FORD EXPLORER 2021 Owners Manual

•
Box trailers that have a width greater
than 8.2 ft (2.5 m) could cause early
alerts when you pass a vehicle.
• Clam shell or V-Nose box trailers with
a width greater than
8.2 ft (2.5 m)
could cause delayed alerts when a
vehicle traveling the same speed as
your vehicle merges lanes.
System Errors
If the system detects a fault, a warning
lamp illuminates and a message displays.
See
Information Messages (page 121).
Switching the System On and Off
You can switch the blind spot information
system with trailer tow off by not selecting
a trailer the information display.
See
General Information (page 114). In this
case, the system turns off as long as a
trailer is attached to your vehicle. As soon
as you disconnect the trailer, the blind spot
information system becomes active.
When you switch the system off, a warning
lamp illuminates and the alert indicators
flash twice.
Note: The system remembers the last
trailer setting when you start your vehicle.
You cannot switch off the blind spot
information system with trailer tow when
using MyKey, but you can still change the
trailer settings.
See MyKey ™ (page 64).
To permanently switch the system off,
contact an authorized dealer. CROSS TRAFFIC ALERT WARNING:
Do not use the cross
traffic alert system as a replacement for
using the interior and exterior mirrors or
looking over your shoulder before
reversing out of a parking space. The
cross traffic alert system is not a
replacement for careful driving. WARNING:
The system may not
operate properly during severe weather
conditions, for example snow, ice, heavy
rain and spray. Always drive with due
care and attention. Failure to take care
may result in a crash.
The system alerts you of vehicles
approaching from the sides behind your
vehicle when you shift into reverse (R).
Using Cross Traffic Alert
The system detects vehicles that approach
at a speed between
4 mph (6 km/h) and
37 mph (60 km/h). Coverage decreases
when the sensors are partially, mostly or
fully obstructed. Slowly reversing helps
increase the coverage area and
effectiveness.
The system turns on when you start the
engine and you shift into reverse (R). The
system turns off when you shift out of
reverse (R).
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The sensor on the left-hand side is only
partially obstructed and zone coverage on
the right-hand side is maximized.
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Zone coverage also decreases when
parking at narrow angles. The sensor on
the left-hand side is mostly obstructed and
zone coverage on that side is severely
reduced.
Cross Traffic Alert System Sensors
The sensors are behind the rear bumper
on both sides of your vehicle.
Note:
Keep the sensors free from snow, ice
and large accumulations of dirt.
Note: Do not cover the sensors with bumper
stickers, repair compound or other objects.
Note: Blocked sensors could affect system
performance.
If the sensors are blocked, a message may
appear in the information display when
you shift into reverse (R).
Cross Traffic Alert System
Limitations
The system may not correctly operate
when any of the following occur:
• The sensors are blocked.
• Adjacently parked vehicles or objects
are obstructing the sensors.
• Vehicles approach at speeds less than
4 mph (6 km/h) or greater than 37 mph
(60 km/h).
• The vehicle speed is greater than 7 mph
(12 km/h)
.
• You reverse out of an angled parking
space. Cross Traffic Alert Behavior When
Trailer is Attached
Note:
The system may not correctly operate
when towing a trailer. For vehicles with an
approved trailer tow module and tow bar,
the system turns off when you attach a
trailer. For vehicles with an aftermarket
trailer tow module or tow bar, we
recommend that you switch the system off
when you attach a trailer.
Cross traffic alert remains on when you
attach a trailer in vehicles that come with
blind spot information system with trailer
tow under the following conditions:
• You connect a trailer.
• The trailer is a bike rack or cargo rack
with a maximum length of
3 ft (1 m).
• You set the trailer length to
3 ft (1 m)
in the information display.
See
Blind Spot Information System
(page 264).
Switching the System On and Off
To switch the system on or off, adjust the
setting. Depending on your vehicle options,
the setting could be in the following:
• Information display.
See General
Information (page 117).
• Touchscreen. See Settings (page 464).
Note: The system turns on every time you
switch the ignition on. To permanently
switch the system off, contact an authorized
dealer.
Cross Traffic Alert Indicator When the system detects an
approaching vehicle, a tone
sounds, a warning lamp
illuminates in the relevant exterior mirror
and arrows appear in the information
display to show which side the
approaching vehicle is coming from.
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Note:
If arrows do not display, a message
appears in the information display.
If the system malfunctions, a warning lamp
illuminates in the instrument cluster and
a message appears in the information
display. Have your vehicle checked as soon
as possible. Note:
In exceptional conditions, the system
could alert you, even when there is nothing
in the detection zone, for example a vehicle
passing further away from your vehicle.
Cross Traffic Alert Information Messages Action
Message
Displays instead of indication arrows when the system
detects a vehicle. Check for approaching traffic.
Cross Traffic Alert
Indicates blocked cross traffic alert system sensors. Clean
the sensors. If the message continues to appear, have your
vehicle checked as soon as possible.
Cross Traffic Not Avail-
able Sensor Blocked See
Manual
The system has malfunctioned. Have your vehicle checked
as soon as possible.
Cross Traffic System
Fault
Displays if you attach a trailer to your vehicle.
Cross Traffic Alert Deac-
tivated Trailer Attached
SPEED SIGN RECOGNITION (IF
EQUIPPED)
Principle of Operation WARNING: You are responsible for
controlling your vehicle at all times. The
system is designed to be an aid and does
not relieve you of your responsibility to
drive with due care and attention. Failure
to follow this instruction could result in
the loss of control of your vehicle,
personal injury or death. WARNING:
In cold and severe
weather conditions the system may not
function. Rain, snow and spray can all
limit sensor performance. WARNING:
The system may not
operate properly if the sensor is blocked.
Keep the windshield free from
obstruction.
The system is designed to detect speed
limit signs to inform you of the current
speed limit. Detected speed signs appear
in the information display. The sensor is
behind the interior mirror.
Note: Do not carry out windshield repairs
in the immediate area surrounding the
sensor.
Note: Speed sign data provided by the
navigation system contains information
integrated to the data carrier release.
Note: The system may not detect all speed
signs and may incorrectly read signs.
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Note:
If your vehicle has a suspension kit
not approved by us, the system may not
correctly function.
Note: Always replace headlamp bulbs with
those specifically designed for your vehicle.
Other bulbs could reduce system
performance.
The system turns on when you switch the
ignition on and you cannot switch the
system off.
Using Speed Sign Recognition
Setting the System Speed Warning
You can set the system speed warning to
alert you when the vehicle speed exceeds
the speed limit recognized by the system
by a certain speed tolerance.
Note: The system remembers the last
setting when you start your vehicle. System Display When the system detects a speed limit
sign, the speed limit appears in the
information display.
Note:
If your vehicle has a navigation
system, stored speed sign data could
influence the indicated speed limit value.
To switch the system speed warning on or
off, adjust the speed warning settings use
the touchscreen:
1. Select Settings.
2. Select
Driver Assistance.
3. Select
Tolerance.
4. Use
+ and - to set the tolerance.
Information Messages Action
Message
The traffic sign data provided by the navig-ation system is unavailable due to weak or
no signal. Wait for a short period of time for the signal to improve. If the message
continues to appear, have your vehicle checked as soon as possible.
Traffic Sign Reduced Performance See
Manual
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STEERING
Electric Power Steering
WARNING: The electric power
steering system has diagnostic checks
that continuously monitor the system. If
a fault is detected, a message displays
in the information display. Stop your
vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.
Switch the ignition off. After at least 10
seconds, switch the ignition on and
watch the information display for a
steering system warning message. If a
steering system warning message
returns, have the system checked as
soon as possible. WARNING:
If the system detects
an error, you may not feel a difference in
the steering, however a serious condition
may exist. Have your vehicle checked as
soon as possible. Failure to do so may
result in loss of steering control.
Your vehicle has an electric power steering
system, there is no fluid reservoir, no
maintenance is required.
If your vehicle loses electrical power while
you are driving, electric power steering
assistance is lost. The steering system still
operates and you can steer your vehicle
manually. Manually steering your vehicle
requires more effort.
Extreme continuous steering may increase
the effort required for you to steer your
vehicle, this increased effort prevents
overheating and permanent damage to
the steering system. You do not lose the
ability to steer your vehicle manually.
Typical steering and driving maneuvers
allow the system to cool and return to
normal operation. Steering Tips
If the steering wanders or pulls, check for:
•
Correct tire pressures.
• Uneven tire wear.
• Loose or worn suspension
components.
• Loose or worn steering components.
• Improper vehicle alignment.
Note: A high crown in the road or high
crosswinds may also make the steering
seem to wander or pull.
Adaptive Learning
(If Equipped)
The electronic power steering system
adaptive learning helps correct road
irregularities and improves overall handling
and steering feel. It communicates with
the brake system to help operate
advanced stability control and accident
avoidance systems. Additionally, whenever
the battery is disconnected or a new
battery installed, you must drive your
vehicle a short distance before the system
relearns the strategy and reactivates all
systems.
PRE-COLLISION ASSIST WARNING: You are responsible for
controlling your vehicle at all times. The
system is designed to be an aid and does
not relieve you of your responsibility to
drive with due care and attention. Failure
to follow this instruction could result in
the loss of control of your vehicle,
personal injury or death.
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WARNING: The system does not
detect vehicles that are driving in a
different direction, cyclists or animals.
Apply the brakes when necessary. Failure
to follow this instruction could result in
the loss of control of your vehicle,
personal injury or death. WARNING:
The system does not
operate during hard acceleration or
steering. Failure to take care may lead
to a crash or personal injury. WARNING: The system may fail or
operate with reduced function during
cold and severe weather conditions.
Snow, ice, rain, spray and fog can
adversely affect the system. Keep the
front camera and radar free of snow and
ice. Failure to take care may result in the
loss of control of your vehicle, serious
personal injury or death. WARNING:
Some situations and
objects prevent hazard detection. For
example low or direct sunlight, inclement
weather, unconventional vehicle types,
and pedestrians. Apply the brakes when
necessary. Failure to follow this
instruction could result in the loss of
control of your vehicle, personal injury or
death. WARNING:
The system cannot
help prevent all crashes. Do not rely on
this system to replace driver judgment
and the need to maintain a safe distance
and speed.
Using the Pre-Collision Assist
System
The system is active at speeds above
approximately
3 mph (5 km/h) and
pedestrian detection is active at speeds
up to
50 mph (80 km/h). If your vehicle is rapidly approaching
another stationary vehicle, a vehicle
traveling in the same direction as yours, or
a pedestrian within your driving path, the
system is designed to provide three levels
of functionality:
1. Alert
2. Brake Support
3. Active Braking
Alert
: When active, a flashing visual
warning appears and an audible warning
tone sounds.
Brake Support
: The system is designed
to help reduce the impact speed by
preparing the brakes for rapid braking.
Brake support does not automatically
apply the brakes. If you press the brake
pedal, the system could apply additional
braking up to maximum braking force, even
if you lightly press the brake pedal.
Active Braking
: Active braking may
activate if the system determines that a
collision is imminent. The system may help
the driver reduce impact damage or avoid
the crash completely.
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Note:
Brake Support and Active Braking are
active at speeds up to 75 mph (120 km/h).
If your vehicle has a radar sensor included
with Adaptive Cruise Control, then Brake
Support and Active Braking are active up to
the maximum speed of the vehicle.
Note: If you perceive Pre-Collision Assist
alerts as being too frequent or disturbing,
then you can reduce the alert sensitivity,
though the manufacturer recommends
using the highest sensitivity setting where
possible. Setting lower sensitivity would
lead to fewer and later system warnings.
Note: Pre-Collision Assist turns off when
you manually disable AdvanceTrac or when
you select deep snow/sand mode.
Distance Indication and Alert
(If
Equipped)
Distance Indication and Alert is a function
that provides the driver with a graphical
indication of the time gap to other
preceding vehicles traveling in the same
direction. Distance Indication and Alert
shows one of the graphics that follow in
the information display. If the time gap to a preceding vehicle is
small, a red visual indication displays to
the driver.
Note:
Distance Indication and Alert
deactivates and the graphics do not display
when Adaptive Cruise Control is active. Time Gap
Distance Gap
Graphics
Sensitivity
Speed
>0.9sec
>
82 ft (25 m)
Grey
Normal
62 mph
(100 km/h)
0.6sec —0.9sec
56–82 ft
(17 –25 m)
Yellow
Normal
62 mph
(100 km/h)
<0.6sec
<
56 ft (17 m)
Red
Normal
62 mph
(100 km/h)
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Evasive Steering Assist (If Equipped)
If your vehicle is rapidly approaching a
stationary vehicle or a vehicle traveling in
the same direction as your vehicle, the
system is designed to help you steer
around the vehicle.
The system only activates when all of the
following occur:
• The Pre-Collision Assist system detects
a vehicle ahead and starts to apply
Active Braking.
• You turn the steering wheel in an
attempt to steer around the vehicle.
After you turn the steering wheel, the
system applies additional steering torque
to help you steer around the vehicle. After
you pass the vehicle, the system applies
steering torque in the opposite direction to
encourage you to steer back into the lane.
The system deactivates after you fully pass
the vehicle.
Note: The system does not automatically
steer around a vehicle. If you do not turn the
steering wheel, the system does not
activate.
Note: The system does not activate if the
distance to the vehicle ahead is too small
and the system cannot avoid a crash.
Adjusting the Pre-Collision Assist
Settings
You can adjust the following settings by
using the touchscreen. See Settings (page
464
).
• You can change Alert and Distance
Alert sensitivity to one of three possible
settings.
• You can switch Distance Indication and
Alert on or off. •
If required, you can switch Active
Braking on or off.
• If required, you can switch Evasive
Steering Assist on or off.
Note: Active Braking and Evasive Steering
Assist automatically turn on every time you
switch the ignition on.
Note: If you switch Active Braking off,
Evasive Steering Assist turns off.
Blocked Sensors Camera.
1
Radar sensor (if equipped).
2
If a message regarding a blocked sensor
or camera appears in the information
display, the radar signals or camera images
are obstructed. If your vehicle has a radar
sensor, it is behind the fascia cover in the
center of the lower grille. With a blocked
sensor or camera, the Pre-Collision Assist
system may not function, or performance
may reduce. The following table lists
possible causes and actions for when this
message displays.
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Camera Troubleshooting
Action
Cause
Clean the outside of the windshield in frontof the camera.
The windshield in front of the camera is
dirty or obstructed in some way.
Wait a short time. It may take several
minutes for the camera to detect that there is no obstruction.
The windshield in front of the camera is
clean but the message remains in the display screen.
Radar Troubleshooting (If Equipped) Action
Cause
Clean the grille surface in front of the radaror remove the object causing the obstruc- tion.
The surface of the radar in the grille is dirty
or obstructed in some way.
Wait a short time. It may take several
minutes for the radar to detect that there is no obstruction.
The surface of the radar in the grille is clean
but the message remains in the display screen.
The Pre-Collision Assist system is tempor-
arily disabled. Pre-Collision Assist automat-ically reactivates a short time after the weather conditions improve.
Heavy rain, spray, snow or fog is interfering
with the radar signals.
The Pre-Collision Assist system is tempor-
arily disabled. Pre-Collision Assist automat-ically reactivates a short time after the weather conditions improve.
Swirling water or snow or ice on the surface
of the road may interfere with the radar signals.
Contact an authorized dealer to have theradar checked for proper coverage and operation.
Radar is out of alignment due to a front end
impact.
Note: Proper system operation requires a
clear view of the road by the camera. Have
any windshield damage in the area of the
camera's field of view repaired.
Note: If something hits the front end of your
vehicle or damage occurs and your vehicle
has a radar sensor, the radar sensing zone
may change. This could cause missed or
false detections. Contact an authorized
dealer to have the radar checked for proper
coverage and operation.
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