brake light FORD EXPLORER 2014 5.G Owner's Manual

This system is designed to alert the
driver of certain collision risks.
A radar detects if your vehicle is
rapidly approaching another vehicle
traveling in the same direction as
yours.
If it is, a red warning light
illuminates and an audible warning
chime sounds.
The brake support system assists the driver in reducing the collision
speed by charging the brakes. If the risk of collision further increases
after the warning light illuminates, the brake support prepares the brake
system for rapid braking. This may be apparent to the driver. The system
does not automatically activate the brakes but, if the brake pedal is
pressed, full force braking is applied even if the brake pedal is lightly
pressed.
Using the Collision Warning System
WARNING:The collision warning system’s brake support can
only help reduce the speed at which a collision occurs if the
driver applies the vehicle’s brakes. The brake pedal must be pressed
just like any typical braking situation.
The warning system and chime can be turned on and off separately; the
warning system sensitivity can be adjusted to one of three possible
settings by using the information display control. Refer to the
Information Displayschapter.
Note:If the system cannot be turned off in a vehicle equipped with
MyKey®, refer to theMyKey®chapter.
Note:If collision warnings are perceived as being too frequent or
disturbing then the warning sensitivity can be reduced, though the
manufacturer recommends using the highest sensitivity setting where
possible. Setting lower sensitivity would lead to fewer and later system
warnings. Refer to theInformation Displayschapter for instructions on
reducing the sensitivity.
262Driving Aids
2014 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, April 2013
USA(fus)

TOWING A TRAILER
WARNING:Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on
the certification label.
WARNING:Towing trailers beyond the maximum recommended
gross trailer weight exceeds the limit of your vehicle and could
result in engine damage, transmission damage, structural damage, loss
of vehicle control, vehicle rollover and personal injury.
Note:For information on electrical items such as fuses or relays, see the
Fuseschapter.
Your vehicle’s load capacity designation is by weight, not by volume, so
you cannot necessarily use all available space when loading a vehicle.
Towing a trailer places an extra load on your vehicle’s engine,
transmission, axle, brakes, tires and suspension. Inspect these
components periodically during, and after, any towing operation.
Load Placement
To help minimize how trailer movement affects your vehicle when
driving:
•Load the heaviest items closest to the trailer floor.
•Load the heaviest items centered between the left and right side
trailer tires.
•Load the heaviest items above the trailer axles or just slightly forward
toward the trailer tongue. Do not allow the final trailer tongue weight
to go above or below 10–15% of the loaded trailer weight.
•Select a tow bar with the correct rise or drop. When both the loaded
vehicle and trailer are connected, the trailer frame should be level, or
slightly angled down toward your vehicle, when viewed from the side.
When driving with a trailer or payload, a slight takeoff vibration or
shudder may be present due to the increased payload weight. You can
find more information about proper trailer loading and setting your
vehicle up for towing underLoad limitin theLoad Carryingchapter
and in theRV & Trailer Towing Guide,available at an authorized
dealer.
Towing275
2014 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, April 2013
USA(fus)

TRAILER SWAY CONTROL (IF EQUIPPED)
WARNING:Turning off trailer sway control increases the risk of
loss of vehicle control, serious injury or death. Ford does not
recommend disabling this feature except in situations where speed
reduction may be detrimental (such as hill climbing), the driver has
significant trailer towing experience, and can control trailer sway and
maintain safe operation.
Note:This feature does not prevent trailer sway, but reduces it once it
begins.
Note:This feature cannot stop all trailers from swaying.
Note:In some cases, if vehicle speed is too high, the system may turn
on multiple times, gradually reducing vehicle speed.
This feature applies your vehicle brakes at individual wheels and, if
necessary, reduces engine power. If the trailer begins to sway, the
stability control light flashes. The first thing to do is slow your vehicle
down, then pull safely to the side of the road and check for proper
tongue load and trailer load distribution. See theLoad Carryingchapter
for specific loading information.
RECOMMENDED TOWING WEIGHTS
Note:Do not exceed the trailer weight for your vehicle configuration
listed in the chart below.
Note:Make sure to take into consideration trailer frontal area. Do not
exceed:
•20 feet
2(1.86 meters2) trailer frontal area if your vehicle can tow a
Class I trailer.
•40 feet
2(3.72 meters2) trailer frontal area if your vehicle can tow a
Class III trailer.
Note:For high altitude operation, reduce the gross combined weight by
2% per 1000 feet (300 meters) starting at the 1000 foot (300 meter)
elevation point.
Note:Certain states require electric trailer brakes for trailers over a
specified weight. Be sure to check state regulations for this specified
weight. The maximum trailer weights listed may be limited to this
specified weight, as your vehicle’s electrical system may not include the
wiring connector needed to activate electric trailer brakes.
Your vehicle may tow a Class I or III trailer provided the maximum trailer
weight is less than or equal to the maximum trailer weight listed for your
vehicle configuration on the following chart.
276Towing
2014 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, April 2013
USA(fus)

Trailer Towing Connector (Vehicles with a Trailer Towing Package
and 7–Pin Connector)
When attaching the trailer wiring connector to
your vehicle, only use a proper fitting connector
that works with the vehicle and trailer functions.
If your vehicle has a trailer towing package, it may
have a 7–pin connector. Some connectors may
have the SAE J2863 logo, which confirms that it is
the proper wiring connector and works correctly
with your vehicle.
Color Function
1. Yellow Left turn signal and stop lamp
2. White Ground (-)
3. Blue Electric brakes
4. Green Right turn signal and stop lamp
5. Orange Battery (+)
6. Brown Running lights
7. Grey Reverse lights
Trailer Hitch Cover
Your vehicle is equipped with a removable trailer hitch trim cover.
To remove the trim cover:
1. Loosen the two
14-turn fasteners
(A) in the bottom of the cover by
turning them counterclockwise. Pull
the cover rearward to remove it.
The fasteners remain attached to
the cover.
AA
278Towing
2014 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, April 2013
USA(fus)

Safety Chains
Note:Never attach safety chains to the bumper.
Always connect the safety chains to the hook retainers of your vehicle
hitch.
To connect the safety chains, cross them under the trailer tongue and
allow enough slack for turning tight corners. Do not allow the chains to
drag on the ground.
Trailer Brakes
WARNING:Do not connect a trailer’s hydraulic brake system
directly to your vehicle’s brake system. Your vehicle may not have
enough braking power and your chances of having a collision greatly
increase.
Electric brakes and manual, automatic or surge-type trailer brakes are
safe if you install them properly and adjust them to the manufacturer’s
specifications. The trailer brakes must meet local and federal regulations.
The rating for the tow vehicle’s braking system operation is at
the gross vehicle weight rating, not the gross combined weight
rating.
Separate functioning brake systems are required for safe control
of towed vehicles and trailers weighing more than 1500 pounds
(680 kilograms) when loaded.
Trailer Lamps
WARNING:Never connect any trailer lamp wiring to the
vehicle’s tail lamp wiring; this may damage the electrical system
resulting in a fire. Contact an authorized dealer as soon as possible for
assistance in proper trailer tow wiring installation. Additional electrical
equipment may be required.
Trailer lamps are required on most towed vehicles. Make sure all running
lights, brake lights, turn signals and hazard lights are working.
Before Towing a Trailer
Practice turning, stopping and backing up to get the feel of your
vehicle-trailer combination before starting on a trip. When turning, make
wider turns so the trailer wheels clear curbs and other obstacles.
280Towing
2014 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, April 2013
USA(fus)

•Add particular accessories to your vehicle (e.g.; bug deflectors,
rollbars or light bars, running boards, ski racks).
•Drive with the wheels out of alignment.
DRIVING THROUGH WATER
If driving through deep or standing
water is unavoidable, proceed very
slowly. Never drive through water
that is higher than the bottom of
the wheel rims (for cars) or the
bottom of the hubs (for trucks).
When driving through water, traction or brake capability may be limited.
Also, water may enter your engine’s air intake and severely damage your
engine or your vehicle may stall.
Note:Driving through deep water where the transmission vent tube is
submerged may allow water into the transmission and cause internal
transmission damage.
Note:Once through the water, always dry the brakes by moving your
vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake pedal. Wet
brakes do not stop the vehicle as quickly as dry brakes.
286Driving Hints
2014 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, April 2013
USA(fus)

Fuse or relay
numberFuse amp
ratingProtected components
4 30A** Wipers, Front washer
5 50A** Anti-lock brake system pump
6 — Not used
7 30A** Power liftgate
8 20A** Moonroof
9 20A** Power point #2 (console rear)
10 — 3rd row rear seat release relay
11 — Rear window defroster relay
12 — Trailer tow battery charge relay
13 — Starter motor relay
14 — Engine cooling fan #2 high speed
relay
15 — Fuel pump relay
16 — Not used
17 40A** 110-volt AC power point
18 40A** Front blower motor
19 30A** Starter motor
20 20A** Power point #1, cigar lighter
21 20A** Power point #3 (cargo area)
22 30A** Third row seat module
23 30A** Driver power seat, Memory
module
24 30A** Trailer tow battery charge
25 — Not used
26 40A** Rear window defroster, Heated
mirrors
27 20A** Power point (console)
28 30A** Climate controlled seats
29 40A** Engine cooling fan #1 high speed
power, Engine cooling fan #1 and
#2 low speed primary fuse
304Fuses
2014 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, April 2013
USA(fus)

Fuse or relay
numberFuse amp
ratingProtected components
4 10A Interior demand lamps (overhead
console, second row, cargo),
Glove box lamp, Second and third
row seat release, Visor lamps
5 20A Amplifier
6 5A Not used (spare)
7 7.5A Memory seat module logic feed
8 10A Not used (spare)
9 10A 4-inch radio display, Power
liftgate logic, Electronic finish
panel, SYNC
10 10A Run/accessory relay (wipers, rear
washer), Rain sensor
11 10A Instrument cluster, Heads-up
display
12 15A Interior courtesy lamps (overhead
console, Second row, cargo),
Puddle lamps, Console bin LED,
Backlighting
13 15A Right turn lamps, Right trailer tow
turn/stop lamps
14 15A Left turn lamps, Left trailer tow
turn/stop lamps
15 15A Reverse lamps, Stop lamps,
High-mounted stop lamp
16 10A Low beam headlamps (right)
17 10A Low beam headlamps (left)
18 10A Keypad illumination, Brake shift
interlock, Start button run
indicator, Passive anti-theft
system, Powertrain control
module wake-up, Rear seat power
enable
Fuses309
2014 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, April 2013
USA(fus)

Replacing tail/brake lamp bulbs
For bulb replacement, see your authorized dealer.
Replacing the License Plate Lamp Bulb
1. Carefully release the spring clip.
2. Remove the lamp.
3. Remove the bulb.
Install the new bulb in reverse
order.
Replacing high-mount brake lamp bulb
Your vehicle is equipped with an LED center high-mount stop lamp
located in the spoiler. It is designed to last the life of the vehicle.
If replacement is required, see your authorized dealer.
BULB SPECIFICATION CHART
Replacement bulbs are specified in the chart below. Headlamp bulbs
must be marked with an authorized “D.O.T.” for North America and an
“E” for Europe to ensure lamp performance, light brightness and pattern
and safe visibility. Using incorrect bulbs may damage the lamp assembly
or void the lamp assembly warranty or may not provide quality bulb burn
time.
3
2
1
Maintenance341
2014 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, April 2013
USA(fus)

•Protect from sunlight, if possible.
•If vehicles are stored outside, they require regular maintenance to
protect against rust and damage.
Body
•Wash vehicle thoroughly to remove dirt, grease, oil, tar or mud from
exterior surfaces, rear-wheel housing and underside of front fenders.
•Periodically wash vehicles stored in exposed locations.
•Touch up raw or primed metal to prevent rust.
•Cover chrome and stainless steel parts with a thick coat of auto wax
to prevent discoloration. Re-wax as necessary when the vehicle is
washed.
•Lubricate hood latch, all door latches and trunk lid hinges with a light
grade oil.
•Cover interior trim to prevent fading.
•Keep all rubber parts free from oil and solvents.
Engine
•The engine oil and filter should be changed prior to storage, as used
engine oil contains contaminates that may cause engine damage.
•Start the engine every 15 days. Run at fast idle until it reaches normal
operating temperature.
•With your foot on the brake, shift through all the gears while the
engine is running.
Fuel system
•Fill the fuel tank with high-quality fuel until the first automatic shutoff
of the fuel pump nozzle.
Note:During extended periods of vehicle storage (30 days or more),
fuel may deteriorate due to oxidation. Add a quality gas stabilizer
product to the vehicle fuel system whenever actual or expected storage
periods exceed 30 days. Follow the instructions on the additive label.
The vehicle should then be operated at idle speed to circulate the
additive throughout the fuel system.
Cooling system
•Protect against freezing temperatures.
•When removing vehicle from storage, check coolant fluid level.
Confirm there are no cooling system leaks, and fluid is at the
recommended level.
350Vehicle Care
2014 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, April 2013
USA(fus)