power steering FORD EXPLORER 2015 5.G User Guide

•Pedestrians or objects in the roadway.
•Oncoming vehicles in the same lane.
•Severe weather conditions (see blocked sensor section).
•Debris build-up on the grille near the headlamps (see blocked 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 still sounds).
Certain conditions may reduce the visibility of the warning lamp;
therefore, it is recommended to keep the audible warning on.
If the front end of the vehicle is hit or damaged, the radar sensing zone
may be altered causing missed or false collision warnings. See your
authorized dealer to have your collision warning radar checked for
proper coverage and operation.
STEERING
Electric Power Steering
WARNING:The electric power steering system has diagnostic
checks that continuously monitor the system to ensure proper
operation. When a system error is detected a steering message will
appear in the information display.
WARNING:The electric power steering system has diagnostic
checks that continuously monitor the system to ensure proper
operation of the electronic system. When an electronic error is
detected, a message will be displayed in the information display. If this
happens, stop the vehicle in a safe place, and turn off the engine. After
at least 10 seconds, reset the system by restarting the engine, and
watch the information display for a steering message. If a steering
message returns, or returns while driving, take the vehicle to your
dealer to have it checked.
262Driving Aids
2015 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide gf, 2nd Printing, September 2014
USA(fus)

WARNING:Obtain immediate service if a system error is
detected. You may not notice any difference in the feel of your
steering, but a serious condition may exist. Failure to do so may result
in loss of steering control.
Your vehicle is equipped with an electric power-assisted steering system.
There is no fluid reservoir to check or fill.
If your vehicle loses electrical power while you are driving (or if the
ignition is turned off), you can steer the vehicle manually, but it takes
more effort. Extreme continuous steering may increase the effort it takes
for you to steer. This occurs to prevent internal overheating and
permanent damage to your steering system. If this should occur, you will
neither lose the ability to steer the vehicle manually nor will it cause
permanent damage. Typical steering and driving maneuvers will allow the
system to cool and steering assist will return to normal.
When a steering system error is detected, steering messages may appear
in the information display.
Steering Tips
If the steering wanders or pulls, check for:
•an improperly inflated tire
•uneven tire wear
•loose or worn suspension components
•loose or worn steering components
•improper vehicle alignment
A high crown in the road or high crosswinds may also make the steering
seem to wander/pull.
Driving Aids263
2015 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide gf, 2nd Printing, September 2014
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
WARNING:Do not drive through flowing or deep water as you
may lose control of your vehicle.
Note:Driving through standing water can cause vehicle damage.
Note:Engine damage can occur if water enters the air filter.
Before driving through standing water, check the depth. Never drive
through water that is higher than the bottom of the front rocker area of
your vehicle.
When driving through standing
water, drive very slowly and do not
stop your vehicle. Your brake
performance and traction may be
limited. After driving through water
and as soon as it is safe to do so:
•Lightly press the brake pedal to
dry the brakes and to check that
they work.
•Check that the horn works.
•Check that the exterior lights work.
•Turn the steering wheel to check that the steering power assist works.
FLOOR MATS
WARNING:Always use floor mats that are designed to fit the
foot well of your vehicle. Only use floor mats that leave the pedal
area unobstructed. Only use floor mats that are firmly secured to
retention posts so that they cannot slip out of position and interfere
with the pedals or impair safe operation of your vehicle in other ways.
WARNING:Pedals that cannot move freely can cause loss of
vehicle control and increase the risk of serious personal injury.
284Driving Hints
2015 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide gf, 2nd Printing, September 2014
USA(fus)

Fuse or relay
numberFuse amp
ratingProtected components
89 5A* Front blower relay coil,
Electronic power assist steering
module
90 10A* Powertrain control module,
Transmission control module,
Engine control module (2.0L
engine)
91 10A* Adaptive cruise control
92 10A* Anti-lock brake system module,
Plant EVAC and fill
93 5A* Rear blower motor, Rear
defroster, Trailer tow battery
charge relays
94 30A** Passenger compartment fuse
panel run/start
95 — Not used
96 — Not used
97 — Not used
98 — Air conditioning clutch relay
*Mini Fuses **Cartridge Fuses
Fuses305
2015 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide gf, 2nd Printing, September 2014
USA(fus)

Fuse or relay
numberFuse amp
ratingProtected components
22 20A Horn relay
23 15A Steering wheel control module,
Intelligent access, Headlamp
switch
24 15A Datalink connector, Steering
wheel control module
25 15A Liftgate release
26 5A Radio frequency module
27 20A Intelligent access module
28 15A Ignition switch, Push-button start
switch
29 20A Radio, Global positioning system
module
30 15A Front park lamps
31 5A Trailer tow brake controller
32 15A 110-volt AC power point, Power
folding mirror, Power mirrors,
One-touch up and down front
windows, Door lock illumination,
Memory switch illumination
33 10A Occupant classification sensor
34 10A Blind spot monitor, Rearview
camera, Reverse sensing system,
Lane departure warning module,
Second row heated seats module
35 5A Heads-up display, Climate control
humidity sensor, Terrain
management system, Hill descent
switch, Headlamp switch ignition
sensor
36 10A Heated steering wheel
37 10A Restraints control module
308Fuses
2015 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide gf, 2nd Printing, September 2014
USA(fus)

When this occurs the vehicle will still operate. However:
•The engine power will be limited.
•The air conditioning system will be disabled.
Continued operation will increase the engine temperature and the engine
will completely shut down, causing steering and braking effort to
increase.
Once the engine temperature cools, the engine can be restarted. Take
your vehicle to an authorized dealer as soon as possible to minimize
engine damage.
When Fail-Safe Mode is Activated
WARNING:Fail-safe mode is for use during emergencies only.
Operate the vehicle in fail-safe mode only as long as necessary to
bring the vehicle to rest in a safe location and seek immediate repairs.
When in fail-safe mode, the vehicle will have limited power, will not be
able to maintain high-speed operation, and may completely shut down
without warning, potentially losing engine power, power steering assist,
and power brake assist, which may increase the possibility of a crash
resulting in serious injury.
WARNING:Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the
engine is running or hot.
You have limited engine power when in the fail-safe mode, so drive the
vehicle with caution. The vehicle will not be able to maintain high-speed
operation and the engine will run rough. Remember that the engine is
capable of completely shutting down automatically to prevent engine
damage, therefore:
1. Pull off the road as soon as safely possible and turn off the engine.
2. Arrange for the vehicle to be taken to an authorized dealer.
3. If this is not possible, wait a short period for the engine to cool.
4. Check the coolant level and replenish if low.
5. Restart the engine and take your vehicle to an authorized dealer.
Note:Driving the vehicle without repairing the engine problem increases
the chance of engine damage. Take your vehicle to an authorized dealer
as soon as possible.
Maintenance321
2015 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide gf, 2nd Printing, September 2014
USA(fus)

If an overfill occurs, excess fluid
should be removed by an authorized
dealer.
Note:An overfill condition of transmission fluid may cause shift and/or
engagement concerns and/or possible damage.
Do not use supplemental transmission fluid additives, treatments or
cleaning agents. The use of these materials may affect transmission
operation and result in damage to internal transmission components.
For vehicles equipped with the EcoBoost engine, reinstall the air filter
assembly.
After the fluid level has been checked and adjusted as necessary, do the
following:
1. Shut the engine off.
2. Loosen the clamp holding the air filter assembly to the rubber hose.
3. Rotate the air filter assembly 90 degrees clockwise without
disconnecting the sensor.
4. Seat the air filter assembly back into the grommets by pushing down
on the air filter assembly.
5. Tighten the clamp.
6. Install and tighten two bolts that attach air filter assembly to the front
of the vehicle.
7. Install the bolt cover (if equipped).
8. Reinstall the harness retaining clip into the front of the air filter
assembly.
BRAKE FLUID CHECK
Fluid levels between the MIN and MAX lines are within the normal
operating range; there is no need to add fluid. If the fluid levels are
outside of the normal operating range, the performance of the system
could be compromised; seek service from your authorized dealer
immediately.
POWER STEERING FLUID CHECK
Your vehicle is equipped with an electric power steering (EPS) system.
There is no fluid reservoir to check or fill. For additional information on
the electric power steering (EPS) system, Refer toDriving Aids.MAX MIN
326Maintenance
2015 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide gf, 2nd Printing, September 2014
USA(fus)

Power is supplied to all four wheels through a transfer case or power
transfer unit. Four-wheel drive vehicles allow you to select different drive
modes as necessary. You can find information on transfer case operation
and shifting procedures in theTransmissionchapter. You can find
information on transfer case maintenance in theMaintenancechapter.
You should become thoroughly familiar with this information before you
operate your vehicle.
On some four-wheel drive models, the initial shift from two-wheel drive
to four-wheel drive while the vehicle is moving can cause a momentary
clunk and ratcheting sound. These sounds are normal as the front
drivetrain comes up to speed and are not cause for concern.
How Your Vehicle Differs from Other Vehicles
Sport-utility vehicles, vans and
trucks can differ from some other
vehicles in a few noticeable ways.
Your vehicle may be:
•Higher – to allow higher load
carrying capacity and to allow it
to travel over rough terrain
without getting hung up or
damaging underbody
components.
•Shorter – to give it the capability
to approach inclines and drive
over the crest of a hill without
getting hung up or damaging
underbody components. All other
things held equal, a shorter
wheelbase may make your vehicle quicker to respond to steering
inputs than a vehicle with a longer wheelbase.
352Wheels and Tires
2015 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide gf, 2nd Printing, September 2014
USA(fus)

Tire Replacement Requirements
WARNING:Only use replacement tires and wheels that are the
same size, load index, speed rating and type (such as P-metric
versus LT-metric or all-season versus all-terrain) as those originally
provided by Ford. The recommended tire and wheel size may be found
on either the Safety Compliance Certification Label (affixed to either
the door hinge pillar, door-latch post, or the door edge that meets the
door-latch post, next to the driver’s seating position), or the Tire Label
which is located on the B-Pillar or edge of the driver’s door. If this
information is not found on these labels, then you should contact your
authorized dealer as soon as possible. Use of any tire or wheel not
recommended by Ford can affect the safety and performance of your
vehicle, which could result in an increased risk of loss of vehicle
control, vehicle rollover, personal injury and death. Additionally the use
of non-recommended tires and wheels could cause steering, suspension,
axle, transfer case or power transfer unit failure. If you have questions
regarding tire replacement, contact your authorized dealer as soon as
possible.
366Wheels and Tires
2015 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide gf, 2nd Printing, September 2014
USA(fus)

USING SNOW CHAINS
WARNING:Snow tires must be the same size, load index and
speed rating as those originally provided by Ford. Use of any tire
or wheel not recommended by Ford can affect the safety and
performance of your vehicle, which could result in an increased risk of
loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal injury and death.
Additionally, the use of non-recommended tires and wheels could cause
steering, suspension, axle, transfer case or power transfer unit failure.
Note:The suspension insulation and bumpers will help prevent vehicle
damage. Do not remove these components from your vehicle when using
snow tires and chains.
The tires on your vehicle (excluding the 265/45ZR20 Sport tire) have
all-weather treads to provide traction in rain and snow. However, in some
climates, you may need to use snow tires and chains. If you need to use
chains, it is recommended that cable chains are used only with steel wheels
(of the same size and specifications) as chains may chip aluminum wheels.
Only certain chains or snow cables have been approved by Ford as safe for
use on your vehicle. You should only install chains or cables that have been
rated as 10 mm or less in dimension as measured on the sidewall of your
tire. Not all S-class snow chains or cables meet these restrictions. Chains of
this size restriction will include a tensioning device. Purchase chains or
cables from a manufacturer that clearly labels body to tire dimension
restrictions. The snow chains or cables must be mounted in pairs on the
front tires only. Do not exceed 30 mph (50 km/h) while using snow chains.
Follow these guidelines when using snow tires and cable chains:
•If possible, avoid fully loading your vehicle.
•Install cable chains only on the front wheels.
•Use cable chains only on vehicles equipped with P245/60R18 tires.
•Do not use tire chains, cables or optional traction devices on vehicles
equipped with P255/50R20, P245/50R20 or 265/45ZR20 tires.
•Drive cautiously. If you hear the cable chains rub or bang against your
vehicle, stop and retighten the cable chains. If this does not work,
remove the cable chains to prevent damage to your vehicle.
•Remove the tire cable chains when they are no longer needed. Do not
use tire cable chains on dry roads.
If you have any questions regarding snow chains or cables, please
contact your authorized dealer.
370Wheels and Tires
2015 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide gf, 2nd Printing, September 2014
USA(fus)