ignition FORD EXPLORER 2012 5.G Manual PDF

CTA and reverse sensing system (RSS) interaction
CTA works along with the reverse sensing system (RSS) (if equipped).
Become familiar with the warning tones of both systems.
BLISand/or CTA on/off and disable operation
The BLISand/or the CTA can be turned off via the message center. If
either the BLISand/or the CTA is turned off, the systems will
automatically turn back on at the next ignition key cycle. When either
the BLISand/or the CTA is turned off, the message center displays
BLIND SPOT SYS OFF and/or CTA SYSTEM OFF. When the BLIS
and/or the CTA system is off, the driver will not receive alerts. Refer to
Message centerin theInstrument Clusterchapter.
Note:If the system cannot be turned off, refer toMyKeyin theLocks
and Securitychapter for more information.
The BLISand/or the CTA can be disabled permanently even after an
ignition key cycle. This must be done by your authorized dealer.Note:
Once either of the systems are disabled, enabling must also be performed
at the dealership. When disabled, the message center will display BLIND
SPOT DISABLED and/or CTA DISABLED.
BLISand/or CTA fault operation
If the BLISand/or CTA senses a fault on either the left or right sensor,
the BLISalert indicator will go on and remain on and the message
center will display BLIND SPOT SYSTEM FAULT or CROSS TRAFFIC
SYSTEM FAULT. For faults that may cause the associated left or right
alert indicator not to illuminate, only the message center faults will
occur.
Blocked sensor
An extreme build-up of materials on
the quarter panel fascias such as
mud or snow can cause degraded
performance of the BLIS. Also,
heavy rain can cause the same
effect. The BLIScan detect this
degraded performance and issue a
blocked warning to the driver via
the message center. If a condition is determined by the system, the
message center displays BLIND SPOT NOT AVAILABLE or CROSS
TRAFFIC NOT AVAILABLE warning and the appropriate left and/or right
exterior mirror alert indicator will illuminate. The message center
warning may be cleared by the driver but the exterior mirror alert
indicator will remain illuminated.
Driving
311
2012 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

WARNING:Just prior to the system recognizing a blocked
condition and alerting the driver, the number of missed objects
will increase. To help avoid injuries, NEVER use the BLISas a
replacement for using the side and rear view mirrors and looking over
your shoulder before changing lanes. BLISis not a replacement for
careful driving and only an assist.
Once the blockage is removed, the system will require some driving time
and detection of at least two vehicle objects prior to resetting or the
driver can cycle the ignition key. If, however, blockage is still present
after the key cycle, the system will sense again that it is blocked after
driving in traffic.
The following table lists possible causes and actions for this message
being displayed:
The surface of the radar is dirty or
obstructed in some wayClean the fascia area in front of
the radar, either side, or remove
obstruction.
The surface of the radar is not
dirty or obstructedDrive normally in traffic for a few
minutes to allow the radar to
detect that it is no longer blocked.
Note:The vehicle must be in D
(Drive) and a few vehicles must
pass so that the BLIScan clear a
blocked state.
Heavy rainfall or heavy snowfall is
interfering with the radar signalsNo action required by the driver.
The system will automatically reset
to an unblocked state once the
rainfall/snowfall rate decreases or
stops. Do not use BLISand/or
CTA in heavy rainfall or heavy
snowfall.
Due to the nature of radar technology, it is possible to get a blockage
warning and not be blocked. This is rare and known as a false blockage
warning. A false blocked condition will either self clear or clear after a
key cycle.
Driving
312
2012 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

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 few minutes or damage
to the transmission and tires may occur or the engine may
overheat.
WARNING:Always set the parking brake fully and make sure
the gearshift is latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the off
position and remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle.
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.
WARNING:Do not spin the wheels at over 35 mph (56 km/h).
The tires may fail and injure a passenger or bystander.
Emergency maneuvers
WARNING:Vehicles with a higher center of gravity such as
utility and four-wheel drive vehicles handle differently than
vehicles with a lower center of gravity. Utility and four-wheel drive
vehicles are not designed for cornering at speeds as high as passenger
cars any more than low-slung sports cars are designed to perform
satisfactorily under off-road conditions. Avoid sharp turns, excessive
speed and abrupt maneuvers in these vehicles. Failure to drive
cautiously could result in an increased risk of loss of vehicle control,
vehicle rollover, personal injury and death.
•In an unavoidable emergency situation where a sudden sharp turn
must be made, remember to avoid “over-driving” your vehicle, i.e.,
turn the steering wheel only as rapidly and as far as required to avoid
the emergency. Excessive steering will result in less vehicle control,
not more. Additionally, smooth variations of the accelerator and/or
brake pedal pressure should be utilized if changes in vehicle speed are
called for. Avoid abrupt steering, acceleration or braking which could
result in an increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover
and/or personal injury. Use all available road surface to return the
vehicle to a safe direction of travel.
•In the event of an emergency stop, avoid skidding the tires and do not
attempt any sharp steering wheel movements.
Driving
315
2012 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

•If the vehicle goes from one type of surface to another (i.e., from
concrete to gravel) there will be a change in the way the vehicle
responds to a maneuver (steering, acceleration or braking). Again,
avoid these abrupt inputs.
Sand
When driving over sand, try to keep all four wheels on the most solid
area of the trail. Avoid reducing the tire pressures but shift to a lower
gear and drive steadily through the terrain. Apply the accelerator slowly
and avoid spinning the wheels.
Avoid excessive speed because vehicle momentum can work against you
and cause the vehicle to become stuck to the point that assistance may
be required from another vehicle. Remember, you may be able to back
out the way you came if you proceed with caution.
Mud and water
If you must drive through high
water, drive slowly. Traction or
brake capability may be limited.
When driving through water,
determine the depth; avoid water
higher than the bottom of the hubs
(if possible) and proceed slowly. If
the ignition system gets wet, the
vehicle may stall.
Once through water, always try the brakes. Wet brakes do not stop the
vehicle as effectively as dry brakes. Drying can be improved by moving
your vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake pedal.
Be cautious of sudden changes in vehicle speed or direction when you
are driving in mud. Even 4WD vehicles can lose traction in slick mud. As
when you are driving over sand, apply the accelerator slowly and avoid
spinning your wheels. If the vehicle does slide, steer in the direction of
the slide until you regain control of the vehicle.
If the transmission, transfer case or front axle are submerged in water,
their fluids should be checked and changed, if necessary.
Note:Driving through deep water may damage the transmission.
If the front or rear axle is submerged in water, the axle lubricant should
be replaced.
Driving
316
2012 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

U.S. Ford vehicle customers who require Roadside Assistance, call
1-800-241-3673.
If you need to arrange roadside assistance for yourself, Ford Motor
Company will reimburse a reasonable amount for towing to the nearest
dealership within 35 miles (56 km). To obtain reimbursement
information, U.S. Ford vehicle customers call 1-800-241-3673. Customers
will be asked to submit their original receipts.
Vehicles sold in Canada : Getting roadside assistance
Canadian customers who require roadside assistance, call
1–800–665–2006.
Vehicles sold in Canada : Using roadside assistance
Complete the roadside assistance identification card and place it in your
wallet for quick reference. In Canada, the card is found in the Warranty
Guide in the glove box.
Canadian Roadside coverage and benefits may differ from the U.S.
coverage. Please refer to your Warranty Guide or visit our website at
www.ford.ca for information on Canadian services and benefits.
Canadian customers who need to obtain roadside information, call
1-800-665-2006 or visit our website at www.ford.ca.
HAZARD FLASHER CONTROL
The hazard flasher should be used
when your vehicle is disabled and is
creating a safety hazard for other
motorists.
The hazard flasher control is located
on the center of the instrument
panel. The hazard flashers will operate when the ignition is in any
position or if the key is not in the ignition.
•Press the flasher control and all front and rear direction signals will
flash.
•Press the flasher control again to turn them off.
Roadside Emergencies
323
2012 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

MyFord Touch™ (if equipped)
•Press and hold the flasher control and all front and rear direction
signals will flash.
•Press and hold the flasher control again to turn them off.
Note:With extended use, the flasher may run down your battery.
FUEL PUMP SHUT-OFF
In the event of a moderate to severe collision, this vehicle is equipped
with a fuel pump shut-off feature that stops the flow of fuel to the
engine. Not every impact will cause a shut-off.
Should your vehicle shut off after a collision due to this feature, you may
restart your vehicle by doing the following:
1. Turn the ignition switch to the off position.
2. Turn the ignition switch to the on position.
In some instances the vehicle may not restart the first time you try to
restart and may take one additional attempt.
WARNING:Failure to inspect and if necessary repair fuel leaks
after a collision may increase the risk of fire and serious injury.
Ford Motor Company recommends that the fuel system be inspected
by an authorized dealer after any collision.
FUSES AND RELAYS
Fuses
If electrical components in the
vehicle are not working, a fuse may
have blown. Blown fuses are
identified by a broken wire within
the fuse. Check the appropriate
fuses before replacing any electrical
components.
Note:Always replace a fuse with one that has the specified amperage
rating. Using a fuse with a higher amperage rating can cause severe wire
damage and could start a fire.
15
Roadside Emergencies
324
2012 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingProtected Circuits
25 15A Liftgate release
26 5A Radio frequency module
27 20A IA module
28 15A Ignition switch, Push button start
29 20A Radio, 8” SYNCMulti-function
display screen, SYNCmodule,
Global positioning system module
30 15A Front park lamps
31 5A Trailer tow brake controller
32 15A 110V AC power point, Power
folding mirror, Power mirrors,
One touch up/down front
windows, Door lock illumination
33 10A Occupant classification sensor
34 10A Blind spot monitor, Rearview
camera, Reverse sensing system
35 5A Heads-up display, Climate control
humidity sensor, Terrain
management system, Hill descent
switch, Headlamp switch IGN
sense
36 10A Not used (spare)
37 10A Restraints control module
38 10A Auto-dimming rear view mirror,
Moon roof
39 15A High beam headlamps
40 10A Rear park lamps, License plate
lamps
41 7.5A Overdrive cancel, Tow/haul
42 5A Not used (spare)
43 10A Not used (spare)
44 10A Not used (spare)
Roadside Emergencies
328
2012 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingPower Distribution Box
Description
48 — Not used
49 — Not used
50 15A* Heated mirrors
51 — Not used
52 — Not used
53 — TT left stop/turn lamps relay
54 — Not used
55 — Wiper relay
56 15A* Transmission control module
57 20A* Left high-intensity discharge (HID)
headlamps
58 10A* Alternator sensor
59 10A* Brake on/off (BOO) switch
60 10A* TT back-up lamps
61 20A* 2nd row seat release
62 10A* A/C clutch
63 15A* TT stop/turn lamps
64 15A* Rear wipers
65 30A* Fuel pump
66 — Powertrain control module (PCM)
relay
67 20A* Vehicle power (VPWR) #2 (emission
related powertrain components)
68 15A* VPWR #4 (ignition coils)
69 15A* VPWR #1 (PCM)
70 10A* VPWR #3 (coil), All-wheel drive
module, A/C clutch
71 — Not used
72 — Not used
73 — Not used
74 — Not used
75 — Not used
Roadside Emergencies
332
2012 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

ENGINE
Engines are more efficient when they are clean because grease and dirt
buildup keep the engine warmer than normal. When washing:
•Take care when using a power washer to clean the engine. The high
pressure fluid could penetrate the sealed parts and cause damage.
•Do not spray a hot engine with cold water to avoid cracking the
engine block or other engine components.
•Spray MotorcraftEngine Shampoo and Degreaser (ZC-20) on all
parts that require cleaning and pressure rinse clean. In Canada, use
MotorcraftEngine Shampoo (CXC-66-A).
•Cover the highlighted areas to prevent water damage when cleaning
the engine.
•Never wash or rinse the engine while it is hot or running; water in the
running engine may cause internal damage.
•Never wash or rinse any ignition coil, spark plug wire or spark plug
well, or the area in and around these locations.
3.5L V6 engine
Cleaning
358
2012 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

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
388
2012 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)