tow FORD EXPLORER 2011 5.G Owners Manual
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Seating and Safety Restraints 160
Seating 160
Personal Safety System™ 180
Safety belt system 184
Airbags 197
Child restraints 211
Tires, Wheels and Loading 232
Tire information 235
Tire inflation 237
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) 250
Vehicle loading 255
Trailer towing 262
Recreational towing 265
Driving 267
Starting 267
Brakes 274
AdvanceTrac277
Hill descent control 283
Transmission operation 288
Reverse sensing system 294
Rear-view camera system 296
Roadside Emergencies 325
Getting roadside assistance 325
Hazard flasher control 326
Fuel pump shut-off 327
Fuses and relays 327
Changing tires 336
Temporary mobility kit 344
Wheel lug nut torque 352
Jump starting 354
Wrecker towing 357
Table of Contents
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SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION
Warning symbols in this guide
How can you reduce the risk of personal injury to yourself or others? In
this guide, answers to such questions are contained in comments
highlighted by the warning triangle symbol. These comments should be
read and observed.
Warning symbols on your vehicle
When you see this symbol, it is
imperative that you consult the
relevant section of this guide before
touching or attempting adjustment
of any kind.
Protecting the environment
We must all play our part in
protecting the environment. Correct
vehicle usage and the authorized
disposal of waste, cleaning and
lubrication materials are significant
steps towards this aim. Information in this respect is highlighted in this
guide with the tree symbol.
CALIFORNIA Proposition 65 Warning
WARNING:Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and
certain vehicle components contain or emit chemicals known to
the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm. In addition, certain fluids contained in vehicles and
certain products of component wear contain or emit chemicals known
to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm.
Introduction
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PERCHLORATE MATERIAL
Certain components of this vehicle such as airbag modules, seat belt
pretensioners, and button cell batteries may contain Perchlorate Material
– Special handling may apply for service or vehicle end of life disposal.
See www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate.
BREAKING-IN YOUR VEHICLE
Your vehicle does not need an extensive break-in. Try not to drive
continuously at the same speed for the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km) of
new vehicle operation. Vary your speed frequently in order to give the
moving parts a chance to break in.
Drive your new vehicle at least 1,000 miles (1,600 km) before towing a
trailer. For more detailed information about towing a trailer, refer to
Trailer towingin theTires, Wheels and Loadingchapter.
Do not add friction modifier compounds or special break-in oils since
these additives may prevent piston ring seating. SeeEngine oilin the
Maintenance and Specificationschapter for more information on oil
usage.
SPECIAL NOTICES
New Vehicle Limited Warranty
For a detailed description of what is covered and what is not covered by
your vehicle’s New Vehicle Limited Warranty, refer to theWarranty
Guidethat is provided to you along with your Owner’s Guide.
Special instructions
For your added safety, your vehicle is fitted with sophisticated electronic
controls.
WARNING:Please read the sectionAirbag Supplemental
Restraint System (SRS)in theSeating and Safety Restraints
chapter. Failure to follow the specific warnings and instructions could
result in personal injury.
WARNING:Front seat mounted rear-facing child or infant seats
shouldNEVERbe placed in front of an active passenger airbag.
Introduction
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Low washer fluid (RTT):
Illuminates when the windshield
washer fluid is low.
Turn signal:Illuminates when the
left or right turn signal or the
hazard lights are turned on. If the
indicators flash faster, check for a burned out bulb.
High beams:Illuminates when the
high beam headlamps are turned on.
Fog lamps:Illuminates when the
fog lamps are turned on.
Grade assist (if equipped):
Illuminates when grade assist is
turned on.
Transmission Tow/Haul Feature
(RTT) (if equipped):Displays
when the Tow/Haul feature has been
activated. Refer to theDriving
chapter for transmission function and operation. If the light flashes
steadily, have the system serviced immediately, damage to the
transmission could occur.
Hill descent (if equipped):
Illuminates when hill descent is
turned on.
Terrain management (if
equipped):Illuminates when a
terrain management mode is
selected. SeeTerrain management
in theDrivingchapter for more
information.
Instrument Cluster
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Scroll up/down to highlight one of the options, then press the right arrow
key or OK to enter into that menu option.
Information
4WD Gauge (if equipped)
MyKey™ Distance (if MyKey™ is programmed)
MyKey™ Information (number of MyKeys™ and admin keys programmed)
Coolant Temperature
In this mode, you can view vehicle information and configure different
vehicle settings. Press the right arrow key (when in the Settings menu)
to reach the different menus.
Settings
Driver Assist Traction Control
Blind Spot
Collision Warning Sensitivity
(if MyKey is
programmed)High, Normal or
Low
Chimes
Warning
Cross Traffic
Rear Park Aid
Trailer Sway
Display Language English, Español or Français
Units Distance Miles and
Gallons or Km
and Liters
Temperature Fahrenheit (°F)
or Celsius (°C)
Convenience Autolamp Delay Off or number of seconds
DTE Calculation Normal or Towing
Instrument Cluster
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Settings
In this mode, you can configure different driver setting choices. Press
the right arrow key (when in the Settings menu) to reach the listed
modes below:
Note:Some items are optional and may not appear.
Driver Assist
Traction Control On / Off
Blind Spot On (default on key cycle) / Off
Collision Warning Sensitivity (if
MyKey™ is
programmed)High / Normal / Low
Chimes On (default on key cycle) / Off
Warn-<ON> On (default on key cycle) / Off
Cross Traffic
AlertOn (default on key cycle) / Off
Cruise Control Adaptive or Normal
Rear Park Aid On (default on key cycle) / Off
Trailer Sway On (default on key cycle) / Off
Vehicle
Autolamp Delay Off, 10 / 20 (default setting) / 30 / 60 / 90 / 120 /
180 seconds
Easy Entry/Exit On (default on key cycle) / Off
Fuel DTE Calculation Normal or Towing
Long Term Econ Hold OK to Reset...
Locks Autolock, On (default on key cycle) / Off
Autounlock On (default on key cycle) / Off
Remote
UnlockingAll doors / Driver’s door
Menu Control Standard / Memory On
Oil Life Reset Set to 10–100%
Power Liftgate Enable / Disable
Instrument Cluster
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Radio options
To access more options in radio mode, press MENU > Radio and select
from:
•Scan:Select to hear a brief sampling of all available radio stations.
•Set Category:Select to choose a specific music category in FM
mode. You can then search for stations only playing this kind of
music.Note:RBDS/RDS text must be turn on before “Set Category”
will appear.
•RBDS/RDS Text:Select to turn Radio Broadcast Digital Signal text
on to view additional broadcast data.Note:This feature defaults to off,
but it must be turned on in order for you to choose and set a
category. When this feature is activated, all of your text will scroll on
one line. To see all of your text, press the Info soft key.
Radio reception factors:
There are three factors that can affect radio reception:
•Distance/strength: The further you travel from an FM station, the
weaker the signal and the weaker the reception.
•Terrain: Hills, mountains, tall buildings, power lines, electric fences,
traffic lights and thunderstorms can interfere with your reception.
•Station overload: When you pass a broadcast tower, a stronger signal
may overtake a weaker one and play while the weak station frequency
is displayed.
SIRIUSsatellite radio (if equipped)
Press SIRIUS to access the satellite radio screen. From this screen you
can:
•Press SIRIUS repeatedly to cycle
between SAT1, SAT2 and SAT3
presets.
•Select the ‘Direct’ soft key to
access an on screen keypad.
Enter in the number of the
desired satellite radio channel
and press Enter for quick access.
•Select the ‘Info’ soft key to view
additional information about the
current channel.
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Satellite radio information (if activated)
SIRIUSsatellite radio service:
SIRIUSsatellite radio is a
subscription based satellite radio
service that broadcasts a variety of
music, sports, news, weather, traffic
and entertainment programming.
Your factory installed SIRIUS
satellite radio system includes: hardware and a limited subscription term
which begins on the date of sale or lease of the vehicle. Refer to your
authorized dealer for availability.
For more information on extended subscription terms (a service fee is
required), the online media player and a complete list of SIRIUS
satellite radio channels, and other features, please visit www.sirius.com in
the United States, www.sirius-canada.ca in Canada, or call SIRIUSat
1–888–539–7474.
Satellite radio reception factors
•Antenna obstructions: For optimal reception performance, keep the
antenna clear of snow and ice build-up and keep luggage and other
material as far away from the antenna as possible.
•Terrain: Hills, mountains, tall buildings, bridges, tunnels, freeway
overpasses, parking garages, dense tree foliage and thunderstorms can
interfere with your reception.
•Station overload: When you pass a ground based broadcast repeating
tower, a stronger signal may overtake a weaker one and result in an
audio mute.
You will hear an audio mute when there is a satellite radio signal
interference. Your display may showAcquiring...to indicate the
interference.
Satellite radio electronic serial number (ESN):You will need your
ESN to activate, modify or track your satellite radio account. The ESN is
found on the System Information Screen (SR ESN:XXXXXXXXXXXX).
To access your ESN, press MENU > SIRIUS >Show ESN or tune to
channel 0.
Note:
SIRIUSreserves the unrestricted right to change, rearrange, add or
delete programming including canceling, moving or adding particular
channels, and its prices, at any time, with or without notice to you. Ford
Motor Company shall not be responsible for any such programming changes.
Entertainment Systems
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Troubleshooting tips
Radio Display Condition Possible action
Acquiring Radio requires more
than two seconds to
produce audio for the
selected channel.No action required.
This message should
disappear shortly.
SIRIUSsystem
failureInternal module or
system failure
present.If this message does
not clear within shortly,
or with an ignition key
cycle, your receiver
may have a fault. See
your authorized dealer
for service.
Invalid Channel Channel no longer
available.Tune to another
channel or choose
another preset.
Unsubscribed Channel Subscription not
available for this
channel.Contact SIRIUSat
1–888–539–7474 to
subscribe to the
channel, or tune to
another channel.
No Signal Loss of signal from
the SIRIUSsatellite
or SIRIUStower to
the vehicle antenna.The signal is currently
being blocked. When
you move into an open
area, the signal should
return.
Updating Update of channel
programming in
progress.No action required. The
process may take up to
three minutes.
Call SIRIUS
1–888–539–7474Satellite service has
been deactivated by
SIRIUSSatellite
Radio.Call SIRIUSat
1–888–539–7474 to
re-activate or resolve
subscription issues.
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Operating tips
•To reduce fog build-up on the windshield during humid weather,
select
(defrost) or(floor/defrost).
•To reduce humidity build-up inside the vehicle, do not drive with the
system off or with
(recirculated air) engaged and A/C off.
•Do not put objects under the front seats that will interfere with the
airflow to the back seats.
•Remove any snow, ice or leaves from the air intake area at the base of
the windshield.
•To improve the time to reach comfort in hot weather, drive with the
windows slightly open for 2-3 minutes after start-up or until the
vehicle has been “aired out.”
•A small amount of air may be felt from the floor vent regardless of the
air distribution setting that is selected.
For maximum cooling performance in MAX A/C mode:
1. Select MAX A/C.
2. Move temperature control selector to the coolest setting.
3. Set the fan to the highest speed initially. As the interior starts to cool
down, adjust the fan speed to maintain comfort.
To aid in side window defogging/demisting in cold weather:
1. Select
(panel/floor).
2. Select A/C.
3. Adjust the temperature control to maintain comfort.
4. Set the fan speed to the highest setting.
5. Direct the outer instrument panel vents toward the side windows.
To increase airflow to the outer instrument panel vents, close the vents
located in the middle of the instrument panel.
Climate Controls
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