warning light FORD EXPLORER 2011 5.G Workshop Manual

3. On — press and hold the START/STOP button for at least one second
without applying the brake pedal. This will power your vehicle’s electrical
system and the warning lights in the instrument cluster will illuminate,
but the engine will remain off.Note:You can start the engine from any
ignition mode.
4. Start — press the START/STOP button (for any length of time) while
applying the brake pedal.Note:The indicator light on the start button
will illuminate when the vehicle is in on mode and when the engine is
started.
There may be areas inside your vehicle where the IA key is not detected.
If the message NO KEY DETECTED appears on your message center
when you press the START/STOP button, it may be necessary to move
your IA key to another area within the vehicle. The IA key may not be
detected near the roof (between the driver or passenger sunvisor and
the roof, or in the overhead console area) or in the extreme corners of
the rear package tray, near your audio speakers. It is not recommended
that you stow the IA key in these locations. If you move the IA key to a
location where it has been detected before and you still see the NO KEY
DETECTED message, your IA key’s battery may be low or you may be in
an area with excessive radio frequency interference. If this occurs, you
can use the back-up method to start your vehicle (see below).
Back-up method of starting:Your IA key uses a radio frequency signal
to communicate with your vehicle and authorize your vehicle to start
when you press the START/STOP button and apply the brake pedal. If
excessive radio frequency interference is present in the area, or if the
battery in your IA key is low, it may be necessary to start your car by
inserting the IA key in the back-up slot, located at the front of the center
console storage compartment. Insert the IA key into the slot with
buttons facing out and with key ring up. After inserting the IA key into
the back-up slot, use the START/STOP button and brake pedal to start
your vehicle as usual. The vehicle should respond normally as long as the
IA key is in the back-up slot. Once the vehicle is started, the IA key can
be removed from the back-up slot, if desired.
Fast restart feature:The fast restart feature allows you to re-start
your vehicle within 20 seconds of switching the vehicle off, if a valid IA
key is not present when the vehicle is switched off. When you switch
your vehicle off without an IA key in the passenger compartment or
trunk, the message RESTART NOW OR KEY IS NEEDED will be
displayed in the message center. You can re-start the vehicle (by
applying the brake pedal and pressing the START/STOP button) for up
to 20 seconds, even though the IA key is not present. After 20 seconds
have expired, you can no longer start your vehicle without the IA key
present inside the vehicle.
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•Be sure that areas where the vehicle is parked are clean and clear of
all combustibles such as petroleum products, dust, rags, paper and
similar items.
•Be sure that the engine block heater, heater cord and extension cord
are solidly connected. A poor connection can cause the cord to
become very hot and may result in an electrical shock or fire. Be sure
to check for heat anywhere in the electrical hookup once the system
has been operating for approximately a half hour.
•Finally, have the engine block heater system checked during your fall
tune-up to be sure it’s in good working order.
How to use the engine block heater
Ensure the receptacle terminals are clean and dry prior to use. To clean
them, use a dry cloth.
Depending on the type of factory installed equipment, your engine block
heater will use .4 to 1.0 kilowatt-hours of energy per hour of use. Your
factory installed block heater system does not have a thermostat; however,
maximum temperature is attained after approximately three hours of
operation. Block heater operation longer than three hours will not improve
system performance and will unnecessarily use additional electricity.
Make sure system is unplugged and properly stowed before driving the
vehicle. While not in use, make sure the protective cover seals the
prongs of the engine block heater cord plug.
BRAKES
Occasional brake noise is normal. If a metal-to-metal, continuous grinding
or continuous squeal sound is present, the brake linings may be worn-out
and should be inspected by an authorized dealer. If the vehicle has
continuous vibration or shudder in the steering wheel while braking, the
vehicle should be inspected by an authorized dealer.
Refer toWarning lights and
chimesin theInstrument Cluster
chapter for information on the brake
system warning light.
Four-wheel anti-lock brake system (ABS)
Your vehicle is equipped with an anti-lock braking system (ABS). This
system helps you maintain steering control during emergency stops by
keeping the brakes from locking. Noise from the ABS pump motor and
brake pedal pulsation may be observed during ABS braking and the
P!
BRAKE
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brake pedal may suddenly travel a little farther as soon as ABS braking is
done and normal brake operation resumes. These are normal
characteristics of the ABS and should be no reason for concern.
Using ABS
When hard braking is required, apply continuous force on the brake
pedal. Do not pump the brake pedal since this will reduce the
effectiveness of the ABS and will increase your vehicle’s stopping
distance. The ABS will be activated immediately, allowing you to retain
steering control during hard braking and on slippery surfaces. However,
the ABS does not decrease stopping distance.
Brake assist
The brake assist system provides full braking force during panic braking
situations. It detects a rapid application of the brake pedal and uses the
ABS system to achieve maximum braking pressure. Once a panic brake
application is detected, the system will remain activated as long as the
brake pedal is pressed or ABS is engaged. The system is deactivated by
either releasing the brake pedal or coming to a complete stop. When the
system activates, noise from the ABS pump motor and brake pedal
pulsation may be observed; this is normal.
ABS warning lamp
The ABS lamp in the instrument
cluster momentarily illuminates
when the ignition is turned on. If
the light does not illuminate during
start up, remains on or flashes, the
ABS may be disabled and may need to be serviced.
Even when the ABS is disabled,
normal braking is still effective. If
your BRAKE warning lamp
illuminates with the parking brake
released, have your brake system
serviced immediately.
Brake override
This vehicle is equipped with a brake override feature. In the event the
accelerator pedal becomes stuck or entrapped, applying steady and firm
pressure to the brake pedal will both slow the vehicle and reduce engine
power. If you experience this condition, apply the brakes and bring your
vehicle to a safe stop. Turn the engine off, shift to P (Park) and apply
ABS
P!
BRAKE
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WARNING:If a failure has been detected within the
AdvanceTracwith RSCsystem, the stability control light and
stability control off light will illuminate steadily. Verify that the
AdvanceTracwith RSCsystem is not manually disabled. Select
traction control off in the message center. If the stability control and
stability control off lights still illuminate steadily, have the system
serviced by an authorized dealer immediately. Operating your vehicle
with AdvanceTracwith RSCdisabled could lead to an increased risk
of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal injury and death.
The AdvanceTracwith RSCsystem automatically enables each time
the engine is started. All features of the AdvanceTracwith RSCsystem
(TCS, ESC, RSCand Curve Control) are active and monitor the vehicle
from start-up. However, the system will only intervene if the driving
situation requires it.
The AdvanceTracwith RSC
system includes a traction control
off selection in the message center.
The stability control light and
stability control off light in the instrument cluster will illuminate
temporarily during start-up as part of a normal system self-check, or
during driving if a driving situation causes the AdvanceTracwith RSC
system to operate. If the stability control light and stability control off
light remain steadily illuminated, have the system serviced by an
authorized dealer immediately. The message center will also indicate a
failure with the brake system.
When AdvanceTracwith RSCperforms a normal system self-check,
some drivers may notice a slight movement of the brake, and/or a
rumble, grunting, or grinding noise after startup and when driving off.
When an event occurs that activates AdvanceTracwith RSCyou may
experience the following:
•A deceleration of the vehicle
•The stability control light will flash.
•A vibration in the pedal when your foot is on the brake pedal
•If the driving condition is severe and your foot is not on the brake, the
brake pedal may move as the systems applies higher brake forces. You
may also hear a whoosh of air from under the instrument panel during
this severe condition.
•The brake pedal may feel stiffer than usual.
•Engine power may be reduced.
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Trailer sway control
When properly equipped, trailer sway control will use the vehicle’s
AdvanceTracwith RSCsystem to detect and help reduce trailer sway
by applying brake force at individual wheels and, if necessary, by
reducing engine power. Trailer sway control is only enabled above
40 mph (64 km/h).
WARNING:Trailer sway control does not prevent a trailer from
swaying, it mitigates the sway from increasing once it has
occurred. If you are experiencing trailer sway it is likely that the trailer
is improperly loaded for the correct tongue weight or the speed of the
vehicle and trailer is too high. Pull the vehicle-trailer over to a safe
location to check the trailer weight distribution and tongue load and
reduce speed to a safe level while towing. If trailer sway is
experienced, SLOW DOWN.
During trailer sway control events, the stability control light in the
instrument cluster will flash momentarily. The message center will also
displayTRAILER SWAY REDUCE SPEED.In some cases when trailer
sway is detected, the vehicle speed is too high and may be at or above a
speed at which trailer sway will grow continuously. This may cause the
system to activate multiple times, and you may experience a slight
deceleration of the vehicle.
Disabling trailer sway control
Trailer sway control can be disabled during any key cycle. Refer to
Message centerin theInstrument Clusterchapter for more information.
Note that even if it was disabled before turning off the vehicle, trailer
sway control will be re-enabled at each new key cycle.
WARNING:Turning off trailer sway control increases the risk of
loss of vehicle control, serious injury, or death. Ford does not
recommend disabling this feature except in situations where speed
reduction may be detrimental (e.g., hill climbing), the driver has
significant trailer towing experience, and can control trailer sway and
maintain safe operation.
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HILL DESCENT CONTROL™ (IF EQUIPPED)
Hill descent control allows the driver to set and maintain vehicle speed
while descending steep grades in various surface conditions.
WARNING:Hill descent control cannot control descent in all
surface conditions and circumstances, such as ice or extremely
steep grades. Hill descent control is a driver assist system and cannot
substitute for good judgment by the driver. Failure to do so may result
in loss of vehicle control, crash or serious injury.
Hill descent control can maintain vehicle speeds on downhill grades
between 3 mph (5 km/h) and 20 mph (32 km/h). Above 20 mph
(32 km/h), the system remains armed, but descent speed cannot be set
or maintained.
WARNING:Hill descent control does not provide hill hold at
zero mph (0 km/h). When stopped, the parking brake must be
applied and/or the vehicle must be placed in P (Park) or it may roll
away.
Hill descent control requires a cooling down interval after a period of
sustained use. The amount of time that the feature can remain active
before cooling varies with conditions. The system will provide a warning
in the message center and a chime will sound when the system is about
to disengage for cooling. At this time, manually apply the brakes as
needed to maintain descent speed.
Enabling hill descent control and setting the descent speed
1. Press and release the hill descent
button located in the center of the
terrain management control. A light
in the control will illuminate and
chime will sound when this feature
is activated.
2. To increase descent speed, press the accelerator pedal until the
desired speed is reached. To decrease descent speed, press the brake
pedal until the desired speed is reached.
Whether accelerating or decelerating, once the desired descent speed is
reached, remove your feet from the pedals and the chosen vehicle speed
will be maintained.
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WARNING:Do not drive your vehicle until you verify that the
brakelamps are working.
WARNING:Always set the parking brake fully and make sure
the gearshift is latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition off.
WARNING:If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake
warning lamp remains illuminated, the brakes may not be
working properly. See your authorized dealer.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OPERATION
Automatic transmission adaptive learning
Your transmission is equipped with an adaptive learning strategy found in
the vehicle computer. This feature is designed to increase durability and
provide consistent shift feel over the life of the vehicle. A new vehicle or
transmission may have firm and/or soft shifts. This operation is
considered normal and will not affect function or durability of the
transmission. Over time, the adaptive learning process will fully update
transmission operation. Additionally, whenever the battery is
disconnected or a new battery installed, the strategy must be relearned.
Understanding the gearshift positions of the 6–speed automatic
transmission
Your vehicle has been designed to improve fuel economy by reducing
fuel usage while coasting or decelerating. When you take your foot off
the accelerator pedal and the vehicle begins to slow down, the torque
converter clutch locks up and aggressively shuts off fuel flow to the
engine while decelerating. This fuel economy benefit may be perceived
as a light to medium braking sensation when removing your foot from
the accelerator pedal.
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The tow feature delays upshifts to reduce frequency of transmission
shifting. Tow also provides engine braking in all forward gears when the
transmission is in the D (Overdrive) position. This engine braking will
slow the vehicle and assist the driver in controlling the vehicle when
descending a grade. Depending on driving conditions and load
conditions, the transmission may downshift, slow the vehicle and control
the vehicle speed when descending a hill, without the accelerator pedal
being pressed. The amount of downshift braking provided will vary based
upon the amount the brake pedal is depressed.
To deactivate the tow feature and return to normal driving mode, press
theTOWbutton. The tow light will no longer be illuminated.
When you shut-off and restart the engine, the transmission will
automatically return to normal D (Overdrive) mode (tow off).
WARNING:Do not use the tow feature when driving in icy or
slippery conditions as the increased engine braking can cause
the rear wheels to slide and the vehicle to swing around with the
possible loss of vehicle control.
D (Drive) with Grade Assist
Pressing the transmission control switch on the side of the gearshift
lever activates grade assist and cancels overdrive.
Grade assist:
•Provides additional grade
(engine) braking and extends
lower gear operation on uphill
climbs for hilly terrain or
mountainous areas.
•Provides additional engine
braking through the automatic
transmission shift strategy which
reacts to vehicle inputs (vehicle
acceleration, accelerator pedal, brake pedal and vehicle speed).
•Allows the transmission to select gears that will provide the desired
engine braking based on the vehicle inputs mentioned above. This will
increase engine RPM during engine braking.
PRNDL
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Recommended shift speeds
Upshift according to the following chart:
Upshifts when accelerating
(recommended for best fuel economy)
Shift from:
1 - 2 15 mph (24 km/h)
2 - 3 25 mph (40 km/h)
3 - 4 40 mph (64 km/h)
4 - 5 45 mph (72 km/h)
5 - 6 50 mph (80 km/h)
The message center display in the instrument cluster will show the
current selected gear you are in.
In order to prevent the engine from running at too low an RPM, which
may cause it to stall, the SST will automatically make some downshifts
even if it has determined that you have not downshifted in time. It will
still allow you to downshift at any time as long as the SST determines
that the engine will not be damaged from over-revving.
Engine damage may occur if excessive engine revving is held
without shifting.
Hill start assist (HSA)
The hill start assist feature makes it easier to pull away when the vehicle
is on a slope without the need to use the parking brake. When the hill
start assist feature is active, the vehicle will remain stationary on the
slope for up to two seconds after you release the brake pedal. During
this time, you have time to move your foot from the brake to the
accelerator pedal and pull away. The brakes are released automatically
once the engine has developed sufficient drive to prevent the vehicle
from rolling down the slope. This is an advantage when pulling away on a
slope; for example from a car park ramp, traffic lights or when reversing
uphill into a parking space.
WARNING:The hill start assist feature does not replace the
parking brake. When you leave the vehicle, always apply the
parking brake and select first or reverse gear.
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Using hill start assist
The hill start assist feature is activated automatically when the vehicle is
stopped on a slope greater than five degrees. The hill start assist feature
operates with the vehicle facing downhill if reverse gear is selected. The
hill start assist feature will not operate if the parking brake is activated.
WARNING:You must remain in the vehicle once you have
activated the hill start assist feature.
Activating hill start assist
1. Press the brake pedal to bring the vehicle to a complete standstill.
Keep the brake pedal pressed.
2. If the sensors detect that the vehicle is on a slope, the hill start assist
feature will be activated automatically.
3. When you remove your foot from the brake pedal, the vehicle will
remain on the slope without rolling away for approximately up to two
seconds. This hold time will automatically be extended if you are in the
process of driving off.
4. Drive off in the normal manner. The brakes will be released
automatically.
WARNING:If the engine is revved excessively, or if a
malfunction is detected when the hill start assist feature is
active, the hill start assist feature will be deactivated.
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow, it may be rocked out by
shifting between forward and reverse gears, stopping between shifts in a
steady pattern. Press lightly on the accelerator in each gear.
Do not rock the vehicle if the engine is not at normal operating
temperature or damage to the transmission may occur.
Do not rock the vehicle for more than a minute or damage to the
transmission and tires may occur, or the engine may overheat.
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