wheel FORD EXPLORER 2015 5.G Owner's Guide

Although natural obstacles may make it necessary to travel diagonally up
or down a hill or steep incline, you should always try to drive straight up
or straight down. Whenever driving on a hill, determine beforehand the
route you will use. Do not drive over the crest of a hill without seeing
what conditions are on the other side. Do not drive in reverse over a hill
without the aid of an observer.
When climbing a steep slope or hill, start in a lower gear rather than
downshifting to a lower gear from a higher gear once the ascent has
started. This reduces strain on the engine and the possibility of stalling.
If you do stall out, Do not try to turn around because you might roll
over. It is better to back down to a safe location.
Apply just enough power to the wheels to climb the hill. Too much
power will cause the tires to slip, spin or lose traction, resulting in loss of
vehicle control.
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.
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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.
Make sure you allow sufficient distance between you and other vehicles
for stopping. Drive slower than usual and consider using one of the lower
gears. In emergency stopping situations, avoid locking of the wheels. Use
a “squeeze” technique, push on the brake pedal with a steadily increasing
force which allows the wheels to brake yet continue to roll so that you
may steer in the direction you want to travel. If you lock the wheels,
release the brake pedal and repeat the squeeze technique. Since your
vehicle is equipped with a Four Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS),
apply the brake steadily. Do not “pump” the brakes. Refer toBrakes
chapter for additional information on the operation of the anti-lock brake
system.
Maintenance and modifications
The suspension and steering systems on your vehicle have been designed
and tested to provide predictable performance whether loaded or empty
and durable load carrying capability. For this reason, Ford Motor
Company strongly recommends that you do not make modifications such
as adding or removing parts (such as lift kits or stabilizer bars) or by
using replacement parts not equivalent to the original factory equipment.
Any modifications to a vehicle that raise the center of gravity can make
it more likely the vehicle will roll over as a result of a loss of control.
Ford Motor Company recommends that caution be used with any vehicle
equipped with a high load or device (such as ladder racks or pickup box
cover).
Failure to maintain your vehicle properly may void the warranty, increase
your repair cost, reduce vehicle performance and operational capabilities
and adversely affect driver and passenger safety. Frequent inspection of
vehicle chassis components is recommended if the vehicle is subjected to
heavy off-road usage.
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GENERAL INFORMATION
Note:Occasional brake noise is normal. If a metal-to-metal, continuous
grinding or continuous squeal sound is present, the brake linings may be
worn out. Have them inspected by an authorized dealer. If your vehicle
has continuous vibration or shudder in the steering wheel while braking,
have your vehicle inspected by an authorized dealer.
Note:Brake dust may accumulate on the wheels, even under normal
driving conditions. Some dust is inevitable as the brakes wear and does
not contribute to brake noise. See theVehicle Carechapter for wheel
cleaning instructions.
See theInstrument Clusterchapter for information on the
brake system warning light.
Wet brakes result in reduced braking efficiency. Gently press the brake
pedal a few times when driving from a car wash or standing water to dry
the brakes.
Brake Over Accelerator
In the event the accelerator pedal becomes stuck or entrapped, apply
steady and firm pressure to the brake pedal to slow your vehicle and
reduce engine power. If you experience this condition, apply the brakes
and bring your vehicle to a safe stop. Turn the engine off, shift to park
(P) and apply the parking brake. Inspect the accelerator pedal and the
area around it for any items or debris that may be obstructing its
movement. If none are found and the condition persists, have your
vehicle towed to the nearest authorized dealer.
Brake Assist
Brake assist detects when you brake heavily by measuring the rate at
which you press the brake pedal. It provides maximum braking efficiency
as long as you press the pedal. Brake assist can reduce stopping
distances in critical situations.
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PRINCIPLES OF OPERATION
The traction control system helps avoid drive wheel spin and loss of
traction.
If your vehicle begins to slide, the system applies the brakes to individual
wheels and, when needed, reduces engine power at the same time. If the
wheels spin when accelerating on slippery or loose surfaces, the system
reduces engine power in order to increase traction.
USING TRACTION CONTROL
In certain situations (for example, stuck in snow or mud), turning the
traction control off may be beneficial as this allows the wheels to spin
with full engine power. Turn the traction control system off through the
information display. See theInformation Displayschapter.
System Indicator Lights and Messages
WARNING:If a failure has been detected within the Traction
Control System, the stability control light will illuminate steadily.
Verify that the Traction Control System was not manually disabled
using the information display control. If the stability control light still
illuminates steadily, have the system serviced by an authorized dealer
immediately. Operating your vehicle with Traction Control disabled
could lead to an increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle
rollover, personal injury and death.
The stability control light temporarily illuminates on engine
start-up and flashes when a driving condition activates the
stability system.
The stability control off light temporarily illuminates on engine
start-up and stays on when the traction control system is
turned off or if a problem occurs in the stability system.
When the traction control system is turned off or on, a message appears
in the information display showing system status.
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PRINCIPLES OF OPERATION
WARNING:Vehicle modifications involving braking system,
aftermarket roof racks, suspension, steering system, tire
construction and wheel or tire size may change the handling
characteristics of the vehicle and may adversely affect the performance
of the AdvanceTrac® system. In addition, installing any stereo
loudspeakers may interfere with and adversely affect the AdvanceTrac®
system. Install any aftermarket stereo loudspeaker as far as possible
from the front center console, the tunnel, and the front seats in order
to minimize the risk of interfering with the AdvanceTrac® sensors.
Reducing the effectiveness of the AdvanceTrac® system could lead to
an increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal
injury and death.
WARNING:Remember that even advanced technology cannot
defy the laws of physics. It’s always possible to lose control of a
vehicle due to inappropriate driver input for the conditions. Aggressive
driving on any road condition can cause you to lose control of your
vehicle increasing the risk of personal injury or property damage.
Activation of the AdvanceTrac® system is an indication that at least
some of the tires have exceeded their ability to grip the road; this could
reduce the operator’s ability to control the vehicle potentially resulting
in a loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal injury and death. If
your AdvanceTrac® system activates, SLOW DOWN.
The AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control™ system helps you keep
control of your vehicle when on a slippery surface. The electronic
stability control portion of the system helps avoid skids and lateral slides,
curve control assists in vehicle handling in following the road during
adverse maneuvering and roll stability control helps avoid a vehicle
rollover. The traction control system helps avoid drive wheel spin and
loss of traction. See theTraction Controlchapter for details on traction
control system operation.
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TERRAIN MANAGEMENT (IF EQUIPPED)
This system optimizes drivability and comfort as well as maximizing
traction while operating on different types of terrain.
Turn the control located on the center console to choose between the
following modes:
1.Grass/Gravel/Snowmode should be selected where a firm surface is
covered with loose or slippery material such as packed snow, ice, water,
grass, or a thin layer of gravel or sand. For deep gravel or sand, select
Sand mode. If the vehicle cannot gain traction in deep snow, turning off
the traction control system may help (turn traction control back on when
traction is regained). See theTraction Controlchapter.
2.Sandmode should be selected in soft dry sand or deep gravel. If
crossing wet sand that may be sufficiently deep enough for the wheels to
sink into the surface, select Mud/Ruts mode.
3.Mud/Rutsmode should be selected for muddy, rutted, soft, or uneven
terrain.
4.Normalmode is for on-road conditions and should be selected before
driving on surfaces which are similar to a hard road surface or once the
need for a special mode has passed. Select Normal mode when towing a
trailer.
Note:Cruise control is available only in Normal and Snow modes.
Note:The Sand and Mud/Ruts modes are for off-road use only.
Note:The curve control portion of the AdvanceTrac® system is
unavailable when Sand or Mud/Ruts is selected.
1
2
3
4
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Automatic Steering into Parking Space
Note:If vehicle speed exceeds 6 mph (10 km/h), the system turns off
and you need to take full control of the vehicle.
Note:If a maneuver is interrupted before completion, the system turns
off and you need to full take control of the vehicle. In some instances
after an interruption a message may appear that would allow you to
resume the maneuver.
With hands off the wheel (and nothing obstructing its movement) and
the transmission inR(Reverse), the vehicle steers itself as instructions
to safely move the vehicle back and forward in the space are displayed in
the touch screen. While reversing, the touch screen displays a message
instructing the driver to check their surroundings (for safety reasons)
and to back-up slowly, accompanied by a corresponding graphic.
When you think your vehicle has enough space in front and behind it, or
you hear a solid tone from the parking aid (accompanied by a
touchscreen display message and a chime), bring your vehicle to a
complete stop.
When automatic steering is finished, the touch screen displays a message
indicating that the active park assist process is done. The driver is
responsible for checking the parking job and making any necessary
corrections before putting the transmission inP(Park).
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Deactivating the Park Assist Feature
The system can be deactivated manually by:
•pressing the active park assist button
•grabbing the steering wheel
•driving above approximately 20 mph (35 km/h) for 30 seconds during
an active park search
•driving above 6 mph (10 km/h) during automatic steering
•turning off the traction control system.
Certain vehicle conditions can also deactivate the system:
•Traction control has activated on a slippery or loose surface.
•Anti-lock brake system activation or failure.
•Any door (except the driver’s) opens.
•Something touches the steering wheel.
If a problem occurs with the system, a warning message is 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.
Troubleshooting the System
The system does not look for a space
The traction control system may be off
Any door (except the driver’s) may not be completely closed
The system does not offer a particular space
Something may be contacting the front bumper or side sensors
There is not enough room on both sides of the vehicle in order to park
There is not enough space for the parking maneuver on the opposite
side of the parking space
The vehicle is farther than 5 ft (1.5 m) from the parking space
The vehicle is closer than 16 in. (40 cm) from neighboring parked
vehicles
The transmission is in R (Reverse); the vehicle must be moving
forward to detect a parking space
The vehicle is going faster than 20 mph (35 km/h)
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Guidelines and the Centerline
Note:Fixed guidelines and active guidelines (if equipped) are only
available when the transmission is in R (Reverse).
A. Active guidelines (if equipped)
B. Centerline
C. Fixed guideline: Green zone
D. Fixed guideline: Yellow zone
E. Fixed guideline: Red zone
F. Rear bumper
If your vehicle is equipped with active guidelines they are only shown
with fixed guidelines. To use active guidelines, turn the steering wheel to
point the guidelines toward an intended path. If the steering wheel
position is changed while reversing, the vehicle might deviate from the
original intended path.
The fixed and active guidelines fade in and out depending on the
steering wheel position. When the steering wheel position is straight, the
active guidelines are not shown.
Always use caution while reversing. Objects in the red zone are closest
to your vehicle and objects in the green zone are further away. Objects
are getting closer to your vehicle as they move from the green zone to
the yellow or red zones. Use the side view mirrors and rear view mirror
to get better coverage on both sides and rear of the vehicle.
ABCD
F
E
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PRINCIPLES OF OPERATION
Cruise control lets you maintain a set speed without keeping your foot
on the accelerator pedal.
USING CRUISE CONTROL
WARNING:Do not use cruise control in heavy traffic, on
winding roads or when the road surface is slippery. This could
result in loss of vehicle control, serious injury or death.
WARNING:When you are going downhill, your vehicle speed
may increase above the set speed. The system will not apply the
brakes. Change down a gear to assist the system in maintaining the set
speed. Failure to do so could result in loss of vehicle control, serious
injury or death.
Note:Cruise control will disengage if your vehicle speed decreases more
than 10 mph (16 km/h) below your set speed while driving uphill.
The cruise controls are located on
the steering wheel.
Switching Cruise Control On
Press theONcontrol up and release.
The indicator will appear in the instrument cluster.
Setting a Speed
1. Accelerate to the desired speed.
2. Press theSETcontrol upward and release.
3. Take your foot off the accelerator pedal.
The indicator will change colors in the instrument cluster.
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