fuel FORD EXPLORER 2012 5.G Owner's Manual

Collision Warning
System MessagesAction / Description
COLLISION
WARNING
MALFUNCTIONDisplayed when there is a system malfunction
with the collision warning system. The system
will be disabled.
Door Messages Action / Description
X DOOR AJARDisplayed when a door is not completely
closed.
LIFTGATE AJARDisplayed when the liftgate is not completely
closed.
Fuel Messages Action / Description
CHECK FUEL FILL
INLETDisplayed when the fuel fill inlet may not be
properly closed. Refer toEasy Fuel“no cap”
fuel systemin theMaintenance and
Specificationschapter.
FUEL LEVEL LOW
XXX MI TO EDisplayed as an early reminder of a low fuel
condition.
General Messages Action / Description
SHIFT TO PARKDisplayed when the engine is turned off with
the shift select lever in any position other than
P (Park).
STEERING LOCK
TURN WHEEL TO
UNLOCKDisplays when you need to turn the steering
wheel in order to disengage the steering lock.
Instrument Cluster
41
2012 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

Automatic dimming interior rear view mirror (if equipped)
The interior rear view mirror has an auto-dimming function. The
electronic day/night mirror will change from the normal (high reflective)
state to the non-glare (darkened) state when bright lights (glare) reach
the mirror. When the mirror detects bright light from behind the vehicle,
it will automatically adjust (darken) to minimize glare.
The mirror will automatically return to the normal state whenever the
vehicle is placed in R (Reverse) to ensure a bright clear view when
backing up.
Do not block the sensors on the front and back of the interior
rear view mirror since this may impair proper mirror
performance.
Note:A rear center passenger and/or raised rear center headrest (if
equipped) may also block the light from reaching the sensor.
Do not clean the housing or glass of any mirror with harsh
abrasives, fuel or other petroleum-based cleaning products.
EXTERIOR MIRRORS
Power side view mirrors
WARNING:Do not adjust the mirror while the vehicle is in
motion.
To adjust your mirrors:
1. Press the left or right mirror
button to select the mirror to be
adjusted. An indicator light on the
button will illuminate.
2. Use the control below the mirror
buttons to adjust the position of the
mirror.
3. Press the mirror button again to
deselect the mirror. The indicator
light will turn off.
Driver Controls
95
2012 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

Memory feature (if equipped)
The power side view mirror positions are saved when doing a memory
set function and can be recalled along with the vehicle personality
features when a memory position is selected through the remote entry
transmitter, keyless entry keypad or memory switch on the driver’s door.
Refer toMemory featurein theSeating and Safety Restraintschapter.
Heated outside mirrors
(if equipped)
Both mirrors are heated
automatically to remove ice, mist
and fog when the rear window
defrost is activated.
Do not remove ice from the
mirrors with a scraper or
attempt to readjust the mirror
glass if it is frozen in place.
These actions could cause damage to the glass and mirrors.
Do not clean the housing or glass of any mirror with harsh
abrasives, fuel or other petroleum-based cleaning products.
Fold-away mirrors
Fold the side mirrors in carefully before driving through a narrow space,
like an automatic car wash.
Powerfold mirrors (if equipped)
You can fold the side mirrors
simultaneously using the power
mirror button. Press the button to
fold the mirrors in or out. Powerfold
the side mirrors in carefully when
driving through a narrow space, like
an automatic car wash.
The powerfold mirrors may be moved inward/outward manually.
However, if a mirror is moved manually, it will need to be reset. A mirror
which has not been reset may appear to be loose. To reset: momentarily
press the button to fold the mirrors in. An audible “click” will be heard
indicating re-synchronization. If the click is not heard, use the switch to
fold the mirrors out, then in, until the click is heard. After that, the
mirrors will operate normally until they are again moved manually.
Driver Controls
96
2012 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

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.)
Driver Controls
124
2012 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

The IA key also contains a
removable mechanical key blade
that can be used to unlock the
driver door. To release the
mechanical key blade, slide the
release on the back of the
transmitter and pull the blade out.
Your IA keys are programmed to
your vehicle. You cannot enter or start your vehicle with an
unprogrammed key. If you lose one or both of your IA keys,
replacements are available from your authorized dealer. For more
information on programming replacement IA keys, refer to the
SecuriLockpassive anti-theft systemsection in this chapter.
Note:Your vehicle’s IA back-up
keys were issued with a security tag
that provides important vehicle key
cut information. It is recommended
that you keep the tag in a safe place
for future reference.
MYKEY
The MyKeyfeature allows you to program a restricted driving mode to
promote good driving habits. All but one of the keys programmed to the
vehicle can be activated as a MyKey. The key will remain restricted
until MyKeyis cleared. Any remaining keys are referred to as an
“administrator key” or admin key. The admin key can be used to create a
MyKey, program optional MyKeysettings, and clear the MyKey
feature. When the MyKeyfeature is enabled the user can use system
check in the message center to see how many MyKeysand admin keys
are programmed to the vehicle, and see the total distance the vehicle has
been driven with the MyKeyactive.
MyKeyrestricted features
Standard settings – these settings cannot be changed
•The audio system will be muted whenever Belt-Minderis activated
until the safety belts are buckled. Refer to theSeating and Safety
Restraintschapter for a detailed description of Belt-Minder
operation.
•Low fuel warnings are displayed in the message center followed by a
chime when the distance to empty value reaches 75 miles (120 km).
Locks and Security
127
2012 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

Vehicles with automatic climate control can be configured to operate
when the vehicle is started. Refer toRemote start climate optionsin
theClimate Controlschapter for more information and also refer to
Message centerin theInstrument Clusterchapter to learn how to
enable different climate options. A manual climate control system will
run at the setting it was set to when the vehicle was last turned off.
To help make the vehicle as comfortable as possible, the engine idle can
be increased during a remote start. You can enable or disable engine idle
increase by selecting Remote Start Quiet in the message center. Refer to
Message centerin theInstrument Clusterchapter.
Many states and provinces have restrictions for the use of remote start.
Check your local and state or provincial laws for specific requirements
regarding remote start systems.
Note:Do not use remote start if your vehicle is low on fuel.
WARNING:To avoid exhaust fumes, do not use remote start if
your vehicle is parked indoors or areas that are not well
ventilated.
The remote start system will not work if:
•The ignition is on.
•The alarm system is triggered.
•The feature has been disabled.
•The hood is not closed.
•Two remote vehicle starts have already been attempted within the last
hour.
•The vehicle is not in P (Park).
•The vehicle battery voltage is too low.
Starting the engine with remote start
The remote start label on your transmitter details the engine starting
procedure. To start the engine using remote start:
Note:Each button press must be done within three seconds of each
other. If this sequence is not followed, the vehicle will not remote start
and the horn will not chirp.
Locks and Security
144
2012 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS)
Each tire, including the spare (if
provided), should be checked
monthly when cold and inflated to
the inflation pressure recommended
by the vehicle manufacturer on the
vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label. (If your vehicle has tires
of a different size than the size indicated on the vehicle placard or tire
inflation pressure label, you should determine the proper tire inflation
pressure for those tires.)
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been equipped with a tire
pressure monitoring system (TPMS) that illuminates a low tire pressure
telltale when one or more of your tires is significantly under-inflated.
Accordingly, when the low tire pressure telltale illuminates, you should
stop and check your tires as soon as possible, and inflate them to the
proper pressure. Driving on a significantly under-inflated tire causes the
tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure. Under-inflation also reduces
fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect the vehicle’s handling
and stopping ability.
Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire
maintenance, and it is the driver’s responsibility to maintain correct tire
pressure, even if under-inflation has not reached the level to trigger
illumination of the TPMS low tire pressure telltale.
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS malfunction indicator
to indicate when the system is not operating properly. The TPMS
malfunction indicator is combined with the low tire pressure telltale.
When the system detects a malfunction, the telltale will flash for
approximately one minute and then remain continuously illuminated.
This sequence will continue upon subsequent vehicle start-ups as long as
the malfunction exists.
When the malfunction indicator is illuminated, the system may not be
able to detect or signal low tire pressure as intended. TPMS malfunctions
may occur for a variety of reasons, including the installation of
replacement or alternate tires or wheels on the vehicle that prevent the
TPMS from functioning properly. Always check the TPMS malfunction
telltale after replacing one or more tires or wheels on your vehicle to
ensure that the replacement or alternate tires and wheels allow the
TPMS to continue to function properly.
The tire pressure monitoring system complies with part 15 of the FCC
rules and with RSS-210 of Industry Canada. Operation is subject to the
Tires, Wheels and Loading
246
2012 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

VEHICLE LOADING – WITH AND WITHOUT A TRAILER
This section will guide you in the proper loading of your vehicle and/or
trailer, to keep your loaded vehicle weight within its design rating
capability, with or without a trailer. Properly loading your vehicle will
provide maximum return of vehicle design performance. Before loading
your vehicle, familiarize yourself with the following terms for determining
your vehicle’s weight ratings, with or without a trailer, from the vehicle’s
Tire Label or Safety Compliance Certification Label:
Base Curb Weight– is the weight of the vehicle including a full tank of
fuel and all standard equipment. It does not include passengers, cargo, or
optional equipment.
Vehicle Curb Weight– is the weight of your new vehicle when you
picked it up from your authorized dealer plus any aftermarket
equipment.
Payload– is the combined weight of cargo and passengers that the
vehicle is carrying. The maximum payload for your vehicle can be found
on the Tire Label on the B-Pillar or the edge of the driver’s door
(vehicles exported outside the US and Canada may not have a Tire
Label). Look for“THE COMBINED WEIGHT OF OCCUPANTS AND
CARGO SHOULD NEVER EXCEED XXX kg OR XXX lb.”for
maximum payload. The payload listed on the Tire Label is the maximum
payload for the vehicle as built by the assembly plant. If any aftermarket
or authorized-dealer installed equipment has been installed on the
vehicle, the weight of the equipment must be subtracted from the
payload listed on the Tire Label in order to determine the new payload.
Tires, Wheels and Loading
251
2012 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

STARTING
Positions of the ignition (if equipped)
If your vehicle is equipped with a push button start system, refer to
Push button start systemin this section for ignition modes.
1. Off— locks the gearshift lever
and allows key removal. This
position also shuts the engine and
all electrical accessories off.Note:
In order to switch off the engine
while the vehicle is in motion, shift
to neutral and use the brakes to
bring the vehicle to a safe stop.
After the vehicle has stopped, turn the engine off and shift into park.
Then, turn the key to the accessory or off position.
2. Accessory— allows the electrical accessories such as the radio to
operate while the engine is not running.
3. On— all electrical circuits operational. Warning lights illuminated. Key
position when driving.
4. Start— cranks the engine. Release the key as soon as the engine
starts.
Note:Do not store the key in the ignition after the vehicle is turned off
and you have left the vehicle. This could cause a drain on the battery.
Preparing to start your vehicle
Engine starting is controlled by the powertrain control system.
This system meets all Canadian interference-causing equipment standard
requirements regulating the impulse electrical field strength of radio
noise.
When starting a fuel-injected engine, don’t press the accelerator before
or during starting. Only use the accelerator when you have difficulty
starting the engine. For more information on starting the vehicle, refer to
Starting the enginein this chapter.
WARNING:Extended idling at high engine speeds can produce
very high temperatures in the engine and exhaust system,
creating the risk of fire or other damage.
Driving
264
2012 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

Starting the engine
Note:If your vehicle is equipped with a push button start system, refer
toPush button start systemin this section for starting.
1. Turn the key to 3 (on) without
turning the key to 4 (start).
2. Turn the key to 4 (start), then
release the key as soon as the
engine begins cranking. Your vehicle
has a computer assisted cranking
system that assists in starting the
engine. After releasing the key from
the 4 (start) position, the engine may continue cranking for up to
10 seconds or until the vehicle starts.
Note:Cranking may be stopped at any time by turning the key to the off
position.
3. After idling for a few seconds, release the parking brake, apply the
brake, shift into gear and drive.
Note:If the engine does not start on the first try, turn the vehicle to the
off position, wait 10 seconds and try Step 2 again. If the engine still fails
to start, press the accelerator to the floor and try Step 2 again, keeping
the accelerator on the floor until the engine begins to accelerate above
cranking speeds; this will allow the engine to crank with the fuel shut off
in case the engine is flooded with fuel.
Push button start system (if equipped)
If your vehicle is equipped with the
push button start system, you can
start your vehicle by pressing the
start button in combination with the
brake pedal rather than using a key.
The start button is located on the
instrument panel to the right of the
steering wheel.
In order to operate the push button start system and start the vehicle,
your intelligent access key (IA key) must be present inside the vehicle.
START
STOP ENGINE
Driving
267
2012 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)