Ford Explorer Owner's Manual
You can find 30 different owner's manuals for the Ford Explorer on this page that are in the PDF format.
Looking For Mechanical Information?
An owner's manual is usually packed with guides on how to operate the car safely and how to maintain it.
If you require mechanical information (for fixing the car yourself for example) then you may need a workshop, service or repair manual instead.
Ford Explorer Service Manuals »
Yearly Explorer Owner's Manuals
The years available stretch from 1996 through to 2025 and to view the manual you just click the name underneath.
2022
Ford introduced the Explorer ST-Appearance trim for the 2022 model year along with a rear-wheel-drive version of the ST too. A new blue or burgundy paint job is also added to the order sheet for 2022.
2021
The 2021 Ford Explorer is an example of the sixth generation which was brought in the previous year. It is also the last year before the midcycle facelift in the following year.
2020
2020 saw the introduction of the sixth-generation Ford Explorer, now built on a rear-wheel-drive chassis. Mated to the new economical engines is a 10-speed automatic transmission and the choice of adding four-wheel-drive if required.
2019
In 2019 the Explorer held a huge recall of 1.2m models. On a positive note, they released 2 new trims for the SUV: XLT Desert Copper and Limited Luxury. This year also marked the end of the fifth generation and the end of the 2.3-liter engine option.
2018
2018 marked the second facelift for the fifth-generation Explorer. The majority of changes affected the headlights (converting them to LEDs) and new interior color options and wheels available to order.
2017
2017 marked the peak of sales for the Ford Explorer in the USA, hitting 238,056 units sold that year alone. It benefits from the recent addition of the Platinum trim that adds front and rear cameras and parking assist technologies.
2016
2016 Explorers were subject to the midcycle facelift that brought with it new styling in line with the F-150. LED lighting and dual exit exhausts helped give the car a more sporty appeal. A new range of parking assist technologies was added to the car as standard.
2015
2015 saw the facelifted version of the fifth-generation Ford Explorer go on sale at dealerships in the USA. This was also the last year that the 2-liter EcoBoost engine was available for the crossover SUV.
2014
In 2014 the Explorer became available in Ukraine for the first time and the Police Interceptor version gained a new engine. This year also saw the announcement of the 2016 facelift at the Los Angeles Auto Show.
2013
2013 brought a new facelift for the Explorer line and the introduction of the Sport trim. A new series of engines were made available although the 3.7-liter was specifically for Police Interceptor versions only.
2012
2012 saw the Ford Explorer crash-tested by NHTSA and the car was awarded almost 5 out of 5 stars for all of the disciplines. Production of the Sport trim was started for the following model year with styling taken from the current F-150.
2011
In 2011 the Explorer model changed from being a standard SUV to a crossover one, which means it mainly lost its off-road equipment. A new set of features for the car including intelligent access and a push-button start made the new model stand out.
- Manufacturer: Ford
About The Explorer
The Ford Explorer exploded onto the scene in 1990 as a replacement for the Ford Bronco.
Earlier models (primarily in the 1990s) were sold by other manufacturers under different names, such as the Mazda Navajo and the Mercury Mountaineer.
A wide range of options for the Explorer SUV allows the customer to tailor the vehicle into the ideal package that suits their needs.
Initially, the engine choice was limited to a 4-liter V6 mated to a 4-speed automatic or 5-speed manual transmission.
Over the years the choice has grown to allow for more powerful power plants or more efficient turbocharged lightweight engines.
With the sixth generation’s release in 2020, the customer was able to opt into hybrid technology allowing a battery to recover the potential energy lost during braking.
A plug-in hybrid version is also available in the 2020 range to allow the car to potentially run on electric-only for shorter journeys.
Alongside that hybrid trim is a wide range of other options that include:
- Eddie Bauer
- King Ranch
- Limited
- Platinum
- Sport
- Sport XLS
- Sport XLT
- ST
- XL
- XLS
- XLT
These owner’s manuals will help you get the most out of your vehicle and teach you how to keep it running smoothly for many more miles to come!
The manuals cover: How to get the most out of your Ford Explorer. Tips and tricks for keeping it running smoothly and safely. Learning how to fix common problems yourself with this easy-to-read guide.
Safety ratings for the Explorer have been pretty good in recent years according to NHTSA, the car obviously falls behind the rest because of the rollover risk associated with all SUVs.
Ford has created a specialized police interceptor model of the Explorer with improvements made to the brakes and cooling system to ensure it stays reliable in heavy use.
FAQ's
Q: How do I get a Ford Explorer owner's manual?
A: Modern versions of the Explorer are not sold with a printed copy of the owner's manual. A digital copy is made available and a copy of that is embedded on this page as a PDF.
Q: How do I check my Ford Explorer factory warranty?
A: You can find out how long your Explorer has left on its manufacturer warranty by entering the vehicle's VIN into the Ford website.
Q: How do you change the date on a Ford Explorer?
A: To change the date on a
Q: What is the hand button on Ford Explorer?
A: The button that looks like a hand activates the brake assist mode. With this mode, you can hold the brakes without having to depress the brake pedal constantly. This is useful in stop/start traffic where you need to keep holding the pedal down for long periods of time.
Q: How long do Ford Explorers usually last?
A: This is usually down to the level of use and how well the Explorer is serviced and maintained but you can realistically expect the car to perform well up until it is 17 years old.
