instrument cluster FORD EXPLORER 2021 Owner's Manual

Note:
This feature may not work properly
if the door ajar switch is malfunctioning. If
your door ajar indicator does not illuminate
when you open the driver door, or the
indicator illuminates with the driver door
closed, or Transmission not in Park cluster
message still displays when the shifter has
already selected reverse (R), neutral (N), or
drive (D) and driver door remains closed,
see your authorized dealer.
Stay in Neutral Mode
Note: Stay in neutral mode is a temporary
vehicle state that works with the engine
being in the running or OFF state. Once in
this mode, sufficient battery voltage must
be maintained or your vehicle returns to park
if the feature is left active for extended time
when engine is OFF.
Failure to follow this instruction could
result in vehicle damage not covered by
the vehicle Warranty.
Note: When entering an automatic car
wash, always enter the Stay in Neutral
Mode. Stay in Neutral Mode must be
enabled, if you are exiting the vehicle before
the car wash.
Extended usage of Stay in Neutral mode
may result in a battery voltage reduction
to level where the vehicle may no longer
start.
Do not tow your vehicle in this mode.
With the transmission selector in Stay in
Neutral Mode, you can start your vehicle
and it is free to roll.
To enter Stay in Neutral mode, do the
following:
1. Bring your vehicle to a complete stop.
2. Shift into neutral (N).
3. Press the manual (M) or low (L) button
within five seconds after shifting to
neutral (N). Note:
Stay in Neutral Mode confirmation
message appears in the information display
when your vehicle has entered Stay in
Neutral mode and the neutral (N) button
on the transmission selector slowly blinks.
To exit Stay in Neutral mode, press the
brake pedal and shift to park (P) or start
the engine and apply brakes to shift to
another driving range, for example drive
(D) or reverse (R).
Tow Mode (If Equipped) To activate tow mode, use the
drive mode switch on the center
console.
See Selecting a Drive
Mode (page 278).
The indicator light illuminates and a
message displays in the instrument cluster
when the system becomes active. Select
a different mode to turn the system off.
The Tow Mode Feature:
• Moves upshifts to higher engine speeds
to reduce the frequency of
transmission shifting.
• Provides engine braking in all forward
gears, which slows your vehicle and
assist you in controlling your vehicle
when descending a grade.
• Depending on driving conditions and
load conditions, it may downshift the
transmission, slow your vehicle and
control your vehicle speed when
descending a hill, without pressing the
accelerator pedal. The amount of
downshift braking provided varies
based upon the amount you press the
brake pedal.
The tow mode feature improves
transmission operation when towing a
trailer or a heavy load. All transmission
gear ranges are available when using tow
mode.
203
Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing TransmissionE161509

SelectShift Automatic
™
Transmission (If Equipped)
Your vehicle has a SelectShift Automatic
transmission, which gives you the ability
to change gears up or down, without a
clutch, as preferred.
To prevent the engine from running at too
low an RPM, which may cause it to stall,
SelectShift still automatically makes some
downshifts if it has determined that you
have not downshifted in time. Although
SelectShift makes some downshifts for
you, it still allows you to downshift at any
time if SelectShift determines that
damage to the engine from over-revving
does not occur.
Note: Engine damage may occur if you
maintain excessive engine revving without
shifting.
Note: Vehicles may have either steering
wheel controls or gearshift lever controls.
SelectShift could upshift if the engine
reaches its RPM limit. It may also be
upshifted by pressing the + button on the
steering wheel or shift lever control.
Pull the + paddle on the steering wheel
or push the + button on the gearshift
lever to activate SelectShift.
• Pull the right paddle (+) to upshift.
• Pull the left paddle (–) to downshift. SelectShift in drive (D):
•
Provides a temporary manual mode
for performing more demanding
maneuvers with extra control of gear
selection, for example, when towing or
overtaking. This mode holds a selected
gear for a temporary period of time
dependent on driver inputs, for
example, steering or accelerator pedal
input.
• You can exit SelectShift by holding the
(+) for two seconds or by driving
normally.
SelectShift in manual (M):
• Provides a permanent manual gear
selection with full control of gear
selection.
• You can exit SelectShift by pushing the
manual (M) button plus holding the
(+). This will shift you into the correct
gear.
The instrument cluster displays your
currently selected gear. If you request an
unavailable gear due to vehicle conditions,
for example, low speed, too high engine
speed for requested gear selection, the
current gear flashes three times.
Note: At full accelerator pedal travel, the
transmission automatically downshifts for
maximum performance.
Manual Park Release (MPR) WARNING:
When doing this
procedure, you need to take the
transmission out of park (P) which
means your vehicle can roll freely. To
avoid unwanted vehicle movement,
always fully apply the parking brake prior
to doing this procedure. Use wheels
chocks if appropriate.
204
Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing TransmissionE144821

WARNING: If the parking brake is
fully released, but the brake warning
lamp remains illuminated, the brakes
may not be working properly. Have your
vehicle checked as soon as possible. WARNING:
Do not drive your
vehicle until you verify that the
stoplamps are working.
Use the manual park release to move your
transmission from the park (P) position in
the event of an electrical malfunction or
emergency.
Activating the Manual Park Release
Cable 1.
Apply the parking brake. See Electric
Parking Brake
(page 215).
Note: If the vehicle battery is dead, for
example, no electrical power is available,
you require an external power to apply the
parking brake.
2. Using the key or a flat head screwdriver,
maximum length
5 in (120 mm), as
shown in the picture, carefully open the
access cover under the arm rest
console.
See Keys and Remote
Controls (page 57). 3. Turn the vehicle ignition on without
starting the vehicle by pressing the
ignition push to start without pressing
the brake.
4. Once in the driver seat, fully apply the brake pedal and hold. Do not release. Note:
A:
2.0 in (50 mm) B: 0.1 in (3.3 mm)
5. Insert a screwdriver type tool, see description, or your car key into the
Manual Park Release (MPR) lever slot.
Pull the manual park release lever
toward the rear until the detent in the
slot pops up, against the tool or key.
Allow full upward travel of detent,
approximately
0.28 in (7 mm) in the
park override mode (Click). You can
remove the tool. If done correctly, a
message on the instrument cluster
displays Park Not Available,
Transmission Not in Park, or Shift
System Fault.
6. With your foot still fully applied on the
brake pedal, disengage the parking
brake.
See Electric Parking Brake
(page 215).
7. Your vehicle remains in neutral (N) for emergency towing purposes.
8. Switch off the ignition.
9. Once safe, and there is no risk of your vehicle rolling, disconnect the negative
(black) battery cable from the battery.
205
Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing TransmissionE292050 E317360

Returning Your Vehicle to Normal
Mode
1.
Reconnect the negative (black) battery
cable to the battery.
2. Apply the parking brake. See Electric
Parking Brake (page 215).
Note: If the vehicle battery is dead, for
example, no electrical power is available,
you require an external power to apply the
parking brake.
3. Fully apply the brake pedal and hold, do not release.
4. Insert the screwdriver tool or car key fully into the manual park release lever
slot. Push the tool downwards. The
system detent releases and the manual
park release lever moves forward,
allowing the vehicle to go back into
park (P). Remove the tool or car key.
5. Install the access cover.
6. With your foot fully applied on the brake pedal, start your vehicle. Confirm
that your vehicle is in the park (P)
position and that the instrument
cluster indicates park (P). 7. If the instrument cluster does not
display the park (P) position or there
is a message stating park (P) is not
available, transmission not in park (P)
or a shift system fault, apply the
parking brake before exiting your
vehicle and contact an authorized
dealer for service.
If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck in Mud
or Snow
Note: Do not rock the vehicle if the engine
is not at normal operating temperature or
damage to the transmission may occur.
Note: Do not rock the vehicle for more than
a minute or damage to the transmission and
tires may occur, or the engine may overheat.
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow,
rock it out by shifting between forward and
reverse gears, stopping between shifts in
a steady pattern. Press lightly on the
accelerator in each gear.
206
Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing TransmissionE297270

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

Following a Vehicle
When a vehicle ahead of you enters the
same lane or a slower vehicle is ahead in
the same lane, the vehicle speed adjusts
to maintain the gap setting.
Note:
When you are following a vehicle and
you switch on a turn signal lamp, adaptive
cruise control may provide a small,
temporary acceleration to help you pass.
Your vehicle maintains a consistent gap
from the vehicle ahead until:
• The vehicle in front of you accelerates
to a speed above the set speed.
• The vehicle in front of you moves out
of the lane you are in.
• You set a new gap distance.
The system applies the brakes to slow
down your vehicle to maintain a safe gap
distance from the vehicle in front of you.
The system only applies limited braking.
You can override the system by applying
the brakes.
Note: The brakes may emit noise when
applied by the system.
If the system determines that its maximum
braking level is not sufficient, an audible
warning sounds, a message appears in the
instrument cluster display and an indicator
flashes when the system continues to
brake. Take immediate action.
CANCELING THE SET SPEED Press the button or tap the brake
pedal.
The set speed does not erase.
RESUMING THE SET SPEED Press the button. Your vehicle speed returns to the
previously set speed and gap setting. The
set speed displays continuously in the
information display when the system is
active.
Note:
Only use resume if you are aware of
the set speed and intend to return to it.
Resuming the Set Speed from a
Complete Stop
If your vehicle follows a vehicle to a
complete stop and remains stationary for
less than three seconds, your vehicle
accelerates from a stationary position to
follow the vehicle ahead. If your vehicle follows a vehicle
to a complete stop and remains
stationary for more than three
seconds, press and release the button or
press the accelerator pedal to follow the
vehicle ahead.
OVERRIDING THE SET SPEED WARNING: If you override the
system by pressing the accelerator
pedal, it does not automatically apply
the brakes to maintain a gap from any
vehicle ahead.
When you press the accelerator pedal, you
override the set speed and gap distance.
Use the accelerator pedal to intentionally
exceed the set speed limit.
When you override the system, the green
indicator illuminates and the vehicle icon
does not appear in the instrument cluster
display.
The system resumes operation when you
release the accelerator pedal. The vehicle
speed decreases to the set speed, or a
lower speed if following a slower vehicle.
252
Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing Adaptive Cruise Control
(If Equipped)E280804

ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
– TROUBLESHOOTING
Adaptive Cruise Control –
Information Messages - Vehicles
With: Adaptive Cruise Control With
Lane Centering
Note:
Depending on your vehicle options
and instrument cluster type, not all
messages display or are available.
Note: The system could abbreviate or
shorten certain messages depending upon
which cluster type you have. Action
Message
Make sure you return your hands to the steering wheel andprovide steering input.
Keep Hands on Steering
Wheel
Lane centering assist conditions exist preventing the system from being available.
Lane Centering Assist
Not Available
The system is going to cancel and you must take control.
Resume Control
Press the accelerator and follow the prompts.
Press Accelerator Pedal
to Resume
256
Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing Adaptive Cruise Control (If Equipped)

Adaptive Cruise Control –
Information Messages - Vehicles
With: Adaptive Cruise Control With
Stop and Go
Note:
Depending on your vehicle options
and instrument cluster type, not all
messages display or are available.
Note: The system could abbreviate or
shorten certain messages depending upon
which cluster type you have. Action
Message
A malfunction is preventing the adaptive cruise from engaging.
Adaptive Cruise
Malfunction
Front Sensor Not Aligned Contact an authorized dealer to have the radar checked for
proper coverage and operation.
Conditions exist preventing the system from being available.
Adaptive Cruise Not
Available
You have a blocked radar because of poor radar visibility due
to inclement weather or ice, mud, or water in front of the radar.You can typically clean the sensor to resolve this.
Adaptive Cruise Not
Available Sensor
Blocked See Manual Due to the nature of radar technology, it is possible to get ablockage warning with no actual block. This happens, for
example, when driving in sparse rural or desert environments.
A false blocked condition either self clears, or clears after you restart your vehicle.
You have selected normal cruise control. The system does not brake or react to traffic.
Normal Cruise Active
Adaptive Braking Off
Displays when the adaptive cruise control is going to canceland you must take control.
Adaptive Cruise - Driver
Resume Control
Displays when the vehicle speed is too slow to activate the
adaptive cruise control and there is no lead vehicle in range.
Adaptive Cruise Speed
Too Low to Activate
257
Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing Adaptive Cruise Control (If Equipped)

Adaptive Cruise Control –
Information Messages - Vehicles
With: Intelligent Adaptive Cruise
Control
Note:
Depending on your vehicle options
and instrument cluster type, not all
messages display or are available.
Note: Certain messages may be
abbreviated or shortened depending upon
which cluster type you have. Action
Message
Conditions exist preventing the system from being available.
Intelligent Cruise Control
Speed Sign Recognition Not Available
258
Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing Adaptive Cruise Control (If Equipped)

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.
271
Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing Driving Aids