air conditioning FORD EXPLORER 2021 Owners Manual

ABOUT THIS MANUAL
Thank you for choosing Ford. We
recommend that you take some time to
get to know your vehicle by reading this
manual. The more that you know about
your vehicle, the greater the safety and
pleasure you will get from driving it.
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.
Note: This manual describes product
features and options available throughout
the range of available models, sometimes
even before they are generally available. It
may describe options not fitted to the
vehicle you have purchased.
Note: Some of the illustrations in this
manual may show features as used in
different models, so may appear different
to you on your vehicle.
Note: Always use and operate your vehicle
in line with all applicable laws and
regulations.
Note: Pass on this manual when selling
your vehicle. It is an integral part of your
vehicle.
This manual may qualify the location of a
component as left-hand side or right-hand
side. The side is determined when facing
forward in the seat. Right-hand side.
A
Left-hand side.
B
SYMBOLS GLOSSARY
These are some of the symbols you may
see on your vehicle. Air conditioning system
Air conditioning system lubricant
type
Anti-lock braking system
Avoid smoking, flames or sparks
Battery
Battery acid
Brake fluid - non petroleum
based
Brake system
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Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing IntroductionE154903 E162384 E231157

AUTOMATIC CLIMATE
CONTROL
Note:
Depending on your vehicle option
package, the controls may look different
from what you see here.
Note: You can switch temperature units
between Fahrenheit and Celsius.
Note: You can control some of the climate
features through the touchscreen.
Note: For Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) and
Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)
vehicles, the air conditioning compressor
may run, and you may feel airflow when the
climate control is off to provide cooling to
the battery.
Accessing the Air Distribution
Controls Press and release the button to
activate the selection screen.
From the screen, switch directed air from
the windshield, instrument panel or
footwell vents on or off. You can direct air
through any combination of these vents.
See Climate (page 451).
Accessing the Menu Press and release the button to
access different climate
features. Smart Zone - Hybrid Electric Vehicle
(HEV), Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle
(PHEV)
If there is not an occupant in the front
passenger seat, the climate control system
may default to single zone to improve fuel
economy, if you were previously in dual
zone operation. When this occurs, dual
zone turns off and the passenger set point
changes to match the driver set point.
Press the dual zone button on the
touchscreen or adjust the passenger set
point normally to use dual zone operation
without a passenger present. The system
remains in dual zone operation until you
switch the vehicle off.
You can disable or re-enable the Smart
Zone feature by pressing and holding the
dual zone button on the touchscreen. Both
set point displays begin flashing to signify
when the feature disables. The system
returns to previous state after you release
the dual zone button.
Accessing Rear Climate Controls
Press and release the button to
access additional controls for
the rear climate system.
Setting the Blower Motor Speed Press and release + or - to adjust
the volume of air circulated in
the vehicle.
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Setting the Temperature
Press the toggle button on the left-hand
side of the climate control upward or
downward to set the left-hand
temperature.
Note:
This control also adjusts the
right-hand side temperature when you
switch off dual zone mode.
Press the toggle button on the right-hand
side of the climate control upward or
downward to set the right-hand
temperature. Switching Auto Mode On and Off Press and release the button to
switch on automatic operation.
Repeatedly press the button to
adjust auto mode.
The system adjusts the blower motor
speed, air distribution, air conditioning
operation, and outside or recirculated air
to reach and maintain the temperature you
have set.
Under high humidity conditions, the system
adjusts the blower motor speed, air
distribution and air conditioning operation
to reduce window fogging.
Note: The system starts at the previous
setting when you switch on AUTO mode.
Note: You can also switch off dual zone
mode by pressing and holding the button
for more than two seconds.
Auto Mode Indicator Status Description
Auto Mode Indicator
Status
One indicator illumin-
ated. •
The blower motor speed is reduced.
•Use this setting to minimize the amount of noise from
the blower motor.
• This setting increases the time taken to cool the
interior.
Two indicators illumin-
ated. •
The blower motor speed is moderate.
Three indicators illumin-
ated. •
The blower motor speed is increased.
•Use this setting to reduce the time taken to cool the
interior.
• This setting increases the amount of noise from the
blower motor.
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Switching the Air Conditioning On
and Off
Press and release the button.
Use air conditioning with recirculated air
to improve cooling performance and
efficiency.
Note: In certain conditions, for example,
maximum defrost, the air conditioning
compressor may continue to operate even
though you switch off the air conditioning.
Note: The A/C LED light may turn on and
off based on the temperature setting or the
current conditions.
Switching the Climate Control On
and Off Press and release the button.
Switching Maximum Air
Conditioning On and Off Press and release the button for
maximum cooling.
The driver and passenger temperatures
are set to LO, recirculated air flows through
the instrument panel air vents, air
conditioning turns on and the blower motor
adjusts to the highest speed.
Switching Maximum Defrost On
and Off Press and release the button for
maximum defrosting.
The driver and passenger temperatures
are set to HI, air flows through the
windshield air vents, and the blower motor
adjusts to the highest speed. Note:
Depending on your region, air
conditioning turns on.
You can also use this setting to defog and
clear the windshield of a thin covering of
ice.
Note: To prevent window fogging, you
cannot select recirculated air when
maximum defrost is on.
Note: The heated rear window also turns
on when you select maximum defrost.
Switching Recirculated Air On and
Off Press and release the button to
switch between outside air and
recirculated air.
The air currently in the passenger
compartment recirculates. This may
reduce the time needed to cool the interior,
when used with A/C, and reduce unwanted
odors from entering your vehicle.
Note: Recirculated air may turn off, or
prevent you from switching on, in all air flow
modes except
MAX A/C to reduce the risk
of fogging. Recirculation may also turn on
and off in various air distribution control
combinations during hot weather to improve
cooling efficiency.
HINTS ON CONTROLLING THE
INTERIOR CLIMATE
General Hints
Note: Prolonged use of recirculated air may
cause the windows to fog up.
Note: You may feel a small amount of air
from the footwell air vents regardless of the
air distribution setting.
Note: To reduce humidity build-up inside
your vehicle, do not drive with the system
switched off or with recirculated air always
switched on.
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Press the heated seat symbol to cycle
through the various heat settings and off.
More indicator lights indicate warmer
settings.
Note:
The heated seats switch on during a
remote start if they are enabled.
Note: The heated seats may switch on
when you start your vehicle if they were on
when you previously switched your vehicle
off.
Automatic Climate Controlled
Seats (If Equipped)
When you switch on the auto setting, the
seats switch between the heated seats
and ventilated seats to match your climate
control setting.
Second Row Heated Seats
The heated seat controls are on the rear
of the center console.
VENTILATED SEATS
(IF EQUIPPED)
Do not do the following:
• Spill liquid on the front seats. This may
cause the air vent holes to become
blocked and not work properly.
• Place cargo or objects under the seats.
They may block the air intake causing
the air vents to not work properly.
The engine must be running to use this
feature. Press this symbol to cycle through the
various ventilation settings and off. More
indicator lights indicate higher fan speeds.
Note:
The ventilated seats switch on during
a remote start if they are enabled.
Note: The ventilated seats may switch on
when you start your vehicle if they were on
when you previously switched your vehicle
off.
If the engine falls below 350 RPM when
the ventilated seats are on, the system
turns off. You need to switch it back on.
Note: To improve comfort, use the
ventilated seats along with the vehicle ’s air
conditioning system.
Automatic Climate Controlled
Seats
(If Equipped)
When you switch on the auto setting, the
seats switch between the heated seats
and ventilated seats to match your climate
control setting.
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Note:
Note when in Sport mode it can be
enabled by pressing the Auto-Start-Stop
button. The green Auto-Start-Stop
indicator light on the instrument
cluster will illuminate to indicate
when the automatic engine stop occurs. If the instrument cluster is
equipped with a grey
Auto-Start-Stop indicator light,
it illuminates when automatic engine stop
is not available due to one of the above
noted conditions not being met.
Automatic Engine Restart
Any of the following conditions will result
in an automatic restart of the engine:
• You have removed your foot from the
brake pedal.
• You press the accelerator pedal.
• You press the accelerator and the
brake pedal at the same time.
• The driver safety belt becomes
unfastened or the driver door is ajar.
• Your vehicle is moving.
• The interior compartment does not
meet customer comfort when air
conditioning or heat is on.
• Fogging of the windows could occur
and the air conditioning is on.
• The battery is not within optimal
operating conditions.
• You have exceeded the maximum
engine off time.
• When you press the Auto-Start-Stop
button with the engine automatically
stopped.
• The front defroster is turned to the Max
setting.
• When you shift into park (P), the engine
will restart. Any of the following conditions may result
in an automatic restart of the engine:
•
You have increased the blower fan
speed or changed the climate control
temperature.
• You have an electrical accessory
turned on or plugged in.
Note: You may notice that the climate seat
fan fluctuates during an automatic restart.
Disabling Auto-Start-Stop Press the Auto-Start-Stop button on the
center console to switch the system off.
The button will illuminate. Deactivating
using the button lasts only 1 key cycle.
Press the button again to restore
Auto-Start-Stop function.
Note:
If the Shift to park (P), Restart Engine
message appears and the amber
Auto-Start-Stop indicator light flashes, this
indicates automatic restart is unavailable.
You must restart the vehicle manually. See
Information Displays (page 112).
If your vehicle is in engine off
Auto-Start-Stop, shifting from drive (D) to
reverse (R) will not cause a restart if you
do not press the brake pedal. The message
Auto-Start-Stop Press Brake to Start
Engine appears. You must press the brake
pedal within 60 seconds or the system
requires you to shift into park (P) and
manually restart your vehicle.
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HYBRID VEHICLE OPERATION
This hybrid vehicle combines electric and
gasoline propulsion to provide
breakthrough performance and improved
efficiency. Familiarizing yourself with these
unique characteristics provides an optimal
driving experience from your vehicle.
Starting
When you start your vehicle, a
green READY indicator light
appears in the instrument cluster
letting you know that your vehicle is ready
for driving.
The engine may not start because your
vehicle has a silent key start feature. This
fuel saving feature allows your vehicle to
be ready to drive without requiring the gas
engine to be running. The indicator remains
on when your vehicle is on, whether the
engine is running or not, to indicate your
vehicle is capable of movement using the
electric motor, gas engine or both.
Typically, the engine does not start unless
the vehicle is cold, a climate control
change is requested or you press the
accelerator pedal.
Driving
The gas engine automatically starts and
stops to provide power when needed and
to save fuel when not needed. When
coasting at low speeds, coming to a stop,
or standing, the gas engine normally shuts
down and your vehicle operates in
electric-only mode.
Conditions that may cause the engine to
start up or remain running include:
• Considerable vehicle acceleration.
• Climbing a hill.
• Charge level of high voltage battery is
low. •
High or low outside temperatures in
order to provide system heating or
cooling.
• Engine not warm enough to provide
passenger requested cabin
temperature.
• Towing a trailer.
• Selectable drive modes: Certain
selectable drive modes may cause the
engine to run. See What Is Drive Mode
Control (page 278).
• Live in Drive: Use of the paddle shifters
while in drive (D) may cause the engine
to run. See Automatic Transmission
(page
201).
Stopping
The gas engine may shut off to conserve
fuel as you come to a stop. Restarting your
vehicle is not required. Simply step on the
accelerator when you are ready to drive.
Transmission Operation
The engine and electric motor together
propel the vehicle through the automatic
transmission. This is normal hybrid
operating and helps deliver fuel efficiency
and performance.
Battery
Your hybrid is equipped with a high voltage
battery. A cool battery maintains battery
life and provides the best possible
performance. The high voltage battery is
cooled by the vehicle's air conditioning
system. When the air conditioning system
is on, you may notice a slight increase in
air temperature coming from the climate
control vents while the battery is cooling.
You may also notice cool air flowing from
the vents when the air conditioning or
blower is off.
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REDUCED ENGINE
PERFORMANCE
WARNING: If you continue to drive
your vehicle when the engine is
overheating, the engine could stop
without warning. Failure to follow this
instruction could result in the loss of
control of your vehicle.
If the engine coolant temperature gauge
needle moves to the upper limit position,
the engine is overheating. See Gauges
(page 106).
You must only drive your vehicle for a short
distance if the engine overheats. The
distance you can travel depends on
ambient temperature, vehicle load and
terrain. The engine continues to operate
with limited power for a short period of
time.
If the engine temperature continues to rise,
the fuel supply to the engine reduces. The
air conditioning switches off and the engine
cooling fan operates continually.
1. Gradually reduce your speed and stop your vehicle as soon as it is safe to do
so.
2. Immediately switch the engine off to prevent severe engine damage.
3. Wait for the engine to cool down.
4. Check the coolant level. See
Engine
Coolant Check (page 331).
5. Have your vehicle checked as soon as possible.
ECONOMICAL DRIVING
Fuel economy is affected by several things
such as how you drive, the conditions you
drive under and how you maintain your
vehicle. You may improve your fuel economy by
keeping these things in mind:
•
Accelerate and slow down in a smooth,
moderate fashion.
• Drive at steady speeds.
• Anticipate stops; slowing down may
eliminate the need to stop.
• Combine errands and minimize
stop-and-go driving.
• Close the windows for high-speed
driving.
• Drive at reasonable speeds (traveling
at
55 mph (88 km/h) uses 15% less
fuel than traveling at 65 mph
(105 km/h)).
• Keep the tires properly inflated and use
only the recommended size.
• Use the recommended engine oil.
• Perform all regularly scheduled
maintenance.
Avoid these actions; they reduce your fuel
economy:
• Sudden accelerations or hard
accelerations.
• Revving the engine before switching it
off.
• Idle for periods longer than one minute.
• Warm up your vehicle on cold
mornings.
• Use the air conditioner or front
defroster.
• Use the speed control in hilly terrain.
• Rest your foot on the brake pedal while
driving.
• Drive a heavily loaded vehicle or tow a
trailer.
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Follow your community's regulations and
standards for recycling and disposing of
automotive fluids.
Severe Climates
If you drive in extremely cold climates:
•
It may be necessary to increase the
coolant concentration above 50%.
• A coolant concentration of 60%
provides improved freeze point
protection.
• Coolant concentrations above 60%
decrease the overheat protection
characteristics of the coolant and may
cause engine damage.
If you drive in extremely hot climates:
• You can decrease the coolant
concentration to 40%.
• A coolant concentration of 40%
provides improved overheat protection.
• Coolant concentrations below 40%
decrease the overheat and corrosion
protection characteristics of the
coolant and may cause engine
damage.
Vehicles driven year-round in non-extreme
climates should use prediluted coolant for
optimum cooling system and engine
protection.
Coolant Change
At specific mileage intervals, as listed in
the scheduled maintenance information,
the coolant should be changed. Add
prediluted coolant approved to the correct
specification. See Capacities and
Specifications (page 391). Fail-Safe Cooling
Fail-safe cooling allows you to temporarily
drive your vehicle before any incremental
component damage occurs. The fail-safe
distance depends on ambient
temperature, vehicle load and terrain.
How Fail-Safe Cooling Works If the engine begins to overheat,
the coolant temperature gauge
moves toward the red zone:
A warning lamp illuminates and
a message may appear in the
information display.
If the engine reaches a preset
over-temperature condition, the engine
automatically switches to alternating
cylinder operation. Each disabled cylinder
acts as an air pump and cools the engine.
When this occurs, your vehicle still
operates, however:
• Engine power is limited.
• The air conditioning system turns off.
Continued operation increases the engine
temperature, causing the engine to
completely shut down. Your steering and
braking effort increases in this situation.
When the engine temperature cools, you
can re-start the engine. Have your vehicle
checked as soon as possible to minimize
engine damage.
When Fail-Safe Mode Is Activated WARNING: Fail-safe mode is for
use during emergencies only. Operate
your vehicle in fail-safe mode only as
long as necessary to bring your vehicle
to rest in a safe location and seek
immediate repairs. When in fail-safe
mode, your vehicle will have limited
power, will not be able to maintain
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high-speed operation, and may
completely shut down without warning,
potentially losing engine power, power
steering assist, and power brake assist,
which may increase the possibility of a
crash resulting in serious injury.
WARNING: Do not remove the
coolant reservoir cap when the engine is
on or the cooling system is hot. Wait 10
minutes for the cooling system to cool
down. Cover the coolant reservoir cap
with a thick cloth to prevent the
possibility of scalding and slowly remove
the cap. Failure to follow this instruction
could result in personal injury.
Your vehicle has limited engine power
when in the fail-safe mode, drive your
vehicle with caution. Your vehicle does not
maintain high-speed operation and the
engine may operate poorly.
Remember that the engine is capable of
automatically shutting down to prevent
engine damage. In this situation:
1. Pull off the road as soon as safely possible and switch the engine off.
2. If you are a member of a roadside assistance program, we recommend
that you contact your roadside
assistance service provider.
3. If this is not possible, wait for a short period of time for the engine to cool.
4. Check the coolant level. If the coolant level is at or below the minimum mark,
add prediluted coolant immediately.
5. When the engine temperature cools, you can re-start the engine. Have your
vehicle checked as soon as possible to
minimize engine damage.
Note: Driving your vehicle without repair
increases the chance of engine damage. Engine Coolant Temperature
Management
(If Equipped) WARNING:
To reduce the risk of
crash and injury, be prepared that the
vehicle speed may reduce and the
vehicle may not be able to accelerate
with full power until the coolant
temperature reduces.
If you tow a trailer with your vehicle, the
engine may temporarily reach a higher
temperature during severe operating
conditions, for example ascending a long
or steep grade in high ambient
temperatures.
At this time, you may notice the coolant
temperature gauge moves toward the red
zone and a message may appear in the
information display.
You may notice a reduction in vehicle
speed caused by reduced engine power in
order to manage the engine coolant
temperature. Your vehicle may enter this
mode if certain high-temperature and
high-load conditions take place. The
amount of speed reduction depends on
vehicle loading, grade and ambient
temperature. If this occurs, there is no
need to stop your vehicle. You can
continue to drive.
The air conditioning may automatically
turn on and off during severe operating
conditions to protect the engine from
overheating. When the coolant
temperature decreases to the normal
operating temperature, the air conditioning
turns on.
If the coolant temperature gauge moves
fully into the red zone, or if the coolant
temperature warning or service engine
soon messages appear in your information
display, do the following:
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