steering wheel FORD EXPLORER 2012 5.G Owner's Manual

To use active guidelines, turn the steering wheel and point the active
guidelines towards an intended path. If the steering wheel position is
changed while reversing, the vehicle might deviate from the original
intended path.
Active guidelines project the intended path of the vehicle. Fixed
guidelines show the actual direction the vehicle is moving. The fixed and
active guidelines will fade in and out depending on the steering wheel
position. When the steering wheel position is straight, the active
guidelines will not be shown.
Always use caution while backing. Objects in the red zone (2) are closest
to your vehicle and objects in the green zone (4) are further away.
Objects are getting closer to your vehicle as they move from the green
zone (4) to the yellow (3) or red zones (2). Use the side mirrors and
rearview mirror to get better coverage on both sides and rear of the
vehicle.
Visual park aid alert (if equipped)
Visual park aid alert allows the driver to see the area that is causing the
reverse sensing system to beep. The visual alerts are red, yellow or green
highlights which appear on top of the video image when an object is
detected by the reverse sensing system. The visual alert will highlight
the closest object detected by the reverse sensing system. The reverse
sensing alert can be disabled and if visual park aid alert is enabled,
highlighted areas will still be displayed.
To turn this feature on or off when the vehicle is not in R (Reverse), do
the following on the touchscreen:
1. Select Menu
2. Select Vehicle
3. Select Rear View Camera
The visual park aid alert options are ON and OFF.
Note:The reverse sensing system is not effective at speeds above 3 mph
(5 km/h) and may not detect certain angular or moving objects.
Manual zoom
The manual zoom feature assists drivers with connecting their vehicle to
a trailer for the purpose of towing. It allows the driver to manually zoom
closer to an object behind the vehicle. The zoomed image keeps the
bumper in the image to provide a reference.
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Operation
The radar sensor detects vehicles
ahead that are moving in the same
direction as your vehicle.
If the radar detects that your
vehicle is rapidly closing in on
another vehicle, a red warning light
will illuminate and an audible
warning chime will sound.
After that, if the risk of collision
further increases after the warning
light, the brake support prepares
the brake system for rapid braking.
This may be apparent to the driver.
However, the system will not
automatically activate the brakes.
The vehicle will not stop unless the driver presses the brake pedal. If the
brake pedal is pressed then braking is implemented with full brake
function, even if the force on the brake pedal is light.
The collision warning system is active at speeds above approximately
5 mph (8 km/h).
Collision warning system limitations
Due to the nature of radar technology, there may be certain instances
where vehicles will not provide a collision warning. These include:
•Stationary or slow moving vehicles below 6 mph (10 km/h).
•Pedestrians or objects in the roadway.
•Oncoming vehicles in the same lane.
•Severe weather conditions (see also blocked sensor section).
•Debris build-up on the grille near the headlamps (see block sensor
section).
•Small distance to vehicle ahead.
•Steering wheel and pedal movements are large (very active driving
style).
•High interior temperatures, which may deactivate the illumination or
the warning lamps until the interior temperature reduces (audible
warning will alert the driver).
In addition, sun load and sunglasses may reduce the visibility of the
warning lamps. Therefore, it is recommended to keep the audible
warning on.
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Automatic search for parking space
To start, press the APA control
switch(ontheleftsideofthe
instrument panel below the
headlamp switch). The touch screen
will display SEARCHING FOR
PARKING SPACE ON RIGHT
(LEFT/SIDE) and a corresponding
graphic. To designate what side of
the street to search on, use the turn signal to indicate on which side of
the vehicle APA will park. (If the turn signal is not on, the system will
automatically search the passenger side.)
For best performance, the driver should drive the vehicle as parallel as
possible while passing a parking space. If driven too fast (above 18 mph
[30 km/h]) for the system to measure parking spaces, the touch screen
will display REDUCE SPEED TO CONTINUE WITH ACTIVE PARK
ASSIST.
When the system has found a space, the touch screen will display
PARKING SPACE FOUND ON LEFT (RIGHT) SIDE, PULL FORWARD
TO PARK followed by a chime. Drive forward until the touch screen
displays PARKING SPACE FOUND ON LEFT (RIGHT) SIDE STOP
VEHICLE TO PARK followed by a chime. When you stop the vehicle in
position to begin parking, the touch screen displays REMOVE HANDS
FROM STEERING WHEEL SHIFT TO TO PARK ON LEFT (RIGHT)
SIDE. The driver should always come to a complete stop before changing
gears.
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Automatic steering into parking space
Automatic steering is activated when you stop the vehicle, remove your
hands from the steering wheel and select the R (Reverse) gear. Be sure
the steering wheel motion is not obstructed by any objects. The vehicle
will steer itself from this point on as you follow the instructions in the
touch screen to safely move the vehicle reverse and forward in the
space. You may cancel APA at any time by grabbing the steering wheel
or by pressing the APA control switch. When the vehicle is in R
(Reverse) the touch screen displays PLEASE CHECK SURROUNDINGS
FOR SAFETY PARKING ON LEFT (RIGHT) SIDE BACK UP SLOWLY
and a corresponding graphic.
When you determine the vehicle is back far enough or you hear a solid
tone from the reverse sensing system, bring the vehicle to a complete
stop and move the gearshift to D (Drive). The touch screen will now
display PLEASE CHECK SURROUNDINGS FOR SAFETY PULL
FORWARD SLOWLY along with a corresponding graphic.
When you determine the vehicle is far enough forward or a solid tone
from the forward sensing system (if equipped) is heard, bring the vehicle
to a complete stop and move the gearshift to R (Reverse). The touch
screen may display PLEASE CHECK SURROUNDINGS FOR SAFETY
STOP VEHICLE BACK UP SLOWLY along with a corresponding graphic.
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The system may offer subsequent backward and forward maneuvers
before proceeding to the finish phase.
APA finished
When active park assist has completed the automated steering, the touch
screen displays ACTIVE PARK ASSIST FINISHED followed by a chime.
The driver is responsible to assess and correct as necessary the final
parking position and put the vehicle in P (Park).
The system can also be deactivated at any time by the following:
•Pressing the APA control switch.
•Grabbing the steering wheel.
•Exceeding a vehicle speed of 18 mph (30 km/h) for 30 seconds during
active park searching.
•Exceeding a vehicle speed of 6 mph (10 km/h) during automatic
steering.
•Deactivating the AdvanceTracsystem or the system has activated on
a slippery or loose surface.
•ABS activation or failure.
•Any door (except the driver’s door) opens.
•Something touching the steering wheel.
If a fault is present in the system, the message CAUTION! ACTIVE PARK
ASSIST FAULT PLEASE REFER TO OWNER’S MANUAL will be
displayed followed by a chime. Occasional active park assist messages
may occur in normal operation. For recurring or frequent active park
assist faults, contact an authorized dealer to have your vehicle serviced.
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Trailer tow false alerts
When towing a trailer, the sensors may detect the trailer thus causing a
false alert. It may be desirable to turn the BLISoff if the false alerts
become annoying.
Day and night brightness
The BLISand/or CTA alert will automatically dim when the headlamp
switch is in PARK, ON, or AUTO ON and night time darkness has been
detected by the sun sensor.
FOUR WHEEL DRIVE (4WD) SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)
WARNING:For important information regarding safe operation
of this type of vehicle, seePreparing to drive your vehiclein
this chapter.
Your vehicle is equipped with an intelligent 4WD system that
continuously monitors vehicle conditions and automatically adjusts the
power distribution between the front and rear wheels. It combines
transparent all-surface operation with highly capable four-wheel drive.
The 4WD system is always active and requires no driver input. It is
capable of handling all road conditions, including street and highway
driving as well as off-road and winter driving. The driver can optimize
the 4WD by moving the TMS switch for the correct terrain. SeeTerrain
managementlater in this chapter.
Driving off-road with truck and utility vehicles
4WD vehicles are specially equipped for driving on sand, snow, mud and
rough terrain and have operating characteristics that are somewhat
different from conventional vehicles, both on and off the road.
How your vehicle differs from other vehicles
Truck and utility vehicles can differ from some other vehicles. Your
vehicle may be higher to allow it to travel over rough terrain without
getting hung up or damaging underbody components.
The differences that make your vehicle so versatile also make it handle
differently than an ordinary passenger car.
Maintain steering wheel control at all times, especially in rough terrain.
Since sudden changes in terrain can result in abrupt steering wheel
motion, make sure you grip the steering wheel from the outside. Do not
grip the spokes.
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Drive cautiously to avoid vehicle damage from concealed objects such as
rocks and stumps.
You should either know the terrain or examine maps of the area before
driving. Map out your route before driving in the area. To maintain
steering and braking control of your vehicle, you must have all four
wheels on the ground and they must be rolling, not sliding or spinning.
Basic operating principles
•Drive slower in strong crosswinds which can affect the normal steering
characteristics of your vehicle.
•Be extremely careful when driving on pavement made slippery by
loose sand, water, gravel, snow or ice.
If your vehicle goes off the edge of the pavement
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.
•If your vehicle goes off the edge of the pavement, slow down, but
avoid severe brake application, ease the vehicle back onto the
pavement only after reducing your speed. Do not turn the steering
wheel too sharply while returning to the road surface.
•It may be safer to stay on the apron or shoulder of the road and slow
down gradually before returning to the pavement. You may lose
control if you do not slow down or if you turn the steering wheel too
sharply or abruptly.
•It often may be less risky to strike small objects, such as highway
reflectors, with minor damage to your vehicle rather than attempt a
sudden return to the pavement which could cause the vehicle to slide
sideways out of control or roll over. Remember, your safety and the
safety of others should be your primary concern.
If your vehicle gets stuck
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow it may be rocked out by
shifting between forward and reverse gears, stopping between shifts, in a
steady pattern. Press lightly on the accelerator in each gear.
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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.
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•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.
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Descend a hill in the same gear you
would use to climb up the hill to
avoid excessive brake application
and brake overheating. Do not
descend in neutral; instead,
disengage overdrive or manually
shift to a lower gear. When
descending a steep hill, avoid
sudden hard braking as you could
lose control. When you brake hard,
the front wheels cannot turn and if
they are not turning, you will not be
able to steer. The front wheels have to be turning in order to steer the
vehicle.
Since your vehicle has anti-lock brakes, apply the brakes steadily. Do not
“pump” the brakes.
Driving on snow and ice
WARNING:If you are driving in slippery conditions that require
tire chains or cables, then it is critical that you drive cautiously.
Keep speeds down, allow for longer stopping distances and avoid
aggressive steering to reduce the chances of a loss of vehicle control
which can lead to serious injury or death. If the rear end of the vehicle
slides while cornering, steer in the direction of the slide until you
regain control of the vehicle.
4WD vehicles have advantages over 2WD vehicles in snow and ice but
can skid like any other vehicle.
Should you start to slide while driving on snowy or icy roads, turn the
steering wheel in the direction of the slide until you regain control.
Avoid sudden applications of power and quick changes of direction on
snow and ice. Apply the accelerator slowly and steadily when starting
from a full stop.
Avoid sudden braking as well. Although a 4WD vehicle may accelerate
better than a two-wheel drive vehicle in snow and ice, it won’t stop any
faster, because as in other vehicles, braking occurs at all four wheels. Do
not become overconfident as to road conditions.
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