2012 Ford Explorer Service and Repair Manual

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Factory-Grade Data

The 2012 Ford Explorer service and repair manual is a detailed, OEM-style reference for diagnostics, maintenance, and repair work. Use it to verify procedures, specifications, and system information before you start a job.

You'll find coverage across key vehicle systems with clear section structure, including wiring diagrams and powertrain, braking, steering, suspension, HVAC, and electrical topics. Digital format makes it easy to search while you work.

Trims covered

  • XLT Base Sport Utility 4-Door
  • Limited Sport Utility 4-Door
  • Base Sport Utility 4-Door
  • XLT Sport Utility 4-Door

Engines covered

  • 3.5L 3496CC 213Cu. In. V6 GAS DOHC Naturally Aspirated
  • 2.0L 1999CC 122Cu. In. l4 GAS DOHC Turbocharged

Index / Table of contents

  • Body
  • Brakes
  • Chassis Electrical
  • Driveline
  • Engine Cooling
  • Engine Electrical
  • Engine Mechanical
  • Engine Performance & Emission Controls
  • Fuel System
  • General Information & Identification
  • Heating, Ventilation, & Air Conditioning
  • Hybrid & Electric Vehicle Systems
  • Steering
  • Suspension
  • Transmission, Clutch, & Transfer Case
  • Wiring Diagrams

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Vehicle Safety Data

2012 Ford Explorer Recalls & Complaints

NHTSA #15V17100024/03/2015Component: STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Explorer vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the interior door handle return spring may unseat, resulting in in

Consequence

If the interior door handle return spring is unseated, the door may unlatch in the event o

Remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect all four of the interior door handles an

NHTSA #21V74600022/09/2021Component: SUSPENSION:REAR

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2013 Explorer vehicles originally sold, or currently registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, In

Consequence

A rear toe link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of

Remedy

Dealer will inspect for the presence of a CABJ. If a CABJ of any design is found, the dea

NHTSA #24V03100019/01/2024Component: STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2019 Explorer vehicles. The A-pillar trim retention clips may not be properly engaged, allowing the trim to detach.

Consequence

A detached trim piece can fall off the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and replace the A-pillar trim as necessary, free of charge. Owner no

NHTSA #19V43500010/06/2019Component: SUSPENSION:REAR

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Explorer vehicles. The rear suspension toe links may fracture due to stress on the rear suspension.

Consequence

A fractured rear toe link will cause a sudden change in vehicle handling and increase the

Remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links, and inspe

NHTSA #14E00100006/01/2014Component: STEERING

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain replacement steering gears installed on model year 2011-2012 Explorers as service parts in September 2013 and January 2014. The affe

Consequence

The inability to steer the vehicle increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Ford will notify owners and dealers will replace the suspect steering gears with new steer

TSB #11029052

Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with wired keyless entry keypad systems and accessory wireless keyless entry keypad systems may or may not come with a wallet card containing the master code. Unlike the integrated wired keypad, the access

TSB #11008948

While performing a transmission repair on some 2012-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, a transmission seal kit may be on backorder due to supply chain interruptions. While performing a transmission repair on some 2012-2024 Ford and Lincoln veh

TSB #10254138

All accessory stick-on keyless entry keypads come with a wallet card containing the master code. If the accessory keypad was factory installed, this card will be placed in the glove box and should be handed to the vehicles owner during ini

TSB #10235153

For 2000-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, swapping a module from a vehicle for diagnosis purposes is likely to cause errors and is not recommended. It is also not recommended to order a replacement module using a vehicle identification numbe

TSB #10232579

Certain 2011-2017 Model Year Explorer Vehicles Rear Wheel Knuckle Replacement REASON FOR THIS SUPPLEMENT Program Terms: added 21R01 and 21R02 REASON FOR PROVIDING A NO-COST, ONE-TIME REPAIR: added 21R01 and 21R02 OWNER NOTIFICATION MAILING

TSB #10226952

Certain 2011 - 2013 Model Year Explorer Vehicles with Rear Wheel Knuckles that have been Replaced Rear Toe Link Inspection/Replacement Under Safety Recall 21S43, some of the affected vehicles that have had one (or both) rear wheel knuckle(s

TSB #10226951

Certain 2011-2017 Model Year Explorer Vehicles Rear Toe Link Replacement Under Safety Recall 21S32, some of the affected vehicles exposed to a highly corrosive environment where road salt is used extensively during winter months, have exper

TSB #10222507

Certain 2011-2017 Model Year Explorer Vehicles Rear Wheel Knuckle Replacement Ref 21S32 Submitting Owner Letter

Showing the 8 most recent of 88 technical service bulletins on file with NHTSA.

20200513Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEMCrash reportedFire reported

MY TRUCK BURST INTO FLAMES 🔥 AND BURN TO THE GROUND WHILE PARKED IN THE DRIVE WAY. *TR

20200513Component: ENGINECrash reportedFire reported

MY TRUCK BURST INTO FLAMES 🔥 AND BURN TO THE GROUND WHILE PARKED IN THE DRIVE WAY. *TR

20200513Component: UNKNOWN OR OTHERCrash reportedFire reported

MY TRUCK BURST INTO FLAMES 🔥 AND BURN TO THE GROUND WHILE PARKED IN THE DRIVE WAY. *TR

20190614Component: STEERINGCrash reported3 injured

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE DRIVER WAS DRIVING AT A UNKNOWN SPEEDS AROUND A CURVE, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AS A RESULT, THE DRIVE

Showing the 4 most serious of 1023 complaints filed with NHTSA.

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