snow chains FORD EXPLORER 2015 5.G Owners Manual

Wheels and Tires 351
Tirecare ...........................................353
Using snow chains....................................370
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)...................371
Changing a road wheel.................................375
Technical specifications.................................382
Wheel lug nut torque..................................382
Capacities and Specifications 384
Engine specifications..................................384
Part numbers........................................391
Vehicle identification number............................392
Vehicle certification label...............................393
Transmission code designation............................393
Accessories 394
Accessories.........................................394
Extended Service Plan 396
Audio System 399
MyFord™ system.....................................401
Satellite radio information...............................412
Auxiliary input jack...................................414
USB port...........................................416
SYNC® 417
Pairing your phone for the first time.......................422
911 Assist™.........................................436
Vehicle Health Report..................................439
8Table of Contents
2015 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide gf, 2nd Printing, September 2014
USA(fus)

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.
Four-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)217
2015 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide gf, 2nd Printing, September 2014
USA(fus)

•The Sport, optional 265/45ZR20 tires were designed for track use and
may exhibit significantly reduced tread life and increased tire noise
compared to the standard equipment tires under normal driving
conditions. Increasing the front camber settings beyond the factory
settings may further accelerate tread wear and induce tire noise.
•Do not use tire chains on the optional 265/45ZR20 Sport tires and
wheels of your vehicle. The use of any type of tire chain on these tires
may damage your vehicle.
•For tire pressures, see the placard located on the B-pillar inside the
driver’s door.
•Always maintain your tire pressures according to the tire information
placard on the driver’s door jamb, using an accurate gauge.
Note:Tires should always be kept at the correct inflation pressures and
extra caution should be taken when operating on rough roads to avoid
impacts that could cause wheel and tire damage.
Information About Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Tire Quality Grades apply to new
pneumatic passenger car tires. The Tire
Quality Grades can be found where
applicable on the tire sidewall between
tread shoulder and maximum section
width. For example:
•Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature A
These Tire Quality Grades are determined by standards that the United
States Department of Transportation has set.
Tire Quality Grades apply to new pneumatic passenger car tires. They do
not apply to deep tread, winter-type snow tires, space-saver or
temporary use spare tires, light truck or LT type tires, tires with nominal
rim diameters of 10 to 12 inches or limited production tires as defined in
Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations Part 575.104(c)(2).
U.S. Department of Transportation-Tire quality grades:The U.S.
Department of Transportation requires Ford Motor Company to give you
the following information about tire grades exactly as the government
has written it.
354Wheels 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)

2.Full-size dissimilar spare with label on wheel:This spare tire has
a label on the wheel that states: THIS TIRE AND WHEEL FOR
TEMPORARY USE ONLY
When driving with one of the dissimilar spare tires listed above, do not:
•exceed 50 mph (80 km/h).
•load the vehicle beyond maximum vehicle load rating listed on the
Safety Compliance Label.
•tow a trailer.
•use snow chains on the end of the vehicle with the dissimilar spare
tire.
•use more than one dissimilar spare tire at a time.
•use commercial car washing equipment.
•try to repair the dissimilar spare tire.
Use of one of the dissimilar spare tires listed above at any one wheel
location can lead to impairment of the following:
•Handling, stability and braking performance
•Comfort and noise
•Ground clearance and parking at curbs
•Winter weather driving capability
•Wet weather driving capability
•All-wheel driving capability
3.Full-size dissimilar spare without label on wheel
When driving with the full-size dissimilar spare tire and wheel assembly,
do not:
•exceed 70 mph (113 km/h).
•use more than one dissimilar spare tire and wheel at a time.
•use commercial car washing equipment.
•use snow chains on the end of the vehicle with the dissimilar spare
tire and wheel.
The usage of a full-size dissimilar spare tire and wheel assembly can lead
to impairment of the following:
•Handling, stability and braking performance
•Comfort and noise
376Wheels and Tires
2015 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide gf, 2nd Printing, September 2014
USA(fus)

SecuriLock passive anti-theft
system ..........................................85
Selecting your media source
(USB, Line in, BT audio) .........448
Sending new text messages .....503
Setting a destination ................533
Setting a destination by
voice ...........................................534
Settings ......................................518
Setting the clock ...............401, 518
Side air curtain ...........................58
Side-curtain airbags system .......58
SIRIUS® satellite radio ....401, 486
SIRIUS satellite radio voice
commands .................................488
SIRIUS Travel Link ...................510
SIRIUS Travel Link voice
commands .................................511
Snowplowing ...............................16
SOS Post Crash Alert .................51
Spark plugs,
specifications .....................384, 391
Special notice
ambulance conversions ............16
utility-type vehicles ..................16
Specification chart,
lubricants ...................................386
Stability system .........................224
Starting your vehicle ................189
jump starting ..........................289
push button start system .......188
Steering wheel ............................90
controls ......................................92
tilting ...................................90–91
Sun visor ....................................112Supplemental Restraint System
(SRS) (see airbags) ....................52
Supported media file types ......496
Supported player, media
formats and metadata
information ................................496
SYNC® AppLink™ ...................444
SYNC® customer
support ..............................418, 470
SYNC® Services ................441, 506
System settings .........................521
T
Temperature control
(see Climate control) ......144, 146,
148, 530
Text messaging .................429, 502
Text messaging (sending,
downloading, deleting) .....429, 431
Third-row power fold seat .......175
Tilt steering wheel ................90–91
Tires ...........................354–355, 375
alignment ................................368
care ..........................................353
changing ..........................375, 377
checking the pressure ............364
inflating ...................................362
label .........................................361
replacing ..................................366
rotating ....................................369
safety practices .......................368
sidewall information ...............357
snow tires and chains ............370
spare tire .................................375
terminology .............................356
tire grades ...............................355
treadwear ........................355, 364
594Index
2015 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide gf, 2nd Printing, September 2014
USA(fus)