Ford Police Interceptor Utility Reference Documentation

By UX Auctions Editorial Staff

Official specifications, police package information, maintenance resources, recalls, and buyer reference documentation.

Overview

The Ford Police Interceptor Utility (PIU) has become the most widely deployed law enforcement vehicle in North America since its introduction for the 2013 model year. Built on the Ford Explorer platform and engineered specifically for police service, the PIU combines advanced all-wheel-drive capability, heavy-duty fleet components, and police-specific engineering to withstand the demands of patrol duty, emergency response, and continuous fleet operation.

This Reference Documentation page serves as a centralized technical library for owners, buyers, mechanics, restorers, fleet managers, and government auction purchasers seeking official manufacturer information and verified technical resources. Unlike the buyer's guide, this page focuses on factory documentation, Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs), recalls, specifications, maintenance information, police fleet resources, and engineering documentation.

This page will be updated regularly as Ford releases additional technical publications, recalls, engineering revisions, and service information.

Vehicle Specifications

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

Model: Ford Police Interceptor Utility (PIU)

Production Years: 2013–Present

Platform:

Ford Explorer (U502 Platform) – 2013–2019

Ford Explorer (CD6 Platform) – 2020–Present

Body Style: Four-door Sport Utility Vehicle

Drive Configuration: Intelligent All-Wheel Drive (Standard)

Available Engines

3.7L Ti-VCT Duratec V6

Production Years: 2013–2019

Approximate Output:

304 Horsepower

279 lb-ft Torque

3.5L EcoBoost Twin-Turbo V6

Production Years: 2014–2019

Approximate Output:

365 Horsepower

350 lb-ft Torque

3.3L Hybrid V6

Production Years: 2020–Present

Used primarily to reduce idle time and fuel consumption.

3.0L EcoBoost Twin-Turbo V6

Production Years: 2020–Present

Approximate Output:

400 Horsepower

415 lb-ft Torque

Available Transmissions

Six-Speed Automatic

Production Years: 2013–2019

Ten-Speed Automatic

Production Years: 2020–Present

Drivetrain

Nearly every Police Interceptor Utility is equipped with Ford's Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system.

Major drivetrain components include:

Power Transfer Unit (PTU)

Rear Differential

Driveshaft

Front and Rear CV Axles

Electronic Traction Control

AdvanceTrac Stability Control

Official Ford Publications

The following factory publications provide the most accurate technical information for servicing and maintaining the Police Interceptor Utility.

Factory Service Manuals (FSM)

Factory Service Manuals include:

Engine diagnostics

Transmission repair

Hybrid system diagnostics (where applicable)

Electrical diagnostics

Wiring diagrams

Cooling system

Suspension

Steering

Brake system

Torque specifications

Diagnostic flow charts

Owner's Manuals

Official Ford Owner's Manuals include:

Fluid capacities

Scheduled maintenance

Fuse identification

Tire specifications

Warning indicators

Operating procedures

Police Interceptor Modifier Guides

Ford publishes Police Interceptor Modifier Guides for agencies installing:

Emergency lighting

Sirens

Radios

Mobile computers

Prisoner partitions

Push bumpers

Auxiliary electrical equipment

Camera systems

These guides identify:

Approved mounting locations

Airbag deployment zones

Electrical load limits

Wiring provisions

Auxiliary power circuits

Fleet Maintenance Publications

Ford Fleet publications include:

Preventive maintenance schedules

Severe-duty service intervals

Fleet inspection procedures

Lubrication recommendations

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs)

Technical Service Bulletins provide dealership technicians with updated repair procedures, software revisions, engineering improvements, and diagnostic information.

A Technical Service Bulletin is not a recall.

Always verify applicability using:

VIN

Model year

Production date

Engine

Transmission

Hybrid configuration

Calibration level

Engine

Common TSB topics include:

3.7L V6

Internal water pump diagnosis

Cooling system leaks

Ignition coils

Oil leaks

PCM updates

3.5L EcoBoost

Turbocharger inspection

Intercooler

Charge air plumbing

Timing chain

Cooling system

Fuel delivery

PCM calibration

3.3L Hybrid

Hybrid battery

Cooling system

Charging system

Hybrid control modules

3.0L EcoBoost

Turbocharger operation

Cooling system

Oil leaks

Engine calibration

Charge air cooling

Transmission

Topics include:

Shift quality

Software updates

Delayed engagement

Torque converter operation

Transmission calibration

Fluid recommendations

Cooling System

Factory publications address:

Water pumps

Radiators

Thermostats

Cooling fans

Heater core

Coolant leaks

Power Transfer Unit (PTU)

The PTU is one of the most frequently discussed maintenance items on AWD Ford police vehicles.

Factory documentation includes:

Fluid leaks

Bearing inspection

Seal replacement

Lubrication procedures

Diagnostic procedures

Suspension & Steering

Topics include:

Ball joints

Tie rods

Steering gear

Steering rack

Control arms

Alignment

Shock absorbers

Wheel bearings

Brake System

Factory publications include:

Brake pads

Rotors

ABS

Brake booster

Hydraulic Control Unit

Electronic Brake Control Module

Electrical System

Technical publications include:

Charging system

Alternator

Battery

Grounds

Lighting

BCM

PCM

Police electrical equipment

Auxiliary power

Safety Recalls

Always verify recall completion by VIN before purchasing a retired Police Interceptor Utility.

Typical recall categories include:

Suspension

Steering

Fuel system

Electrical system

Powertrain

Cooling system

Driveshaft

Rear suspension

Seat belts

Airbags

Police Vehicle Documentation

Ford publishes numerous law-enforcement-specific resources, including:

Police Interceptor Specifications

Police Modifier Guide

Police Wiring Guide

Emergency Equipment Installation Guide

Fleet Maintenance Publications

Auxiliary Electrical Guide

Police Vehicle Testing

Michigan State Police Vehicle Testing

The Michigan State Police Precision Driving Unit annually evaluates police vehicles for:

Acceleration

Braking

Top Speed

Handling

Fuel Economy

Ergonomics

Pursuit Suitability

These reports provide valuable comparisons between Ford, Chevrolet, and Dodge police vehicles.

Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Vehicle Testing

LASD testing typically includes:

Acceleration

Braking

Handling

Vehicle Dynamics

Fleet Evaluation

Factory Specifications

Factory documentation includes:

Horsepower

Torque

Compression ratio

Engine oil capacity

Cooling system capacity

Transmission capacity

PTU capacity

Differential capacity

Brake fluid

Spark plug specifications

Wheel torque

Tire specifications

Maintenance Schedule

Factory maintenance includes:

Engine oil

Air filters

Cabin filter

Transmission service

PTU service

Rear differential

Cooling system

Brake fluid

Spark plugs

Drive belts

Suspension inspection

Steering inspection

Buyer Inspection Checklist

Before purchasing a retired Ford Police Interceptor Utility:

Verify the VIN and model year.

Confirm it is an authentic Police Interceptor Utility.

Check for open recalls.

Review available maintenance records.

Inspect the internal water pump (3.5L/3.7L engines).

Inspect the PTU for leaks.

Verify proper AWD operation.

Check transmission performance.

Inspect the cooling system.

Examine suspension and steering components.

Inspect brakes and wheel bearings.

Inspect all electrical wiring removed during decommissioning.

Scan all control modules for diagnostic trouble codes.

Perform a complete road test.

Have the vehicle inspected by a qualified technician.

Common Parts Replaced During Ownership

Frequently serviced components include:

Water pump

Thermostat

Radiator hoses

Ignition coils

Spark plugs

PTU seals

Wheel bearings

Brake pads

Brake rotors

Alternator

Battery

Serpentine belt

Shock absorbers

Tie rods

Ball joints

Official Reference Links

Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company
https://www.ford.com

Ford Pro Fleet
https://www.fordpro.com

Motorcraft Service Information
https://www.motorcraft.com

Technical Information

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
https://www.nhtsa.gov/

NHTSA Recall Lookup
https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls

Manufacturer Communications / Technical Service Bulletins
https://www.nhtsa.gov

Police Vehicle Testing

Michigan State Police Precision Driving Unit
https://www.michigan.gov/msp/divisions/training/precision-driving-unit/police-vehicle-test-results

Future Updates

This reference library will continue expanding to include:

Verified Ford Technical Service Bulletins

Recall history by model year

Police Modifier Guide revisions

Wiring diagrams

Factory torque specifications

Model year engineering changes

VIN decoder

Axle identification

Fleet option codes

Factory brochures

Engineering publications

Police performance testing archives

Disclaimer

This reference library is intended to provide factual, manufacturer-based technical information for the Ford Police Interceptor Utility. Technical Service Bulletins, recalls, service publications, and engineering documentation apply only to specific vehicles based on VIN, production date, engine, transmission, hybrid configuration, calibration level, and installed equipment. Always consult the appropriate Ford service information and verify VIN-specific applicability before performing repairs, ordering parts, or purchasing a vehicle.

Last Updated: July 2026

Maintained by: UX Auctions Vehicle Research Library