ABS FORD EXPLORER 2021 Owners Manual

On (white light): Illuminates when you
switch on the adaptive cruise control
system. Turns off when you switch the
cruise control system off.
Engaged (green light): Illuminates when
you engage the adaptive cruise control
system. Turns off when you disengage the
cruise control system.
Anti-Lock Braking System
If it illuminates when you are
driving, this indicates a system
error. You continue to have the
normal braking (without ABS) unless the
brake system warning lamp also
illuminates. Have the system checked by
an authorized dealer.
Automatic High Beam Control Illuminates when this feature is
on. See What Is Automatic
High Beam Control (page 94).
Auto Hold Active Illuminates when the system
holds your vehicle stationary.
Auto Hold Unavailable Illuminates when the system is
on, but unavailable to hold your
vehicle stationary.
Auto Start-stop
(If Equipped) Illuminates when the engine
shuts down or in conjunction
with a message. Battery If it illuminates while driving, it
indicates a system error. Switch
off all unnecessary electrical
equipment and have the system checked
by an authorized dealer immediately.
Blind Spot Monitor Illuminates when you switch this
feature off or in conjunction with
a message. See
Blind Spot
Information System (page 264).
Brake System Warning Lamp WARNING:
Driving your vehicle
with the warning lamp on is dangerous.
A significant decrease in braking
performance may occur. It may take you
longer to stop your vehicle. Have your
vehicle checked as soon as possible.
Driving extended distances with the
parking brake engaged can cause brake
failure and the risk of personal injury.
Note: Indicators vary depending on region.
This lamp is a dual function lamp and
illuminates when:
• You apply the parking brake with the
ignition on.
• Your vehicle has a brake fault or low
brake fluid level, regardless of parking
brake position. If the lamp illuminates when you
are moving, you may have the
parking brake applied. Make sure
the parking brake is off. Have
your vehicle checked as soon as
possible if the lamp continues to
illuminate.
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Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing Instrument Cluster E197933 E322410 E197934 E322411 E151262 E270480

WARNING: The head restraint is a
safety device. Whenever possible it
should be installed and properly
adjusted when the seat is occupied.
Failure to adjust the head restraint
properly could reduce its effectiveness
during certain impacts.
Note: Adjust the seat backrest to an upright
driving position before adjusting the head
restraint. Adjust the head restraint so that
the top of it is level with the top of your head
and as far forward as possible. Make sure
that you remain comfortable. If you are
extremely tall, adjust the head restraint to
its highest position.
Adjusting the Head Restraints
Front Seat Head Restraints The head restraints consist of:
An energy absorbing head
restraint.
A
Two steel stems.
B
Guide sleeve adjust and release
button.
C
Raising the Head Restraint
Pull the head restraint up. Lowering the Head Restraint
1. Press and hold the C button.
2. Push the head restraint down.
Second Row Center Seat Head
Restraint (If Equipped)
The head restraints consist of:
An energy absorbing head
restraint.
A
Two steel stems.
B
Guide sleeve adjust and release
buttons.
C
Removing the Head Restraint
1. Press and hold the C buttons.
2. Pull the head restraint up.
Installing the Head Restraint
Align the steel stems into the guide sleeves
and push the head restraint down until it
locks.
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Second Row Outermost Seat Head
Restraints
The head restraints consist of:
An energy absorbing head
restraint.
A
Two steel stems.
B
Guide sleeve unlock and remove
buttons.
C
Removing the Head Restraint
1. Press and hold the C buttons.
2. Pull the head restraint up.
Installing the Head Restraint
Align the steel stems into the guide sleeves
and push the head restraint down until it
locks. Third Row Seat Head Restraints The head restraints consist of:
An energy absorbing head
restraint.
A
Two steel stems.
B
Fold strap.
C
Folding the Head Restraint
Pull the fold strap (C). Pull the head
restraint back up to reset.
Note: Press the stow or fold button on the
power folding seats to fold the head
restraint.
MANUAL SEATS (IF EQUIPPED)
Moving the Seat Backward and
Forward WARNING: Do not adjust the driver
seat or seat backrest when your vehicle
is moving. This may result in sudden seat
movement, causing the loss of control
of your vehicle.
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SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
WARNING: Do not overfill the fuel
tank. The pressure in an overfilled tank
may cause leakage and lead to fuel spray
and fire. WARNING:
The fuel system may
be under pressure. If you hear a hissing
sound near the fuel filler inlet, do not
refuel until the sound stops. Otherwise,
fuel may spray out, which could cause
serious personal injury. WARNING: Fuels can cause serious
injury or death if misused or mishandled. WARNING:
Fuel may contain
benzene, which is a cancer-causing
agent. WARNING: When refueling always
shut the engine off and never allow
sparks or open flames near the fuel tank
filler valve. Never smoke or use a cell
phone while refueling. Fuel vapor is
extremely hazardous under certain
conditions. Avoid inhaling excess fumes.
Follow these guidelines when refueling:
• Extinguish all smoking materials and
any open flames before refueling your
vehicle.
• Always switch the engine off before
refueling.
• Automotive fuels can be harmful or
fatal if swallowed. Fuel is highly toxic
and if swallowed can cause death or
permanent injury. If fuel is swallowed
immediately call a physician, even if no
symptoms are immediately apparent.
The toxic effects of fuel may not be
apparent for hours. •
Avoid inhaling fuel vapors. Inhaling fuel
vapor can lead to eye and respiratory
tract irritation. In severe cases,
excessive or prolonged breathing of
fuel vapor can cause serious illness and
permanent injury.
• Avoid getting fuel in your eyes. If you
splash fuel in your eyes, immediately
remove contact lenses (if worn), flush
with water for 15 minutes and seek
medical attention. Failure to seek
proper medical attention could lead to
permanent injury.
• Fuels can be harmful if absorbed
through the skin. If you splash fuel on
your skin, clothing or both, promptly
remove contaminated clothing and
thoroughly wash your skin with soap
and water. Repeated or prolonged skin
contact causes skin irritation.
• Be particularly careful if you are taking
Antabuse or other forms of Disulfiram
for the treatment of alcoholism.
Breathing fuel vapors could cause an
adverse reaction, serious personal
injury or sickness. Immediately call a
physician if you experience any adverse
reactions.
FUEL QUALITY - E85
Choosing the Right Fuel - Flex Fuel
Vehicles
Flex fuel vehicles have one of the following
identifiers:
• Yellow fuel filler cap.
• Yellow bezel around the fuel filler inlet.
• Yellow fuel filler housing.
• Yellow E85 label on the fuel tank filler
door.
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Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing Fuel and Refueling

EMISSION LAW
WARNING: Do not remove or alter
the original equipment floor covering or
insulation between it and the metal floor
of the vehicle. The floor covering and
insulation protect occupants of the
vehicle from the engine and exhaust
system heat and noise. On vehicles with
no original equipment floor covering
insulation, do not carry passengers in a
manner that permits prolonged skin
contact with the metal floor. Failure to
follow these instructions may result in
fire or personal injury.
U.S. federal laws and certain state laws
prohibit removing or rendering inoperative
emission control system components.
Similar federal or provincial laws may
apply in Canada. We do not approve of any
vehicle modification without first
determining applicable laws. Tampering with emissions
control systems including
related sensors or the Diesel
Exhaust Fluid system can result in reduced
engine power and the illumination of the
service engine soon light. Tampering With a Noise Control
System
Federal laws prohibit the following acts:
•
Removal or rendering inoperative by
any person other than for purposes of
maintenance.
• Repair or replacement of any device or
element of the design incorporated into
a new vehicle for the purpose of noise
control prior to its sale or delivery to
the ultimate purchaser or while it is in
use.
• The use of the vehicle after any person
removes or renders inoperative any
device or element of the design.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
may presume to constitute tampering as
follows:
• Removal of hood blanket, fender apron
absorbers, fender apron barriers,
underbody noise shields or acoustically
absorptive material.
• Tampering or rendering inoperative the
engine speed governor, to allow engine
speed to exceed manufacturer
specifications.
If the engine does not start, runs rough,
experiences a decrease in engine
performance, experiences excess fuel
consumption or produces excessive
exhaust smoke, check for the following:
• A plugged or disconnected air inlet
system hose.
• A plugged engine air filter element.
• Water in the fuel filter and water
separator.
• A clogged fuel filter.
• Contaminated fuel.
• Air in the fuel system, due to loose
connections.
• An open or pinched sensor hose.
• Incorrect engine oil level.
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•
Incorrect fuel for climatic conditions.
• Incorrect engine oil viscosity for
climactic conditions.
Note: Some vehicles have a lifetime fuel
filter that is integrated with the fuel tank.
Regular maintenance or replacement is not
needed.
Note: If these checks do not help you
correct the concern, have your vehicle
checked as soon as possible.
Noise Emissions Warranty,
Prohibited Tampering Acts and
Maintenance
On January 1, 1978, Federal regulation
became effective governing the noise
emission on trucks over 10,000 lb
(4,536 kg) Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR). The preceding statements
concerning prohibited tampering acts and
maintenance, and the noise warranty
found in the Warranty Guide, are
applicable to complete chassis cabs over
10,000 lb (4,536 kg)
GVWR.
CATALYTIC CONVERTER WARNING:
Do not park, idle or
drive your vehicle on dry grass or other
dry ground cover. The emission system
heats up the engine compartment and
exhaust system, creating the risk of fire. WARNING:
The normal operating
temperature of the exhaust system is
very high. Never work around or attempt
to repair any part of the exhaust system
until it has cooled. Use special care when
working around the catalytic converter.
The catalytic converter heats up to a very
high temperature after only a short
period of engine operation and stays hot
after the engine is switched off. WARNING:
Exhaust leaks may
result in entry of harmful and potentially
lethal fumes into the passenger
compartment. If you smell exhaust
fumes inside your vehicle, have your
vehicle inspected immediately. Do not
drive if you smell exhaust fumes.
Your vehicle has various emission control
components and a catalytic converter that
enables it to comply with applicable
exhaust emission standards.
To make sure that the catalytic converter
and other emission control components
continue to work properly:
• Do not crank the engine for more than
10 seconds at a time.
• Do not run the engine with a spark plug
lead disconnected.
• Do not push-start or tow-start your
vehicle. Use booster cables. See Jump
Starting the Vehicle
(page 300).
• Use only the specified fuel listed.
• Do not switch the ignition off when your
vehicle is moving.
• Avoid running out of fuel.
• Have the items listed in scheduled
maintenance information performed
according to the specified schedule.
Note: Resulting component damage may
not be covered by the vehicle Warranty.
The scheduled maintenance items listed
in scheduled maintenance information are
essential to the life and performance of
your vehicle and to its emissions system.
If you use anything other than Ford,
Motorcraft or Ford-authorized parts for
maintenance replacements or for service
of components affecting emission control,
such non-Ford parts should be equivalent
to genuine Ford Motor Company parts in
performance and durability.
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Your vehicle has anti-lock brakes, therefore
apply the brakes steadily. Do not
“pump”
the brakes.
Driving on Snow and Ice WARNING: If you are driving in
slippery conditions that require tire
chains or cables, then it is critical that
you drive cautiously. Keep speeds down,
allow for longer stopping distances and
avoid aggressive steering to reduce the
chances of a loss of vehicle control
which can lead to serious injury or death.
If the rear end of your vehicle slides while
cornering, steer in the direction of the
slide until you regain control of your
vehicle.
Note: Excessive tire slippage can cause
driveline damage.
4WD vehicles have advantages over 2WD
vehicles in snow and ice but can skid like
any other vehicle.
Should you start to slide while driving on
snowy or icy roads, turn the steering wheel
in the direction of the slide until you regain
control.
Avoid sudden applications of power and
quick changes of direction on snow and
ice. Apply the accelerator slowly and
steadily when starting from a full stop.
Avoid sudden braking as well. Although a
4WD vehicle could accelerate better than
a two-wheel drive vehicle in snow and ice,
it will not stop any faster, because as in
other vehicles, braking occurs at all four
wheels. Do not become overconfident as
to road conditions. Make sure you allow sufficient distance
between you and other vehicles for
stopping. Drive slower than usual and
consider using one of the lower gears. In
emergency stopping situations, apply the
brake steadily. Since your vehicle comes
with a four wheel (ABS), do not
“pump”
the brakes. See Hints on Driving With
Anti-Lock Brakes (page 215).
Maintenance and Modifications
The suspension and steering systems on
your vehicle have been designed and
tested to provide predictable performance
whether loaded or empty and durable load
carrying capability. For this reason, we
strongly recommend that you do not make
modifications such as adding or removing
parts (such as lowering kits or stabilizer
bars) or by using replacement parts not
equivalent to the original factory
equipment.
Any modifications to a vehicle that raise
the center of gravity can make it more likely
the vehicle will rollover as a result of a loss
of control. We strongly recommend that
caution be used with any vehicle equipped
with a high load or device (such as ladder
or luggage racks).
Failure to maintain your vehicle properly
could void the warranty, increase your
repair cost, reduce vehicle performance
and operational capabilities and adversely
affect driver and passenger safety.
Frequent inspection of vehicle chassis
components is recommended if the vehicle
is subjected to off-highway usage.
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(If Equipped)

Reverse Braking Assist –
Frequently Asked Questions
Note:
If the frequently asked questions and
answers that are shown in the following
chart do not assist you in returning the
system to available, contact an authorized
dealer to have the system checked for
proper operation.
Why is the system off?
Make sure you switch the system on.
See Switching Reverse Braking
Assist On and Off (page 221).
Why is the system unavailable? Make sure that the liftgate and all
doors are closed.
Why is the system unavailable? Make sure the cross traffic alert
system is on. See Cross Traffic Alert
(page
268).
Why is the system unavailable? Make sure the rear parking aid system
is on. See
Rear Parking Aid (page
230).
Why is the system unavailable? Make sure traction control is on. See
Using Traction Control
(page 224).
Why is the system unavailable? The vehicle has sustained a rear end
impact. Contact an authorized dealer
to have the sensors checked for proper
coverage and operation.
Why is the system unavailable? An ABS, traction control or stability
control event may have occurred. The
system resumes operation when the
event is complete. Why is the system unavailable?
Make sure the rear view camera and
360 degree camera are not dirty or
obstructed. If it is dirty, clean the
camera. See
Rear View Camera
(page 238). See 360 Degree Camera
(page 241). If the message still appears
after cleaning the camera, wait a short
time and the message should clear. If
the message does not clear, contact
an authorized dealer.
Why is the system unavailable? Make sure the sensors are not blocked
or faulted. See
Cross Traffic Alert
(page 268). See Rear Parking Aid
(page 230).
Why is the system unavailable? You recently had your vehicle serviced,
or the battery disconnected. Drive your
vehicle a short distance to resume
system operation.
Why does the system turn off when I
connect a trailer? The system does not function when
you connect a trailer. Operation
resumes when you disconnect the
trailer.
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(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.
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Object Distance Indicator (If Equipped)
The system provides object distance
indication through the information display.
•
As the distance to the object
decreases, the indicator blocks
illuminate and move toward the vehicle
icon.
• If the system does not detect an object,
the distance indicator blocks are gray.
When you shift into reverse (R), the system
provides audible warnings and visual
indication when your vehicle is moving and
the detected object is moving toward your
vehicle. When you stop your vehicle, the
audible warnings stop after two seconds.
Visual indication remains on when the
transmission is in reverse (R). FRONT PARKING AID (IF EQUIPPED) 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. WARNING:
To help avoid personal
injury, always use caution when in
reverse (R) and when using the sensing
system. WARNING:
The parking aid system
can only assist you to detect objects
when your vehicle is moving at parking
speeds. To help avoid personal injury you
must take care when using the parking
aid system.
Note: Keep the sensors free from snow, ice
and large accumulations of dirt.
Note: Do not cover up the sensors.
Note: Do not clean the sensors with sharp
objects.
Note: If your vehicle sustains damage
leaving the sensors misaligned, this may
cause inaccurate measurements or false
alerts.
Note: Some accessories, for example large
trailer hitches or bike or surfboard racks can
cause reduced performance or false alerts.
The sensors are on the front bumper.
The sensors are active when the
transmission is in any position other than
park (P). When the parking aid system
sounds a tone, the audio system may
reduce the set volume.
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