Target Audience:
Families and daily drivers seeking a midsize SUV with three-row seating; also DIY owners and technicians servicing the platform
Competitive Advantage:
Car-like unibody handling, available turbocharged EcoBoost engine, and roomier packaging compared with the body-on-frame Explorer it replaced
Key Features:
MyFord Touch infotainment, available 4WD with Terrain Management, third-row seating, trailer tow packages
Engine:
3.5L V6 and 3.5L EcoBoost turbocharged V6 - removal, installation, overhaul
Transmission:
6-speed 6F50/6F55 automatic transmission service and repair
4WD System:
Intelligent 4WD with Terrain Management diagnostics and repair
Suspension:
Front strut and rear independent multi-link suspension service
Steering:
Electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) diagnosis and repair
Brakes:
Disc brakes, ABS, electronic parking brake, trailer sway control
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, battery, charging, starting systems
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, air conditioning service and refrigerant procedures
Body:
Panels, doors, liftgate, glass, trim, interior components
Restraints:
Airbags, seat belts, occupant classification system
Diagnostics:
Fault code retrieval, symptom charts, pinpoint tests
Maintenance:
Fluid changes, filter replacement, spark plugs, belt service
Removal and Installation:
Step-by-step component R&I with torque specifications
Wiring Diagrams:
Complete electrical schematics and connector views
Specifications:
Torque specs, fluid capacities, alignment settings, wear limits
Special Tools:
Factory special tool listings where required
Technical Depth:
Workshop-level detail for professional technicians and advanced DIY owners
Part Numbers:
Factory part numbers referenced throughout procedures
Torque Values:
Torque specifications provided for fasteners in each procedure
Fluids:
Approved fluid specifications listed for each system
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 Ti-VCT V6 (naturally aspirated)
Configuration:
V6, 24-valve DOHC
Displacement:
3.5L (213 cu in)
Horsepower:
Approx. 290 hp @ 6,500 rpm
Torque:
Approx. 255 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm
Fuel System:
Sequential multi-port electronic fuel injection
Engine:
3.5L EcoBoost twin-turbocharged V6
Horsepower:
Approx. 365 hp
Torque:
Approx. 350 lb-ft
Fuel System:
Direct injection with twin turbochargers
Availability:
Optional on Limited and Sport trims
Recommended Fuel:
Regular unleaded (87 octane); premium recommended for EcoBoost towing
Fuel Tank Capacity:
18.6 gallons (approx.)
Length:
197.1 in (approx.)
Width:
90.7 in with mirrors (78.9 in body)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 4,400-4,900 lb depending on drivetrain and trim
Towing Capacity:
Up to 5,000 lb when properly equipped (EcoBoost/tow package)
NHTSA Overall Rating:
4-star overall (2012 model year)
IIHS:
N/A - specific award status varies; check current IIHS records
ABS:
4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes
Stability Control:
AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control
Trailer Sway Control:
Standard
Tire Pressure Monitoring:
Standard
Airbags:
Front, side-impact, side-curtain, and driver knee airbag
Seat Belts:
Three-point belts all rows with pretensioners
Structure:
Reinforced unibody safety cage
Audio System:
AM/FM/CD with available premium Sony sound system
Connectivity:
SYNC with USB, Bluetooth, and auxiliary input
Navigation:
Available voice-activated navigation with MyFord Touch
Rear View Camera:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Available front and rear ultrasonic sensors
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available BLIS with cross-traffic alert
Adaptive Cruise:
N/A - not offered on the 2012 Explorer
Oil Change:
Per Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor; typical interval up to 10,000 km / 7,500 miles
Tire Rotation:
Every oil change interval or 7,500 miles
Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000-30,000 miles
Spark Plugs:
Per factory schedule, typically around 100,000 miles
Engine Oil:
5W-20 (V6); 5W-30 per EcoBoost specification
Transmission Fluid:
Motorcraft Mercon LV
Coolant:
Motorcraft Orange coolant (extended life)
Known Issues / Wear Items
Common Wear Items:
Brake pads, wiper blades, battery, suspension bushings
Known Concerns:
Early MyFord Touch software glitches; EPAS steering notices on some units; monitor for water pump and turbo seals per bulletin service history
Service Bulletins:
Manual references applicable Ford technical service bulletins
Manufacturer:
Ford Motor Company, Dearborn, Michigan, USA
Model Evolution:
The 2011-2012 Explorer marked the shift from body-on-frame SUV to unibody crossover, widening the platform from the Taurus architecture
Production Location:
Chicago Assembly Plant, Chicago, Illinois, USA
North American Truck of the Year:
2011 Explorer named North American Truck of the Year; platform carried into 2012
Safety Recognition:
Strong NHTSA and IIHS results for the 5th-generation redesign
Market Recognition:
Credited with revitalizing the Explorer nameplate as a family crossover
