cooling FORD EXPLORER 2021 Owners Manual

Note:
The fuel gauge may vary slightly
when your vehicle is moving or on a slope.
Low Fuel Reminder
A low fuel level reminder displays and
sounds when the distance to empty
reaches 75 mi (120 km) to empty for
MyKey, and at 50 mi (80 km), 25 mi
(40 km), 10 mi (20 km) and 0 mi (0 km)
for all vehicle keys.
Note: The low fuel reminder can appear at
different fuel gauge positions depending on
fuel economy conditions. This variation is
normal.
Distance to Empty
Indicates the approximate distance your
vehicle can travel on the fuel remaining in
the tank. Changes in driving pattern can
cause the value to not only decrease but
also increase or stay constant for periods
of time. Engine Coolant Temperature
Gauge 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.
Indicates engine coolant temperature. At
normal operating temperature, the level
indicator will be in the normal range. If the
engine coolant temperature exceeds the
normal range, stop your vehicle as soon as
safely possible, switch off the engine and
let the engine cool.
GAUGES - VEHICLES WITH:
12.3 INCH INSTRUMENT
CLUSTER DISPLAY SCREEN
Note: Clusters shown in single gauge view.
Note: Displays may appear slightly different
depending on region.
104
Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing Instrument Cluster

Note:
The low fuel reminder can appear at
different fuel gauge positions depending on
fuel economy conditions. This variation is
normal.
Distance to Empty
Indicates the approximate distance your
vehicle can travel on the fuel remaining in
the tank. Changes in driving pattern can
cause the value to not only decrease but
also increase or stay constant for periods
of time. Engine Coolant Temperature
Gauge 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.
Indicates engine coolant temperature. At
normal operating temperature, the level
indicator will be in the normal range. If the
engine coolant temperature exceeds the
normal range, stop your vehicle as soon as
safely possible, switch off the engine and
let the engine cool.
GAUGES - VEHICLES WITH: 4.2 INCH INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
DISPLAY SCREEN 106
Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing Instrument ClusterE282227

Tachometer.
A
Information display.
B
Speedometer.
C
Fuel gauge.
D
Engine coolant temperature gauge.
E
Information Display
Information that appears depends on your
vehicle settings. See General
Information (page 117).
Fuel Gauge
The fuel gauge indicates about how much
fuel is in the fuel tank.
The arrow adjacent to the fuel pump
symbol indicates on which side of your
vehicle the fuel filler door is located.
Note: The fuel gauge may vary slightly
when your vehicle is moving or on a slope.
Low Fuel Reminder
A low fuel level reminder displays and
sounds when the distance to empty
reaches
75 mi (120 km) to empty for
MyKey, and at 50 mi (80 km), 25 mi
(40 km), 10 mi (20 km) and 0 mi (0 km)
for all vehicle keys.
Note: The low fuel reminder can appear at
different fuel gauge positions depending on
fuel economy conditions. This variation is
normal.
Engine Coolant Temperature
Gauge
Indicates engine coolant temperature. At
normal operating temperature, the level
indicator will be in the normal range. If the
engine coolant temperature exceeds the
normal range, stop your vehicle as soon as
safely possible, switch off the engine and
let the engine cool. 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.
WARNING LAMPS AND
INDICATORS
The following warning lamps and
indicators alert you to a vehicle condition
that may become serious. Some lamps
illuminate when you start your vehicle to
make sure they work. If any lamps remain
on after starting your vehicle, refer to the
respective system warning lamp for further
information.
Note: Some warning indicators appear in
the information display and function the
same as a warning lamp, but do not display
when you start your vehicle.
Adaptive Cruise Control
(If Equipped) The cruise control system
indicator light changes color to
indicate what mode the system
is in. See
How Does Adaptive Cruise
Control With Stop and Go Work (page
246).
107
Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing Instrument ClusterE144524

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

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.
139
Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing Climate ControlE286493 E265283 E265038 E270447

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.
141
Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing Climate Control

Note:
Do not place objects under the front
seats as this may interfere with the airflow
to the rear seats.
Note: Remove any snow, ice or leaves from
the air intake area at the base of the
windshield.
Note: To improve the time to reach a
comfortable temperature in hot weather,
drive with the windows open until you feel
cold air through the air vents.
Automatic Climate Control
Note: Adjusting the settings when your
vehicle interior is extremely hot or cold is
not necessary. Automatic mode is best
recommended to maintain set temperature.
Note: The system adjusts to heat or cool
the interior to the temperature you select
as quickly as possible.
Note: For the system to function efficiently,
the instrument panel and side air vents
should be fully open.
Note: If you select AUTO during cold
outside temperatures, the system directs
air flow to the windshield and side window
air vents. In addition, the blower motor may
run at a slower speed until the engine warms
up.
Note: If you select
AUTO during hot
temperatures and the inside of the vehicle
is hot, the system uses recirculated air to
maximize interior cooling. Blower motor
speed may also reduce until the air cools.
Quickly Heating the Interior
1. Press and release
AUTO.
2. Adjust the temperature function to the
setting you prefer.
Recommended Settings for
Heating
1. Press and release
AUTO. 2.
Adjust the temperature function to the
setting you prefer. Use
72°F (22°C) as
a starting point, then adjust the setting
as necessary.
Quickly Cooling the Interior
1. Press and release
MAX A/C.
Recommended Settings for
Cooling
1. Press and release
AUTO.
2. Adjust the temperature function to the
setting you prefer. Use
72°F (22°C) as
a starting point, then adjust the setting
as necessary.
Defogging the Side Windows in
Cold Weather
1. Press and release defrost or maximum
defrost.
2. Adjust the temperature control to the setting you prefer. Use
72°F (22°C) as
a starting point, then adjust the setting
as necessary.
REAR PASSENGER CLIMATE
CONTROLS Note:
Depending on your vehicle option
package, the controls may look different
from what you see here.
142
Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing Climate ControlE289989

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.
182
Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing Unique Driving CharacteristicsE293827

GENERAL INFORMATION -
HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLE
(HEV)
WARNING: This battery pack
should only be serviced by an authorized
electric vehicle technician. Improper
handling can result in personal injury or
death. WARNING:
Apply the parking
brake, shift into park (P), switch the
ignition off and remove the key before
you open the hood or have any service
or repair work completed. If you do not
switch the ignition off, the engine could
restart at any time. Failure to follow this
instruction could result in personal injury
or death. WARNING:
Do not touch the
electronic ignition system parts after you
have switched the ignition on or when
the engine is running. The system
operates at high voltage. Failure to
adhere to this warning could result in
serious personal injury or death. WARNING:
Keep your hands and
clothing clear of the engine cooling fan.
Your vehicle consists of various
high-voltage components and wiring. All
of the high-voltage power flows through
specific wiring assemblies labeled as such
or covered with a solid orange convolute,
or orange striped tape, or both. Do not
come in contact with these components. The high-voltage battery system is a
high-voltage, lithium-ion battery system.
The pack is located underneath the vehicle.
The high voltage battery system uses an
advanced active liquid heating and cooling
system to regulate high voltage battery
temperature and help maximize the life of
the high voltage battery.
Note:
The high-voltage battery does not
require regular service maintenance.
200
Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing High Voltage Battery
(If Equipped)

WHAT IS HILL DESCENT
CONTROL
WARNING: Hill descent control
cannot control descent in all surface
conditions and circumstances, such as
ice or extremely steep grades. Hill
descent control is a driver assist system
and cannot substitute for good judgment
by the driver. Failure to do so may result
in loss of vehicle control, crash or serious
injury. WARNING:
The system does not
replace the parking brake. When you
leave your vehicle, always apply the
parking brake and shift the transmission
into park (P) for automatic transmission
or first gear for manual transmission.
Note: The system does not function below
3 mph (5 km/h)
.
Hill descent control allows the driver to set
and maintain vehicle speed while
descending steep slopes in various surface
conditions.
The system can maintain vehicle speeds
on downhill slopes between
3– 20 mph
(5– 32 km/h). Above 20 mph (32 km/h),
the system remains on but the descent
speed cannot be set or maintained.
The system requires a cool down interval
after a period of sustained use. The
amount of time that the system can
remain active before cooling varies with
conditions. The system provides a warning
in the message center and a tone sounds
when the system is about to disengage for
cooling. At this time, manually apply the
brakes as needed to maintain descent
speed. SWITCHING HILL DESCENT
CONTROL ON AND OFF Press the button on the center
console. A light illuminates in the
control and a tone sounds when
the system is active.
SETTING THE HILL DESCENT
SPEED WARNING:
The system does not
replace the parking brake. When you
leave your vehicle, always apply the
parking brake and shift the transmission
into park (P) for automatic transmission
or first gear for manual transmission. WARNING:
The system does not
control speed in low traction conditions
or extremely steep slopes. 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
personal injury.
To increase the descent speed, press the
accelerator pedal until you reach the speed
you prefer.
To decrease the descent speed, press the
brake pedal until you reach the speed you
prefer.
When you reach the speed you prefer,
either by accelerating or decelerating,
remove your feet from the pedals. The
system maintains the chosen vehicle
speed.
228
Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing Hill Descent Control
(If Equipped)