Target Audience:
Families and daily drivers seeking a midsize three-row SUV
Segment:
Midsize crossover SUV
Key Advantage:
Car-like unibody handling with available four-cylinder EcoBoost fuel economy rare in the class
Main Rivals:
Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, Chevrolet Traverse, Dodge Durango
Seating:
Seven-passenger three-row layout
Terrain Management:
Four-mode Terrain Management System on AWD models
Infotainment:
Available MyFord Touch with SYNC
Coverage Areas:
All systems: engine, transmission, driveline, suspension, brakes, electrical, body, HVAC, restraints
Manual Type:
Complete factory service repair workshop manual
Delivery Method:
Instant digital download to computer, tablet, or smartphone
Access:
Unlimited use, no expiry dates, no extra fees
Page Count:
N/A - full factory manual, thousands of pages in PDF form
Engine:
3.5L V6 and 2.0L EcoBoost I4 - complete overhaul, timing, and tuning procedures
Transmission:
6F50 / 6F55 6-speed automatic - teardown, rebuild, clutch and valve body service
Driveline:
FWD and AWD systems, PTU, rear drive unit, CV axles, driveshaft
Suspension:
Front struts, rear multi-link suspension, adaptive suspension service
Brakes:
Disc brakes, ABS, electronic parking brake, traction control
Steering:
Electric power steering (EPAS) diagnosis and service
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, connector views, module locations, troubleshooting charts
Climate Control:
Manual and dual-zone automatic HVAC, refrigerant charging, heater core
Restraints:
Airbag system, seat belts, occupant classification service precautions
Body & Paint:
Panel removal, alignment, corrosion protection, paint codes
Diagnostics:
Symptom charts, DTC lists, pinpoint tests, and scan tool procedures
Removal & Installation:
Step-by-step component removal and installation instructions
Torque Specifications:
Factory torque values and tightening sequences throughout
Wiring Diagrams:
Complete component-location and circuit diagrams
Special Tools:
Lists of required special service tools where applicable
Level:
Dealer-level factory documentation used by certified technicians
Detail:
Exploded views, specifications tables, and step-by-step workshop procedures
Part References:
Part numbers and illustrations for identification and ordering
Fluid Specifications:
Approved fluids, capacities, and part specifications for all systems
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
Primary Engine:
3.5L Ti-VCT V6
Optional Engine:
2.0L EcoBoost turbocharged I4 (FWD models)
Configuration:
60-degree V6 or inline-4, aluminum block and heads
3.5L V6 Output:
Approximately 290 hp and 255 lb-ft of torque
2.0L EcoBoost Output:
Approximately 240 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque
Fuel System:
Sequential multi-port injection (V6); direct injection with turbocharging (EcoBoost)
Wheelbase:
Approximately 112.6 in (2,860 mm)
Length:
Approximately 197.1 in (5,006 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approximately 4,400-4,800 lb depending on engine and drivetrain
Crash Test Information:
NHTSA overall rating of 4 stars for 2012; IIHS Top Safety Pick
Stability Control:
AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control
ABS:
Four-wheel anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution
Tire Pressure:
Tire pressure monitoring system
Airbags:
Front, side, and side-curtain airbags with Safety Canopy
Restraints:
Beltminder, LATCH child seat anchors, MyKey programmable limits
Audio System:
AM/FM/CD with available premium Sony audio on Limited trims
Connectivity:
SYNC with Bluetooth, USB, and voice control; MyFord Touch available
Navigation:
Available voice-activated navigation system
Rear Sensing:
Rear view camera and reverse sensing system
Available Options:
Blind spot monitoring (BLIS) with cross-traffic alert on select trims
Oil Change:
Per Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor, typically up to 10,000 miles / 12 months
Tire Rotation:
Every oil change interval, approximately 7,500-10,000 miles
Transmission Fluid:
Per severe-schedule inspection; normal service is long-life
Engine Oil:
5W-20 synthetic blend per factory specification
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Mercon LV
Coolant:
Motorcraft Orange long-life coolant
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 LV high performance brake fluid
Known Issues / Common Wear
Common Concerns:
Earlier examples of the 5th-generation Explorer were subject to recall for second-row seat belt anchor fasteners; EPAS and PTU seals are regular inspection items
Wear Items:
Brakes, wiper blades, and air filters follow standard wear schedules
Manufacturer:
Ford Motor Company, Dearborn, Michigan, USA
Origins:
Introduced in 1991 as a body-on-frame SUV derived from the Ranger
Fifth Generation:
Redesigned for 2011 as a unibody crossover with three-row seating and Terrain Management
Assembly Plant:
Chicago Assembly Plant, Chicago, Illinois, USA
IIHS:
IIHS Top Safety Pick for the 2012 Explorer
North American SUV of the Year:
2011 redesign was named 2011 North American Truck of the Year, carrying recognition into the 2012 model era
Media Recognition:
Widely praised by automotive press for refined ride and family-friendly packaging in its class
