brakes FORD EXPLORER 2021 Owner's Manual

Note:
The system does not operate during
hard acceleration or steering.
Note: If your vehicle sustains damage to
the bumper or fascia leaving it misaligned
or bent, it could alter the sensing zone
causing inaccurate measurement of
obstacles or false alerts.
Note: Vehicle loading and suspension
changes can impact the angle of the sensors
and may change the normal detection zone
of the system resulting in inaccurate
measurement of obstacles or false alerts.
Note: When you connect a trailer, the
system may detect the trailer and provide
an alert, or the system turns off. If the
system does not turn off, switch the system
off manually after you connect the trailer.
Note: You may experience reduced system
performance on road surfaces that limit
deceleration. For example, roads with ice,
loose gravel, mud or sand.
SWITCHING REVERSE
BRAKING ASSIST ON AND OFF
You can switch the system on or off
through the touchscreen. See Settings
(page 464). Note:
The system is unavailable when rear
parking aid or cross traffic alert is off.
OVERRIDING REVERSE
BRAKING ASSIST
There could be instances when
unexpected or unwanted braking occurs.
Firmly pressing the accelerator pedal or
switching the feature off overrides the
system.
REVERSE BRAKING ASSIST
INDICATORS
If the system determines that a collision
with an obstacle may occur, full braking
may apply. Bring your vehicle to a stop a
safe distance away from the obstacle. A message and warning
indicator appear when the
system applies the brakes.
221
Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing Reverse Braking Assist
(If Equipped)E293490

PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
The traction control system helps avoid
drive wheel spin and loss of traction.
If your vehicle begins to slide, the system
applies the brakes to individual wheels
and, when needed, reduces engine power
at the same time. If the wheels spin when
accelerating on slippery or loose surfaces,
the system reduces engine power in order
to increase traction.
USING TRACTION CONTROL
WARNING: The stability and
traction control light illuminates steadily
if the system detects a failure. Make sure
you did not manually disable the traction
control system using the information
display controls or the switch. If the
stability control and traction control light
is still illuminating steadily, have the
system serviced by an authorized dealer
immediately. Operating your vehicle with
the traction control disabled could lead
to an increased risk of loss of vehicle
control, vehicle rollover, personal injury
and death.
The system automatically turns on each
time you switch the ignition on.
If your vehicle is stuck in mud or snow,
switching traction control off may be
beneficial as this allows the wheels to spin.
Note: When you switch traction control off,
stability control remains fully active.
Switching the System Off
When you switch the system off or on, a
message appears in the information
display showing system status.
You can switch the system off by using the
switch. Using a Switch
(If Equipped)
Use the traction control switch on the
center console near the shifter to switch
the system off or on. The traction control switch.
System Indicator Lights and
Messages The stability and traction control
light:
• Temporarily illuminates on engine
start-up.
• Flashes when a driving condition
activates either of the systems.
• Illuminates if a problem occurs in either
of the systems. The stability and traction control
off light temporarily illuminates
on engine start-up and stays on
when you switch the traction control
system off.
224
Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing Traction ControlE297971 E138639 E130458

PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
WARNING: Vehicle modifications
involving braking system, aftermarket
roof racks, suspension, steering system,
tire construction and wheel and tire size
may change the handling characteristics
of your vehicle and may adversely affect
the performance of the electronic
stability control system. In addition,
installing any stereo loudspeakers may
interfere with and adversely affect the
electronic stability control system. Install
any aftermarket stereo loudspeaker as
far as possible from the front center
console, the tunnel, and the front seats
in order to minimize the risk of interfering
with the electronic stability control
sensors. Reducing the effectiveness of
the electronic stability control system
could lead to an increased risk of loss of
vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal
injury and death. WARNING:
Remember that even
advanced technology cannot defy the
laws of physics. It’ s always possible to
lose control of a vehicle due to
inappropriate driver input for the
conditions. Aggressive driving on any
road condition can cause you to lose
control of your vehicle increasing the risk
of personal injury or property damage.
Activation of the electronic stability
control system is an indication that at
least some of the tires have exceeded
their ability to grip the road; this could
reduce the operator ’s ability to control
the vehicle potentially resulting in a loss
of vehicle control, vehicle rollover,
personal injury and death. If your
electronic stability control system
activates, SLOW DOWN.
The system automatically turns on each
time you switch the ignition on. If a driving condition activates either the
stability control or the traction control
system you may experience the following
conditions:
•
The stability and traction control light
flashes.
• Your vehicle slows down.
• Reduced engine power.
• A vibration in the brake pedal.
• The brake pedal is stiffer than usual.
• If the driving condition is severe and
your foot is not on the brake, the brake
pedal may move as the systems
applies higher brake forces.
The stability control system has several
features built into it to help you maintain
control of your vehicle:
Electronic Stability Control
The system enhances your vehicle ’s ability
to prevent skids or lateral slides by
applying brakes to one or more of the
wheels individually and, if necessary,
reducing engine power.
Roll Stability Control
The system enhances your vehicle ’s ability
to prevent rollovers by detecting your
vehicle ’s roll motion and the rate at which
it changes by applying the brakes to one
or more wheels individually.
Curve Control
The system enhances your vehicle ’s ability
to follow the road when cornering severely
or avoiding objects in the roadway. Curve
Control operates by reducing engine power
and, if necessary, applying brakes to one
or more of the wheels individually.
225
Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing Stability Control

WHAT IS HILL DESCENT
CONTROL
WARNING: Hill descent control
cannot control descent in all surface
conditions and circumstances, such as
ice or extremely steep grades. Hill
descent control is a driver assist system
and cannot substitute for good judgment
by the driver. Failure to do so may result
in loss of vehicle control, crash or serious
injury. WARNING:
The system does not
replace the parking brake. When you
leave your vehicle, always apply the
parking brake and shift the transmission
into park (P) for automatic transmission
or first gear for manual transmission.
Note: The system does not function below
3 mph (5 km/h)
.
Hill descent control allows the driver to set
and maintain vehicle speed while
descending steep slopes in various surface
conditions.
The system can maintain vehicle speeds
on downhill slopes between
3– 20 mph
(5– 32 km/h). Above 20 mph (32 km/h),
the system remains on but the descent
speed cannot be set or maintained.
The system requires a cool down interval
after a period of sustained use. The
amount of time that the system can
remain active before cooling varies with
conditions. The system provides a warning
in the message center and a tone sounds
when the system is about to disengage for
cooling. At this time, manually apply the
brakes as needed to maintain descent
speed. SWITCHING HILL DESCENT
CONTROL ON AND OFF Press the button on the center
console. A light illuminates in the
control and a tone sounds when
the system is active.
SETTING THE HILL DESCENT
SPEED WARNING:
The system does not
replace the parking brake. When you
leave your vehicle, always apply the
parking brake and shift the transmission
into park (P) for automatic transmission
or first gear for manual transmission. WARNING:
The system does not
control speed in low traction conditions
or extremely steep slopes. 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
personal injury.
To increase the descent speed, press the
accelerator pedal until you reach the speed
you prefer.
To decrease the descent speed, press the
brake pedal until you reach the speed you
prefer.
When you reach the speed you prefer,
either by accelerating or decelerating,
remove your feet from the pedals. The
system maintains the chosen vehicle
speed.
228
Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing Hill Descent Control
(If Equipped)

PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
WARNING: To help avoid personal
injury, always use caution when in
reverse (R) and when using the sensing
system. WARNING:
The system may not
detect objects with surfaces that absorb
reflection. Always drive with due care
and attention. Failure to take care may
result in a crash. WARNING: Traffic control systems,
inclement weather, air brakes, external
motors and fans may affect the correct
operation of the sensing system. This
may cause reduced performance or false
alerts. WARNING:
The system may not
detect small or moving objects,
particularly those close to the ground.
Note: If your vehicle has MyKey ™, the
sensing system cannot be switched off
when a MyKey ™ is present.
See Principle
of Operation (page 64).
Note: Keep the sensors on the bumper or
fascia free from snow, ice and large
accumulations of dirt. If the sensors are
covered, the system ’s accuracy can be
affected. Do not clean the sensors with
sharp objects.
Note: If your vehicle sustains damage to
the bumper or fascia, leaving it misaligned
or bent, the sensing zone may be altered
causing inaccurate measurement of
obstacles or false alerts. Note:
Certain add-on devices installed
around the bumper or fascia may create
false alerts. For example, large trailer
hitches, bike or surfboard racks, license plate
brackets, bumper covers or any other device
that may block the normal detection zone
of the system. Remove the add-on device
to prevent false alerts.
Note: When you connect a trailer to your
vehicle, the rear parking aid may detect the
trailer and therefore provide an alert. Disable
the rear parking aid when you connect a
trailer to prevent the alert.
The sensing system warns the driver of
obstacles within a certain range of your
vehicle. The system turns on automatically
whenever you switch the ignition on.
You can switch the system off through the
touchscreen, information display or from
the pop-up message that appears once
you shift the transmission into reverse (R).
If your vehicle has a parking aid button, you
can switch the system off by pressing the
button.
If a fault is present in the system, a warning
message appears in the information
display. See Information Messages
(page 121).
REAR PARKING AID WARNING:
The system may not
detect objects with surfaces that absorb
reflection. Always drive with due care
and attention. Failure to take care may
result in a crash. WARNING:
The system may not
detect small or moving objects,
particularly those close to the ground.
230
Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing Parking Aids

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.
The system assists parking into and out of
parking spaces. It uses sensors to detect
parking spaces. The system then steers,
accelerates, brakes and shifts gear as
required to maneuver into or out of a
parking space.
Using Active Park Assist The parking button is near the
transmission selector on the
center console.
Press the parking button to bring up full
screen notifications. Press either the
parking button or the soft keys on the
display screen to switch between Parallel
Park In, Perpendicular Park In or Parallel
Park Out parking modes.
Driving into a Parking Space
Note: When parking perpendicularly, the
system backs your vehicle into parking
spaces.
1. Press the active park assist button.
Note: The system does not recognize
parking space lines and centers your vehicle
between objects.
Note: The system detects other vehicles
and curbs to find a parking space.
Note: The system searches for parallel
parking spaces on the passenger side. Press
the active park assist button again to make
the system search for perpendicular spaces. 2. Use the direction indicator lever to
search for a parking space on the driver
or passenger side of your vehicle.
3. Drive your vehicle approximately 3 ft
(1 m) away from and parallel to the
other parked vehicles when searching
for a parking space.
Note: A tone sounds and a message
appears in the information display when
active park assist finds a suitable parking
space.
4. Press and hold the brake pedal.
5. Release the steering wheel and shift into neutral (N).
6. Press and hold the active park assist button.
7. Release the brake pedal to allow the vehicle to park.
Note: When parallel parking between
objects, the system parks closer to the
object in front of your vehicle to allow easier
access to your luggage compartment.
Note: When perpendicular parking, the
system aligns the front end of your vehicle
with the object next to it.
Note: When perpendicular parking, if the
system detects only one object, it allows
enough distance to open the door on either
side.
Note: You can slow down your vehicle at
any time by pressing the brake pedal.
Note: When parking is complete the vehicle
shifts into park (P).
Leaving a Parking Space
The system assists leaving only parallel
parking spaces.
1. Press the active park assist button.
2. Use the direction indicator lever to choose the direction to leave.
3. Press and hold the brake pedal.
236
Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing Parking AidsE146186

WHAT IS CRUISE CONTROL
Cruise control lets you maintain a set
speed without keeping your foot on the
accelerator pedal.
Requirements
Use cruise control when the vehicle speed
is greater than 20 mph (30 km/h).
SWITCHING CRUISE CONTROL
ON AND OFF WARNING:
Do not use cruise
control on winding roads, in heavy traffic
or when the road surface is slippery. This
could result in loss of vehicle control,
serious injury or death.
The cruise controls are on the steering
wheel.
Switching Cruise Control On Press the button to put the
system in standby mode.
Switching Cruise Control Off Press the button when in
standby mode or switch the
ignition off.
Note: When you switch cruise control off
the set speed clears. SETTING THE CRUISE
CONTROL SPEED WARNING:
When you are going
downhill, your vehicle speed could
increase above the set speed. The
system does not apply the brakes.
Drive to the speed you prefer. Press the toggle button upward
or downward to set the current
speed.
Take your foot off the accelerator pedal.
Note: The indicator changes color in the
information display.
Changing the Set Speed Press and release the toggle
button upward to increase the
set speed in small increments.
Press and hold the toggle button upward
to accelerate. Release the button when
you have reached your preferred speed. Press and release the toggle
button downward to decrease
the set speed in small
increments.
Press and hold the toggle button
downward to decelerate. Release the
button when you have reached your
preferred speed.
Note: If you accelerate by pressing the
accelerator pedal, the set speed does not
change. When you release the accelerator
pedal, your vehicle returns to the speed that
you previously set.
244
Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing Cruise ControlE71340 E71340

WARNING: Pay close attention to
changing road conditions such as
entering or leaving a highway, on roads
with intersections or roundabouts, roads
without visible lanes of travel, roads that
are winding, slippery, unpaved, or steep
slopes. WARNING:
The system does not
control speed in low traction conditions
or extremely steep slopes. 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
personal injury. WARNING:
The system is not a
crash warning or avoidance system. WARNING:
Do not use the system
when towing a trailer that has
aftermarket electronic trailer brake
controls. Failure to follow this instruction
could result in the loss of control of your
vehicle, personal injury or death. WARNING:
Do not use tire sizes
other than those recommended because
this can affect the normal operation of
the system. Failure to do so may result
in a loss of vehicle control, which could
result in serious injury. WARNING:
Do not use the system
with a snow plow blade installed. WARNING:
Do not use the system
in poor visibility, for example fog, heavy
rain, spray or snow. When Following a Vehicle WARNING:
When following a
vehicle that is braking, your vehicle does
not always decelerate quickly enough to
avoid a crash without driver intervention.
Apply the brakes when necessary. Failure
to follow this instruction could result in
personal injury or death.
Hilly Condition Usage
You should select a lower gear when the
system is active in situations such as
prolonged downhill driving on steep
grades, for example in mountainous areas.
The system needs additional engine
braking in these situations to reduce the
load on the vehicle ’s regular brake system
to prevent it from overheating.
Note: An audible alarm sounds and the
system shuts down if it applies brakes for
an extended period of time. This allows the
brakes to cool. The system functions
normally again after the brakes cool.
ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
LIMITATIONS - VEHICLES
WITH: ADAPTIVE CRUISE
CONTROL WITH LANE
CENTERING
Adaptive cruise control limitations apply
to lane centering unless stated otherwise
or contradicted by a lane centering
limitation. See Adaptive Cruise Control
Limitations
(page 248).
The system may not correctly operate in
any of the following conditions:
• Your vehicle is not centered in the lane.
• The lane is too narrow or wide.
247
Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing Adaptive Cruise Control
(If Equipped)

•
The system does not detect at least
one lane marking or when lanes merge
or split.
• You switch the direction indicator on.
• Limited steering torque input is applied.
• Areas under construction or new
infrastructure.
• When modifications to the steering
system have been made.
• When using a spare tire.
Note: The driving assistance torque is
limited and may not be sufficient for all
driving situations such as driving through
tight curves or driving through curves at high
speeds.
Note: In exceptional conditions, the system
may deviate from the center line.
ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
LIMITATIONS - VEHICLES
WITH: ADAPTIVE CRUISE
CONTROL WITH STOP AND GO
Sensor Limitations WARNING: On rare occasions,
detection issues can occur due to the
road infrastructures, for example bridges,
tunnels and safety barriers. In these
cases, the system may brake late or
unexpectedly. At all times, you are
responsible for controlling your vehicle,
supervising the system and intervening,
if required. WARNING:
If the system
malfunctions, have your vehicle checked
as soon as possible. WARNING:
Large contrasts in
outside lighting can limit sensor
performance. WARNING:
The system only warns
of vehicles detected by the radar sensor.
In some cases there may be no warning
or a delayed warning. Apply the brakes
when necessary. Failure to follow this
instruction could result in personal injury
or death. WARNING:
The system may not
detect stationary or slow moving
vehicles below
6 mph (10 km/h). WARNING:
The system does not
detect pedestrians or objects in the road. WARNING:
The system does not
detect oncoming vehicles in the same
lane. WARNING:
The system may not
operate properly if the sensor is blocked.
Keep the windshield free from
obstruction. WARNING:
The sensor may
incorrectly track lane markings as other
structures or objects. This can result in
a false or missed warning. The camera is mounted on the windshield
behind the interior mirror.
248
Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing Adaptive Cruise Control
(If Equipped)E307893

Setting the Adaptive Cruise Speed
from a Complete Stop
Press the toggle button upward
or downward while keeping the
brake pedal fully pressed.
The set speed adjusts to 20 mph
(30 km/h).
The indicator, current gap setting and set
speed appear in the information display.
Manually Changing the Set Speed Press and release the toggle
button upward to increase the
set speed in small increments.
Press and hold the toggle button upward
to increase the set speed in large
increments. Release the button when you
reach the speed you prefer. Press and release the toggle
button downward to decrease
the set speed in small
increments.
Press and hold the toggle button
downward to decrease the set speed in
large increments. Release the button when
you reach the speed you prefer.
You can also press the accelerator or brake
pedal until you reach the speed you prefer.
Press the toggle button upward or
downward to select the current speed as
the set speed.
The system may apply the brakes to slow
the vehicle to the new set speed. The set
speed continuously displays in the
information display when the system is
active. SETTING THE ADAPTIVE
CRUISE CONTROL GAP Press the button to cycle
through the four gap settings.
The selected gap appears in the
instrument cluster display as shown by the
bars in the image.
Note:
The gap setting is time dependent
and therefore, the distance adjusts with your
vehicle speed.
Note: It is your responsibility to select a gap
appropriate to the driving conditions.
Adaptive Cruise Control Gap Settings Dynamic
Behavior
Gap Distance
Graphic
Display,
Bars Indic- ated
Between Vehicles
Sport.
Closest.
1
Normal.
Close.
2
Normal.
Medium.
3
Comfort.
Far.
4
Each time you switch the system on, it
selects the last chosen gap setting.
251
Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing Adaptive Cruise Control
(If Equipped) E255686