light FORD EXPLORER 2015 5.G Workshop Manual
[x] Cancel search | Manufacturer: FORD, Model Year: 2015, Model line: EXPLORER, Model: FORD EXPLORER 2015 5.GPages: 596, PDF Size: 6.32 MB
Page 185 of 596

The power point can provide power whenever the ignition is on and the
indicator light is on. The indicator light is located in the top left corner
of the power point.
When the indicator light is:
•on — power point is ready to supply power
•off — power point power supply is off; ignition is not on
•blinking — power point is in fault mode
184Auxiliary Power Points
2015 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide gf, 2nd Printing, September 2014
USA(fus)
Page 190 of 596

Ignition Modes
Off:Turns the ignition off.
•Without applying the brake pedal, press and release the button once
when the ignition is in the on mode, or when the engine is running
but the vehicle is not in motion.
Accessory:Allows some electrical accessories to operate while the
engine is not running.
•Without applying the brake pedal, press and release the button twice.
On:All electrical circuits are operational. Warning lamps and indicators
are illuminated.
•Without applying the brake pedal, press and release the button once
from accessory mode.
•Without applying the brake pedal, press and release the button twice
from off mode.
Start:Starts the engine.
•Press the brake pedal, and then press the button for any length of
time. An indicator light on the button illuminates when then ignition
is on and when the engine starts.
Your vehicle may have remote start capability. Refer toRemote startin
theKeys and Remote Controlchapter.
STARTING A GASOLINE ENGINE
When you start the engine, the idle speed increases, this helps to warm
up the engine. If the engine idle speed does not slow down automatically,
have your vehicle checked by an authorized dealer.
Note:
You can crank the engine for a total of 60 seconds (without the
engine starting) before the starting system temporarily disables. The
60 seconds does not have to be all at once. For example, if you crank the
engine three times for 20 seconds each time, without the engine starting,
you reached the 60-second time limit. A message appears in the
information display alerting you that you exceeded the cranking time. You
cannot attempt to start the engine for at least 15 minutes. After
15 minutes, you are limited to a 15-second engine cranking time. You need
to wait 60 minutes before you can crank the engine for 60 seconds again.
START
STOP ENGINE
Starting and Stopping the Engine189
2015 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide gf, 2nd Printing, September 2014
USA(fus)
Page 197 of 596

Choosing the Right Fuel With a Flex Fuel Vehicle (If Equipped)
Use only UNLEADED gasoline or UNLEADED gasoline blended with a
maximum of 85% ethanol (E-85) in your Flex Fuel Vehicle (FFV). If
your vehicle is flex fuel capable, it will have a yellow bezel placed over
the fuel fill inlet
Do not use:
•fuels containing more than 85% ethanol or E-100 fuel
•fuels containing methanol
•fuels containing metallic based additives, including manganese-based
compounds
•fuels containing the octane booster additive, methylcyclopentadienyl
manganese tricarbonyl (MMT)
•leaded-fuel (The use of leaded fuel is prohibited by law)
Note:Use of any fuel other than recommended fuel can cause
powertrain damage, impair the emission control system or cause loss of
vehicle performance. Any damage to a vehicle that is caused by the use
of fuel not recommended will not be covered under warranty.
Octane recommendations
3.5L V6 engine:
Regular unleaded gasoline with a pump (R+M)/2 octane rating of 87 is
recommended. Some stations offer fuels posted as Regular with an
octane rating below 87, particularly in high altitude areas. Fuels with
octane levels below 87 are not recommended.
2.0L/3.5L EcoBoost® engines:
Regular unleaded gasoline with a pump (R+M)/2 octane rating of 87 is
recommended. Some stations offer fuels posted as “Regular” with an
octane rating below 87, particularly in high altitude areas. Fuels with
octane levels below 87 are not recommended. Premium fuel will provide
improved performance and is recommended for severe duty usage such
as trailer tow.
Do not be concerned if your engine
sometimes knocks lightly. However, if
it knocks heavily while you are using
fuel with the recommended octane
rating, see your authorized dealer to
prevent any engine damage.
87(R+M)/2 METHOD
196Fuel and Refueling
2015 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide gf, 2nd Printing, September 2014
USA(fus)
Page 203 of 596

EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM
WARNING:Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in dry grass
or other dry ground cover. The emission system heats up the
engine compartment and exhaust system, which can start a fire.
WARNING:Exhaust leaks may result in entry of harmful and
potentially lethal fumes into the passenger compartment. If you
smell exhaust fumes inside your vehicle, have your dealer inspect your
vehicle immediately. Do not drive if you smell exhaust fumes.
Your vehicle is equipped with various emission control components and a
catalytic converter which will enable your vehicle to comply with applicable
exhaust emission standards. To make sure that the catalytic converter and
other emission control components continue to work properly:
•Use only the specified fuel listed.
•Avoid running out of fuel.
•Do not turn off the ignition while your vehicle is moving, especially at
high speeds.
•Have the items listed inScheduled Maintenance Information
performed according to the specified schedule.
The scheduled maintenance items listed inScheduled Maintenance
Informationare essential to the life and performance of your vehicle
and to its emissions system.
If other than Ford, Motorcraft® or Ford-authorized parts are used for
maintenance replacements or for service of components affecting
emission control, such non-Ford parts should be equivalent to genuine
Ford Motor Company parts in performance and durability.
Illumination of the service engine soon indicator, charging system
warning light or the temperature warning light, fluid leaks, strange odors,
smoke or loss of engine power could indicate that the emission control
system is not working properly.
An improperly operating or damaged exhaust system may allow exhaust
to enter the vehicle. Have a damaged or improperly operating exhaust
system inspected and repaired immediately.
Do not make any unauthorized changes to your vehicle or engine. By
law, vehicle owners and anyone who manufactures, repairs, services,
sells, leases, trades vehicles, or supervises a fleet of vehicles are not
202Fuel and Refueling
2015 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide gf, 2nd Printing, September 2014
USA(fus)
Page 206 of 596

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
WARNING:Always set the parking brake fully and make sure
the gearshift is latched inP(Park). Turn the ignition to the off
position and remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle.
WARNING:Do not use the tow feature when driving in icy or
slippery conditions as the increased engine braking can cause the
rear wheels to slide and the vehicle to swing around with the possible
loss of vehicle control.
Your vehicle has been designed to improve fuel economy by reducing
fuel usage while coasting or decelerating. When you take your foot off
the accelerator pedal and the vehicle begins to slow down, the torque
converter clutch locks up and aggressively shuts off fuel flow to the
engine while decelerating. This fuel economy benefit may be perceived
as a light to medium braking sensation when removing your foot from
the accelerator pedal.
P (Park)
This position locks the transmission and prevents
the front wheels from turning.
To shift your vehicle from P into gear:
•Press the brake pedal
•Move the gearshift lever into the desired gear
To put your vehicle inP(Park):
•Come to a complete stop
•Move the gearshift lever and securely latch it inP(Park)
R
With the gearshift lever inR(Reverse), the vehicle will move backward.
Always come to a complete stop before shifting into and out ofR
(Reverse).
N(Neutral)
With the gearshift lever inN(Neutral), the vehicle can be started and is
free to roll. Hold the brake pedal down while in this position.
PRNDL
Transmission205
2015 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide gf, 2nd Printing, September 2014
USA(fus)
Page 207 of 596

D (Drive) with Overdrive
The normal driving position for the best fuel economy. Transmission
operates in gears one through six.
The automatic transmission shift strategy has the ability to detect hilly
terrain or mountainous areas and will provide a limited amount of grade
assist features automatically. Refer toD(Drive) with Grade assist or
SelectShift for more information.
D (Drive) with Tow on
Press theTOWswitch located on the instrument panel by the headlamp
control to activate tow. TheTOW/HAULmessage will illuminate in the
instrument cluster.
The tow feature improves transmission operation when towing a trailer or a
heavy load. All transmission gear ranges are available when using tow.
The tow feature delays upshifts to reduce frequency of transmission
shifting. Tow also provides engine braking in all forward gears when the
transmission is in theD(Overdrive) position. This engine braking will
slow the vehicle and assist the driver in controlling the vehicle when
descending a grade. Depending on driving conditions and load
conditions, the transmission may downshift, slow the vehicle and control
the vehicle speed when descending a hill, without the accelerator pedal
being pressed. The amount of downshift braking provided will vary based
upon the amount the brake pedal is depressed.
Press theTOWbutton to deactivate the tow feature and return to
normal driving mode. The tow light will no longer be illuminated.
When you shut-off and restart the engine, the transmission will
automatically return to normalD(Overdrive) mode (tow off).
D (Drive) with Grade Assist
Press the transmission control switch on the
side of the gearshift lever to activate grade
assist and cancel overdrive.
PRNDL
206Transmission
2015 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide gf, 2nd Printing, September 2014
USA(fus)
Page 212 of 596

If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck in Mud or Snow
Note:Do not rock the vehicle if the engine is not at normal operating
temperature or damage to the transmission may occur.
Note:Do not rock the vehicle for more than a minute or damage to the
transmission and tires may occur, or the engine may overheat.
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.
Transmission211
2015 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide gf, 2nd Printing, September 2014
USA(fus)
Page 216 of 596

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.
Note:Do not rock the vehicle if the engine is not at normal operating
temperature or damage to the transmission may occur.
Note: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.
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.
•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.
Four-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)215
2015 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide gf, 2nd Printing, September 2014
USA(fus)
Page 217 of 596

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
Note:Driving through deep water may damage your vehicle.
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.
If the front or rear axle is submerged in water, the axle lubricant should
be replaced.
After driving through mud, clean off residue stuck to rotating driveshafts
and tires. Excess mud stuck on tires and rotating driveshafts causes an
imbalance that could damage drive components.
“Tread Lightly” is an educational
program designed to increase public
awareness of land-use regulations
and responsibilities in our nations
wilderness areas. Ford Motor
Company joins the U.S. Forest
Service and the Bureau of Land Management in encouraging you to help
preserve our national forest and other public and private lands by
“treading lightly.”
Driving on hilly or sloping terrain
Note:Avoid driving crosswise or turning on steep slopes or hills. A
danger lies in losing traction, slipping sideways and possibly rolling over.
216Four-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)
2015 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide gf, 2nd Printing, September 2014
USA(fus)
Page 220 of 596

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.
Brakes219
2015 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide gf, 2nd Printing, September 2014
USA(fus)