warning lights FORD EXPLORER 2012 5.G Owner's Manual
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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.
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.
Driving
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Cleaner air
Ford endorses the use of reformulated “cleaner-burning” gasolines to
improve air quality, per the recommendations in theChoosing the right
fuelsection.
Running out of fuel
Avoid running out of fuel because this situation may have an adverse
effect on powertrain components.
If you have run out of fuel:
•You may need to cycle the ignition from off to on several times after
refueling to allow the fuel system to pump the fuel from the tank to
the engine. On restarting, cranking time will take a few seconds longer
than normal.
•Normally, adding 1 gallon (3.8L) of fuel is enough to restart the
engine. If the vehicle is out of fuel and on a steep grade, more than
1 gallon (3.8L) may be required.
•The service engine soon
indicator may come on. For more
information on the service engine soon indicator, refer toWarning
lights and chimesin theInstrument Clusterchapter.
Refilling with a portable fuel container
With the Easy Fuel“no cap” fuel system, use the following directions
when filling from a portable fuel container:
WARNING:Do not insert the nozzle of portable fuel containers
or aftermarket funnels into the Easy Fuelsystem. This could
damage the fuel system and its seal, and may cause fuel to run onto
the ground instead of filling the tank, which could result in serious
personal injury.
WARNING:Do not try to pry open or push open the Easy Fuel
system with foreign objects. This could damage the fuel system
and its seal and cause injury to you or others.
When filling the vehicle’s fuel tank from a portable fuel container, use the
included funnel.
Maintenance and Specifications
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Engine oil/coolant change intervals
Engine oilAs indicated by the message center: do not
exceed one year or 10,000 miles (16,000 km)
Engine coolant,
initial change6 years or 100,000 miles (160,000 km)
(whichever comes first)
Engine coolant, after
initial changeEvery 3 years or 50,000 miles (80,000 km)
Check every month
Engine oil level
Function of all interior and exterior lights
Tires for wear and proper pressure, including spare
Windshield washer fluid level
Check every six months
Battery connections; clean if necessary
Body and door drain holes for obstructions; clean if necessary
Cooling system fluid level and coolant strength
Door weatherstrips for wear; lubricate if necessary
Hinges/latches/outside locks for proper operation; lubricate if necessary
Parking brake for proper operation
Safety belts and seat latches for wear and function
Safety warning lamps (brake, ABS, airbag, safety belt) for operation
Washer spray/wiper operation; clean or replace blades as necessary
Scheduled Maintenance
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Inspection/maintenance (I/M)
testing ........................................394
Instrument panel
cleaning ...................................360
cluster ........................................12
lighting up panel and
interior .......................................73
Intelligent Access Key ..............126
Intelligent Access with push
button start ...............................137
J
Jack ............................................334
positioning ...............................334
storage .....................................334
Jump-starting your vehicle ......343
K
Keyless entry system
autolock ...................................134
keypad .....................................146
locking and unlocking doors ..147
programming entry code .......146
Keys ...................................126, 148
positions of the ignition .........264
L
Lamps
autolamp system .......................71
bulb replacement
specifications chart ............78–79
daytime running light ...............73
fog lamps ...................................72
headlamps .................................71
headlamps, flash to pass ..........73
instrument panel, dimming .....73
interior lamps ...........................77
LATCH anchors .........................218Liftgate ......................119–120, 139
Lights, warning and indicator ....12
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........273
Loading instructions .................257
Load limits .................................251
Locks
autolock ...................................134
childproof ................................136
doors ........................................133
Lubricant specifications ...........402
Luggage rack .............................124
Lug nuts ....................................342
Lumbar support, seats .....157, 159
M
Message center .....................22, 26
warning messages ...............26, 36
Mirrors ...................................94–95
automatic dimming rearview
mirror ........................................95
fold away ...................................96
heated ........................................96
programmable memory ..........139
side view mirrors (power) .......95
signal .........................................97
Moon roof ..................................110
Motorcraftparts ..............363, 401
MyFord Connect™ system ........59
MyFord Touch™ system ............59
MyFord™ system ..................48, 59
MyKey ........................................127
O
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................370
Overdrive ...................................285
Index
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U
Universal garage door opener ..111
USB port ......................................58
V
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................406
Vehicle loading ..........................251
Ventilating your vehicle ...........270
W
Warning lights (see Lights) .......12Washer fluid
..............................368
Water, Driving through
.............321
Windows
power
.........................................93
rear wiper/washer
.....................88
Windshield washer fluid and
wipers
..........................................86
checking and adding fluid
.....368
liftgate reservoir
.....................368
replacing wiper blades
...........369
Wrecker towing
.........................346
Index
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