warning FORD EXPLORER 2023 Owners Manual

•Box trailers that have a width greaterthan 8.2 ft (2.5 m) could cause earlyalerts when you pass a vehicle.
•Clam shell or V-Nose box trailers witha width greater than 8.2 ft (2.5 m)could cause delayed alerts when avehicle traveling the same speed asyour vehicle merges lanes.
System Errors
If the system detects a fault, a warninglamp illuminates and a message displays.See Information Messages (page 119).
Switching the System On and Off
You can switch the blind spot informationsystem with trailer tow off by not selectinga trailer in the information display. SeeGeneral Information (page 115). In thiscase, the system turns off as long as atrailer is attached to your vehicle. As soonas you disconnect the trailer, the blind spotinformation system becomes active.
When you switch the system off, a warninglamp illuminates and the alert indicatorsflash twice.
Note:The system remembers the lasttrailer setting when you start your vehicle.
You cannot switch off the blind spotinformation system with trailer tow whenusing MyKey, but you can still change thetrailer settings. See MyKey™ (page 64).
To permanently switch the system off,contact an authorized dealer.
CROSS TRAFFIC ALERT
WARNING: Do not use the crosstraffic alert system as a replacement forusing the interior and exterior mirrors orlooking over your shoulder beforereversing out of a parking space. Thecross traffic alert system is not areplacement for careful driving.
WARNING: The system may notoperate properly during severe weatherconditions, for example snow, ice, heavyrain and spray. Always drive with duecare and attention. Failure to take caremay result in a crash.
The system alerts you of vehiclesapproaching from the sides behind yourvehicle when you shift into reverse (R).
Using Cross Traffic Alert
The system detects vehicles that approachat a speed between 4 mph (6 km/h) and37 mph (60 km/h). Coverage decreaseswhen the sensors are partially, mostly orfully obstructed. Slowly reversing helpsincrease the coverage area andeffectiveness.
The system turns on when you start theengine and you shift into reverse (R). Thesystem turns off when you shift out ofreverse (R).
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Cross Traffic Alert Indicator
When the system detects anapproaching vehicle, a tonesounds, a warning lampilluminates in the relevant exterior mirrorand arrows appear in the informationdisplay to show which side theapproaching vehicle is coming from.
Note:If arrows do not display, a messageappears in the information display.
If the system malfunctions, a warning lampilluminates in the instrument cluster anda message appears in the informationdisplay. Have your vehicle checked as soonas possible.
Note:In exceptional conditions, the systemcould alert you, even when there is nothingin the detection zone, for example a vehiclepassing further away from your vehicle.
Cross Traffic Alert Information Messages
ActionMessage
Displays instead of indication arrows when the systemdetects a vehicle. Check for approaching traffic.Cross Traffic Alert
Indicates blocked cross traffic alert system sensors. Cleanthe sensors. If the message continues to appear, have yourvehicle checked as soon as possible.
Cross Traffic Not Avail-able Sensor Blocked SeeManual
The system has malfunctioned. Have your vehicle checkedas soon as possible.Cross Traffic SystemFault
Displays if you attach a trailer to your vehicle.Cross Traffic Alert Deac-tivated Trailer Attached
SPEED SIGN RECOGNITION (IF
EQUIPPED)
Principle of Operation
WARNING: You are responsible forcontrolling your vehicle at all times. Thesystem is designed to be an aid and doesnot relieve you of your responsibility todrive with due care and attention. Failureto follow this instruction could result inthe loss of control of your vehicle,personal injury or death.
WARNING: In cold and severeweather conditions the system may notfunction. Rain, snow and spray can alllimit sensor performance.
WARNING: The system may notoperate properly if the sensor is blocked.Keep the windshield free fromobstruction.
The system is designed to detect speedlimit signs to inform you of the currentspeed limit. Detected speed signs appearin the information display. The sensor isbehind the interior mirror.
Note:Do not carry out windshield repairsin the immediate area surrounding thesensor.
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Note:Speed sign data provided by thenavigation system contains informationintegrated to the data carrier release.
Note:The system may not detect orcorrectly read all speed signs.
Note:If your vehicle has a suspension kitnot approved by us, the system may notcorrectly function.
Note:Always replace headlamp bulbs withthose specifically designed for your vehicle.Other bulbs could reduce systemperformance.
The system turns on when you switch theignition on, and you cannot switch thesystem off.
Using Speed Sign Recognition
Setting the System Speed Warning
You can set the system speed warning toalert you when the vehicle speed exceedsthe speed limit recognized by the systemby a certain speed tolerance.
Note:The system remembers the lastsetting when you start your vehicle.
System Display
When the system detects a speed limitsign, the speed limit appears in theinformation display.
Note:If your vehicle has a navigationsystem, stored speed sign data couldinfluence the indicated speed limit value.
To switch the system off or to adjust thesettings, use the touchscreen:
1.Press Settings on the touchscreen.
2.Press Driver Assistance.
3.Press Speed Sign Recognition.
4.Press Speed Warning.
5.Press Tolerance.
6.Use + and - to set the tolerance.
Information Messages
ActionMessage
The traffic sign data provided by the navig-ation system is unavailable due to a weaksignal, or no signal. Wait for a short periodof time for the signal to improve. If themessage continues to appear, have yourvehicle checked as soon as possible.
Traffic Sign Reduced Performance SeeManual
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STEERING
Electric Power Steering
WARNING: The electric powersteering system has diagnostic checksthat continuously monitor the system. Ifa fault is detected, a message displaysin the information display. Stop yourvehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.Switch the ignition off. After at least 10seconds, switch the ignition on andwatch the information display for asteering system warning message. If asteering system warning messagereturns, have the system checked assoon as possible.
WARNING: If the system detectsan error, you may not feel a difference inthe steering, however a serious conditionmay exist. Have your vehicle checked assoon as possible. Failure to do so mayresult in loss of steering control.
Your vehicle has an electric power steeringsystem, there is no fluid reservoir, nomaintenance is required.
If your vehicle loses electrical power whileyou are driving, electric power steeringassistance is lost. The steering system stilloperates and you can steer your vehiclemanually. Manually steering your vehiclerequires more effort.
Extreme continuous steering may increasethe effort required for you to steer yourvehicle, this increased effort preventsoverheating and permanent damage tothe steering system. You do not lose theability to steer your vehicle manually.Typical steering and driving maneuversallow the system to cool and return tonormal operation.
Steering Tips
If the steering wanders or pulls, check for:
•Correct tire pressures.
•Uneven tire wear.
•Loose or worn suspensioncomponents.
•Loose or worn steering components.
•Improper vehicle alignment.
Note:A high crown in the road or highcrosswinds may also make the steeringseem to wander or pull.
Adaptive Learning (If Equipped)
The electronic power steering systemadaptive learning helps correct roadirregularities and improves overall handlingand steering feel. It communicates withthe brake system to help operateadvanced stability control and accidentavoidance systems. Additionally, wheneverthe battery is disconnected or a newbattery installed, you must drive yourvehicle a short distance before the systemrelearns the strategy and reactivates allsystems.
PRE-COLLISION ASSIST
WARNING: You are responsible forcontrolling your vehicle at all times. Thesystem is designed to be an aid and doesnot relieve you of your responsibility todrive with due care and attention. Failureto follow this instruction could result inthe loss of control of your vehicle,personal injury or death.
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WARNING: The system does notdetect vehicles that are driving in adifferent direction, cyclists or animals.Apply the brakes when necessary. Failureto follow this instruction could result inthe loss of control of your vehicle,personal injury or death.
WARNING: The system does notoperate during hard acceleration orsteering. Failure to take care may leadto a crash or personal injury.
WARNING: Some situations andobjects prevent hazard detection. Forexample low or direct sunlight, inclementweather, unconventional vehicle types,and pedestrians. Apply the brakes whennecessary. Failure to follow thisinstruction could result in the loss ofcontrol of your vehicle, personal injury ordeath.
WARNING: The system may notoperate properly during severe weatherconditions, for example snow, ice, heavyrain and spray. Always drive with duecare and attention. Failure to take caremay result in a crash.
WARNING: The system cannothelp prevent all crashes. Do not rely onthis system to replace driver judgmentand the need to maintain a safe distanceand speed.
Note:Keep the sensors free from snow, iceand large accumulations of dirt.
Using the Pre-Collision AssistSystem
The system is active at speeds aboveapproximately 3 mph (5 km/h) andpedestrian detection is active at speedsup to 50 mph (80 km/h).
If your vehicle is rapidly approachinganother stationary vehicle, a vehicletraveling in the same direction as yours, ora pedestrian within your driving path, thesystem design provides three levels offunctionality:
1.Alert.
2.Brake Support.
3.Active Braking.
Alert: When active, a flashing visualwarning appears and an audible warningtone sounds.
Brake Support: The system design helpsreduce the impact speed by preparing thebrakes for rapid braking. Brake supportdoes not automatically apply the brakes.If you press the brake pedal, the systemcould apply additional braking up tomaximum braking force, even if you lightlypress the brake pedal.
Active Braking: Active braking mayactivate if the system determines that acollision is imminent. The system may helpthe driver reduce impact damage or avoidthe crash completely.
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Note:Brake support and active braking areactive at speeds up to 75 mph (120 km/h).If your vehicle has a radar sensor includedwith adaptive cruise control, then brakesupport and active braking are active up tothe maximum speed of the vehicle.
Note:If you perceive pre-collision assistalerts as being too frequent or disturbing,then you can reduce the alert sensitivity,though we recommend using the highestsensitivity setting where possible. Settinglower sensitivity would lead to fewer andlater system warnings.
Distance Indication and Alert (If
Equipped)
Distance indication and alert is a functionthat provides the driver with a graphicalindication of the time gap to otherpreceding vehicles traveling in the samedirection. Distance indication and alertshows one of the graphics that follow inthe information display.
If the time gap to a preceding vehicle issmall, a red visual indication displays tothe driver.
Note:Distance indication and alertdeactivates and the graphics do not displaywhen adaptive cruise control is active.
Time GapDistance GapGraphicsSensitivitySpeed
>0.9sec>82 ft (25 m)GreyNormal62 mph(100 km/h)
0.6sec —0.9sec56–82 ft(17–25 m)YellowNormal62 mph(100 km/h)
<0.6sec<56 ft (17 m)RedNormal62 mph(100 km/h)
Evasive Steering Assist (If Equipped)
If your vehicle is rapidly approaching astationary vehicle or a vehicle traveling inthe same direction as your vehicle, thesystem design helps you steer around thevehicle.
The system only activates when all of thefollowing occur:
•The system detects a vehicle aheadand starts to apply active braking.
•You turn the steering wheel in anattempt to steer around the vehicle.
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GENERAL INFORMATION
WARNING: Make sure that youproperly secure objects in the luggagecompartment. Failure to follow thisinstruction could result in personal injuryin the event of a sudden stop or crash.
WARNING: Do not place objectson the luggage cover. Failure to followthis instruction could result in personalinjury or death in the event of a suddenstop or crash.
WARNING: The appropriateloading capacity of your vehicle can belimited either by volume capacity (howmuch space is available) or by payloadcapacity (how much weight the vehicleshould carry). Once you have reachedthe maximum payload of your vehicle,do not add more cargo, even if there isspace available. Overloading orimproperly loading your vehicle cancontribute to loss of vehicle control andvehicle rollover.
WARNING: Make sure that you fullyclose the liftgate to prevent exhaustfumes from entering your vehicle. If youare unable to fully close the liftgate,open the air vents or the windows toallow fresh air to enter your vehicle.Failure to follow this instruction couldresult in personal injury or death.
WARNING: Do not exceed themaximum front and rear axle loads foryour vehicle.
Note:When loading long objects into yourvehicle, for example pipes, timber orfurniture be careful not to damage theinterior trim.
REAR UNDER FLOOR
STORAGE
Spare Tire Cover (If Equipped)
The system is in the floor of the cargo area.
Remove the additional cover to access thespare tire and fuel filler.
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Adjustable Load Floor (If Equipped)
Vehicles with the standard size spare tirecan adjust the load floor to two positions.At the high position, you can place the frontof the load floor on the ledge behind therear seat and on the ledge of the liftgatescuff trim. At the low position, you can tuckthe front of the load floor into the lowerforward area of the spare tire cover andrest the load floor on top of the spare tirecover, or spare tire cover weather mat.
CARGO NETS
WARNING: This net is not designedto restrain objects during a collision orheavy braking.
The cargo net secures lightweight objectsin the cargo area. Attach the net to theanchors provided. Repeat the attachmenton both sides of the vehicle.
ROOF RACKS AND LOAD
CARRIERS
WARNING: When loading the roofracks, we recommend you evenlydistribute the load, as well as maintaina low center of gravity. Loaded vehicles,with higher centers of gravity, mayhandle differently than unloadedvehicles. Take extra precautions, suchas slower speeds and increased stoppingdistance, when driving a heavily loadedvehicle.
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Tire and Loading Label InformationExample:
Payload
Payload is the combined weightof cargo and passengers that yourvehicle is carrying. The maximumpayload for your vehicle appearson the Tire and Loading label. Thelabel is either on the B-pillar or theedge of the driver door. Vehiclesexported outside the US andCanada may not have a tire andloading label. Look for “Thecombined weight of occupantsand cargo should never exceedXXX kg OR XXX lb” for maximumpayload. The payload listed on theTire and Loading Information label
is the maximum payload for yourvehicle as built by the assemblyplant. If you install any additionalequipment on your vehicle, youmust determine the new payload.Subtract the weight of theequipment from the payload listedon the Tire and Loading label.When towing, trailer tongueweight or king pin weight is alsopart of payload.
WARNING: Theappropriate loading capacity ofyour vehicle can be limited eitherby volume capacity (how muchspace is available) or by payloadcapacity (how much weight thevehicle should carry). Once youhave reached the maximumpayload of your vehicle, do notadd more cargo, even if there isspace available. Overloading orimproperly loading your vehiclecan contribute to loss of vehiclecontrol and vehicle rollover.
GAWR (Gross Axle WeightRating)
GAWR is the maximum allowableweight that a single axle (front orrear) can carry. These numbersare on the Safety ComplianceCertification label. The label islocated on the door hinge pillar,door-latch post, or the door edgethat meets the door-latch post,next to the driver seating position.
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The total load on each axle mustnever exceed its Gross AxleWeight Rating.
GVWR (Gross Vehicle WeightRating)
GVWR is the maximum allowableweight of the fully loaded vehicle.This includes all options,equipment, passengers and cargo.It appears on the SafetyCompliance Certification label.The label is located on the doorhinge pillar, door-latch post, or thedoor edge that meets thedoor-latch post, next to the driverseating position.
The gross vehicle weight mustnever exceed the Gross VehicleWeight Rating.
Safety Compliance Certification LabelExample:
WARNING: Exceeding theSafety Compliance Certificationlabel vehicle weight limits canadversely affect theperformance and handling ofyour vehicle, cause vehicledamage and can result in theloss of control of your vehicle,serious personal injury or death.
Maximum Loaded TrailerWeight
Maximum loaded trailer weight isthe highest possible weight of afully loaded trailer the vehicle cantow. Consult an authorized dealer(or the RV and Trailer TowingGuide available at an authorizeddealer) for more detailed
information.
GCWR (Gross CombinedWeight Rating)
GCWR is the maximum allowableweight of the vehicle and theloaded trailer, including all cargoand passengers, that the vehiclecan handle without riskingdamage. (Important: The towingvehicle’s braking system is ratedfor operation at Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating, not at GrossCombined Weight Rating.)Separate functional brakes should
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