check engine FORD EXPLORER 2021 Owners Manual

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 EcoBoost™ ........................................................................\
323
Under Hood Overview - 3.0L ..................
324
Under Hood Overview - 3.3L ..................
325
Engine Oil Dipstick - 2.3L EcoBoost™ ........................................................................\
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 EcoBoost™ ...............................................
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
6
Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing Table of Contents

Brake system
Cabin air filter
Check fuel cap
Child safety door lock or unlock
Child seat lower anchor
Child seat tether anchor
Cruise control
Do not open when hot
Engine air filter
Engine coolant
Engine coolant temperature
Engine oil
Explosive gas
Fan warning
Fasten seatbelt Flammable
Front airbag
Front fog lamps
Fuel pump reset
Fuse compartment
Hazard flashers
Heated rear window
Windshield defrosting system
Interior luggage compartment
release
Jack
Keep out of reach of children
Lighting control
Low tire pressure warning
Maintain correct fluid level
Note operating instructions
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Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing IntroductionE270480 E139223 E141128 E71340 E71880 E231160 E67017 E161353

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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Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing Keys and Remote ControlsE138623 E138624 E138625

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

Cruise Control
Illuminates when you switch this
feature on.
Direction Indicator Illuminates when you switch on
the left or right direction
indicator or the hazard flasher. If
the indicators stay on or flash faster, check
for a burned out bulb. See Changing a
Bulb (page 341).
Door Ajar Illuminates when the ignition is
on and any door is not
completely closed.
Electric Park Brake
Note: Indicators vary depending on region. Illuminates or flashes when the
electric parking brake has a
system error. See
Electric
Parking Brake (page 215).
Engine or Motor Coolant
Temperature Illuminates when your vehicle
coolant temperature is high.
Stop your vehicle as soon as
possible, switch off your vehicle and let it
cool. See
Engine Coolant Check (page
331). Engine Oil If it illuminates with the engine
running or when you are driving,
this indicates a system error.
Stop your vehicle as soon as it is safe to
do so and switch the engine off. Check the
engine oil level. See
Engine Oil Check
(page 326).
Note: Do not resume your journey if it
illuminates despite the level being correct.
Have the system checked by an authorized
dealer immediately.
Fasten Seatbelt Illuminates and a tone sounds
to remind you to fasten your
seatbelt. See
Seatbelt
Reminder (page 42).
Fasten Rear Seatbelt Illuminates and a tone sounds
to signal the rear seatbelts are
not fastened.
Front Airbag If it does not illuminate when you
switch the ignition on, continues
to flash or remains on when the
engine is running, this indicates a
malfunction. Have your vehicle checked
as soon as possible.
Front Fog Lamps
(If Equipped) Illuminates when you switch the
front fog lamps on.
High Beam Illuminates when you switch the
high beam headlamps on. It
flashes when you use the
headlamp flasher.
109
Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing Instrument ClusterE71340 E146190 E71880 E206718 E67017

High Voltage Electric System
Failure (If Equipped)
It illuminates if your hybrid
electric vehicle has an electrical
component fault or failure that
causes your vehicle to shutdown or enter
a limited operating mode. A message may
appear in the instrument cluster display.
Hill Descent
(If Equipped) Illuminates when you switch hill
descent on.
Hood Ajar Illuminates when the ignition is
on and the hood is not
completely closed.
Lamps On Illuminates when you switch the
low beam headlamps or the
parking lamps on.
Liftgate Ajar Illuminates when the liftgate is
not completely closed.
Low Beam Warning Illuminates when the low beam
headlamp bulb is not functioning
properly.
Low Fuel Level Illuminates when the fuel level
is low or the fuel tank is nearly
empty. Refuel as soon as
possible. Low Tire Pressure Warning Illuminates when the tire
pressure is low. If the lamp
remains on with the engine
running or when driving, check the tire
pressure as soon as possible.
It also illuminates momentarily when you
switch the ignition on to confirm the lamp
is functional. If it does not illuminate when
you switch the ignition on, or begins to
flash at any time, have the system checked
by an authorized dealer.
Low Washer Fluid Illuminates when the windshield
washer fluid is low.
Powertrain Fault Illuminates when the system
detects a powertrain or a
4WD/AWD fault. Contact an
authorized dealer as soon as possible.
Ready to Drive
(If Equipped) Illuminates when you have
switched on your hybrid electric
vehicle and it is ready to drive. A
corresponding message may appear
stating ready to drive.
Service Engine Soon It illuminates when you switch
the ignition on prior to engine
start to check the bulb and to
indicate whether your vehicle is ready for
Inspection and Maintenance (I/M) testing.
110
Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing Instrument ClusterE144693 E246598 E162453 E181350 E132353 E224090

Normally, it illuminates until the engine is
cranked and automatically turns off if no
system errors are present. However, if after
15 seconds it flashes eight times, this
indicates that your vehicle is not ready for
Inspection and Maintenance (I/M) testing.
See Catalytic Converter (page 197).
If it illuminates when the engine is running
this indicates a system error. The On Board
Diagnostics system has detected an error
in the vehicle emission control system.
If it flashes, engine misfire may be
occurring. Continuing to drive your vehicle
may cause reduced power or the engine
to stop. Failure to respond to the warning
lamp may cause component damage not
covered by the vehicle Warranty. Have
your vehicle checked as soon as possible.
Stability Control It flashes when the system is
active. If it remains illuminated
or does not illuminate when you
switch the ignition on, this indicates a
system error. During a system error the
system switches off. Have the system
checked by an authorized dealer
immediately. See
Using Stability
Control (page 226).
Stability Control Off Illuminates when you switch the
system off. It goes out when you
switch the system back on or
when you switch the ignition off.
AUDIBLE WARNINGS AND
INDICATORS
Key in Ignition Warning Chime
Sounds when you open the driver's door
and you have left the key in the ignition. Keyless Warning Alert
(If Equipped)
Sounds the horn twice when you exit your
vehicle with the intelligent access key, after
the last door is closed and your keyless
vehicle is in RUN, indicating your vehicle is
still on.
Headlamps On Warning Chime
Sounds when you remove the key from the
ignition and open the driver's door and you
have left the headlamps or parking lamps
on.
Parking Brake On Warning Chime
Sounds when you have left the parking
brake on and drive your vehicle. If the
warning chime remains on after you have
released the parking brake, have the
system checked by an authorized dealer
immediately.
111
Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing Instrument ClusterE138639 E130458

Note:
Some options may appear slightly
different or not at all if the items are
optional. Select Screens
Calm Screen
Fuel Economy
Trip 1
Trip 2
This Trip 1
EV Coach 1
Tire Pressure
Intelligent AWD
Off Road
Trailer Light Check
Seatbelts
Auto StartStop 2
Now Playing
1 Hybrid only
2 Non-hybrid only
After making your selection:
1. Select a setting and press the OK
button. This can offer more
information on some features.
Note: Hold
OK to reset fuel history and
average fuel economy.
Fuel Economy
An Instant Fuel Economy gauge is provided
along with average fuel economy. Average
fuel economy is continuously averaged
since the last reset. Hybrid features:
•
When the gasoline engine is off the
instant fuel economy gauge is replaced
with an electric driving message.
Note: Hold OK to reset fuel history and
average fuel economy.
Trip 1 and 2
Provides trip timer, trip average fuel
economy and total trip distance traveled.
For hybrid vehicles, the trip also shows the
distance traveled on electric power only.
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Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing Information Displays

Action
Message
The battery management system determines that the 12V batteryis at a low state of charge. Start the engine to charge the batteryor charge the battery using an aftermarket battery charger. This
message clears once you restart your vehicle and the battery state of charge has recovered.
Battery State of
Charge Low
The battery management system determines that the battery is ata low state of charge. Turn the ignition off as soon as possible toprotect the battery. This message will clear once the vehicle has
been started and the battery state of charge has recovered. Turning off unnecessary electrical loads will allow faster battery state-of- charge recovery.
Turn Power Off To
Save Battery
Displays when the battery management system detects an
extended low-voltage condition. Various vehicle features will be disabled to help preserve the battery. Turn off as many of the
electrical loads as soon as possible to improve system voltage. If
the system voltage has recovered, the disabled features will operate again as normal.
Low Battery
Features Tempor- arily Turned Off
Battery and Charging System (High Voltage) Action
Message
Displays when the stop safety hazard warning lamp is illuminated.This indicates an electrical component that requires service. This causes the vehicle to shut down or enter into limited operating mode.
Stop Safely Now
Blind Spot Information and Cross Traffic Alert System Action
Message
A system error has occurred. Have the system checked as soon as possible.
Blind Spot System
Fault
The system sensors are blocked. See Blind Spot Information
System (page 264).
Blind Spot Not
Available Sensor Blocked See Manual
The system detects a vehicle and automatically applied the brakes.
Cross Traffic Alert
Applying Brakes
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Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing Information Displays

Action
Message
The fuel system has finished depressurizing and you can begin to refuel.
Fuel Door Open
A reminder to close the fuel door. Failure to follow this instructioncan cause the check engine light to illuminate.
Close Fuel Door to
Avoid ""CheckEngine"" Light
There is an error in attempting to refill your vehicle.
Refuel Error See
Manual
Hill Descent Control Action
Message
Displays when you deactivate hill descent control mode.
Hill Descent
Control OFF
Displays when hill descent speed exceeds 20 mph (32 km/h).
For Hill Descent
Reduce Speed 20 MPH or Less
Displays when hill descent speed exceeds
20 mph (32 km/h).
For Hill Descent
Reduce Speed 32 Km/h or Less
Displays when hill descent control mode requires you to shift the transmission into gear.
For Hill Descent
Select Gear
Displays when the hill control mode requires you to resume control.
Hill Descent Driver
Resume Control
Displays when a hill descent system fault is present.
Hill Descent
Control Fault
Displays when you disable the hill descent control mode to cool the brake system.
Hill Descent
Control Off
System Cooling
Displays when hill descent control mode is ready.
Hill Descent
Control Ready
Displays when you activate the hill descent control mode.
Hill Descent
Control Active
127
Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing Information Displays