engine FORD EXPLORER 2020 Owners Manual

The information contained in this publication was correct at the time of going to print. In the interest of
continuous development, we reserve the right to change specifications, design or equipment at any time
without notice or obligation. No part of this publication may be reproduced, transmitted, stored in a
retrieval system or translated into any language in any form by any means without our written permission.
Errors and omissions excepted.
© Ford Motor Company 2020
All rights reserved.
Part Number: 201902 20200225125147
California Proposition 65
WARNING: Operating, servicing and
maintaining a passenger vehicle or off-highway
motor vehicle can expose you to chemicals
including engine exhaust, carbon monoxide,
phthalates, and lead, which are known to the
State of California to cause cancer and birth
defects or other reproductive harm. To minimize
exposure, avoid breathing exhaust, do not idle the
engine except as necessary, service your vehicle
in a well-ventilated area and wear gloves or wash
your hands frequently when servicing your vehicle.
For more information go to
www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/passenger-vehicle. WARNING:
Battery posts, terminals and
related accessories contain lead and lead
compounds, chemicals known to the State of
California to cause cancer and reproductive harm.
Wash your hands after handling
.

Climate Control
Automatic Climate Control
......................137
Hints on Controlling the Interior Climate ........................................................................\
.
139
Rear Passenger Climate Controls .........
140
Heated Windshield ......................................
141
Heated Rear Window .................................
142
Heated Exterior Mirrors ..............................
142
Remote Start .................................................
142
Interior Air Quality
What Is the Cabin Air Filter ......................
143
Locating the Cabin Air Filter ....................
143
Replacing the Cabin Air Filter ..................
143
Seats
Sitting in the Correct Position .................
144
Head Restraints ...........................................
144
Manual Seats ................................................
147
Power Seats ..................................................
148
Memory Function ........................................
150
Rear Seats ......................................................
152
Heated Seats ................................................
156
Climate Controlled Seats .........................
158
Rear Occupant Alert System
What is the Rear Occupant Alert System ........................................................................\
160
How Does the Rear Occupant Alert System Work ............................................
160
Rear Occupant Alert System Precautions ........................................................................\
160
Rear Occupant Alert System Limitations ........................................................................\
160
Switching Rear Occupant Alert System On and Off .................................................
160
Rear Occupant Alert System Indicators ........................................................................\
..
161
Rear Occupant Alert System Audible Warnings ......................................................
161Garage Door Opener
Universal Garage Door Opener
..............
162
Auxiliary Power Points
Auxiliary Power Points ...............................
167
Wireless Accessory Charger ....................
168
Storage Compartments
Cup Holders .....................................................
171
Center Console ...............................................
171
Overhead Console ........................................
171
Starting and Stopping the Engine
General Information ....................................
172
Ignition Switch ...............................................
172
Keyless Starting ............................................
172
Starting a Gasoline Engine .......................
173
Starting a Hybrid Electric Vehicle System ........................................................................\
.
176
Engine Block Heater ...................................
178
Unique Driving Characteristics
Auto-Start-Stop ..........................................
180
Hybrid Vehicle Operation - 3.3L, Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) ...........................
182
Hybrid Vehicle Frequently Asked Questions - 3.3L, Hybrid Electric
Vehicle (HEV) ...........................................
184
Fuel and Refueling
Safety Precautions .....................................
186
Fuel Quality - E85 .......................................
186
Fuel Quality - Gasoline .............................
188
Fuel Filler Funnel Location ......................
188
Running Out of Fuel ...................................
188
Refueling - Excluding: Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) ...........................................
190
Refueling - Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) ........................................................................\
.
193
3
Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201902, Third-Printing- Table of Contents

Fuel Consumption
......................................195
Engine Emission Control
Emission Law ................................................
197
Catalytic Converter .....................................
198
High Voltage Battery
General Information ...................................
201
Transmission
Automatic Transmission ..........................
202
Four-Wheel Drive
Principle of Operation ..............................
208
Using Four-Wheel Drive ..........................
208
Brakes
General Information ...................................
214
Hints on Driving With Anti-Lock Brakes ........................................................................\
.
215
Electric Parking Brake ................................
215
Hill Start Assist ..............................................
217
Auto Hold ........................................................
218
Reverse Braking Assist
What Is Reverse Braking Assist .............
220
Reverse Braking Assist Precautions .....
220
Switching Reverse Braking Assist On and Off ..................................................................
221
Overriding Reverse Braking Assist .........
221
Reverse Braking Assist Indicators ..........
221
Reverse Braking Assist – Troubleshooting ......................................
222
Traction Control
Principle of Operation ...............................
224
Using Traction Control ..............................
224
Stability Control
Principle of Operation ...............................
225Using Stability Control
..............................
226
Hill Descent Control
What Is Hill Descent Control ..................
228
Switching Hill Descent Control On and Off ................................................................
228
Setting the Hill Descent Speed .............
228
Hill Descent Control Indicator ................
229
Parking Aids
Principle of Operation ...............................
230
Rear Parking Aid ..........................................
230
Front Parking Aid .........................................
232
Side Sensing System .................................
234
Active Park Assist .......................................
235
Rear View Camera ......................................
238
360 Degree Camera ...................................
241
Cruise Control
What Is Cruise Control ..............................
244
Switching Cruise Control On and Off ........................................................................\
244
Setting the Cruise Control Speed ........
244
Canceling the Set Speed .........................
245
Resuming the Set Speed .........................
245
Cruise Control Indicators .........................
245
Adaptive Cruise Control
How Does Adaptive Cruise Control With Stop and Go Work .................................
246
What Is Adaptive Cruise Control With Lane Centering ........................................
246
What Is Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control ........................................................
246
Adaptive Cruise Control Precautions - Vehicles With: Adaptive Cruise Control
With Lane Centering .............................
246
Adaptive Cruise Control Precautions - Vehicles With: Adaptive Cruise Control
With Stop and Go ..................................
246
4
Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201902, Third-Printing- Table of Contents

Adaptive Cruise Control Limitations -
Vehicles With: Adaptive Cruise Control
With Lane Centering ..............................247
Adaptive Cruise Control Limitations - Vehicles With: Adaptive Cruise Control
With Stop and Go ..................................
248
Switching Adaptive Cruise Control On and Off .......................................................
250
Setting the Adaptive Cruise Control Speed .........................................................
250
Setting the Adaptive Cruise Control Gap ........................................................................\
.
251
Canceling the Set Speed .........................
252
Resuming the Set Speed .........................
252
Overriding the Set Speed .........................
252
Adaptive Cruise Control Indicators - Vehicles With: Adaptive Cruise Control
With Lane Centering ..............................
253
Adaptive Cruise Control Indicators - Vehicles With: Adaptive Cruise Control
With Stop and Go ...................................
253
Adaptive Cruise Control Indicators - Vehicles With: Intelligent Adaptive
Cruise Control ..........................................
253
Switching From Adaptive Cruise Control to Cruise Control .....................................
253
Switching Lane Centering On and Off ........................................................................\
254
Switching Intelligent Mode On and Off ........................................................................\
255
Adjusting the Set Speed Tolerance ......
255
Adaptive Cruise Control – Troubleshooting ......................................
256
Driving Aids
Driver Alert ....................................................
259
Lane Keeping System ...............................
260
Blind Spot Information System ............
264
Cross Traffic Alert .......................................
268
Traffic Sign Recognition ............................
272
Steering ...........................................................
273
Pre-Collision Assist ....................................
274Drive Mode Control
What Is Drive Mode Control
....................
279
Selecting a Drive Mode .............................
279
Drive Modes ..................................................
279
Load Carrying
Rear Under Floor Storage .........................
281
Cargo Nets ......................................................
281
Luggage Covers ...........................................
282
Roof Racks and Load Carriers ...............
282
Load Limit ......................................................
283
Towing
Towing a Trailer ...........................................
289
Trailer Sway Control ..................................
290
Recommended Towing Weights ..........
290
Essential Towing Checks .........................
293
Towing the Vehicle on Four Wheels .....
295
Driving Hints
Reduced Engine Performance ..............
296
Economical Driving ....................................
296
Cold Weather Precautions ......................
297
Breaking-In ....................................................
297
Driving Through Water ..............................
297
Floor Mats .....................................................
298
Roadside Emergencies
Roadside Assistance .................................
299
Hazard Flashers ..........................................
300
Fuel Shutoff .................................................
300
Jump Starting the Vehicle ........................
301
Collision, Damage or Fire Event ............
303
Post-Crash Alert System .........................
304
Transporting the Vehicle .........................
304
Customer Assistance
Getting the Services You Need .............
306
In California (U.S. Only) ............................
307
5
Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201902, Third-Printing- Table of Contents

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) Auto
Line Program (U.S. Only) ....................308
Utilizing the Mediation/Arbitration Program (Canada Only) .....................
309
Getting Assistance Outside the U.S. and Canada ......................................................
309
Ordering Additional Owner's Literature ........................................................................\
..
311
Reporting Safety Defects (U.S. Only) ........................................................................\
..
311
Reporting Safety Defects (Canada Only) ........................................................................\
..
311
Fuses
Fuse Specification Chart ...........................
313
Changing a Fuse ...........................................
321
Maintenance
General Information ..................................
323
Opening and Closing the Hood .............
323
Under Hood Overview - 2.3L EcoBoostâ„¢ ........................................................................\
324
Under Hood Overview - 3.0L ..................
325
Under Hood Overview - 3.3L ..................
326
Engine Oil Dipstick - 2.3L EcoBoostâ„¢ ........................................................................\
.
327
Engine Oil Dipstick - 3.0L .........................
327
Engine Oil Dipstick - 3.3L ..........................
327
Engine Oil Check ..........................................
327
Oil Change Indicator Reset .....................
328
Changing the Engine Air Filter - 2.3L EcoBoostâ„¢ ...............................................
329
Changing the Engine Air Filter - 3.0L ........................................................................\
330
Changing the Engine Air Filter - 3.3L .....
331
Engine Coolant Check ...............................
332
Automatic Transmission Fluid Check ........................................................................\
336
Brake Fluid Check ........................................
337
Power Steering Fluid Check ....................
338
Changing the 12V Battery ........................
338
Adjusting the Headlamps .......................
340Washer Fluid Check
....................................
341
Fuel Filter ........................................................
341
Checking the Wiper Blades .....................
342
Changing the Front Wiper Blades ........
342
Changing the Rear Wiper Blades ..........
342
Changing a Bulb ..........................................
343
Vehicle Care
General Information ..................................
345
Cleaning Products ......................................
345
Cleaning the Exterior .................................
346
Waxing ............................................................
347
Cleaning the Engine ...................................
347
Cleaning the Windows and Wiper Blades ........................................................................\
347
Cleaning the Interior ..................................
348
Cleaning the Instrument Panel and Instrument Cluster Lens ......................
348
Cleaning Leather Seats ............................
349
Repairing Minor Paint Damage .............
350
Cleaning the Wheels .................................
350
Vehicle Storage ...........................................
350
Wheels and Tires
General Information ..................................
353
Tire Care .........................................................
355
Using Summer Tires ..................................
368
Using Snow Chains ...................................
368
Tire Pressure Monitoring System ..........
370
Changing a Road Wheel ..........................
376
Technical Specifications ..........................
382
Capacities and Specifications
Engine Specifications - 2.3L EcoBoostâ„¢ ........................................................................\
384
Engine Specifications - 3.0L ..................
385
Engine Specifications - 3.0L, ST ...........
385
Engine Specifications - 3.3L, Gasoline ........................................................................\
387
6
Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201902, Third-Printing- Table of Contents

Engine Specifications - 3.3L, Hybrid
Electric Vehicle (HEV) ..........................388
Transmission Specifications - ST ........
388
Motorcraft Parts - 2.3L EcoBoostâ„¢ .....
390
Motorcraft Parts - 3.0L ..............................
391
Motorcraft Parts - 3.3L .............................
392
Vehicle Identification Number ...............
393
Vehicle Certification Label ......................
393
Transmission Code Designation ...........
394
Capacities and Specifications - 2.3L EcoBoostâ„¢ ...............................................
395
Capacities and Specifications - 3.0L ........................................................................\
402
Capacities and Specifications - 3.3L, Gasoline ....................................................
409
Capacities and Specifications - 3.3L, Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) ............
416
Bulb Specification Chart .........................
424
Network Connectivity
Connecting the Vehicle to a Mobile Network .....................................................
426
Network Connectivity – Troubleshooting ........................................................................\
427
Vehicle Wi-Fi Hotspot
Creating a Vehicle Wi-Fi Hotspot .........
429
Changing the Vehicle Wi-Fi Hotspot Name or Password ................................
429
Audio System
General Information ..................................
430
Audio Unit .....................................................
430
Digital Radio ..................................................
431
Satellite Radio .............................................
434
USB Port ........................................................
436
SYNCâ„¢ 3
General Information ..................................
438
Using Voice Recognition ..........................
440
Entertainment .............................................
446Climate
...........................................................
456
Phone .............................................................
458
Navigation ....................................................
460
Electric Vehicle Information ...................
465
Apps ................................................................
466
Settings ..........................................................
469
SYNCâ„¢ 3 Troubleshooting ......................
471
Accessories
Accessories ..................................................
484
Ford Protect
Ford Protect .................................................
485
Scheduled Maintenance
General Maintenance Information .......
487
Normal Scheduled Maintenance .........
490
Special Operating Conditions Scheduled Maintenance ............................................
493
Scheduled Maintenance Record ..........
495
Appendices
Electromagnetic Compatibility ............
506
End User License Agreement ................
509
Declaration of Conformity ......................
534
Declaration of Conformity - Vehicles With: SYNC 3 ............................................
534
7
Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201902, Third-Printing- Table of Contents

Brake system
Cabin air filter
Check fuel cap
Child safety door lock or unlock
Child seat lower anchor
Child seat tether anchor
Cruise control
Do not open when hot
Engine air filter
Engine coolant
Engine coolant temperature
Engine oil
Explosive gas
Fan warning
Fasten seatbelt Flammable
Front airbag
Front fog lamps
Fuel pump reset
Fuse compartment
Hazard flashers
Heated rear window
Windshield defrosting system
Interior luggage compartment
release
Jack
Keep out of reach of children
Lighting control
Low tire pressure warning
Maintain correct fluid level
Note operating instructions
10
Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201902, Third-Printing- IntroductionE270480 E71340 E71880 E231160 E67017 E161353

Horn control
Panic alarm
Parking aid
Parking brake
Power steering fluid
Power windows front/rear
Power window lockout
Requires registered technician
Safety alert
See Owner's Manual
See Service Manual
Service engine soon
Passenger airbag activated
Passenger airbag deactivated
Side airbag Shield the eyes
Stability control
Hill descent control
Trail control
Windshield wiping system
Windshield wash and wipe
DATA RECORDING WARNING: Do not connect
wireless plug-in devices to the data link
connector. Unauthorized third parties
could gain access to vehicle data and
impair the performance of safety related
systems. Only allow repair facilities that
follow our service and repair instructions
to connect their equipment to the data
link connector.
We respect your privacy and are
committed to protecting it. The
information contained in this publication
was correct at the time of going to print,
but as technology rapidly changes, we
recommend that you visit the regional Ford
website for the latest information.
11
Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201902, Third-Printing- IntroductionE270945 E139213 E231159 E231158 E270849 E270850 E167012 E138639 E163957 E272858 E270969

Your vehicle has electronic control units
that have data recording functionality and
the ability to permanently or temporarily
store data. This data could include
information on the condition and status of
your vehicle, vehicle maintenance
requirements, events and malfunctions.
The types of data that can be recorded are
described in this section. Some of the data
recorded is stored in event logs or error
logs.
Note:
Error logs are reset following a service
or repair.
Note: We may provide information in
response to requests from law enforcement,
other government authorities and third
parties acting with lawful authority or
through a legal process. Such information
could be used by them in legal proceedings.
Data recorded includes, for example:
• Operating states of system
components, for example, fuel level,
tire pressure and battery charge level.
• Vehicle and component status, for
example, wheel speed, deceleration,
lateral acceleration and seatbelt
status.
• Events or errors in essential systems,
for example, headlamps and brakes.
• System responses to driving situations,
for example, airbag deployment and
stability control.
• Environmental conditions, for example,
temperature.
Some of this data, when used in
combination with other information, for
example, an accident report, damage to a
vehicle or eyewitness statements, could
be associated with a specific person. Service Data
Service data recorders in your vehicle are
capable of collecting and storing
diagnostic information about your vehicle.
This potentially includes information about
the performance or status of various
systems and modules in the vehicle, such
as engine, throttle, steering or brake
systems. In order to properly diagnose and
service your vehicle, Ford Motor Company
(Ford of Canada in Canada), and service
and repair facilities may access or share
among them vehicle diagnostic
information received through a direct
connection to your vehicle when
diagnosing or servicing your vehicle.
Additionally, Ford Motor Company (Ford
of Canada, in Canada) may, where
permitted by law, use vehicle diagnostic
information for vehicle improvement or
with other information we may have about
you, for example, your contact information,
to offer you products or services that may
interest you. Data may be provided to our
service providers such as part suppliers
that may help diagnose malfunctions, and
who are similarly obligated to protect data.
We retain this data only as long as
necessary to perform these functions or to
comply with law. We may provide
information where required in response to
official requests to law enforcement or
other government authorities or third
parties acting with lawful authority or court
order, and such information may be used
in legal proceedings. For U.S. only (if
equipped), if you choose to use connected
apps and services, you consent that certain
diagnostic information may also be
accessed electronically by Ford Motor
Company and Ford authorized service
facilities, and that the diagnostic
information may be used to provide
services to you, personalizing your
experience, troubleshoot, and to improve
products and services and offer you
products and services that may interest
12
Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201902, Third-Printing- Introduction

AT A GLANCE - ST
Exterior
•
Front and rear fascias feature unique
ST grille and unique finish.
• ST badging in front grille and on rear
liftgate.
• Trim features unique ST gloss black
finish.
• E-X-P-L-O-R-E-R lettering across
hood.
• Blackout treatment on headlight and
taillight lenses.
Interior
• Unique ST interior trim.
• Ford Performance sill plates.
• ST flat-bottom steering wheel with
integrated transmission shift paddle
controls.
• Selectable Drive Mode controller with
7 settings (Normal, Eco, Sport, Trail,
Slippery, Deep Snow/Sand and
Tow/Haul).
• Unique electronic sound enhancement
in Sport Selectable Drive Mode.
Chassis
• Unique ST-tuned suspension featuring
32 N/mm front coil springs and a 34
mm hollow front stabilizer bar and 106
N/mm rear coil springs and a 21.7 mm
hollow rear stabilizer bar.
• Standard ST brake system consists of
345 mm diameter vented front rotors
with two piston calipers and low-dust
linings; 326 mm solid rear rotors with
single-piston brake calipers and
electric integrated park brake with low
dust linings. •
Optional ST braking system includes
363 mm diameter vented front rotors
with heavy duty two-piston calipers
and low-dust linings; 350 mm diameter
vented rear rotors with heavy-duty
single-piston brake calipers and
electric integrated park brake with
low-dust linings; system requires 21 x
9-inch wheels and P275/45R21
all-season tires.
• Optional low-metallic brake linings are
included with optional P275/45R21
summer tire (late availability).
• ST-tuned electric power assist steering
rack and pinion.
• AdvanceTrac with stability
enhancement system with four modes:
Default, Traction Control Off, Sport and
Disabled.
• Aluminum ST 20 in (50.8 cm) x 8.5 in
(21.6 cm) wheels standard; 21 in
(53.3 cm) x 9 in (22.9 cm) wheels
optional.
• P255/55R20 all-season tires or
optional P275/45R21 all-season tires.
Powertrain
• 3.0L V6 DOHC GTDI engine, 400
horsepower, 415 lb-ft.
• 10R60 10-speed automatic
transmission with SelectShift manual
shift mode.
• 3.58 axle ratios.
• Unique transmission calibration in
Sport Selectable Drive Mode.
• Dual exhaust with quad-tip outlets.
20
Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201902, Third-Printing- At a Glance