignition coil packs and spark plug wires failure (leading to misfires, rough running).
Common Issue 2:
Transmission issues: Shifting problems, torque converter shudder, internal leaks (especially on higher mileage units).
Common Issue 3:
Interior climate control system faults (blend door actuators, blower motor).
Common Issue 4:
Rust and corrosion, particularly on the frame and body panels in rust-belt regions.
Common Issue 5:
Front suspension component wear (ball joints, tie rods) due to vehicle weight and usage.
Ford Legacy:
Ford Motor Company, established 1903, a long history of producing reliable and popular vehicles across various segments.
Explorer Generation:
This is the second generation of the Ford Explorer (2002-2005), which received a significant refresh for the 2006 model year, often referred to as the '06 refresh or second phase of the second generation.
2006 Updates:
Updated styling (grille, headlights, taillights, bumpers), improved interior materials, revised suspension tuning, introduction of the new 4.0L SOHC V6 and 4.6L V8 engines from the Ford truck line.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primary assembly plants: St. Louis Assembly (Missouri, USA), Tortosa Assembly (Spain - for European markets), Louisville Assembly (Kentucky, USA - for later models/variants).