2023 Ford Explorer Owners Manual - Fuel and Refueling

Fuel and Refueling

Safety Precautions

WARNING:  Do not overfill the fuel tank. The pressure in an overfilled tank may cause leakage and lead to fuel spray and fire.    WARNING:  The fuel system may be under pressure. If you hear a hissing sound near the fuel filler inlet, do not refuel until the sound stops. Otherwise, fuel may spray out, which could cause serious personal injury.    WARNING:  Fuels can cause serious injury or death if misused or mishandled.    WARNING:  Fuel may contain benzene, which is a cancer-causing agent.    WARNING:  When refueling always shut the engine off and never allow sparks or open flames near the fuel tank filler valve. Never smoke or use a cell phone while refueling. Fuel vapor is extremely hazardous under certain conditions. Avoid inhaling excess fumes.

Follow these guidelines when refueling:

• Extinguish all smoking materials and any open flames before refueling your vehicle.
• Always switch the engine off before refueling.
• Automotive fuels can be harmful or fatal if swallowed. Fuel is highly toxic and if swallowed can cause death or permanent injury. If fuel is swallowed immediately call a physician, even if no symptoms are immediately apparent. The toxic effects of fuel may not be apparent for hours.
• Avoid inhaling fuel vapors.Inhaling fuel vapor can lead to eye and respiratory tract irritation.In severe cases, excessive or prolonged breathing of fuel vapor can cause serious illness and permanent injury.
• Avoid getting fuel in your eyes. If you splash fuel in your eyes, immediately remove contact lenses (if worn), flush with water for 15 minutes and seek medical attention.Failure to seek proper medical attention could lead to permanent injury.
• Fuels can be harmful if absorbed through the skin. If you splash fuel on your skin, clothing or both, promptly remove contaminated clothing and thoroughly wash your skin with soap and water. Repeated or prolonged skin contact causes skin irritation.
• Be particularly careful if you are taking Antabuse or other forms of Disulfiram for the treatment of alcoholism. Breathing fuel vapors could cause an adverse reaction, serious personal injury or sickness. Immediately call a physician if you experience any adverse reactions.

Fuel Quality - E85

Choosing the Right Fuel - Flex Fuel Vehicles

Flex fuel vehicles have one of the following identifiers:

• Yellow fuel filler cap.
• Yellow bezel around the fuel filler inlet.
• Yellow fuel filler housing.
• Yellow E85 label on the fuel tank filler door.

Your vehicle is designed to operate on regular unleaded gasoline with a minimum pump (R+M)/2 octane rating of 87 or regular unleaded gasoline blended with a maximum of 85% ethanol (E85).

Some fuel stations, particularly those in high altitude areas, offer fuels posted as regular unleaded gasoline with an octane rating below 87. The use of these fuels could result in engine damage that will not be covered by the vehicle warranty.

For best overall vehicle and engine performance, premium fuel with an octane rating of 91 or higher is recommended. The performance gained by using premium fuel is most noticeable in hot weather as well as other conditions, for example when towing a trailer.   See   Towing. 

 Do not be concerned if the engine sometimes knocks lightly. However, if the engine knocks heavily while using fuel with the recommended octane rating, contact an authorized dealer to prevent any engine damage.

We recommend Top Tier detergent gasolines, where available to help minimize engine deposits and maintain optimal vehicle and engine performance. For additional information, refer to www.toptiergas.com.

Note:   Use of any fuel for which the vehicle was not designed can impair the emission control system, cause loss of vehicle performance, and cause damage to the engine which may not be covered by the vehicle Warranty.

Do not use:

• Diesel fuel.
• Fuels containing kerosene or paraffin.
• Fuels containing more than 85% ethanol or E100 fuel.
• Fuels containing methanol.
• Fuels containing metallic-based additives, including manganese-based compounds.
• Fuels containing the octane booster additive, methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl (MMT).
• Leaded fuel, using leaded fuel is prohibited by law.

The use of fuels with metallic compounds such as methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl (commonly known as MMT), which is a manganese-based fuel additive, will impair engine performance and affect the emission control system.

Switching Between E85 and Gasoline

We do not recommend repeatedly alternating between E85 and gasoline. If you switch from using E85 to gasoline, or from gasoline to E85, add as much fuel as possible, at least half a tank. Drive your vehicle immediately for a minimum of 5 mi (8 km) to allow it to adapt to the change in ethanol concentration. If you use E85 exclusively, we recommend that you fill the fuel tank with regular unleaded gasoline at each scheduled oil change.

Fuel Quality - Gasoline

Choosing the Right Fuel

Your vehicle is designed to operate on regular unleaded gasoline with a minimum pump (R+M)/2 octane rating of 87.

Some fuel stations, particularly those in high altitude areas, offer fuels posted as regular unleaded gasoline with an octane rating below 87. The use of these fuels could result in engine damage that will not be covered by the vehicle warranty.

For best overall vehicle and engine performance, premium fuel with an octane rating of 91 or higher is recommended. The performance gained by using premium fuel is most noticeable in hot weather as well as other conditions, for example when towing a trailer.   See   Towing. 

 Do not be concerned if the engine sometimes knocks lightly. However, if the engine knocks heavily while using fuel with the recommended octane rating, contact an authorized dealer to prevent any engine damage.

We recommend Top Tier detergent gasolines, where available to help minimize engine deposits and maintain optimal vehicle and engine performance. For additional information, refer to www.toptiergas.com.

Note:   Use of any fuel for which the vehicle was not designed can impair the emission control system, cause loss of vehicle performance, and cause damage to the engine which may not be covered by the vehicle Warranty.

Do not use:

• Diesel fuel.
• Fuels containing kerosene or paraffin.
• Fuel containing more than 15% ethanol or E85 fuel.
• Fuels containing methanol.
• Fuels containing metallic-based additives, including manganese-based compounds.
• Fuels containing the octane booster additive, methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl (MMT).
• Leaded fuel, using leaded fuel is prohibited by law.

The use of fuels with metallic compounds such as methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl (commonly known as MMT), which is a manganese-based fuel additive, will impair engine performance and affect the emission control system.

Fuel Filler Funnel Location

The fuel filler funnel is in the spare wheel storage tray.

Running Out of Fuel

Running out of fuel can cause damage not covered by the vehicle Warranty.

If your vehicle runs out of fuel:

• Add a minimum of 1.3 gal (5 L) of fuel to restart the engine.
• You may need to switch the ignition from off to on several times after refueling to allow the fuel system to pump the fuel from the tank to the engine.When restarting, cranking time takes a few seconds longer than normal.

Note:   If your vehicle is on a steep slope, more fuel may be required.

Filling a Portable Fuel Container

WARNING:  Flow of fuel through a fuel pump nozzle can produce static electricity. This can cause a fire if you are filling an ungrounded fuel container.

Use the following guidelines to avoid electrostatic charge build-up, which can produce a spark, when filling an ungrounded fuel container:

• Only use an approved fuel container to transfer fuel to your vehicle.Place the container on the ground when filling it.
• Do not fill a fuel container when it is inside your vehicle (including the cargo area).
• Keep the fuel pump nozzle in contact with the fuel container when filling it.
• Do not use a device that holds the fuel pump nozzle lever in the fill position.

Adding Fuel From a Portable Fuel Container

WARNING:  Do not insert the nozzle of a fuel container or an aftermarket funnel into the fuel filler neck. This may damage the fuel system filler neck or its seal and cause fuel to run onto the ground.    WARNING:  Do not try to pry open or push open the capless fuel system with foreign objects. This could damage the fuel system and its seal and cause injury to you or others.    WARNING:  Do not dispose of fuel in the household refuse or the public sewage system. Use an authorized waste disposal facility.

When refueling the vehicle fuel tank from a fuel container, use the fuel filler funnel included with your vehicle.   See   Fuel Filler Funnel Location. 

Note:   Do not use aftermarket funnels as they may not work with the capless fuel system and can damage it.

When refueling the vehicle fuel tank from a fuel container, do the following:

1. Fully open the fuel filler door.

1. Fully insert the fuel filler funnel into the fuel filler inlet.

1. Add fuel to your vehicle from the fuel container.

1. Remove the fuel filler funnel.

1. Fully close the fuel filler door.

1. Clean the fuel filler funnel and place it back in your vehicle or correctly dispose of it.

Note:   Extra funnels can be purchased from an authorized dealer if you choose to dispose of the funnel.

Refueling - Excluding: Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV)

Refueling System Overview

AFuel filler door. BFuel tank filler valve. CFuel tank filler pipe.

Your vehicle does not have a fuel tank filler cap.

ALeft-hand side.To open the fuel filler door, press the center rear edge of the fuel filler door and then release. BRight-hand side.To open the fuel filler door, press the center rear edge of the fuel filler door and then release. CLeft-hand side.Pull the rear of the fuel filler door to open it. DRight-hand side.Pull the rear of the fuel filler door to open it.

Refueling Your Vehicle

WARNING:  When refueling always shut the engine off and never allow sparks or open flames near the fuel tank filler valve. Never smoke or use a cell phone while refueling. Fuel vapor is extremely hazardous under certain conditions. Avoid inhaling excess fumes.    WARNING:  The fuel system may be under pressure. If you hear a hissing sound near the fuel filler inlet, do not refuel until the sound stops. Otherwise, fuel may spray out, which could cause serious personal injury.    WARNING:  Do not pry open the fuel tank filler valve. This could damage the fuel system. Failure to follow this instruction could result in fire, personal injury or death.    WARNING:  Do not remove the fuel pump nozzle from its fully inserted position when refueling.    WARNING:  Stop refueling when the fuel pump nozzle automatically shuts off for the first time. Failure to follow this will fill the expansion space in the fuel tank and could lead to fuel overflowing.    WARNING:  Do not overfill the fuel tank. The pressure in an overfilled tank may cause leakage and lead to fuel spray and fire.    WARNING:  Wait at least five seconds before removing the fuel pump nozzle to allow any residual fuel to drain into the fuel tank.    WARNING:  Read and follow all the instructions on the pump island.

1. Fully open the fuel filler door.

1. Select the correct fuel pump nozzle for your vehicle.

1. Insert the fuel pump nozzle up to the first notch on the nozzle A.Keep the fuel pump nozzle resting on the fuel tank filler pipe.

1. Hold the fuel pump nozzle in position B when refueling.Holding the fuel pump nozzle in position A can affect the flow of fuel and shut off the fuel pump nozzle before the fuel tank is full.

1. Operate the fuel pump nozzle within the area shown.

1. When the nozzle shuts off, wait at least 5 seconds, then slightly raise the fuel pump nozzle and slowly remove it.

1. Fully close the fuel filler door.

Do not attempt to start the engine if you have filled the fuel tank with incorrect fuel. Incorrect fuel use could cause damage that the vehicle Warranty may not cover. See your authorized dealer immediately.

Refueling System Warning (If Equipped)

If the fuel tank filler valve does not fully close, a message could appear in the information display.

If the message appears, do the following:

1. Stop your vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so and switch the engine off.

1. Shift into park (P) or neutral (N).

1. Apply the parking brake.

1. Fully open the fuel filler door.

1. Check the fuel tank filler valve for any debris that may be restricting its movement.

1. Remove any debris from the fuel tank filler valve.

1. Fully insert a fuel pump nozzle or the fuel filler funnel provided with your vehicle into the fuel filler pipe.   See   Fuel Filler Funnel Location.  This action should dislodge any debris that may be preventing the fuel tank filler valve from fully closing.

1. Remove the fuel pump nozzle or fuel filler funnel from the fuel filler pipe.

1. Fully close the fuel filler door.

Note:   The message may not immediately reset. If the message continues to appear and a warning lamp illuminates, see your authorized dealer as soon as possible.

Refueling - Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV)

WARNING:  When refueling always shut the engine off and never allow sparks or open flames near the fuel tank filler valve. Never smoke or use a cell phone while refueling. Fuel vapor is extremely hazardous under certain conditions. Avoid inhaling excess fumes.    WARNING:  The fuel system may be under pressure. If you hear a hissing sound near the fuel filler inlet, do not refuel until the sound stops. Otherwise, fuel may spray out, which could cause serious personal injury.    WARNING:  Do not pry open the fuel tank filler valve. This could damage the fuel system. Failure to follow this instruction could result in fire, personal injury or death.    WARNING:  Do not remove the fuel pump nozzle from its fully inserted position when refueling.    WARNING:  Stop refueling when the fuel pump nozzle automatically shuts off for the first time. Failure to follow this will fill the expansion space in the fuel tank and could lead to fuel overflowing.    WARNING:  Do not overfill the fuel tank. The pressure in an overfilled tank may cause leakage and lead to fuel spray and fire.    WARNING:  Wait at least five seconds before removing the fuel pump nozzle to allow any residual fuel to drain into the fuel tank.    WARNING:  Read and follow all the instructions on the pump island.

1. When you stop your vehicle, shift into park (P) and switch the ignition off.

1. Press the button on the left side of the instrument panel next to the headlamp switch to open the fuel filler door. The fuel filler door can take up to 15 seconds to open before you can insert a fuel filler nozzle.

1. Insert the fuel pump nozzle up to the first notch on the nozzle A.Keep it resting on the cover of the fuel tank filler pipe opening.

1. Hold the fuel pump nozzle in position B when refueling.Holding the fuel pump nozzle in position A can affect the flow of fuel and shut off the fuel pump nozzle before the fuel tank is full.

1. Operate the fuel pump nozzle within the area shown.

1. When the pump shuts off, wait 5 seconds, then slowly lift and remove the nozzle.

1. Fully close the fuel filler door.

Note:   To close the fuel filler door, press the center rear edge of the fuel filler door and then release.

Complete the refueling process within 20 minutes. If 20 minutes elapses, press the button on the left side of the instrument panel again.Fuel pump nozzle automatic shut off could occur if you do not press the button on the left side instrument panel.

System Warnings

If the fuel filler door fails to open, an information message appears in the information display.

If the Refuel Error information message appears, do the following:

1. Check the fuel filler door for anything that may be obstructing its movement, for example ice or snow.

1. Remove any obstruction from the fuel filler door.

1. Press the button on the left side of the instrument panel to open the fuel filler door.

1. If the fuel filler door fails to open and the Refuel Error message remains in the information display, use the fuel filler door manual override lever.

Fuel Filler Door Manual Override Lever

WARNING:  The fuel system may be under pressure. If you hear a hissing sound near the fuel filler inlet, do not refuel until the sound stops. Otherwise, fuel may spray out, which could cause serious personal injury.

Note:   The transmission must be in park (P) or neutral (N).

When using the manual override lever do the following:

1. Switch the ignition on.

Note:   The manual override lever is in the driver side rear wheel well area.

1. Pull the manual override lever.

1. Switch the ignition off.

1. Complete the refueling process within 20 minutes.

Fuel Consumption

Advertised Capacity

The advertised capacity is the maximum amount of fuel that you can add to the fuel tank when the fuel gauge indicates empty.See  Capacities and Specifications . 

 In addition, the fuel tank contains an empty reserve.The empty reserve is an unspecified amount of fuel that remains in the fuel tank when the fuel gauge indicates empty.

Note:   The amount of fuel in the empty reserve varies and should not be relied upon to increase driving range.

Calculating Fuel Economy

Your vehicle calculates fuel economy figures through the trip computer average fuel function.  See   Information Displays. 

The first 1,000 mi (1,600 km) of driving is the break-in period of the vehicle. Resetting average fuel in your trip computer after 2,000–3,000 mi (3,200–4,800 km) provides a more accurate measurement.