🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Ford

Model:

Explorer

Year:

2013

Chassis Code:

U50

Generation:

Fifth Generation (2011-2019)

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Class:

Mid-size Crossover SUV

Target Audience:

Families, commuters, light off-road users

Competitors 2013:

Chevrolet Traverse, Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Nissan Pathfinder

Chassis Design:

Unibody construction, transverse engine mounting

Terrain Management:

Optional Intelligent 4WD with Terrain Management System (Normal, Snow/Gravel, Sand, Mud/Ruts modes)

Safety Innovations:

Advanced airbag system, available inflatable rear seatbelts, Curve Control

Powertrain Options:

Choice between fuel-efficient 2.0L EcoBoost and powerful 3.5L Ti-VCT V6

📋 Manual Details

Language:

English

Format:

Digital PDF

Manual Type:

Factory Service Manual

Page Count:

Estimated 3000+ pages

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Systems:

3.5L Ti-VCT V6 (290 hp @ 6500 rpm, 255 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm), 2.0L EcoBoost I4 (240 hp @ 5500 rpm, 270 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm)

Transmission Systems:

6F50/6F55 SelectShift 6-Speed Automatic Transmission

Drivetrain Systems:

Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) and Intelligent 4WD (4x4) with Terrain Management System

Suspension Steering:

Independent Front Suspension (MacPherson Struts), Independent Rear Suspension (Multi-link with coils)

Braking System:

Front: Ventilated Discs, Rear: Solid Discs; ABS, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Traction Control (TCS), Stability Control (ESC)

Electrical Systems:

12V System, Charging System, Starting System, Lighting, Fuses, Relays, Battery Specifications, Body Control Module (BCM)

HVAC System:

Manual and Electronic Automatic Temperature Control (EATC), AC System Components, Refrigerant Handling

Fuel System:

Fuel Tank, Fuel Pump Module, Fuel Injectors, Fuel Pressure Regulation

Exhaust System:

Catalytic Converters, Mufflers, Oxygen Sensors, Emission Controls

Body Exterior:

Body Panels, Doors, Hood, Liftgate, Bumpers, Glass, Seals, Exterior Trim

Body Interior:

Seating Systems, Dashboard, Trim Panels, Carpets, Headliner, Interior Lighting

Safety Systems:

Airbags (Front, Side Curtain, Knee), Seatbelts, LATCH System

Infotainment Connectivity:

SYNC System, Audio System Components, Navigation System, Bluetooth Connectivity

Driver Assistance:

Blind Spot Information System (BLIS), Cross-Traffic Alert, Adaptive Cruise Control (where equipped)

General Maintenance:

Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Fluid Level Checks and Top-offs, Tire Rotations, Wiper Blade Replacement

Engine Repair:

Engine Assembly/Disassembly, Cylinder Head Removal/Installation, Piston/Rod Replacement, Timing Chain Service

Transmission Repair:

Transmission Fluid and Filter Change, Valve Body Service, Torque Converter Replacement, Clutch Pack Service

Drivetrain Repair:

CV Axle Replacement, Driveshaft Service, Differential Service (if applicable), Transfer Case Service (4WD)

Suspension Steering Repair:

Strut Replacement, Shock Absorber Replacement, Control Arm Bushing Replacement, Power Steering Pump/Rack and Pinion Service

Brake System Repair:

Brake Pad and Rotor Replacement, Brake Caliper Service, Brake Fluid Flush and Bleed, ABS Module Diagnostics

Electrical Diagnostics:

Wiring Diagram Interpretation, Component Testing, Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Retrieval and Analysis, Sensor Replacement

HVAC Repair:

AC Compressor Replacement, Evaporator/Condenser Service, Heater Core Replacement, Blower Motor Replacement

Fuel System Repair:

Fuel Pump Replacement, Fuel Injector Cleaning/Replacement, Fuel Filter Replacement

Body Repair:

Door Panel Removal, Liftgate Hinge Adjustment, Bumper Cover Replacement, Glass Seal Replacement

Interior Repair:

Seat Removal, Dashboard Disassembly, Center Console Repair, Trim Panel Replacement

Safety System Service:

Airbag System Diagnostics, Seatbelt Repair/Replacement

Diagnostic Troubleshooting:

Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults

Depth Level:

Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed electrical schematics and diagnostic procedures.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchable Text:

Yes

Printable:

Yes

Image Resolution:

High (suitable for detailed diagrams and schematics)

Binding:

N/A (Digital)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine 1 Displacement:

3.5 Liters

Engine 1 Type:

V6, DOHC, 24 Valve, Ti-VCT

Engine 1 Horsepower:

290 hp @ 6500 rpm

Engine 1 Torque:

255 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Engine 1 Fuel Delivery:

Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Engine 1 Oil Capacity:

6.5 Quarts (6.2 Liters) with filter

Engine 1 Recommended Oil:

SAE 5W-30 Synthetic Blend (Refer to manual for specific API service category)

Engine 2 Displacement:

2.0 Liters

Engine 2 Type:

Inline-4, DOHC, 16 Valve, EcoBoost (Turbocharged, Direct Injection)

Engine 2 Horsepower:

240 hp @ 5500 rpm

Engine 2 Torque:

270 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm

Engine 2 Fuel Delivery:

Direct Injection (DI)

Engine 2 Oil Capacity:

5.7 Quarts (5.4 Liters) with filter

Engine 2 Recommended Oil:

SAE 5W-30 Synthetic Blend (Refer to manual for specific API service category)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

Fuel Tank Capacity:

18.6 Gallons (70.4 Liters)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

6-Speed Automatic (6F50 for 3.5L, 6F55 for 2.0L EcoBoost)

Transmission Control:

SelectShift™ with Paddle Activation

Transmission Fluid Type:

MERCON LV Automatic Transmission Fluid

Transmission Fluid Capacity:

Approximately 10 Quarts (9.5 Liters) - Check manual for dry fill vs. service refill

Drivetrain Options:

Front-Wheel Drive (FWD), Intelligent 4WD (4x4)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

197.1 inches (5006 mm)

Width:

78.8 inches (2001 mm)

Height:

69.0 inches (1753 mm)

Wheelbase:

112.2 inches (2850 mm)

Seating Capacity:

7 Passengers (3 rows)

Front Headroom:

41.4 inches (1052 mm)

Front Legroom:

43.9 inches (1115 mm)

Second Row Headroom:

40.0 inches (1016 mm)

Second Row Legroom:

39.6 inches (1006 mm)

Third Row Headroom:

37.8 inches (960 mm)

Third Row Legroom:

33.2 inches (843 mm)

Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row:

24.0 cubic feet (679 Liters)

Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:

43.8 cubic feet (1240 Liters)

Cargo Volume Behind 1St Row:

80.7 cubic feet (2285 Liters)

Curb Weight FWD:

4,472 lbs (2,028 kg)

Curb Weight 4Wd:

4,646 lbs (2,107 kg)

Towing Capacity:

Up to 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg) with optional Class III Trailer Tow Package

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:

6,300 lbs (2,858 kg) to 6,500 lbs (2,948 kg) depending on configuration

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Overall Rating:

5-Star (for 2013 model year)

IIHS Top Safety Pick:

Yes (for 2013 model year)

Active Safety Systems:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Traction Control System (TCS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Curve Control, Roll Stability Control (RSC), Trailer Sway Control

Passive Safety Systems:

Driver and front passenger front airbags, front-seat side airbags, Safety Canopy® System (side-curtain airbags for all three rows), available inflatable rear seatbelts

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Ford SYNC® with MyFord Touch® (optional touchscreen interface with voice commands and media control)

Audio Options:

Sony® Audio System with 12 speakers (optional)

Driver Assistance Features:

Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with Cross-Traffic Alert (optional), Reverse Sensing System, Rearview Camera

Adaptive Cruise Control:

Available, uses radar to maintain speed and distance to vehicle ahead.

Connectivity Options:

Bluetooth® for hands-free calling and audio streaming, USB ports, SD card reader

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (with synthetic oil). Refer to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) for oil life monitoring.

Engine Air Filter Replacement:

Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km); Replace as needed or approximately every 30,000 miles (48,000 km).

Cabin Air Filter Replacement:

Replace every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or annually.

Transmission Fluid Change:

Inspect fluid condition regularly; Recommended service interval typically around 100,000 miles (160,000 km), but consult manual for severe driving conditions.

Coolant Flush:

Initial flush at 100,000 miles (160,000 km); subsequent flushes every 50,000 miles (80,000 km).

Spark Plug Replacement:

3.5L V6: Approximately 100,000 miles (160,000 km); 2.0L EcoBoost: Approximately 60,000 miles (96,000 km).

Power Steering Fluid:

MERCON LV Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) or Ford specified power steering fluid.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 Motor Vehicle Brake Fluid

Coolant Type:

Motorcraft® Gold Engine Coolant or equivalent meeting Ford Specification WSS-M97B51-A1 (50/50 mix with distilled water).

Common Issues 2013 Explorer:

Potential for coolant leaks from the degas bottle or thermostat housing. Some reports of automatic transmission issues (hesitation, rough shifting) related to valve body or solenoid problems. Tibiae or strut mounts can wear prematurely on early models.

📚 Vehicle History

Ford Heritage:

Ford Motor Company, founded by Henry Ford in 1903, is one of the oldest and largest automobile manufacturers in the world, known for its innovative production techniques and iconic vehicles like the Model T, F-Series trucks, and Mustang.

Explorer Legacy:

Introduced in 1990 as a body-on-frame SUV, the Explorer has evolved significantly. The 2011 redesign marked a major shift to a unibody platform, enhancing ride comfort, fuel efficiency, and handling, positioning it as a true crossover SUV.

Production Location:

Chicago Assembly Plant, Illinois, USA

Model Year Introduction:

2011 (for the fifth generation)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Safety Award 2013:

IIHS Top Safety Pick

NHTSA Crash Test Results:

Achieved 5-star ratings in frontal, side, and rollover crash tests.