ignition FORD EXPLORER 2011 5.G Owners Manual
[x] Cancel search | Manufacturer: FORD, Model Year: 2011, Model line: EXPLORER, Model: FORD EXPLORER 2011 5.GPages: 449, PDF Size: 4.03 MB
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Many lights will illuminate when you start your vehicle to make sure the
indicators work. If any light remains on after starting the vehicle, refer to
the respective system warning light for additional information.
Note:Some warning lights are reconfigurable telltale (RTT) indicators.
These indicators display in the lower line of the message center near the
odometer reading. They function the same as a warning light but do not
display on startup.
Service engine soon:The service
engine soon indicator light
illuminates when the ignition is first
turned to the on position to check
the bulb and to indicate whether the vehicle is ready for
Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) testing. Normally, the service engine soon
light will stay on until the engine is cranked, then turn itself off if no
malfunctions are present. However, if after 15 seconds the service engine
soon light blinks eight times, it means that the vehicle is not ready for
I/M testing. See theReadiness for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M)
testingin theMaintenance and Specificationschapter.
Solid illumination after the engine is started indicates the on-board
diagnostics system (OBD-II) has detected a malfunction. Refer to
On-board diagnostics (OBD-II)in theMaintenance and Specifications
chapter. If the light is blinking, engine misfire is occurring which could
damage your catalytic converter. Drive in a moderate fashion (avoid
heavy acceleration and deceleration) and contact your authorized dealer
as soon as possible.
WARNING:Under engine misfire conditions, excessive exhaust
temperatures could damage the catalytic converter, the fuel
system, interior floor coverings or other vehicle components, possibly
causing a fire.
Powertrain malfunction/reduced
power (RTT):Illuminates when a
powertrain or an 4WD fault has
been detected. Contact your
authorized dealer as soon as possible.
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Brake system warning light:To
confirm the brake system warning
light is functional, it will
momentarily illuminate when the
ignition is turned to the on position
when the engine is not running, or in a position between on and start, or
by applying the parking brake when the ignition is turned to the on
position. If the brake system warning light does not illuminate at this
time, contact your authorized dealer as soon as possible. Illumination
after releasing the parking brake indicates low brake fluid level or a
brake system malfunction. Contact your authorized dealer as soon as
possible.
WARNING:Driving a vehicle with the brake system warning
light on is dangerous. A significant decrease in braking
performance may occur. It will take you longer to stop the vehicle.
Contact your authorized dealer as soon as possible. Driving extended
distances with the parking brake engaged can cause brake failure and
the risk of personal injury.
Anti-lock brake system:If the
ABS light stays illuminated or
continues to flash, a malfunction has
been detected. Contact your
authorized dealer as soon as
possible. Normal braking is still functional unless the brake warning light
also is illuminated.
Airbag readiness:If this light fails
to illuminate when the ignition is
turned to on, continues to flash or
remains on, contact your authorized
dealer as soon as possible. A chime will sound when there is a
malfunction in the indicator light.
Safety belt:Reminds you to fasten
your safety belt. A Belt-Minder
chime will also sound to remind you
to fasten your safety belt. Refer to
theSeating and Safety Restraints
chapter to activate/deactivate the Belt-Minderchime feature.
P!
BRAKE
ABS
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Charging system (RTT):
Illuminates when the battery is not
charging properly. If it stays on
while the engine is running, there
may be a malfunction with the charging system. Contact your authorized
dealer as soon as possible. This indicates a problem with the electrical
system or a related component.
Engine oil pressure (RTT):
Illuminates when the oil pressure
falls below the normal range, refer
toEngine oilin theMaintenance
and Specificationschapter.
AdvanceTrac:Displays when the
AdvanceTrac/Traction control is
active. If the light remains on, have
the system serviced immediately,
refer to theDrivingchapter for more information.
AdvanceTracoff light:
Illuminates when
AdvanceTrac/Traction control has
been disabled by the driver. Refer to
theDrivingchapter for more
information.
Low tire pressure warning:
Illuminates when your tire pressure
is low. If the light remains on at
start up or while driving, the tire
pressure should be checked. Refer
toInflating your tiresin theTires, Wheels and Loadingchapter. When
the ignition is first turned to on, the light will illuminate for 3 seconds to
ensure that it is working. If the light does not turn on or begins to flash,
contact your authorized dealer as soon as possible. For more information
on this system, refer toTire pressure monitoring system (TPMS)in
theTires, Wheels and Loadingchapter.
Low fuel (RTT):Illuminates when
the fuel level in the fuel tank is at
or near empty. Refer toFuel gauge
in this chapter.
OFF
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Engine coolant temperature:
Illuminates when the engine coolant
temperature is high. Stop the
vehicle as soon as possible, switch off the engine and let cool. Refer to
Engine coolantin theMaintenance and Specificationschapter.
WARNING:Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the
engine is running or hot.
Speed control (RTT):The speed
control system indicator light
changes color to indicate what mode
the system is in:
•On (gray light):Illuminates
when the speed control system is turned on. Turns off when the speed
control system is turned off.
•Engaged (green light):Illuminates when the speed control system is
engaged. Turns off when the speed control system is disengaged.
Adaptive cruise control (RTT)
(if equipped):The speed control
system indicator light changes color
to indicate what mode the system is
in:
•On (gray light):Illuminates when the adaptive cruise control system
is turned on. Turns off when the speed control system is turned off.
•Engaged (green light):Illuminates when the adaptive cruise control
system is engaged. Turns off when the speed control system is
disengaged.
Door ajar (RTT):Displays when
the ignition is on and any door is
not completely closed.
Tailgate ajar (RTT):Displays
when the ignition is in the on
position and the trunk is open.
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Terrain management (if
equipped):Illuminates when a
terrain management mode is
selected. SeeTerrain management
in theDrivingchapter for more
information.
Terrain management (if
equipped):Illuminates when a
terrain management mode is
selected. SeeTerrain management
in theDrivingchapter for more
information.
Terrain management (if
equipped):Illuminates when a
terrain management mode is
selected. SeeTerrain management
in theDrivingchapter for more
information.
Heads up display (if equipped):
A red beam of lights will illuminate
on the windshield in certain
instances when using adaptive
cruise control and/or the collision
warning system. It will also
illuminate momentarily when you start your vehicle to make sure the
display works. SeeUsing adaptive cruise controlin theDriving
chapter for more information.
Key-in-ignition warning chime:Sounds when the key is left in the
ignition in the off or accessory position and the driver’s door is opened.
Headlamps on warning chime:Sounds when the headlamps or parking
lamps are on, the ignition is off (the key is not in the ignition) and the
driver’s door is opened.
Parking brake on chime:Sounds when the parking brake is left on and
the vehicle is driven. If the warning stays on after the park brake is off,
contact your authorized dealer as soon as possible.
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•Engine coolant temperature
gauge (if enabled):Indicates
engine coolant temperature. At
normal operating temperature,
the level indicator will be in the
normal range. The indicator will
change colors indicating blue for
cool, gray for normal and red for
hot. If the engine coolant
temperature exceeds the normal
range, stop the vehicle as soon as
safely possible, switch off the engine and let then engine cool.
The engine coolant temperature gauge can be enabled or disabled. See
Base message centerin this chapter for information on changing the
display settings.
•4WD gauge (if equipped and
enabled):Indicates 4WD status.
SeeFour wheel drive (4wd)
systemin theDrivingchapter for
information.
3.Speedometer:Indicates the current vehicle speed.
4.Fuel gauge:Indicates approximately how much fuel is left in the fuel
tank (when the ignition is in the on position). The fuel gauge may vary
slightly when the vehicle is in motion or on a grade. The fuel icon and
arrow indicates which side of the vehicle the fuel filler door is located.
H
C
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REMOVE OBJECTS NEAR PASS SEAT— Displayed when objects
are by the passenger seat. After the objects are moved away from the
seat, if the warning stays on or continues to come on contact your
authorized dealer as soon as possible.
TRACTION CONTROL OFF— Displayed when the traction control
has been disabled by the driver. Refer to theDrivingchapter for more
information.
AUTOMATIC BRAKING TURNED OFF (if equipped)— Displayed
when adaptive cruise control automatic braking is turned off.
AWD OFF (if equipped)— Displayed when the 4WD system has been
automatically disabled to protect itself. This is caused by operating the
vehicle with the compact spare tire installed or if the system is
overheating. The 4WD system will resume normal function and clear this
message after driving a short distance with the road tire re-installed or
after the system is allowed to cool.
CHECK AWD (if equipped)— Displayed in conjunction with the
throttle control/transmission/4WD
light when the 4WD system is
not operating properly. If the warning stays on or continues to come on,
contact your authorized dealer as soon as possible.
POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT— The power steering system has
disabled power steering assist due to a system error, service is required.
SERVICE POWER STEERING— The power steering system has
detected a condition that requires service.
SERVICE POWER STEERING NOW— The power steering system
has detected a condition within the power steering system that requires
service immediately.
ACCESSORY POWER ACTIVE (if equipped)— Displayed when the
vehicle is in the accessory ignition state on keyless vehicles.
COULD NOT PROGRAM INTEGRATED KEY— Displayed when an
attempt is made to program a spare key using two existing MyKeys.
Refer toMyKey™in theLocks and Securitychapter for more
information.
KEY PROGRAMMED 3 KEYS TOTAL— Displayed during spare key
programming, when a third Intelligent Access Key is programmed to the
system.
KEY PROGRAMMED 4 KEYS TOTAL— Displayed during spare key
programming, when a fourth Intelligent Access Key is programmed to
the system.
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MAX NUMBER OF KEYS PROGRAMMED— Displayed during spare key
programming when the maximum number of keys have been programmed.
MYKEY ACTIVE DRIVE SAFELY— Displayed when MyKey™ is active.
MYKEY NOT CREATED— Displayed during key programming when
MyKey™ cannot be programmed.
NO KEY DETECTED (if equipped)— Displayed if the Intelligent
Access Key is not detected by the system in the following three scenarios:
•When the start/stop button is pressed in an attempt to either start the
engine or cycle through the ignition states.
•When the engine is running and a door is opened then closed.
•When the vehicle’s speed exceeds 10 mph (16 km/h) for the first time
after starting. Refer toPush button start systemin theDrivingchapter
for more information.
PRESS BRAKE TO START (if equipped)— Displayed when the
start/stop button is pressed without the brake pedal being applied. This
is a reminder that the brake pedal must be applied when the start/stop
button is pressed in order to start the engine.
RESTART NOW OR KEY IS NEEDED (if equipped)— Displayed
when the start/stop button is pressed to shut off the engine and a
Intelligent Access Key is not detected inside the vehicle. Refer toPush
button start systemin theDrivingchapter for more information.
SPEED LIMITED TO 130 KM/H— Displayed when starting the
vehicle and MyKey™ is in use and the MyKey speed limit is on. Refer to
MyKey™in theLocks and Securitychapter for more information.
SPEED LIMITED TO 80 MPH— Displayed when starting the vehicle
and MyKey™ is in use and the MyKey speed limit is on. Refer to
MyKey™in theLocks and Securitychapter for more information.
STARTING SYSTEM FAULT— This message is displayed when there
is a problem with your vehicle’s starting security system; your vehicle
will not be able to start. See your authorized dealer for service.
VEHICLE AT TOP SPEED OF MYKEY SETTING— Displayed when
a MyKey™ is in use and the MyKey speed limit is on and the vehicle
speed is 80 mph (130 km/h). Refer toMyKey™in theLocks and
Securitychapter for more information.
VEHICLE NEAR TOP SPEED— Displayed when a MyKey™ is in use
and the MyKey speed limit is on and the vehicle speed is approaching
80 mph (130 km/h). Refer toMyKey™in theLocks and Security
chapter for more information.
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HILL DESCENT CONTROL ACTIVE (if equipped)— Displayed
when hill descent control mode becomes active.
HILL DESCENT CONTROL FAULT (if equipped)— Displayed when
a hill descent system fault is present.
HILL DESCENT CONTROL OFF (if equipped)— Displayed when hill
descent control mode becomes inactive.
HILL DESCENT CONTROL OFF SYSTEM COOLING (if equipped)
— Displayed when hill descent control mode is disabled to cool the
brake system.
HILL DESCENT CONTROL READY (if equipped)— Displayed
when hill descent control mode is ready.
MODE CHANGE NOT ACCEPTED, RETRY (if equipped)—
Displayed when hill descent control mode cannot be changed at time of
driver request.
OFF ROAD MODE ENABLED (if equipped)— Displayed when off
road mode becomes active.
TERRAIN MANAGEMENT MUD, RUT MODE (if equipped)—
Displays driver selected terrain management mode.
TERRAIN MANAGEMENT NORMAL MODE (if equipped)—
Displays driver selected terrain management mode.
TERRAIN MANAGEMENT SAND MODE (if equipped)— Displays
driver selected terrain management mode.
TERRAIN MANAGEMENT SNOW MODE (if equipped)— Displays
driver selected terrain management mode.
TERRAIN MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FAULT (if equipped)—
Displays when the terrain management system detects an error.
TO STOP ALARM START VEHICLE— Displayed when the perimeter
alarm system is armed and the vehicle is entered using the key on the
driver’s side door. In order to prevent the perimeter alarm system from
triggering, the ignition must be turned to start or on before the
12 second chime expires. SeePerimeter alarm systemin theLocks and
securitychapter.
TRAILER SWAY REDUCE SPEED (if equipped)— Displayed when
the trailer sway control has detected trailer sway. For more information,
refer to theDrivingchapter for more information.
TRANSPORT MODE CONTACT DEALER— Contact your authorized
dealer as soon as possible.
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MODE CHANGE NOT ACCEPTED, RETRY (if equipped)—
Displayed when hill descent control mode cannot be changed at time of
driver request.
OFF ROAD MODE ENABLED (if equipped)— Displayed when off
road mode becomes active.
TERRAIN MANAGEMENT MUD, RUT MODE (if equipped)—
Displays driver selected terrain management mode.
TERRAIN MANAGEMENT NORMAL MODE (if equipped)—
Displays driver selected terrain management mode.
TERRAIN MANAGEMENT SAND MODE (if equipped)— Displays
driver selected terrain management mode.
TERRAIN MANAGEMENT SNOW MODE (if equipped)— Displays
driver selected terrain management mode.
TERRAIN MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FAULT (if equipped)—
Displays when the terrain management system detects an error.
ACCESSORY POWER ACTIVE (if equipped)— Displayed when the
vehicle is in the accessory ignition state for keyless vehicles.
CHECK SPEED DRIVE SAFELY— Displayed when a MyKey™ is in
use and the optional setting is on and the vehicle exceeds a preselected
speed. Refer toMyKey™in theLocks and Securitychapter for more
information.
COULD NOT PROGRAM KEY— Displayed when an attempt is made
to program a spare key using two existing MyKeys. Refer toMyKey™in
theLocks and Securitychapter for more information.
KEY PROGRAMMED 3 KEYS TOTAL— Displayed during spare key
programming, when a third Intelligent Access Key is programmed to the
system.
KEY PROGRAMMED 4 KEYS TOTAL— Displayed during spare key
programming, when a fourth Intelligent Access Key is programmed to
the system.
MAX NUMBER OF KEYS PROGRAMMED— Displayed during spare
key programming when the maximum number of keys have been
programmed.
MYKEY ACTIVE DRIVE SAFELY— Displayed when MyKey™ is
active.
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