automatic transmission FORD EXPLORER 2021 Owners Manual

Starting a Gasoline Engine
.......................173
Starting a Hybrid Electric Vehicle System ........................................................................\
.
176
Engine Block Heater ...................................
178
Unique Driving Characteristics
Auto-Start-Stop ..........................................
180
Hybrid Vehicle Operation .........................
182
Hybrid Vehicle Frequently Asked Questions ...................................................
184
Fuel and Refueling
Safety Precautions .....................................
185
Fuel Quality - E85 .......................................
185
Fuel Quality - Gasoline ..............................
187
Fuel Filler Funnel Location .......................
187
Running Out of Fuel ....................................
187
Refueling - Excluding: Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) ...........................................
189
Refueling - Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) ........................................................................\
.
192
Fuel Consumption ......................................
194
Engine Emission Control
Emission Law ................................................
196
Catalytic Converter .....................................
197
High Voltage Battery
General Information - Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) ..........................................
200
Transmission
Automatic Transmission ..........................
201
Four-Wheel Drive
Principle of Operation ...............................
207
Using Four-Wheel Drive ...........................
207
Rear Axle
Limited Slip Differential ............................
213Brakes
General Information
...................................
214
Hints on Driving With Anti-Lock Brakes ........................................................................\
.
215
Electric Parking Brake ................................
215
Hill Start Assist ..............................................
217
Auto Hold ........................................................
218
Reverse Braking Assist
What Is Reverse Braking Assist .............
220
Reverse Braking Assist Precautions .....
220
Switching Reverse Braking Assist On and Off ..................................................................
221
Overriding Reverse Braking Assist .........
221
Reverse Braking Assist Indicators ..........
221
Reverse Braking Assist – Troubleshooting ......................................
222
Traction Control
Principle of Operation ...............................
224
Using Traction Control ..............................
224
Stability Control
Principle of Operation ...............................
225
Using Stability Control ..............................
226
Hill Descent Control
What Is Hill Descent Control ..................
228
Switching Hill Descent Control On and Off ................................................................
228
Setting the Hill Descent Speed .............
228
Hill Descent Control Indicator ................
229
Parking Aids
Principle of Operation ...............................
230
Rear Parking Aid ..........................................
230
Front Parking Aid .........................................
232
Side Sensing System .................................
234
Active Park Assist .......................................
235
Rear View Camera ......................................
238
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Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing Table of Contents

Essential Towing Checks
.........................292
Towing the Vehicle on Four Wheels .....
294
Driving Hints
Reduced Engine Performance ...............
295
Economical Driving ....................................
295
Cold Weather Precautions ......................
296
Breaking-In ...................................................
296
Driving Through Water .............................
296
Floor Mats ......................................................
297
Roadside Emergencies
Roadside Assistance .................................
298
Hazard Flashers ..........................................
299
Fuel Shutoff .................................................
299
Jump Starting the Vehicle ......................
300
Collision, Damage or Fire Event ............
302
Post-Crash Alert System .........................
303
Transporting the Vehicle .........................
303
Customer Assistance
Getting the Services You Need .............
305
In California (U.S. Only) ...........................
306
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) Auto Line Program (U.S. Only) .....................
307
Utilizing the Mediation/Arbitration Program (Canada Only) .....................
308
Getting Assistance Outside the U.S. and Canada ......................................................
308
Ordering Additional Owner's Literature ........................................................................\
.
310
Reporting Safety Defects (U.S. Only) ........................................................................\
.
310
Reporting Safety Defects (Canada Only) ........................................................................\
.
310
Fuses
Fuse Specification Chart ...........................
312
Changing a Fuse .........................................
320Maintenance
General Information
...................................
322
Opening and Closing the Hood .............
322
Under Hood Overview - 2.3L EcoBoostâ„¢ ........................................................................\
323
Under Hood Overview - 3.0L ..................
324
Under Hood Overview - 3.3L ..................
325
Engine Oil Dipstick - 2.3L EcoBoostâ„¢ ........................................................................\
326
Engine Oil Dipstick - 3.0L ........................
326
Engine Oil Dipstick - 3.3L .........................
326
Engine Oil Check .........................................
326
Oil Change Indicator Reset ......................
327
Changing the Engine Air Filter - 2.3L EcoBoostâ„¢ ...............................................
328
Changing the Engine Air Filter - 3.0L ........................................................................\
329
Changing the Engine Air Filter - 3.3L ....
330
Engine Coolant Check ................................
331
Automatic Transmission Fluid Check ........................................................................\
335
Brake Fluid Check .......................................
335
Power Steering Fluid Check ....................
336
Changing the 12V Battery ........................
336
Adjusting the Headlamps .......................
338
Washer Fluid Check ...................................
340
Fuel Filter .......................................................
340
Checking the Wiper Blades ....................
340
Changing the Front Wiper Blades ........
340
Changing the Rear Wiper Blades ...........
341
Changing a Bulb ...........................................
341
Vehicle Care
General Information ..................................
343
Cleaning Products ......................................
343
Cleaning the Exterior .................................
344
Waxing ............................................................
345
Cleaning the Engine ...................................
345
Cleaning the Windows and Wiper Blades ........................................................................\
346
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Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing Table of Contents

AT A GLANCE - ST
Exterior
•
Front and rear fascias feature unique
ST grille and unique finish.
• ST badging in front grille and on rear
liftgate.
• Trim features unique ST gloss black
finish.
• E-X-P-L-O-R-E-R lettering across
hood.
• Blackout treatment on headlight and
taillight lenses.
Interior
• Unique ST interior trim.
• Ford Performance sill plates.
• ST flat-bottom steering wheel with
integrated transmission shift paddle
controls.
• Selectable Drive Mode controller with
7 settings (Normal, Eco, Sport, Trail,
Slippery, Deep Snow/Sand and
Tow/Haul).
• Unique electronic sound enhancement
in Sport Selectable Drive Mode.
Chassis
• Unique ST-tuned suspension featuring
32 N/mm front coil springs and a 34
mm hollow front stabilizer bar and 106
N/mm rear coil springs and a 21.7 mm
hollow rear stabilizer bar.
• Standard ST brake system consists of
345 mm diameter vented front rotors
with two piston calipers and low-dust
linings; 326 mm solid rear rotors with
single-piston brake calipers and
electric integrated park brake with low
dust linings. •
Optional ST braking system includes
363 mm diameter vented front rotors
with heavy duty two-piston calipers
and low-dust linings; 350 mm diameter
vented rear rotors with heavy-duty
single-piston brake calipers and
electric integrated park brake with
low-dust linings; system requires 21 x
9-inch wheels and P275/45R21
all-season tires.
• Optional low-metallic brake linings are
included with optional P275/45R21
summer tire (late availability).
• ST-tuned electric power assist steering
rack and pinion.
• AdvanceTrac with stability
enhancement system with four modes:
Default, Traction Control Off, Sport and
Disabled.
• Aluminum ST 20 in (50.8 cm) x 8.5 in
(21.6 cm) wheels standard; 21 in
(53.3 cm) x 9 in (22.9 cm) wheels
optional.
• P255/55R20 all-season tires or
optional P275/45R21 all-season tires.
Powertrain
• 3.0L V6 DOHC GTDI engine, 400
horsepower, 415 lb-ft.
• 10R60 10-speed automatic
transmission with SelectShift manual
shift mode.
• 3.58 axle ratios.
• Unique transmission calibration in
Sport Selectable Drive Mode.
• Dual exhaust with quad-tip outlets.
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Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing At a Glance

Car Finder
Press the button twice within
three seconds. The horn sounds
and the direction indicators
flash. We recommend you use this method
to locate your vehicle, rather than using
the panic alarm.
Sounding the Panic Alarm
Note: The panic alarm only operates when
the ignition is off. Press the button to sound the
panic alarm. Press the button
again or switch the ignition on to
turn it off.
Remote Start (If Equipped) WARNING: Do not start the engine
in a closed garage or in other enclosed
areas. Exhaust fumes are toxic. Always
open the garage door before you start
the engine. Failure to follow this
instruction could result in personal injury
or death.
Note: Do not use remote start if your fuel
level is low. The remote start button is on the
remote control.
This feature allows you to start your
vehicle from the outside. Your remote
control has an extended operating range.
If your vehicle has automatic climate
control, you can configure it to operate
when you remote start your vehicle.
See
Climate Control (page 139). A manual
climate control system runs at the setting
it was set to when you switched your
vehicle off. Many states and provinces have
restrictions for the use of remote start.
Check your local and state or provincial
laws for specific requirements regarding
remote start systems.
The system does not work if:
•
The ignition is on.
• The anti-theft alarm triggers.
• You disable the feature.
• The hood is open.
• The transmission is not in park (P).
• The battery voltage is below the
minimum operating voltage.
• The service engine soon light is on.
Remote Control Feedback (If
Equipped)
An LED on the remote control provides
status feedback of remote start or stop
commands. Status
LED
Remote startsuccessful
Solid green
Remote stopsuccessful
Solid red
Request failed or
status not received
Blinking red
Status incomplete
Blinking green
Remote Starting Your Vehicle
Note: You must press each button within
three seconds of each other. If you do not
follow this sequence, your vehicle does not
start remotely, the direction indicators do
not flash twice and the horn does not sound.
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DAYTIME RUNNING LAMPS -
VEHICLES WITH:
CONFIGURABLE DAYTIME
RUNNING LAMPS
WARNING: The daytime running
lamps system does not activate the rear
lamps and may not provide adequate
lighting during low visibility driving
conditions. Make sure you switch the
headlamps on, as appropriate, during all
low visibility conditions. Failure to do so
may result in a crash.
Switch the daytime running lamps on or
off using the touchscreen:
1. Select
Settings. See Settings (page
464).
2. Select
Vehicle.
3. Select
Lighting.
The daytime running lamps turn on when:
1. The lamps are on in the information display.
2. You switch the ignition on.
3. The transmission is not in park (P) for vehicles with automatic transmissions
or you release the parking brake for
vehicles with manual transmissions.
4. The lighting control is in the autolamps
position.
5. The headlamps are off.
The other lighting control switch positions
do not turn on the daytime running lamps.
If the daytime running lamps are off in the
information display, the lamps stay off in
all switch positions. DAYTIME RUNNING LAMPS -
VEHICLES WITH: DAYTIME
RUNNING LAMPS (DRL) WARNING:
The daytime running
lamps system does not activate the rear
lamps and may not provide adequate
lighting during low visibility driving
conditions. Make sure you switch the
headlamps on, as appropriate, during all
low visibility conditions. Failure to do so
may result in a crash.
The system turns the lamps on in daylight
conditions.
To switch the system on, switch the
lighting control to any position except
headlamps.
FRONT FOG LAMPS
(IF EQUIPPED)
Switching the Front Fog Lamps On
or Off
Only switch the front fog lamps on during
reduced visibility.
You can switch the front fog lamps on if
any of the following occur:
• You set the lighting control to the
parking lamps position.
• You set the lighting control to the
headlamps position.
• You set the lighting control to the
autolamps position and the headlamps
are on.
The front fog lamp button is on the lighting
control. Press the button to switch the
front fog lamps on or off.
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Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing Lighting

Power-folding mirror control.
A
Window lockout.
B
Adjustment control.
C
Right-hand mirror.
D
Left-hand mirror.
E
To adjust your mirrors, switch your vehicle
on - with the ignition in accessory mode or
the engine running and then:
1. Select the mirror you want to adjust. The control lights.
2. Use the adjustment control to adjust the position of the mirror.
3. Press the mirror control again. The control light turns off.
Fold-Away Exterior Mirrors
Push the mirror toward the door window
glass. Make sure that you fully engage the
mirror in its support when returning it to its
original position. Auto-Folding Mirrors
The exterior mirrors automatically fold in
toward the glass after you place the
transmission into park (P), turn off the
vehicle, open and close the driver's side
door and lock the vehicle. The exterior
mirrors automatically unfold and return to
their driving position after you unlock the
vehicle and open and close the driver's side
door.
You can switch this feature on and off
through the information display. See
General Information (page 117).
You can fold the mirrors on demand by
pressing the power-folding mirror control
on the door. The control lights and the
mirrors fold in toward the glass. Press the
control again to unfold the mirrors. The
control light turns off.
Note: If you use the power-folding control
to fold the mirrors on demand with the auto
fold feature on, you must use the control
again to unfold them.
Loose Mirror
If you manually fold your power-folding
mirrors, they may not work properly even
after you re-position them. You need to
reset them if:
• The mirrors vibrate when you drive.
• The mirrors feel loose.
• The mirrors do not stay in the folded or
unfolded position.
• One of the mirrors is not in its normal
driving position.
To reset the power-fold feature, use the
power-folding mirror control to fold and
unfold the mirrors. You may hear a loud
noise as you reset the power-folding
mirrors. This sound is normal. Repeat this
process as needed each time you manually
fold the mirrors.
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Ignition Modes
The keyless starting system has three
modes:
Off: Turns the ignition off.
• Without applying the brake pedal,
press and release the button once
when the ignition is in the on mode, or
when your vehicle is running but is not
moving.
On:
All electrical circuits are operational
and the warning lamps and indicators
illuminate.
• Without applying the brake pedal,
press and release the button once.
Start:
Starts your vehicle. The engine may
not start when your vehicle starts.
• Press the brake pedal, and then press
the button for any length of time. An
indicator light on the button illuminates
when the ignition is on and when your
vehicle starts.
STARTING A GASOLINE
ENGINE
When you start the engine, the idle speed
increases. This helps to warm up the
engine. If the engine idle speed does not
slow down automatically, have your
vehicle checked by an authorized dealer. Note:
You can crank the engine for a total
of 60 seconds without the engine starting
before the starting system temporarily
disables. The 60 seconds does not have to
be all at once. For example, if you crank the
engine three times for 20 seconds each
time, without the engine starting, you
reached the 60-second time limit. A
message appears in the information display
alerting you that you exceeded the cranking
time. You cannot attempt to start the
engine for at least 15 minutes. After 15
minutes, you are limited to a 15-second
engine cranking time. You need to wait 60
minutes before you can crank the engine for
60 seconds again.
Before starting your vehicle, check the
following:
• Make sure all occupants have fastened
their seatbelt.
• Make sure the headlamps and
electrical accessories are off.
• Make sure the parking brake is on.
• Make sure the transmission is in park
(P).
• Switch the ignition on. For vehicles with
a keyless ignition, see the following
instructions.
Vehicles with an Ignition Key
Note: Do not touch the accelerator pedal.
1. Fully depress the brake pedal.
2. Turn the key to the start position to start the engine.
Note: The engine may continue cranking
for up to 15 seconds or until it starts.
Note: If you cannot start the engine on the
first try, wait for a short period and try again.
Vehicles with Keyless Start
Note: Do not touch the accelerator pedal.
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Note:
You must have your intelligent access
key in your vehicle in order to shift the
transmission out of park (P).
1. Fully depress the brake pedal.
2. Press the push button ignition switch.
The system does not function if:
• The passive key frequencies are
jammed.
• The key battery has no charge.
If you are unable to start your vehicle, do
the following: 1. Open the floor console storage
compartment lid.
2. Insert the passive key into the backup slot.
3. With the key in this position, press the brake pedal then press the push button
ignition switch to switch the ignition on
and start your vehicle. Fast Restart
The fast restart feature allows you to
restart your vehicle within 20 seconds of
switching it off, even if it does not detect
a valid passive key.
After 20 seconds, you can no longer start
your vehicle if it does not detect a valid
passive key. Within 20 seconds of
switching the engine off, press the brake
pedal and press the push button ignition
switch.
Once your vehicle starts, it remains running
until you press the push button ignition
switch, even if your vehicle does not detect
a valid passive key. If you open and close
a door while your vehicle is running, the
system searches for a valid passive key.
You cannot start your vehicle if the system
does not detect a valid passive key within
20 seconds.
Failure to Start
If you cannot start the engine after three
attempts, wait 10 seconds and follow this
procedure:
1. Fully depress the brake pedal.
2. Shift into park (P).
3.
Fully depress the accelerator pedal and
hold it there.
4. Start the engine.
Automatic Engine Shutdown
For vehicles with a keyless ignition, this
feature automatically shuts down the
engine if it has been idling for an extended
period. The ignition also turns off in order
to save battery power. Before your vehicle
shuts down, a message appears in the
information display showing a timer
counting down from 30 seconds. If you do
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Within 20 seconds of switching your
vehicle off, press the brake pedal and press
the push button ignition switch. After 20
seconds, you can no longer start your
vehicle if it does not detect a valid passive
key.
Once your vehicle starts, it remains running
until you press the push button ignition
switch, even if your vehicle does not detect
a valid passive key. You cannot start your
vehicle if the system does not detect a
valid passive key within 20 seconds.
Automatic Engine Shutdown
For vehicles with a keyless ignition, this
feature shuts down the engine if it has
been idling for an extended period. The
ignition also turns off in order to save
battery power. Before your vehicle shuts
down, a message appears in the
information display showing a timer
counting down from 30 seconds. If you do
not intervene within 30 seconds, your
vehicle shuts down. Another message
appears in the information display to
inform you that your vehicle has shut down
to save fuel. Start your vehicle as you
normally do.
Note:
Automatic Engine Shutdown may be
more frequent for hybrid vehicles.
Automatic Engine Shutdown Override
Note: You cannot permanently switch off
the automatic shutdown feature. When you
switch it off temporarily, it turns on at the
next ignition cycle. You can stop the shutdown, or reset the
timer, at any point before the 30-second
countdown expires by doing any of the
following:
•
You can reset the timer by interacting
with your vehicle, for example pressing
the brake or accelerator pedal.
• You can temporarily switch off the
shutdown feature any time the ignition
is on using the information display. See
Information Displays (page 112). The
feature only remains off for the current
ignition cycle.
• During the 30-second countdown, the
system prompts you to press OK or
RESET to temporarily switch the
feature off for the current ignition cycle
only.
Switching Off Your Vehicle When
It Is Stationary
1. Put the transmission in park (P).
2. Press the push button ignition switch once.
3. Apply the parking brake.
Note: This switches off the ignition, warning
lamps and indicators.
Switching Off Your Vehicle When
It Is Moving WARNING: Switching off the
engine when your vehicle is still moving
results in a significant decrease in
braking assistance. Higher effort is
required to apply the brakes and to stop
your vehicle. A significant decrease in
steering assistance could also occur. The
steering does not lock, but higher effort
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Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing Starting and Stopping the Engine

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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