roof rack FORD EXPLORER 2012 5.G Owners Manual

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Note:If the power liftgate system is turned off in the message center,
the system cannot be activated with the outside release handle or
control button on the liftgate. The system will need to be turned on to
resume operation with the outside release handle or control button on
the liftgate. The power liftgate is still operational through the use of the
transmitter and instrument panel button when the power liftgate is
turned off in the message center.
ROOF RACK SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)
Loads should never be placed directly on the roof panel. For proper
function of the roof rack system, loads must be placed directly on
crossbars affixed to the roof rack side rails. Your vehicle may be
equipped with factory-installed crossbars. Ford Genuine Accessory
crossbars, designed specifically for your vehicle, are also recommended
for use with your roof rack system.
The vehicle’s roof panel isNOTdesigned to directly carry a load.The
maximum recommended load is 100 lb (45 kg), evenly distributed
on the crossbars.Ensure that the load is securely fastened. When the
rail system is loaded, check the tightness of the load before driving and
at each fuel stop.
WARNING:When loading the roof rail crossbars, it is
recommended to evenly distribute the load, as well as maintain a
low center of gravity. Loaded vehicles, with higher centers of gravity,
may handle differently than unloaded vehicles. Extra precautions, such
as slower speeds and increased stopping distance, should be taken
when driving a heavily loaded vehicle.
Your vehicle may be equipped with
factory or dealer-installed crossbars
that may be easily adjusted to
accommodate a wide range of roof
mounted accessories.
To adjust crossbar position (if
equipped):
1. Loosen the tie-down hooks at
both sides of the crossbar by
turning counterclockwise. (A small
screwdriver or similar tool can be used to break the torque by inserting
the shaft into the tie-down hook and twisting.)
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2. Slide the crossbar to the desired position. This may require someone
on each side of the crossbar.
3. Tighten the tie-down hooks at both sides of the crossbar by turning
clockwise until tight. (A small screwdriver or similar tool can be used to
tighten the hook an additional half turn.)
Be sure to check that the tie-down hooks are tight each time load is
added or removed from the roof rack, and periodically while traveling.
Always ensure that the load is secure before traveling.
Note:Wind noise can be minimized by either removing or repositioning
the crossbars when they are not is use. Position the rear crossbar fully
rearward and the front crossbar 10 inches (25 cm) from the front
end-cap.
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ADVANCETRACWITH ROLL STABILITY CONTROL™ (RSC)
STABILITY ENHANCEMENT SYSTEM
The AdvanceTracwith RSCsystem provides the following stability
enhancement features for certain driving situations:
•Traction control system (TCS), which functions to help avoid
drive-wheel spin and loss of traction.
•Electronic stability control (ESC), which functions to help avoid skids
or lateral slides.
•Roll Stability Control™ (RSC), which functions to help avoid a
vehicle roll-over.
•Curve Control, which functions to help maintain the desired turn by
reducing speed.
WARNING:Vehicle modifications involving braking system,
aftermarket roof racks, suspension, steering system, tire
construction and/or wheel/tire size may change the handling
characteristics of the vehicle and may adversely affect the performance
of the AdvanceTracwith RSCsystem. In addition, installing any
stereo loudspeakers may interfere with and adversely affect the
AdvanceTracwith RSCsystem. Install any aftermarket stereo
loudspeaker as far as possible from the front center console, the
tunnel, and the front seats in order to minimize the risk of interfering
with the AdvanceTracwith RSCsensors. Reducing the effectiveness
of the AdvanceTracwith RSCsystem could lead to an increased risk
of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal injury and death.
WARNING:Remember that even advanced technology cannot
defy the laws of physics. It’s always possible to lose control of a
vehicle due to inappropriate driver input for the conditions. Aggressive
driving on any road condition can cause you to lose control of your
vehicle increasing the risk of personal injury or property damage.
Activation of the AdvanceTracwith RSCsystem is an indication that
at least some of the tires have exceeded their ability to grip the road;
this could reduce the operator’s ability to control the vehicle,
potentially resulting in a loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover,
personal injury and death. If your AdvanceTracwith RSCsystem
activates, SLOW DOWN.
Driving
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WAXING
•Wash the vehicle first.
•Use a quality wax that does not contain abrasives.
•Do not allow paint sealant to come in contact with any non-body
(low-gloss black) colored trim, such as grained door handles, roof
racks, bumpers, side moldings, mirror housings or the windshield cowl
area. The paint sealant will “gray” or stain the parts over time.
PAINT CHIPS
Your authorized dealer has touch-up paint to match your vehicle’s color.
Take your color code (printed on a sticker in the driver’s door jamb) to
your authorized dealer to ensure you get the correct color.
•Remove particles such as bird droppings, tree sap, insect deposits, tar
spots, road salt and industrial fallout before repairing paint chips.
•Always read the instructions before using the products.
ALUMINUM WHEELS AND WHEEL COVERS
Aluminum wheels and wheel covers are coated with a clear coat paint
finish. In order to maintain their shine:
•Clean weekly with MotorcraftWheel and Tire Cleaner, which is
available from your authorized dealer. Heavy dirt and brake dust
accumulation may require agitation with a sponge. Rinse thoroughly
with a strong stream of water.
•Never apply any cleaning chemical to hot or warm wheel rims or
covers.
•Some automatic car washes may cause damage to the finish on your
wheel rims or covers. Industrial-strength (heavy-duty) cleaners, or
cleaning chemicals, in combination with brush agitation to remove
brake dust and dirt, could wear away the clear coat finish over time.
•Do not use hydrofluoric acid-based or high caustic-based wheel
cleaners, steel wool, fuels or strong household detergent.
•To remove tar and grease, use MotorcraftBug and Tar Remover ,
available from your authorized dealer.
Cleaning
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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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P
Parental MyKey
programming .............................127
Park Assist ................................300
Parking brake ............................274
Parts
(see Motorcraftparts) ...........401
Passenger Occupant
Classification Sensor .................177
Pedals (see Power adjustable
foot pedals) .................................97
Power adjustable foot pedals .....97
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................329
Power door locks ......................133
Power liftgate ............................120
Power mirrors .............................95
Powerpoint ..................................90
Power steering ..........................282
Power Windows ...........................93
Preparing to drive your
vehicle ........................................283
Push button start system .........267
R
Rear-view camera system .........293
Rear window defroster ...............68
Recommendations for
attaching safety restraints for
children ......................................210
Relays ........................................324
Remote entry system .......136–137
illuminated entry ............142–143locking/unlocking doors .........138
opening the trunk ...................139
Remote start ...........................143
replacement/additional
transmitters .............................142
replacing the batteries ...........140
Remote start .............................143
Remote start climate
operation .....................................69
Reverse sensing system ...........291
Roadside assistance ..................322
Roof rack ...................................124
S
Safety belts (see Safety
restraints) ..179, 181–182, 186–187
Safety Canopy ...........................204
Safety defects, reporting ..........355
Safety
restraints ...179, 181–182, 186–187
Belt-Minder...........................188
extension assembly ................186
for adults .................181–182, 186
for children .............................207
inflatable safety belt ...............184
Occupant Classification
Sensor ......................................177
warning light and
chime ...............................187–188
Safety restraints - LATCH
anchors ......................................218
Safety seats for children ..........212
Safety Compliance
Certification Label ....................406
Satellite Radio Information ........53
Index
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