audio FORD EXPLORER 2021 Owner's Manual

Potential station issues
Action
Cause
Issues
No action required. This is a
broadcast issue.
This is poor time alignment
by the radio broadcaster.
Echo, stutter, skip or repeat
in audio.
Increase or decrease in
audio volume.
No action required. The
reception issue may clear up
as you continue to drive.
The radio is shifting between
analog and digital audio.
Sound fading or blending in
and out.
No action required. This is
normal behavior. Wait until
the audio is available.
The digital multicast is not
available until the HD Radio
broadcast is decoded. Once
decoded, the audio is avail-
able.
There is an audio mute
delay when selecting HD2 or
HD3, multicast preset or
Direct Tune.
No action required. The
station is not available in
your current location.
The previously stored
multicast preset or direct
tune is not available in your
current reception area.
Cannot access HD2 or HD3
multicast channel when
recalling a preset or from a
direct tune.
Fill out the station issue
form at website listed
below.1
Data service issue by the
radio broadcaster.
Text information does not
match currently playing
audio.
Fill out the station issue
form at website listed
below.1
Data service issue by the
radio broadcaster.
There is no text information
shown for currently selected
frequency.
1 http://hdradio.com/stations/feedback
HD Radio Technology manufactured under
license from iBiquity Digital Corporation
and foreign patents. HD Radio and the HD
and HD Radio logos are proprietary
trademarks of DTS Ford Motor Company
and DTS are not responsible for the
content sent using HD Radio technology.
Content may be changed, added or deleted
at any time at the station owner's
discretion. SATELLITE RADIO
(IF EQUIPPED)
SiriusXM® Satellite Radio broadcasts a
variety of music, news, sports, weather,
traffic and entertainment satellite radio
channels. For more information and a
complete list of SiriusXM satellite radio
channels, visit www.siriusxm.com in the
United States, www.siriusxm.ca in Canada,
or call SiriusXM at 1-888-539-7474.
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Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing Audio System

Note:
This receiver includes the eCos
real-time operating system. eCos is
published under the eCos License.
Satellite Radio Reception Factors Potential satellite radio reception issues
For optimal reception performance, keep the antenna
clear of snow and ice build-up and keep luggage and other
material as far away from the antenna as possible.
Antenna obstructions
Hills, mountains, tall buildings, bridges, tunnels, freeway
overpasses, parking garages, dense tree foliage and
thunderstorms can interfere with your reception.
Terrain
When you pass a ground-based broadcast-repeating
tower, a stronger signal may overtake a weaker one and
the audio system may mute.
Station overload
Your display may show ACQUIRING . . . to indicate the
interference and the audio system may mute.
Satellite radio signal interfer-
ence
SiriusXM Satellite Radio Service
Note: SiriusXM reserves the unrestricted
right to change, rearrange, add or delete
programming including canceling, moving
or adding particular channels, and its prices,
at any time, with or without notice to you.
Ford Motor Company shall not be
responsible for any such programming
changes. SiriusXM satellite radio is a
subscription-based satellite radio service
that broadcasts a variety of music, sports,
news, weather, traffic and entertainment
programming. Your factory-installed
SiriusXM satellite radio system includes
hardware and a limited subscription term,
which begins on the date of sale or lease
of your vehicle. See an authorized dealer
for availability.
For more information on extended
subscription terms (a service fee is
required), the online media player and a
complete list of SiriusXM satellite radio
channels, and other features, please visit
www.siriusxm.com in the United States,
www.siriusxm.ca in Canada, or call
SiriusXM at 1-888-539-7474.
Satellite Radio Electronic Serial
Number (ESN)
You need your ESN to activate, modify or
track your satellite radio account.
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Locating Your ESN
With satellite radio as the source, use the
touchscreen to select the following:
1. Select Settings. See Settings (page
464).
2. Select
SiriusXM.
3. Select
SiriusXM information.
Troubleshooting Action
Condition
Message
No action required. This
message should disappear
shortly.
Radio requires more than
two seconds to produce
audio for the selected
channel.
Acquiring…
If this message does not
clear shortly, or with an igni-
tion key cycle, your receiver
may have a fault. See an
authorized dealer for service.
There is an internal module
or system failure present.
Satellite antenna fault
SIRIUS system failure
Tune to another channel or
choose another preset.
The channel is no longer
available.
Invalid Channel
Contact SiriusXM at 1-888-
539-7474 to subscribe to
the channel, or tune to
another channel.
Your subscription does not
include this channel.
Unsubscribed Channel
The signal is blocked. When
you move into an open area,
the signal should return.
The signal is lost from the
SiriusXM satellite or Siri-
usXM tower to your vehicle
antenna.
No Signal
No action required. The
process may take up to
three minutes.
Update of channel
programming in progress.
Updating…
Contact SiriusXM at 1-888-
539-7474 to resolve
subscription issues.
Your satellite service is no
longer available.
Questions? Call
1-888-539-7474
Use the channel guide to
turn off the Lock or Skip
function on that station.
All the channels in the
selected category are either
skipped or locked.
None found
Check Channel Guide
No action required.
SiriusXM has updated the
channels available for your
vehicle.
Subscription Updated
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Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing Audio System

USB PORT (IF EQUIPPED)
WARNING: Driving while distracted
can result in loss of vehicle control, crash
and injury. We strongly recommend that
you use extreme caution when using any
device that may take your focus off the
road. Your primary responsibility is the
safe operation of your vehicle. We
recommend against the use of any
hand-held device while driving and
encourage the use of voice-operated
systems when possible. Make sure you
are aware of all applicable local laws
that may affect the use of electronic
devices while driving.
USB A USB C The USB port allows you to plug in media
playing devices, memory sticks and charge
devices.
Note:
We recommend using only USB-IF
certified cables and adapters. Non-certified
cables and adapters may not work.
Locating the USB Ports
The USB ports may be in the following
locations:
• Inside the media bin.
• Inside the center console.
• On the lower instrument panel.
Note: The number and type of USB ports
may vary depending on your vehicle.
Note: Not all USB ports in your vehicle have
data transfer capabilities. See
Auxiliary
Power Points (page 167).
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GENERAL INFORMATION
WARNING: Driving while distracted
can result in loss of vehicle control, crash
and injury. We strongly recommend that
you use extreme caution when using any
device that may take your focus off the
road. Your primary responsibility is the
safe operation of your vehicle. We
recommend against the use of any
hand-held device while driving and
encourage the use of voice-operated
systems when possible. Make sure you
are aware of all applicable local laws
that may affect the use of electronic
devices while driving.
About SYNC
The system allows you to interact with the
entertainment, information and
communication systems on your vehicle
using voice commands and a touchscreen.
The system provides easy interaction with
audio, phone, navigation, mobile apps and
settings.
Note: You can switch the system on and
use it for up to an hour without switching
the ignition on.
Note: You can use the system after you
switch the ignition off for up to 10 minutes
or until you open a door.
Note: For your safety, some features are
speed-dependent. Their use is limited to
when your vehicle speed is less than 3 mph
(5 km/h). Using the Touchscreen
Status bar.
A
Home screen.
B
Clock. See Settings (page 464).
C
Outside air temperature.
D
Feature bar.
E
Status Bar Cell phone microphone muted.
Audio system muted.
Software update installed.
Wi-Fi connected.
Cell phone roaming.
Text message received.
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Description
Voice Command
Go to the next page.
Next Page
Go to the previous page.
Previous Page
1 Add the name of the feature to the command.
Entertainment
Audio Source Description
Voice Command
Use the radio.
Radio
Use the CD player.
CD Player
Use a Bluetooth device.
Bluetooth Stereo
Use a USB or media player.
USB
Radio Description
Voice Command
Listen to AM radio.
AM
Tune to a specific AM frequency.1
AM ___
Listen to SiriusXM radio.2
Sirius Channel ___
Listen to FM radio.
FM
Tune to a specific FM frequency.1
FM ___
1 Add the radio frequency to two decimal places to the command.
2 You can say the Sirius channel name or number such as "Sirius Channel 16" or "Sirius
The Pulse".
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Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing SYNC™ 3

USB and Media Player
Description
Voice Command
Play your music by category. 1
Play Album ___
Play Artist ___
Play Genre ___
Play Playlist ___
Play Song ___
Play Audiobook ___
Play Podcast ___
Browse music on a USB device.
Browse All Albums
Browse All Artists
Browse All Audiobooks
Browse All Genres
Browse All Playlists
Browse All Podcasts
Browse All Songs
Browse your music by category on a USB device. 1
Browse Album ___
Browse Artist ___
Browse Audiobook ___
Browse Genre ___
Browse Playlist ___
Browse Podcast ___
1 Add an album name, artist name, audiobook name, genre name, playlist name, podcast
name or track name to the command. Say the name exactly as it appears on your device.
Climate (If Equipped)
You can control the temperature of the
vehicle using voice commands. ___ is a dynamic listing, meaning that for
climate voice commands it can be the
desired degrees for the temperature
setting.
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Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing SYNC™ 3

Voice Settings
Description
Voice Command
Go to the voice settings menu.
Voice Settings
Switch long voice prompts on.
Interaction Mode Novice
Switch short voice prompts on.
Interaction Mode Advanced
Switch call confirmation on. The system prompts
you to confirm before making a call.
Phone Confirmation On
Switch call confirmation off. The system does not
prompt you to confirm before making a call.
Phone Confirmation Off
Switch the display of voice commands on.
Voice Command Lists On
Switch the display of voice commands off.
Voice Command Lists Off
Automatic Blower Motor Speed
Reduction
If necessary, the system decreases the
blower motor speed when you are using
voice commands to reduce the amount of
background noise in your vehicle. It returns
to normal when you are done.
Switching Automatic Blower Motor
Speed Reduction Off
Simultaneously press the A/C and
recirculated air buttons. ENTERTAINMENT Audio source. Select to choose
a different audio source.
A
Presets. Swipe left to view more
presets.
B
You can access these options using the
touchscreen or voice commands.
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Sources
Press this button to select the source of
media you want to listen to.Menu Item
AM
FM 1
SIRIUS
CD
The name of the USB that is plugged in displays here.
USB
Bluetooth Stereo
If you have SYNC 3 compatible apps on your connected smart phone, they
display here as individual source selections.
Apps
1 This feature may not be available in all markets and requires an active subscription.
AM/FM Radio
Tuning a Station
You can use the tune or seek controls on
the radio bezel to select a station.
To tune a station using the
touchscreen, select: Menu Item
Direct Tune
A pop up appears, allowing you to type in
the frequency of a station. You can only
enter a valid station for the source you are
currently listening to.
You can press the backspace button to
delete the previously entered number. Once you have entered the station's
call numbers, you can select: Action and Descrip-
tion
Menu Item
Press to begin
playing the station
you have entered.
Enter
Press to exit
without changing
the station.
Cancel
Presets
To set a new preset, tune to the station
and then press and hold one of the
memory preset buttons. The audio mutes
briefly while the system saves the station
and then returns.
You may be able to add additional preset
pages using the settings option on the
feature bar.
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Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing SYNC™ 3

Action and Description
Menu Item
Replay audio on the current channel. You can replay approx-
imately 45 minutes of audio as long as you remain tuned to
the current station. Changing stations erases the previous
audio.
Replay
When you are in replay mode, you are not
able to select a different preset until you
return to live audio. Pressing this button
returns you to the live broadcast.
Live
Save the current song, artist, or team as a favorite. The system
alerts you when it plays again on any channel.
ALERT
Selecting this button allows you to enable and edit alerts.
Memory Presets
To set a preset, tune to the station then
press and hold one of the memory preset
buttons. The audio mutes briefly while the
system saves the station and returns once
the station is stored. You may be able to add additional preset
pages using the settings option on the
feature bar.
SiriusXM Satellite Radio Reception Factors and Troubleshooting Potential Reception Issues
For optimal reception performance, keep the antenna clear
of snow and ice build-up and keep luggage and other
materials as far away from the antenna as possible.
Antenna obstructions
Hills, mountains, tall buildings, bridges, tunnels, freeway
overpasses, parking garages, dense tree foliage and thunder-
storms can interfere with your reception.
Terrain
When you pass a ground-based broadcast-repeating tower,
a stronger signal may overtake a weaker one and the audio
system may mute.
Station overload
Your display may show ACQUIRING... to indicate the interfer-
ence and the audio system may mute.
Satellite radio signal
interference
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Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing SYNC™ 3